I Became the Black Swan Mother of the White Swan Princess

I wasnt sure if he was being obstinate out of pride or if he was ordering me, but he really wasnt a man easy to deal with.

As I lowered my head wiping away tears that continued to flow freely, Rashids expression also grew faint.

Heup.

As soon as I was outside, I barely managed to calm myself down with panting breaths.

When I lifted my sleeve to my eyes as tears streamed down regardless of how much I wiped them away, Selenes sincere concern reached me.

[Ma, Madam.]

Selene, heummph.

[Please stop. Nobodys looking anymore.]

..really?

Lowering my arm, I finally tossed my hair back.

Hoo. The long exhale that came out of my mouth cooled my eyes.

Wow, we really almost died. Right?

[Why is it we? You were the one who started everything, madam]

But were alive now thanks to my crying act.

Just in case we might be seen from the window, I tirelessly moved my shoulders up and down, though I wasnt sure if youd see that from the inside. Even as she pouted, Selene was eventually unable to say anything, and I pressed at her twitching cheek.

I hadnt known, but I think I really do have a talent.

***

..What do you mean, youre good at that.

If youre going to do it, do it properly.

Turning by the window, Rashid held his fingers under his ears. He looked displeased, like he had a headache, and the tightened corners of his mouth did not loosen as he bit the insides of his cheeks.

Yes, Your Majesty? We couldnt hear what you said.

Never mind.

Rashid shook his head at Tenon who, as always, was carefully watching his mood.

Peyton had been looking at the open door from his spot, and he opened his mouth to speak with a regrettable tone.

The Duchess seemed like she was very surprised.

I thought so too. Though after being pressured and dragged about by eldest brother, theres enough reason for her to pour out her tears like that

You guys really

You didnt see that?

Sigh.

An ambiguous glint of satisfaction found its way into Rashids eyes as he glanced past his brothers. It wasnt a bad feeling, knowing that he was the only one whod recognized the ladys cunning eyes inside her weeping.

You foolish things.

Moments away from telling his brothers off, he paused again.

..

Because if they asked then why hed let her go even when he knew, he didnt have an answer.

By the way, how did you distinguish the Duchesss duck, eldest brother?

You mean Reina?

Oh.. yes.

Hearing such a soft name that seemed like it would never come out of that mouth of his, the princes either pushed back their hair or rubbed their noses for no reason.

Yes. Tha..that one.

I am curious as to how different they mustve been when you held them that Your Majesty was able to realize right away.

The one before was much more..

As Rashid began answering Tenon, his mouth slowed.

It was an instinctual thing, so he had no idea how to reply, but even with the same frozen bodies, the feeling was somewhat. Anyhow, it was a feeling that was pretty unrelated to the life hed led up until now.

But the way things got more complicated the more he thought of it, it seemed like it took after its supposed mother, Catherine.

If he was to think of someone that would be most similar to it from his entire life, then..

How is the investigation for Haniel going?

Wizards have surrounded the borders and we are continuing to monitor through the magic tower.

But isnt this all in vain if Uncle isnt here?

Thats.

The brothers hadnt expected to acknowledge Loams abilities in this way, so they momentarily lapsed into silence. Theyd have never thought theyd come to realize that he was on this level, enough that nothing could be guaranteed against him without their uncle, the Great Wizard, like this.

Though I dont know when his abilities grew to this, he wont be able to hide forever. Besides, if hes bringing Haniel along, hell have to be greatly restricted as well.

And youre sure hes bringing her along?

..Your Majesty.

As Rashid was saying, no matter what Loam did that was worthy of execution, if he really had Haniel with him, they wouldnt be in such an emergency state as they were now.

Though nobody had said so out loud, the real problem began if Haniel fell to another persons hands.