I Became the Black Swan Mother of the White Swan Princess

..why should I..

Of course! Whether you decide to have a mere bird open her heart up to you or not, Your Highness just needs to win the bet.

As I saw the look on his face that went beyond reluctance and demanded patience, I made the goal of our bet clear.

When Rashids stiff expression finally softened, I reached out with both hands.

Now, it isnt a difficult task.

.

Right before his hand touched my outstretched hands, though he seemed like he was about to grab my hands, he stopped. When he suddenly touched his sheath with his other hand, I was momentarily flustered, but I didnt show it.

Fortunately, his red eyes came back to mine as if returning to its rightful place.

Yes. And next, you do this.

I began rolling my hands fumbling for empty air into waves. I smiled, knowing that though I knew he would never follow me, he would also never back down.

If that child feels scared, she wouldnt even come over here. You only need to lower her guard. Would you be alright if we end this without confirming who would win?

This wouldnt be enough for a blind and deaf man like him, huh.

While I was at it, I swept my fingertips up against my cheek pointedly.

..Like this. Easy, right?

..

Now, please follow along with Miss Sullivans demonstration.

Since he was staring intently at me, he did seem to be listening to me, but being at the end of such a blatant stare was also a bit embarrassing. Though I told him calmly a few times, his eyes were still only fixed on my cheek.

Dont press, but. Just ghost your hand over, like this..

Hm, would this be too hard for Your Highness?

Nonsense.

Then thats good.

His sudden anger was no surprise to me now.

As if Id been waiting, I spread my arm out gracefully and greeted the arrogant guest who came up the hill.

Now, shall we try that for real?

***

.Is this some kind of ceremony?

A definite line appeared between Rashids eyebrows, who had been wondering how far this witch would go. Though all she had done was touch her own cheek, his cheek stung as if she had really chanted a spell on him.

He had already noticed that she was vaguely trying to provoke him.

But even if she did, she had nothing to lose.

Even without Peytons reports, if it had anything to do with this woman, her situations were glaringly obvious.

Really, nothing more than a shell of a lazily brought in Duchess.

Though she was suspicious beyond just being strange, and her identity was still covered in secrets, she was nothing more and nothing less than that. That was why shed been caught by him with nary a penny and doing something as ridiculous as this now.

Except for the fact that her obvious taunting laughs really werent funny, he had nothing to lose.

Whatever she did, whatever gestures she made, and. whatever expression she made.

I think thats enough..

Quickly. Please?

It seemed he was touching his sword many times today.

Rashid looked at Catherine, standing there with her hands on her knees and self-deprecation mixed into her smile. The amount of tension he was putting into the corners of his lips felt unfamiliar, even to him.*

*T/N: HES TRYING NOT TO SMILE HAHAHA

Hoooo.

Just when he was thinking hed be able to bear it like this, the problem became more than just the person.

What in the world is that.

Behind Catherines skirt, a random goose was backing away.

..That thing.

Didnt it just make eye contact with me.

Unless his mind had turned strange because hed been around the witch for too longno. That was the only explanation. Because this was the first time he had ever even heard of a goose stepping back from something.

Catherine, that thing just clearly.

Your Highness, dont you remember?

..

Like this.

Glancing sideways at the goose, Catherine first nodded her head like she was extending her courtesy to it.

As expected of a witch, the way she slightly bent her knees was as graceful as a picture and just as captivating.

..

Then, surprisingly, the awkwardly frozen goose approached him.

To think there wasnt a single normal bird at this nuisance of a lake.

He didnt like the way it waddled closer to him while limping on one leg.

If this is how you live, then at least raise a proper animal or something.

Pressing a bent finger above his eyebrow, Rashid swallowed a deep sigh.

Even now, the lady may not be talking with her mouth, but she was gesturing towards the goose with her two hands held together humbly, to the point of being almost subservient. That too made him upset.

Thats going a bit too far. If anything, I can rather get a new.

Your. Highness.

..

As clearly as she spoke, the movements of her bright red lips cutting up her words became more distinct.

Closing his eyes shut, Rashid supported his temples. When he reopened his eyes, the goose was bowed down at his ankle.

..its dea

Your Highness.

Please, just please!