I Became the Black Swan Mother of the White Swan Princess

Are you alright, Your Majesty?

.You know, Im getting sick of you saying that.

At Third Prince Peytons question of concern, Rashid dismounted from his black horse with a sour expression.

Though they had traveled for two consecutive days on horseback, its not that they couldnt say anything else, but the one making it difficult to start a conversation was the one whod hardened his bones on the battlefield.

His breath still steady, Rashid took off the black hood covering his face.

Has it been three years?

Rashid scanned his surroundings while standing on the outskirts of the city.

He wore a blank, indifferent face, as if there wasnt anything especially new, while the Tenons words expressed a different thought.

When the late Empress was still carrying Haniel, I remember you brought her to stay in the Northern Palace. That was the last time Your Majesty came to visit, so it has been well over three years.

Stop calling me Your Majesty.

Oh, I apologize, Your Maj-no, I mean.Hyung-nim.

Tenon spoke as if he wasnt used to this form of address. The fact that the emperor was visiting the North was a secret, so he had to make sure his words and conduct wouldnt give away Rashids status.

How about visiting Lady Rania once, since you are already here? (Peyton)

.And Rania is?

She is the daughter of the late Duke Evendell. Your Majesty met her a few times in the past

But seeing was probably different from remembering.

Knowing his brothers personality well, Peyton backed off on the topic and tried to smile.

Though he was a thorough ruler, Rashid was surprisingly indifferent to many matters that were outside his interest. Particularly if it was related to a woman.

But he should change at least some day, right?

Now that he should be thinking about a successor, matters concerning the family line should be more important.

Not to mention that the wedding of the emperor is the countrys biggest event.

Thats why when the war with Nerwa ended, the alliance was settled with an informal marriage to the Second Prince, Kirel, instead of the older Rashid who was of more marriageable age.

Of course, compared to Rashid, who had no interest in women whatsoever, Kirel would make a better partner, but the long-delayed talk of marriage was not far off.

Alright then, so tell me, why do I have to meet that woman now?

The late Duke passed away from his wounds while fighting for the country. His siblings are all still engaged in combat and were thus unable to attend their brothers funeral, so it would be good to speak a few words of praise to the princess. She might also become Duke Evendells successor to the Northern Kingdom as well.

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..A woman as a successor?

The Duke had no sons. Normally, the authority falls into the stepmothers hands by law, but in the present situation, it seems the daughter is controlling the Northern Kingdom as the Dukes proxy.

If its a stepmother..Hah, when did he even remarry.

What marriage with that dying body.

Rashid gave a scornful laugh and then scowled.

Seeing his obvious scorn, Tenon remembered something.

Your Highness, no, Big Brother, didnt you stamp the seal of approval on their marriage a year ago?

I stamp on so many seals, how am I supposed to remember stamping a document for a half-dead person getting remarried?

Rashid ended up suddenly exploding in anger.

Dealing with vassal countries in war was already a pain, of course he wouldnt remember things like a nobles wedding.

It seemed Tenon didnt understand what was being said, so he turned to Peyton, scratching his head.

Whatever the way things are, why is the princess handling political affairs when the stepmother should be in charge? What is that stepmother even doing? (Rashid)

From what I heard, our sources in Rianess say she doesnt have a great reputation. There are even rumors that shes a witch. (Peyton)

T/N Rianess is mentioned thrice in this chapter, and were assuming its a significant city in the Northern Lands, say, one thats close to the dukes residence.

A witch? In these times? What in the world did she do to get that kind of a reputation? (Tenon)

From what I heardehem, no, its nothing. (Peyton)

After revealing the rumours from Rianess, Peytons face reddened and he coughed. The blatantly extreme rumors were improper to be displayed in front of the emperor.

Whatever the case may be, it just goes to say that theres something going on for that sort of talk to exist. But its a relief that the princess is doing well. (Peyton)

Big Brother, when the mourning period is over, Rianess city will reopen to the rest of the empire. Have you decided on their new representative for that time? (Tenon)

That is correct. Though they have always been loyal to the imperial family, were not sure what will happen within the dukes household. Before the end of the mourning period, its unclear whether the one succeeding the title will be the Lady Rania or her stepmother, so it is advised for you to be informed of them before then. (Peyton)

Either way, I just have to go and sweep them away if they cause trouble. (Rashid)

Despite his younger brothers exhortations, Rashid only looked annoyed at their words. But his attitude was partly due to how his personality and habits had developed while he had overseen the war campaign from when he was young.

Those who betray the country are bound to do it sooner or later. If theyre the type of people who try to look good in front of me and suppress their true nature, it will only be a waste of my time to meet them.

AhThats true, but, we might find it a little helpful if we let the fief lord know of the princesss matter. If we do, well be able to blockade the entire Northern Lands and-

So youre telling me to let out the news of the missing princess to the entire empire, so that it reaches every single nook and cranny?

It, its not that.

I see youre determined to make our family a laughingstock.

A wry smile hung on Rashids face.

It didnt matter as much if it were the Eastern or the Western Lands, but this was the Northern Lands of the Empire, the region with the highest population and with booming trade cities. As merchants are extremely sensitive to changes in the citys trade policies and situation, the rate at which rumors spread was enough to surprise anyone.

Dont poke your nose in other households business. Since its your sister whos missing right now, not anyone elses.

.

Finding Haniel remains top-secret until we find her. Have you received any other updates from Kirel?

For now, per your order, our replacements and the nobles have been told that youve gone off to slay the monster in the South, so for the moment, no one will be suspicious.

Tell them to just cut them down if they get suspicious.

Didnt I put them there as replacements to do that.

Swip.

He brought away his hands from his back, his eyes becoming sluggish.

Whats such a big deal about the nobles getting suspicious.

That pathetic lot.

He couldnt really stop them from having interests in the emperor, since in the end, the nobles were the ones who made the imperial familys ends meet.

There was no one whod survived up until now in the palace straightforwardly disagreeing with the noble families.

Indeed, since he had to keep watch, Kirel didnt come, though I noticed he looked like he wanted to come with us.

Well arent you three just so enthusiastic.

.

Based on how you three are acting, others would think that were going on a picnic or something.

Rashid began moving towards the city with an expression of disgust on his face.

The sight of his two brothers, saying that they couldnt leave their emperor for even a second and scrambling after him was already burdensome.

Other than themselves, the commander of the knights and the captain of the palace guard would have thought it was low to escort him, but he did.

The magicians are still tracking?

Yes, we will be notified soon.

Peyton took out the pulse stone from his robes. It was what Haniels uncle, a grand magician, had sent to her for her first birthday.

If the child was to ever encounter danger or have been hit by any mental or bodily problems, the stone was supposed to first turn a different color, but it only retained its milky color.

Hes also her brother, could he have really harmed her. Perhaps he really was just taking her out for some sightseeing.

Theres no law that says he must do sightseeing in this life.

..

And even if all he wanted was to go sightseeing.

Without thinking, Rashid grabbed the sword at his side, gripping on it.

Having so many siblings, Rashid had let Loam live a free, relaxed life, as per his late mothers wishes. After all, it wasnt bad to have a magician in the family.

Do you not know how many countries are itching to find the Rohan Empires weakness.

.

This was a matter of one of his own, and pulling in the late dukes daughter would only complicate matters.

*Crick.*

He made a harsh grinding sound with his teeth.

That stupid, immature, idiotic brat. If its just him, hed know how to slip himself out if he runs into trouble, but he should know that Haniels a different story. It might be too late if she falls into someones hands!

Big Brother.

Realizing the seriousness of Rashids mood, Tenon felt his sword. The quiet Peyton then pulled something out of his robes.

*Vzzt. Vzzt.*

A blue stick-like object vibrated against his hand.

It was the magic device he had been keeping.

Though Peyton couldnt use magic like Loam, he could at least communicate with magicians using this item.

Weve gotten a message. As we thought, all traces of his magic lead to this region.

And its not that they lost him?

Theyve been able to track to exactly where he is. Theres little chance of being mistaken because they tracked him with his traces of mana.

*Vzzt.*

At the vibration of the object, Peytons well-proportioned visage crumpled with worry.

Mana left traces like fingerprints. If the mana disappeared, then they could only search the Northern Lands for clues.

Well whether hes dead or alive, he should be where the magicians said he is, Big Brother. (Peyton)

Itd be better for him if hes already dead.

Because if he isnt, Ill be killing him again.

Shing.

It was as if Rashids sword moved before he even pulled it out.

Rashids gaze turned to Peyton, his murderous spirit rising up with bloodthirst and blowing away with the winds of the North.

So, wheres the place thats going to be that idiots funeral?