I Became the Black Swan Mother of the White Swan Princess - Chapter 187

*SNIFF*

The baby’s tears falling to the ground slowly spread on the surface of the lake like raindrops. The maids said that when they were in the palace. Haniel’s mom had disappeared. He didn’t know how to explain it, so Darren simply wrapped Haniel in his large wings.

“It won’t happen again. Never again.”

*SNIFF*

Looking at Haniel trembling in his arms, he suddenly turned his head to the noisy surroundings of the lake. There was a murmuring sound and the atmosphere was unusual. Watching the group that had set off from the winter palace, Darren muttered with determination.

“It seems we need one more team.”

◇ ◆ ◇

It was the path around the lake that they always walked, but it had never felt as short as it did today. Rebecca, who confidently took the lead, and Lania, who walked without slowing her pace. Behind them were Rashid and the two princes. There were also a few noble families with curious faces who followed the procession, but they didn’t have the luxury of paying attention to them.

“Please.”

They glanced briefly at the birds visible through the trees in the distance. It was a distant place where it was difficult to recognize who was who, but just the flapping of their wings made their hearts ache.

If they stared openly, Lania might notice, so they could only move their pupils slightly to confirm.

“Catherine.” At the soft call of Rashid’s voice, she raised her head. He was not a man who could be forgotten while being together, but she suddenly felt breathless. “If you wish, I’ll stop right now.”

“Your Majesty.”

“I will handle the recovery. Don’t worry and just breathe properly.”

“…” In response to the whisper-like voice, a hot breath caught in her throat. Should she feel relieved? She bit her lip. At least, she had someone on her side for now.  “No, it’s nothing.”

“No need to force yourself. I trust you.”

“…”

“Catherine.”

“Well, that’s enough. I’m telling you.” Her eyes went back to her rustling dress. Yes, she was wearing this pretty dress. She closed her eyes from the red-purple gown that was so vivid it hurt. “I’m going. So, please go with me, Your Majesty.”

“…”

“If I had no luck, I wouldn’t have been able to wear this dress from the beginning.” She smiled with a sense of futility, but now she realized that it was the only fact she could believe and rely on. Se didn’t particularly believe in God. But if on the day she first wore this dress and she had to go through these things, then any courage she had in the future might be meaningless.

“Let me know if you need it.”

“What are you going to do?”

“…”

Walking side by side with him, she cautiously glanced around. Before she even saw his face, his sword glimmering above the silvery-blue uniform caught her eye. Rashid murmured almost like an excuse, as her face stiffened. “Reina didn’t come today, did she?”

“Ah, no.”

“If you need me, just say it.”

“…”

“You don’t have to say it out loud.”

As his mouth twitched upward, she calmly placed her hand on her chest. Other than that, there was nothing else she could say or do.

‘He’s gone crazy. Crazy.’ Even now, her heart raced at the sight. To think that even in this life grounded away at the depths of her despair day by day, she could still find something to smile about. The fact that it was all because of Rashid, was truly astonishing.

“Yes, it’s just like you to smile.”

“Your Highness.”

“I wonder how much you’ll use me and rely on me.” Even as he spat out those words while sheathing his sword, her lips trembled on their own. ‘Not now.’

As if avoiding his gaze, she turned her head, and the lake was still bustling with flying birds.

‘Did they find it or not?’ Her already unsettled heart burned even more because of Rashid. Even now, Rebecca’s determined footsteps only grew faster. Since they are on their way to serve the Emperor, they cannot go in first and do some sneaky tricks, but still, her blood dried up just by hearing the sisters’ footsteps.

“Ah.” Once they turned the corner, Earl of Evendell’s territory would show itself. She needed to stall for time, even if just a little bit more. She couldn’t stop them from rushing in, and her heart would pop out of her mouth. A smile of victory spread on Lania’s face as she looked back at her expression. “Sir, I apologize for causing you concern over such an unsavory matter. We’re almost there, so…… Argh!”

“GRRRRR!”

Rebecca, who was running ahead, screamed and stepped back. It was understandable since a random dog suddenly rushed in.

“GRRRRR!” With its tail tightly curled, the dog disrupted not only Lania and Rebecca but also the once peaceful forest path. She wiped her eyes, which were covered in a haze of dust.

‘Brother?’

◇ ◆ ◇

“Here, it’s around here. Even if it was thrown from the window, it wouldn’t have gone far due to the water current!”

“Yes! Let’s start!” In response to Darren’s shout, the senior students and some parents pushed their heads into the water. To prevent attention from being drawn, they had to approach from a distance rather than diving in from one spot.

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