I Became the Black Swan Mother of the White Swan Princess - Chapter 198

Catherine messed up. She messed up badly. Catherine just wanted to be the gentle mother of a fluffy baby swan, but how did she end up attracting a fierce and savage beast?

“Take responsibility.”

“How am I supposed to take responsibility for you? In addition, Your Majesty told me to use you as well!”

“I told you to try, but I never said I’m alright with it.”

Right. He didn’t. Somewhere along the line, she reached the stage of resignation, moving beyond the initial confusion. Knowing Rashid a bit, this wasn’t even that surprising, but some words had unsettled her for the past few days.

“Even if I want to take responsibility, as Your Majesty knows, I…”

“The person I know now is undoubtedly the representative of the Northern Empire. And you’ve obtained that position by boldly seizing the opportunity without possessing anything.”

“…”

“If you don’t know how someone like that should take responsibility for me, then it means there’s a problem with the burden that willingly accepted being used.”

Anyway, it’s all about him being alright with it. Catherine’s footsteps on the path around the lake were as restless and unstable as her anxious heart. Rashid’s subtle provocation were all warnings, but right now, among the many things he said, it was the ‘being alright with it’ that stuck with her the most. That was her biggest problem. At this rate, she might just plunge headfirst into the water. Just when she thought that a voice called out to her from the side, and she barely snapped out of it.

“Duchess. Thanks to you, I’ve been able to see all of Lake Perdium. How should I express my gratitude?”

“Lady Venia. Marchioness.”

Ah. What was she doing, bringing guests along? Finally realizing that she had invited them, she quickly approached them. They might not have been prestigious noble families from the North, but they were all individuals who had lost a friend or two and were immersed in their sorrows.

“Truly, thank you for accepting this sudden invitation. How do you feel?”

“As the Duchess says, looking at the blue lake brings comfort to the heart.”

The Marchioness, who had been walking by the lakeside, displayed a smile quite different from her demeanor at the reception hall. That day, she had barely uttered a word, like a ghostly presence, but now she even chuckled while gazing at the animals floating in the lake.

“It’s been so long since I’ve felt the wind like this. It feels like the first time since my youngest disappeared.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. How can a mother who has lost a child live at ease? We don’t even know if they’re alive or dead.”

“…”

In response to her bitter words, the others also agreed. They belatedly took out handkerchiefs and dabbed at their tears, realizing her presence and bowing their heads as if apologizing.

“No need to apologize. I understand that feeling well.”

Whether they believed it or not, she knew all too well the pain of losing a child. When her Haniel was gone, she felt like the whole world would collapse. Knowing that immense pain, she couldn’t turn away from the tears of those she saw that day.

“Take your time and look around. You’ll surely find it pleasing.”

“That’s right. With the wind and the ripples——- Oh my, why is this bird behaving like that?”

“Oh, it’s a wagtail.”

When she picked up the motionless wagtail in her hand, she was momentarily startled. It was a natural reaction for a noblewoman who would never have the chance to touch such a wild creature. However, she didn’t show any signs of discomfort or retreat.

“Would you like to hold it?”

“…”

Motherhood takes precedence over any other emotion.

“H-How should I hold it?”

“If you hold it, you’ll know it naturally.”

Hurry up. As she handed the wagtail, no, her lost youngest son to the old lady, her hands trembled. Jeremy, who was in charge of security at Lake School, also lowered his head and trembled.

“Madam, we’ve almost found everyone except for one person.”

Selene, who had brought the wagtails, wore a proud expression amidst the reeds. The animals she had brought were not just a couple. Even if she couldn’t break the curse immediately, she wanted to let them meet their lost family members. With that thought in mind, Selene shouldered the burden and diligently searched every corner of Lake Perdium for days.

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