I Became the Black Swan Mother of the White Swan Princess - Chapter 201

Rashid’s previously casual hand movement left a heavy impression on the window frame. The younger siblings, who stopped talking and raised their heads, saw Rashid leaning on the window frame, disentangling himself.

“So, are you implying that I, the Emperor, am merely waiting and watching to see where I will be married off?”

“Your Majesty! How can you say such a thing?”

“No. You all are pretending not to understand, aren’t you?”

“…”

“I think I’ve been clear enough about my intentions.” His voice lacked any hesitation as if seeking approval. An unsettling laughter, on the verge of overflowing, seeped into the study.”I won’t demand respect from you, but at the very least, as princes, you should keep your eyes and ears open. It would be even better if your minds were as sharp as your appearances.”

“Then, does that mean, Brother, you really———”

“Why? Has there been a single thing I’ve said so far that hasn’t come to pass?”

“…”

Rashid’s mockery grew stronger. Tenon swallowed a sigh and wiped his face, but Payton, someone else’s subject, appeared more serious. Though Rashid hadn’t directly spoken about it, his intentions were clear.

“It’s hard to believe, but as you know, the Emperor’s marriage… the other party must also be from one of the four great clans.”

“Payton.”

“It’s the law of the country. And only the Rianess, the gathering of the four great clans from all directions, has the power to amend that law.”

Payton lowered his head as if firmly determined. His long neck seemed to display an air of defiance as if it didn’t matter if he was to be beheaded right now.

“So, after returning to the capital and holding the meeting…”

“Is there a law stating that it must be held only in the capital?”

“…”

Payton’s lips halted, not having considered that possibility. As if Rashid had anticipated this, he raised his chin confidently.

“The Empire is the weight, and where it stands is the center of Rohan. It’s like the first verse I read in the oath of coronation.”

“Your Majesty!”

“If you follow the law, I’m just doing the same. If there’s no better way, isn’t it better to do it my way?”

“…”

Under Rashid’s strong pressure, Payton flinched. To move the location of Rianess to the northern region. There was no law against it, but it was still an unprecedented move. Just thinking about how big the issue would become, starting with the second brother waiting in the capital, made his head throb.

“But…”

Had Rashid ever been this firm and direct in expressing his intentions before? From the beginning, he had never lived a life that required seeking permission, and there were no memories of being so desperate to the point of seeking it.

“…”

Ironically, the younger sibling’s desire was for the elder brother to be even more perfect and noble. Even though they couldn’t break his will, following the proper procedures would provide a legitimate reason for the nobles in the future.

“It won’t be easy. Rimal from the East is a person who firmly sticks to traditions, and Set from the West values authenticity. To persuade them without being forceful…”

“Enough of that. What about the opinions of someone else’s subject?”

“What?”

“I, as the Emperor and your elder brother, want to know how you think I should live my life from now on.”

“Well…”

Under Rashid’s subtle gaze, Payton hesitated. He might be willing to give up his life for the Emperor’s command, but when it came to expressing his opinion as a younger brother, he didn’t know what to say. However, what Payton had always hoped for from Rashid, who was both Emperor and his older brother, was…

“I just…”

“Never mind.”

Rashid’s smirk broke the tension. Even without saying anything, his expression seemed to convey that he already knew. Payton’s neck flushed red in response.

“If your thoughts are not much different from mine, then it would be wise for you to hurry and depart for the capital.”

“If you plan to host Rianess here, you can send envoys to the east and west immediately. If you send them now, the meeting can take place before the hunting festival.”

“Some matters are beyond the reach of envoys.”

“…”

“Bring them personally, then.”

You know.

Both Payton and Tenon lifted their heads simultaneously at Rashid’s meaningful glance. They never once doubted their elder brother’s intentions, but this time, his command left them unable to express their thoughts. What on earth is going on?

Since arriving in the Northern Region, things have always been like this, but today’s confusion went beyond the usual. Apart from the fact that he spent too much time with the Duchess, they couldn’t even guess what was happening, so the two princes simply shook their heads in confusion.

“You’re doing something pointless.”

Rashid, who had somehow finished all preparations to leave, stepped between them. As he passed his two younger brothers, he left them with deep advice born from his experience.

“In the end, she won’t disappear. That woman is constantly on my mind.”

Continues in Volume 4.

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