I Became the Black Swan Mother of the White Swan Princess

Afraid that she would get motion sickness if I had pushed her to explain further, I quickly got Selene to send her out.

If you cant sleep, why dont you do some night swimming? The school is holding a swimming exam right?

[Yeah, Haniel taking exam!] Exams are the scariest!

Haniels wings began shivering in fear instinctively and very much like kids her age, Haniel would most likely follow everything her friends were doing.

It was almost time for me to turn into a black swan, and I took the chance to give Haniel private lessons as I sent her out with Selene.

Mommy will finish preparing dinner before heading out. Haniel, go ahead with the nanny first.

[Food?]

Yes, I have to soak your fish jerky and then boil it before my transformation so that you can eat. Ive been out of my mind after meeting Rashid, but usually, this was the busiest time in my day.

It didnt matter whether I was in my human state or swan state when I was alone, but now that I was raising Haniel, there were more things that required me to be in my human form to complete.

Shall we start? I gave myself a loud clap after sending out Haniel and Selene. Ive decided to focus only on the things I had to do today and throw out all the uneasiness in my heart. Dont forget! Stand unwaveringly!

I shouted my new life motto and headed towards the cabinet.

I should start with flipping over the dried fish jerky.

My head turned around the moment I opened the cabinet door.

Hmm? Did they return already?

I sensed someone by the door and headed to the porch. I thought the sound was louder for a duck and swan to make, but I shouldnt jump to conclusions, seeing how the sound of my own heartbeat had become louder after leaving His Majesty.

I flung the door open as if nothing had happened. Why, did you leave something-

Oh my. Mother, why are you home? A ringing voice that shouldnt be heard around this area greeted me brightly.

I wasnt usually surprised by Lanias unexpected visit, but it was different this time. Behind her were two heads peeking out and one of them broke into wails after seeing me.

Ahh, my eldest daughter Catherine! How have you been doing?

* * *

Oh, mother. Are you feeling awkward after not having met your family for some time? Lania let out a laid-back chuckle as she brought along a tea table as if it was her own house.

Though it was indeed her house, she hadnt bothered visiting me at my living quarters much ever since I moved here. It wasnt out of consideration, but rather, she felt irksome from having to live in the same place with me.

Mother, please say something.

Yes, Catherine. You have no idea how much we have missed you. The lady, whom I couldnt find a single trace of similarity between us, took her handkerchief and wiped the corners of her eyes. So, she was my stepmother.

She grew anxious and pinched her companions who were watching her at the side. What are you doing! Go on, greet your eldest sister!

Mom, seriously.

Obviously dragged along by force, but the greedy look in their eyes as they scanned the area were, of course, my step siblings.

Instead of being shy while meeting my family for the first time, the look in Lanias eyes fixated on me observing my every reaction, treading on my nerves.

Whats wrong, mother? Am I possibly in the way of your warm family reunion by staying here?

O- of course not, Your Lady!

Were extremely honored to have met Your Lady here! Seeing how my siblings drop down on their knees at Lanias comment made me realize how huge her influence was in the Northern Lands.

Lania, who knew this fact through and through, lightly waved her hand and flashed a bright smile. Theres no need to act this way. Im your daughter, so were still considered to be relatives.

Im deeply honored. Ive always been worried ever since sending off my uncouth daughter.

Dont be, Im embarrassed.

I agree, you didnt have to. She subtly hinted at her eldest daughter who was stopping her family.

C- Catherine? Well, she shouldnt have poisoned them openly, right?

I finally picked up the cup before me and stared straight at Lania. My words shook my stepmother and step-siblings greatly as their faces turned dark.

H- how could you say that! Even if youve gone askew, you shouldnt insult your family whom you havent met in ages!

Arent you insulting me since youre finally visiting after so long with the motive of reaping some benefits off of me?

Catherine!

Address me as Duchess.

After selling me off like that, did you perhaps forget your place as well? I drank the fragrant tea as I smiled at my stepmother. There was no way they could win over Lania, who was doing nothing but watch for the entire time no matter how much of a fuss they kicked up.