I Became the Black Swan Mother of the White Swan Princess

Haniel shouldnt be dragged into this. Shes already scared enough and shouldnt get any more shocks than she already has. Moreover, His Majesty is waiting for us as well.

[Thats why]

Hmm?

[I think its best for both of us to stay in the carriage.] Selene replied in rejection while stepping back.

I have heard this from her a couple of times before, but she sounded much more resolute this time.

Why? Are you still pissed?

[Its not that. I think the princess would be shocked to see His Majesty when she wakes later. She has been afraid of humans ever since she was kidnapped.

That is true, but

[So you should just go with His Majesty. We by-standers will get out of the way so please]

Catherine, just how long

Ah, yes! Im going! I quickly opened the carriage door as Rashid rushed me from outside. The air outside smelled like it was about to rain with the humidity hanging densely in the air,

Oh no.

Regardless of what Selenes motive was, the weather was great to catch a cold. It would be perfect for a mentally exhausted child to catch a bad flu if I brought her out.

[Just go, dont worry about the princess. Theres fish jerky and hay too.]

I got much more worried seeing her proactiveness. My eyes narrowed at Selene, who couldnt wait to send me off, but I eventually alighted the carriage. She wouldnt harm the sleeping child since shes a nanny herself. That was how I convinced myself.

Rashid and I soon arrived before a run down building.

Your Majesty, is this the place where you said you had something important to do

Hmm, this place is kind of

Since it has come to this, I wouldnt be able to fulfil my responsibilities as a perfect strategic partner even if I wished to.

Rashid stood before a huge window looking exceptionally perfect, from his looks, expression and even his manner of speech.

Whats the matter, Catherine?

Um I belatedly flashed an awkward smile while looking at the show window he was facing. I couldnt beat the sparkling reflection of myself in the shop window no matter how awkward my smile looked.

Isnt this a dress shop?

Yes.

And? Yet I hesitated when those intimidating eyes of his looked right at me, as if asking why I had asked him something so obvious. It was enough to make me think that I had done something wrong.

I told you, its an important job.

Coming to a dress shop?

Catherine. His remark made me intimidated unknowingly. It felt like he was frustrated at dealing with me who was asking questions like a child. This was why Haniel thought that Lady Melleo was more affectionate as compared to this man.

Whats going through your mind right now?

Nothing. Its just that according to my logic, your important thing is

I thought that you, who would be standing right beside me at the upcoming banquet, should be dressed appropriately. All of the aristocrats would have heard about us seeing each other frequently these days, so youll be disgracing mine and the Rohans family image if you dont match up.

He then added, Were you planning to attend the banquet like how you usually dress? He then silently and slowly assessed my outfit from top to bottom as I listened blankly.

I belatedly opened? up my already wrinkled dress. Thankfully the dress was black, and thus the lace and decorations on it were not as visible.

I, is it that weird?

Hmm?

Though I dont have extremely elegant dresses, I think this dress is one of the best Ive got I stuttered while trying hard to conceal my embarrassment and looked down at my own outfit.

However, the elegant dress behind that show window just seemed to have made my outfit look much shabbier. Right, I should just act like how Selene did earlier in the carriage!

I took a step up towards Rashid at that sudden thought. Mm, I think Ive put in much effort, this dress is.

Pretty.

Wow, I had never imagined there would be a day that such a word would come from him. I could never expect that from a man like him.

In my eyes.

But, I couldnt pretend that I didnt hear him either. Hes the majesty! I looked at him, stunned.

Instead, he turned back toward the entrance to the dress shop and entered it. So you should look the same to everyone else as well.