Selected as the New Stepmother (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 1

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Raise.

The man’s golden eyes flashed like those of a black panther, not a cat.

“Huh?”

“I said, raise him.”

The child, about ten years old, gazing up at me with bright, sparkling eyes beside him, looked like a miniature version of the man who spoke with a tone that was almost a command, yet not quite.

His jet-black hair, his sharp eyes—no, everything from head to toe was identical.

Like a father and son?

“No, even if you say that…”

The man raised his chin as if to ask what the problem was. I let out a long sigh and said:

“Your Grace, there are procedures for adopting a child. Isn’t telling an unmarried noble young lady to raise a child tantamount to asking her to abandon her future life?”

“Is that the only flaw?”

Ascal Modesto Artenbach.

The man before me was the head of the Artenbach Ducal House, one of the three families that shaped the empire’s founding, and the central figure in the infamous Tidga scandal. Though the Duke Artenbach and Hegelia Tidga, now the Crown Princess, had once been merely acquaintances, after their mysterious separation, every kind of rumor spread like wildfire.

“There were rumors he was the one who ended it because he was a snitch. There were rumors he had an illegitimate child.”

Thanks to that, gossip about the Artenbach household became the empire’s favorite tavern fare. And despite all this, the Artenbach family remained unshaken—thanks to their immense wealth.

A tourist site where hot springs gushed 365 days a year. Loot from slaying beasts. Profits from the Artenbach Bank and foreign trade. All these sources sustained his power and fortune.

That was his life.

I had never attended a royal banquet, so perhaps I had merely glimpsed this banquet hall in passing, and barely remembered it.

Ah, and because I had been reborn into this new world with memories of my past life, I assumed this place was a novel. I frantically tried to determine who the protagonist was and who I was—but it was simply another world. Even when I was around ten, I thought I might be the protagonist, but that was a delusion. Above all, memories of my life in the 21st century only deepened my confusion.

“It was simply a new life I had gained.”

Reincarnation, revenge—those were stories from books. The world I lived in was reality, and the dishonor of the Tidga Empire, stained by war and scandal, was still unfolding.

‘I had worked so hard just to live peacefully.’

Precisely, until I met the miniature version of the Duke—and the Duke himself.

“Then give her a castle.”

The Duke declared, as if having made up his mind, ignoring my unease.

The Artenbach Castle, vast and magnificent, rivaling a cultural treasure.

But to me, that didn’t matter.

“I can acquire a castle myself. I have more money than you think.”

Of course, it was a lie.

“Really? But the Artenbach title cannot be bought with money.”

“Huh?”

“From today, you shall be Schmidt Artenbach. Then you are no longer an unmarried noble young lady, so raising a child will no longer be an issue.”

I pressed my throbbing forehead with my palm. Was it a surname attached to a name, not a residence?

“I won’t raise the child. And I won’t become the Duchess.”

As I refused with a serious expression, the ten-year-old boy’s golden eyes grew moist.

“But… Mother…”

His lips, sealed shut until now, slowly parted. I held my breath and watched him.

“You said you’d find someone to be my mother…”

“I said I’d find someone—not that I would become her.”

Tears streamed down the child’s plump cheeks.

“I can’t accept anyone but an auntie.”

“Auntie…? I’m still in my twenties. If you must call me something, why not ‘older sister’ or ‘aunt’?”

“If I call you ‘older sister’ or ‘aunt,’ will you become my mother?”

“No.”

The child’s face twisted in hurt. I feared he might collapse onto the floor and burst into tears.

And that fear came with another meaning.

The Duke lowered his gaze to the child, then turned to me with a murderous expression.

“Take responsibility.”

“I don’t understand how we got here—I have no intention of doing anything—”

“Huuuuuuuuhhhhh!”

Trending

The deafening wail of the ten-year-old boy echoed through the grand corridor.

The murmurs of the maids, too hesitant to approach due to the odd atmosphere, and the Duke’s blunt words drove me to madness.

“How dare you make the heir of the Artenbach House cry? We cannot simply let this pass. So, let us discuss the rest later.”

The Duke snapped his fingers.

“Prepare a room for the young lady so she may rest. Ensure she lacks no comfort.”

“But please, hear me out—”

Before I could finish, maids surrounded me, blocking my view. I watched the two men receding like figures swept away by a wave and cried out:

“I won’t be a mother! This is kidnapping!”

The Duke covered the child’s ears. Though meant to protect his heart, the miniature Duke’s expression showed no such concern. Instead, one corner of his mouth curled upward in a smirk.

‘I was tricked.’

I, Schmidt Dely.

After 24 years of rebirth, I was deceived for the first time.

And by a ten-year-old brat.

[This is the timeline separator]

Black Swan.

A phrase used to describe an event that seems impossible—until it actually happens.

And those who typically came to my office, Black Swan, were those with something they desperately wanted—or hoped would happen. Of course, most of their wishes could be solved with money.

“So your daughter must marry, but the groom’s family demands a substantial dowry?”

“That’s right. We barely make ends meet from day to day…”

“There are two solutions. Black Swan can intervene and reduce the dowry demanded by the other family. Or, you may entrust me with something of genuine value in exchange for a loan.”

“Something of genuine value… I can’t think of anything specific.”

I examined the blacksmith’s hands, hardened by calluses.

“May I suggest something?”

“What do you mean?”

I smiled, radiating an air of harmless intent.

“There’s a man named Lanson at your forge, isn’t there?”

“Yes, he’s my prized apprentice. But why…?”

I knew. Lanson was the one who handled the final detailing of every product made in the forge. And I knew of his hidden talent.

“I’ll lend you the required dowry. In return, I will keep Lanson with Black Swan until the principal is fully repaid.”

“Huh? Why? He’s still just an apprentice!”

If this were modern times, you’d have received several letters from the Labor Department.

“It won’t be a loss. Black Swan will invest in improving Lanson’s skills, and you, sir, can focus on being a father during this time.”

It was an idea I’d entertained ever since the blacksmith booked his appointment with Black Swan.

Lanson’s finishing skill had immense potential—just a little encouragement, and it would shine. The crucial point was that no one knew he was buried here—and I was the one who would bring him into the light.

‘I can’t let such talent rot away. Nor can I allow someone else to snatch him up.’

I smiled broadly and snapped my fingers. The clerk, standing like a statue beside the door, promptly placed a document on the table.

“Normally, interest would be required, but Lanson will serve as the interest. Thus, you need only repay the principal.”

A highly attractive offer. Come now, accept it.

“I cannot decide immediately. I must hear Lanson’s opinion.”

Fair enough. I replied with a benevolent smile.

“The contract for Lanson is included. Take it home, read it thoroughly, and decide carefully.”

I rose slowly from my seat. I felt the blacksmith’s gaze following me.

“The consultation ends here. I look forward to seeing you again.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

The blacksmith vanished outside, clutching the contract to his chest. I roughly swept my falling bangs away from my face.

“Was that the last client?”

“Yes, it was the last one….”

Anna, with her long brown hair tied in a single braid, answered cautiously.

She was a professional who efficiently handled difficult tasks when I was head of Black Swan, and a skilled personal maid of the Viscount Dely family.

“A child is demanding to be let inside at the office entrance.”

ads

“A child?”

“Yes. He looks about ten years old.”

“Give him a few pieces of bread and send him away.”

“He doesn’t seem to have come for bread.”

Children often came to Black Swan.

Children in threadbare clothes, wearing shoes too big, their toes touching the ground, begging for food.

Or children claiming they’d work for us if we’d just let them sleep.

Naturally, I assumed this was the same case.

“So the child came as a client?”

“Yes. He boldly asked for you personally.”

A flicker of interest stirred.

“Really? Then bring him in.”

Anna bowed and stepped out. Shortly after, she returned with the child.

‘He has no reason to be here.’

Lustrous hair. A finely tailored outfit that fit him perfectly.

Most of all, the aura radiating from the child was unlike any child one would find in the bustling streets.

It was as if he expected obedience the moment he gave a command.

“Please, sit.”

I gestured toward the seat the blacksmith had occupied. The child slowly scanned the room before speaking.

“It doesn’t look clean enough to sit on. Bring me another chair.”

A shiver ran from the top of my head. Seeing those bright, sparkling eyes calmly issuing orders, I understood.

‘He’s a nightmare.’

I felt like trash for having such feelings toward a child.

“Preferably a new chair. Not a low one—a tall one.”

A fresh kind of nightmare I’d never encountered before.

“Ha ha, we don’t have a new chair, but we can provide a new cushion. Is that acceptable?”

“Unfortunately, I have no choice.”

Endure it. He’s just a child.

Anna, sensing my forced smile, hurriedly brought the cushion.

The child pretended to surrender, brushing the cushion vigorously with his hands before sitting down with perfect poise.

“Now, what brings you here?”

The child sat upright, fixing his gaze on me.

I met his golden eyes. A strange sensation washed over me—something felt familiar, almost recognizable, yet remained just out of reach.

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