I’m Just a Counselor

Whether it was or not, Estella pouted and continued.

 “In the original story, Jeremiah took care of Estella from a young age, so she never knew who he was in love with.” “Uhhh…” “Even after I possessed her, I never saw him with a woman…” “…….” “Well, he’s twenty-four now, and he should have a wife, but I’m a little worried that he’ll fall for some scary or weird girl.” “…….” 

Estella’s words suddenly reminded me of something I’d said to Jeremiah the other day.

 

“What if you get picked up by some scary or weird girl!”

 

I thought it was unlikely, but hearing Estella’s words made me doubt it.

 

I also wondered… if Jeremiah might fall for a weird girl after all.

 

‘Being good with people is one thing, being in a relationship is another.’

 

That doesn’t mean Jeremiah will stay single forever. Even if he doesn’t want to, being on top of the duchy means pressure will come from many sources.

 “But it’s not like I can tell him what to do with his girlfriends.” “That’s true.” “Then I’d rather have someone I know at the same time be my brother’s lover!” 

It was a thought that Estella had enough of. I nodded, listening to her seriously.

 

It would be hard for Estella if a strange woman took over as Duchess, and it would be hard for her too…

 “I like you, Vanessa, and besides, you’re pretty and have a good personality.” “Thank you. I like Estella too.” “So you’ll be fine with my brother’s company, and you’ll be fine as a duchess!” “……?” 

‘Why does she end up with… like that?’

 

I looked at Estella with a puzzled face. Estella grabbed my hand with both of hers.

 “Vanessa, why don’t you be my step-sister?” 

Suddenly I understood.

 

“Miss Vanessa, would you ever consider being Estella’s step-sister?”

 

Jeremiah didn’t just propose to me…

 

* * *

 *Knock* 

Jeremiah’s brow twitched at the knock on the door, and then his eyelids slowly lifted to reveal a pair of fresh, light green eyes.

 

Still drunk on sleep, he rolled slowly as he scanned his surroundings. Jeremiah took in the morning sunlight that filled the room.

 “Your Highness, it’s Melvin. May I enter for a briefing?” 

When there was no answer from inside, the adjutant spoke up himself, but Jeremiah was too tired to answer him.

 

He couldn’t believe he’d slept this long without waking up once. And he didn’t feel the dull ache in his head that had been weighing him down since waking up.

 

It was the first refreshing morning he’d had in years.

 “…….” 

Jeremiah rubbed his face, wondering if last night had been a dream, but the flask and teacup remained on the table, though no one was drinking from it.

 

It was as if she’d woken up first and left, never thanking him for being her cushion all night.

 

Jeremiah smirked.

 

‘It’s not like…’

 

He wondered what her face would look like when she woke up and saw him. She was gone, and the sun was shining down on the empty spot.

 

Jeremiah stared at the spot where she’d been, and soon realized that it was empty. Then he realized that the adjutant hadn’t come in yet and called out.

 “Come in, Melvin.” 

The deputy came in immediately.

 

As he walked in, he saw Jeremiah sitting on the couch, disheveled and frowned at the bottle of liquor in front of him.

 “You up again?” “…….” “Why don’t you smoke that sleep-aid herb I gave you last time, because if you keep drinking like this, you’re going to…” “No.” 

Jeremiah shook his head as the adjutant slowly started the briefing.

 

Squinting against the blinding sunlight, he looked at the adjutant and said,

 “Good morning.” 

It was a strange morning, with a beautiful sky outside the window.

 

* * *

 

Jeremiah didn’t show up for breakfast, apparently having left the castle beforehand on some other business.

 

It was a pity for Jeremiah, but fortunate for me, for I could not eat with a straight face.

 “Vanessa, think about it. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a good man!” 

Estella was insistent.

 “He’s never been in a relationship before, so you can teach him your preferences, and he’ll make love to you… Ew!” 

I quickly covered Estella’s mouth as she continued to cross the line.

 “Estella, I think it would be rude to the Duke if you continued there…” “Pooh! Okay, I’ll stop. But my brother is a really nice guy.” 

I ended up listening to Estella talk about Jeremiah all morning. Handsome, capable, strong, and…

 

I nodded in agreement with most of those words. Jeremiah was certainly a good man.

 

‘No, he’s too good for me. A northern duke for a fallen noble.’

 

But it was one thing to think so, and quite another to actually date Jeremiah.

 “I’m a little worried about his character when it comes to people other than me, but… said he was nice to you last time.” “Mmm…” 

Come to think of it, I hadn’t told Estella the truth about Jeremiah.

 

I smiled vaguely. But then again, Jeremiah hadn’t been particularly intimidating, except then.

 “Rather, he walked me back to my room so I wouldn’t be afraid of the dark hall.” 

I thought about his kindness and shook my head.

 

That day’s favor was like bonus time, something I got to savor briefly because he was in a good mood. If Jeremiah hadn’t been in a good mood, wouldn’t he have just looked down on me and ignored me?

 

‘Did he really want to?’

 

He didn’t propose, so it must be true. I scratched the back of my head, feeling a little weird thinking about it.

 

When I didn’t answer, Estella’s face fell. She frowned and asked.

 “Or do you, by any chance, hate being my step-sister?” “……?” “I was wondering if you don’t like being family with me because you don’t like being my brother’s…” 

Estella muttered, biting her lip as she made a full face. Her silver hair sparkled like stars in the clear sunlight.

 

Palpitations.

 

Her heart pounded once, hard.

 

A flash of Jeremiah’s sleeping form from the morning flashed through my mind. The scene, which had played out so perfectly, was etched in my mind like a masterpiece.There is no greater temptation for me than the beauty of these siblings.

 “That’s not real.” 

I quickly soothed Estella.

 “I would be happy if I could be part of your family.” “…really?” “I know that’s not necessarily the way to become Estella’s step-sister, but… Oh, don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I don’t like the Duke.” 

Apparently Estella thinks you either love him or hate him, and feelings aren’t so binary.

 

I smiled subtly and pulled her into a hug.

 “But, Estella, I have a question of my own.” 

I quickly changed the subject, realizing that if I left it there, I’d get another Jeremiah TMI.

 

Luckily, Estella didn’t notice and responded.

 “Yes, sis, what is it?” “This world… So, you said that the genre of the novel that Estella is possessed by is Rofan. So, there must be a male lead, because she’s a heroine.” “Oh… Yes. There is.” 

Estella’s eyes clouded over for a moment. I waited curiously for her answer.

 

If Estella is anything to go by, I’m guessing she’s a real man’s man. If she’s such a perfect hostess, he must be just as perfect.

 

‘Hmm. I don’t know what positions are in vogue for Rofan barons these days. Since Estella is a princess, is he a knight…? Or a crown prince?’

 

Since Estella doesn’t have a knight for an escort, the most likely candidate is the crown prince.

Come to think of it, the crown prince of this country was roughly the same age as Estella…

 “The male lead is the crown prince of the Carte Empire.” “I see.” “Well, the crown prince appeared at Estella’s debutante ball, and their romance began.” 

Estella pouted her pretty lips and grumbled.

 “I hate him.” “Why?” “Oh, because he’s kind of… Tsundere-style? I thought he was so childish when I read it. Of course, I’m very fond of the original… but hey, there’s such a thing as taste, right?” 

I rolled my eyes as I heard Estella giggle.

 “I suppose if the male lead is a crown prince, I’m not going to have to watch it?” 

Estella wasn’t her kind of baron, but I was beginning to wonder about him.

 

‘If he’s a crown prince, he’s probably better than her brother, but if he’s better than Jeremiah then how much better?’