I’m Just a Counselor

“Of course, I know why the Duke is so protective of Estella, but—” 

Jeremiah didn’t interrupt me, but put down his pen and crossed his arms. His eyes were fixed on me, waiting to see how I would respond.

 

I took courage from his demeanor and spoke.

 “The Duke can’t protect Estella and hold her in his arms forever. She’ll be an adult after her birthday next year.” “…….” “Does the Duke intend to turn Estella into a child who can’t do anything without her brother?” 

The corner of Jeremiah’s eye, which had been staring at me expressionlessly, crinkled slightly.

 

I didn’t see it and continued to mutter.

 “I think Estella needs to have enough encounters with people other than her own family in the castle.” “…….” “The Duke told me once, Estella can’t tell people apart. How is she supposed to know if you don’t give her the chance to?” “…….” “The way the Duke is treating Estella right now is typical of a parent who wants to raise a child in his or her own way, in his or her own space, with only the people he or she approves of. Ignoring her wishes and desires.” 

I understand that the previous Duke and Duchess died tragically in front of her, and that she almost died in front of Jeremiah several times, but this Estella is not

“that Estella”

, and she has a fundamentally different mindset.

 

‘Of course, I can’t say this to Jeremiah, but…’

 

As I continue to tell him that he doesn’t have to be obsessed with protecting or controlling Estella, I look up in surprise, realizing that Jeremiah is too quiet.

 “…No, I think it is, Duke…” 

I added timidly, clasping my hands together as I realized that Jeremiah’s face looked like a winter wind was already blowing.

 

Jeremiah tilted his head. I feel like he should say something, but he’s keeping his mouth shut, which is even scarier.

 

I tried to be polite and watch his eyes.

 

I realized that I might have spoken a little too casually, given that Jeremiah had let me into the line.

 

‘Oh, it’s not that bad yet, I don’t think we’re that close…’

 

 

While I was reflecting, Jeremiah finally spoke up.

 “You’re a talker, Miss Vanessa.” “Hmm.” 

‘…What does that mean, does it mean shut up?’

 

I reflexively clamped my hand over my mouth, then cringed.

 

But being a counselor is all about listening to others and telling them what I think. I’m bound to talk a lot.

 

‘No, let’s not be discouraged. I have Estella behind me!’

 

Energized by the thought of winning Estella’s freedom, I decided to say one more thing after being told to shut up by Jeremiah.

 “I think that… and this experience could be useful to you, Duke.” “Really?” “Yes. If Estella returns safely to the castle without your help, it will make you feel more comfortable.” “I’ve never been uncomfortable with Estella.” 

I laughed awkwardly at Jeremiah’s comment. The fact that he could fall asleep easily when he was with me was the clearest evidence that he was carrying a burden about Estella!

 

But instead of retorting, I glared at him.

 

Jeremiah lowered his eyes and seemed to consider my words, then nodded slowly.

 “Because my relationship with Estella has gotten a lot better since I took Miss Vanessa’s advice the other day.” “Yes….” “Fingers crossed it will be the same this time.” 

I wonder if I should encourage Estella to thank Jeremiah separately this time.

 

I scratched my cheek and shook my head.

 

At least Jeremiah listened to me this time. It’s like he’s doing some kind of behavior modification.

 

I was proud of myself, though. I could have more fun with Estella!

 “There’s a separate police station there, so if anything happens, I’ll head straight there, and I’ll pass the word along.” “Okay.” “I’m trusting Miss Vanessa to take good care of Estella for me, and I hope you won’t betray my expectations.” 

If I break that promise, something bad will happen. Like, for example, a great danger to my employment…

 

I was allowed to leave his room only after I had repeated my promise to Jeremiah, who, with a solemn look on his face, trusted me with Estella.

 

It was hard on both body and mind to come out after being so thoroughly beaten by Mr. Siscom, but…

 

‘I can’t wait to tell Estella the good news!’

 

My fatigue was nothing compared to Estella’s bright, sunny smile.

 

* * *

 “Cheap, cheap, the last shiver of the day!” “You won’t be able to taste this when winter comes, you should come and try it!” “There’s also a magic tool with a fever function, come and see!” 

Estella and I walked out of the market holding hands, and the place was filled with people’s liveliness.

 

Estella’s cheeks flushed with excitement as she looked around. I gazed at her longingly, and then asked, just in case.

 “Estella, is this your first time at the market?” “Oh, is it that bad?” 

Estella said sheepishly, then laughed sheepishly.

 

I suppose so. She’s only been possessed for a little over a year, so she’s probably new to wintering here and new to this market. And she’s got no one following her.

 

I’ll have to show her around.

 

In fact, this was only my third time here…, but I’m more experienced than a first-timer.

 

With a renewed determination, I gripped Estella’s hand tighter. She seemed to like it.

 “Ho, are you Princess Estella…?” 

Estella wore a hood tucked into her robe to make it easier to navigate the market, but some people recognized her nonetheless. Her silver hair shone through the hood, and her lovely chartreuse eyes were unmistakable.

 

Once again, a vendor selling accessories at a stall saw her and his eyes widened.

 

Estella looked at him and put a finger to her lips playfully.

 “Shhhh! If I get caught, I’ll have to go back to the castle!” “Oh, shh, shh, shh. Princess I have a gift for you in our shop…” 

The merchant looked thrilled, then gave Estella a brooch as a gift. It was a brooch with a light green gemstone in the center that looked just like her eyes.

 “My wife made this brooch with great care. It’s a little tacky for a princess, but please accept it.” “Oh, is it okay for me to accept something your wife worked so hard to make?” “Of course! You and the Duke are the protectors of the North.” “That’s something only my brother does…” 

Despite her mumbling, Estella happily accepted the brooch.

 

She paid the vendor, who refused to take her money, and was about to leave the stall with the brooch pinned to her chest when the vendor spoke up warningly.

 “Oh, by the way. Be careful, Princess. I hear there are some human traffickers setting up shop these days, mostly kidnapping women and children.” “Really? There are such people?” “Yes. That’s why the security forces have increased their presence.” “Aww…” 

So that explains why I’ve been seeing so many people wearing the uniforms of the Guard. I thought Jeremiah had done something again.

 

As I nodded, Estella spoke up.

 “I’m with my sister Vanessa, so it’s okay!” 

I looked at Estella, my heart pounding unnecessarily.

 

‘Estella…’

 

But I didn’t bring any self-defense tools…

 

It’s nice that Estella believes me, but I better get back to the castle before it’s too late.

 “Thanks for letting me know though!” 

After thanking the merchant, Estella took my hand again and started walking around, her mind already clear of the merchant’s warning.

 

After that, Estella continued to run around and explore like a puppy who had never seen a flower garden before. And I recognized the feeling of an owner walking an excited puppy.

 

‘Heh, this is hard.’

 

Within an hour, my energy was gone, and I collapsed onto the bench, panting.

 

I’m only a few years older than Estella, this body… My stamina must have deteriorated during my time in the castle.

 “Sis, are you tired?” 

Estella asks, looking fresher than I do. I caught my breath and barely nodded.

 

Luckily, being the good dog that she is, Estella didn’t look at her owner anymore and spoke to her affectionately.

 “Then I’ll go get us something to drink, but in the meantime, hold this for me!” 

She left me the various items she’d gotten from her wanderings around the market, and then she pinned the last brooch to my chest and trotted off.

 

I smirked at her, watching her seemingly delighted.

 

The

“opportunities”

I’d told Jeremiah about included things like this. A chance for Estella to become more familiar with the people of this world, to realize that she lived in the same place as them.

 

Estella didn’t seem to miss the opportunity.

 “Ugh, stiff.” 

After catching my breath, I muttered as I stretched out.

 

It was getting dark, so I decided that maybe I should talk Estella into returning to the castle when she got back from buying drinks.

 

As I was saying this to myself, my vision suddenly darkened.