I’m Just a Counselor

Vanessa didn’t think Jeremiah would ever admit that he wasn’t taking good care of Estella.

 

She narrowed her eyes, surprised that he would ask. After all, she could believe him when he said earlier that he would do anything for Estella.

 “She only follows you now, and you seem to take care of Estella to some extent.” 

It wasn’t like she had any other sharp teeth. Too bad she didn’t have any professional qualifications.

 

Vanessa scratched her chin. 

 “I don’t know,”

she said irresponsibly.

“But this is what I studied.” 

It’s not that she’s completely forgotten, or that she’s a wizard, but she thinks she can do it if she tries…

 

‘I know I want to help Estella too.’

 

The most important thing in this area is attitude.

 

Vanessa knows that her heart is in the right place, that she has people who will support her, and that she’s not a weak person.

 

She steeled herself and turned to Jeremiah.

 “If Estella can keep going to the Secret Garden, I think I can help her.” 

But Jeremiah shook his head like a knife.

 “I can’t bear to see Estella wandering around alone any longer.” “But…” “She almost got kidnapped the other day, though luckily I saved her before that happened.” “Ah.” 

Come to think of it, she’d heard stories like that in the Secret Garden, and if that had happened, Jeremiah’s concern was justified, so she frowned.

 “The Duke’s putting the article on…” “Estella doesn’t like it.” 

It would be hard for a modern man to bear such a restriction of freedom, and it could make Estella’s condition worse.

 

‘What do we do?’

 

Jeremiah said abruptly, as she was trying to figure out what to do.

 “I’m officially hiring Miss Vanessa to the Duchy of Oppenheim as Estella’s physician.” “What?” 

Jeremiah offered her the job.

 

* * *

 

After her talk with Jeremiah, Vanessa returned to Estella’s room.

 

Estella had already changed into her pajamas and was sitting up when she opened the door and Estella ran up to her.

 “Sis, welcome back, he hasn’t done anything weird, has he?” “Oh no. He hasn’t.” “I’m really worried about you…” 

When Estella realized that nothing was wrong with her, she breathed a sigh of relief and hugged her tightly.

 

Only after a while did she realize why Estella was so worried about her.

 “In the original, my brother… Jeremiah is a very cold and frightening character to anyone but his sister.” 

As is often the case with the brother of the female lead in Rofan, Jeremiah is a very sarcastic character, and he’s also a dual personality character, with one persona in front of his sister and another 180 degrees different from the one he presents to others.

 “There’s a scene where he just threatens people who almost hurt Estella and stuff like that… Awww, I wonder if he’ll do that to you.” “Ahhhhhh…” 

Vanessa knows exactly what that is. She couldn’t help but laugh, remembering Jeremiah’s intimidating demeanor from earlier.

 

On second thought, she didn’t even know how to answer that question. Thank God Estella was there.

 “Are you sure he hasn’t done anything to you, or are you afraid?” “No, he didn’t.” 

She answered Estella, trying to shake off the chill Jeremiah had left behind. It wasn’t that she didn’t understand him.

 

He was in his mid twenties now. A rather young age to be a duke.

 

At that age, he would have to be a wild man to ascend to the dukedom and rule the north.

 

Besides, Sis-com’s temperament is so strong in favor of protecting his brother.

 

Well, he’s like the alpha of a pack of wolves protecting his own.

 

Well, Vanessa can’t help but feel nervous around him, but she guess she shouldn’t be too afraid. That’s how she summed up Jeremiah.

 “Actually, the Duke offered me a job.” “What? My brother?” “Yes. He wants me to be Estella’s doctor and live with her at the castle.” 

Estella blinked in surprise, then smiled as if she understood. Her smile seemed to light up the room.

 “I would love for you to do that!” “Awww, dazzling.” 

Estella’s smile made her say,

‘She likes that.’

I thought to myself.

 

Estella chirped excitedly.

 “If that’s really the case, you should have your room closer to mine! Heh. And we can sleep together every night!” “If you want.” “There are so many things I want to do with you, things I could only do in Korea… and things I could never tell people here…” 

Does Estella miss her old life? She doesn’t think so, because it feels like such an old memory.

 

Still, Vanessa nodded silently, figuring she should give Estella the benefit of the doubt for now.

 

After all, it would do her a lot of good to get some of the things off her chest that she’s been keeping to herself, and that’s what Jeremiah wants.

 “Oh, I feel so happy already, I haven’t felt this way since I possessed Estela.” “I’m glad to hear that.” “Oh, and by the way, I’ll make sure you get a good paycheck, too, because the Dukes of Oppenheim are flush with money, and I’ll make sure you get a good one!” “That’s very nice of you, but…” 

Vanessa was actually worried about one thing.

 

She was employed by the Duke of Oppenheim as a commoner, and if it became known that she was from the Viscount Asel family, she’d be in trouble…

 “…Would that be okay?” 

Viscount Asel’s downfall was due to bankruptcy, not any crimes, so that in itself wouldn’t be a problem, but if Jeremiah were to get angry at her for deceiving him…

 

No, more likely if they heard about her and came to the Duke of Oppenheim.

 

“There’s no place for you here anymore. So get out of here, you worthless wench!”

 

She shook her head at the thought of them.

 “Then I’ll go and see what Jeremiah says.” 

That was it. She didn’t have to worry about being kicked out early.

 

They haven’t visited her in three years, and they never would. Besides, they’re in the islands and she’s in the north.

 

‘Let’s just focus on Estella for now.’

 

The important thing now is choice and focus!

 

Determined to focus her energy on what’s in front of her, Vanessa hugged Estella, who was smiling from ear to ear.

 “By the way, I need to ask you something.” “Ugh! Yes, sis, what is it?” “Well, now that I know who you are, Estella… I think I should change the way I talk to you. Maybe I should start calling you Princess…” “No way!” 

Estella said, jumping up and down. She narrowed her eyes, stunned by Estella’s strong reaction.

 “I’ll call you Sister Vanessa and you’ll call me Estella, even if you’re hired by the Duke!” 

Estella was so adamant that she could only nod her head in understanding.

 “So from now on we can talk like sisters. I don’t want to feel distant from you.” 

Estella sobbed and clung to her. She was a little embarrassed, so she spoke carefully.

 “But the Duke doesn’t seem to like me very much…” “It’s okay because I’m here!” 

Estella said, beating her chest as if to reassure her.

 

Vanessa hesitated for a moment, then nodded, deciding to believe her.

 

It was only after several reassurances that the real Estella hugged her tightly, then suddenly stood up and said.

 “Sis, I’ll lend you my pajamas, they would look so good on you!” 

She couldn’t help but smile at Estella’s cheerful response, which didn’t hide her emotions.

 

At that moment, Vanessa felt that she understood Jeremiah’s words 100%, that he would do anything for her.

 

She was too much of a lovely person to just wallow in depression.

 

‘That’s why I can’t just turn my back on her.’

 

Vanessa looked at her back and made her final decision.

 

* * *

 

The next day, Vanessa went straight to Jeremiah’s office and said,

 “The Duke’s offer, I accept.” “Very well.” 

Jeremiah replied with such determination that she shrugged. As if he knew that she would accept his offer.

 

Of course, who would turn down an offer from the Duke.

 

She scratched her cheek at his well-founded confidence.

 “I have the contract ready for you, so read it over and sign it if you have no problem with it.” 

Jeremiah gestured to the table as she sat across from him.

 

He must have known she’d take him up on his offer because he had a contract already written out.

 

Vanessa read the contract slowly, a little impressed by his diligence.