I’m Just a Counselor

The majestic castle of the Duke of Oppenheim came into view.

 

It’s less than an hour from her house, but it’s like being in another world.

 

The Dukes of Oppenheim are the northernmost guards of the Empire, so their residence is not a mansion, but a castle.

 

The banner with the Oppenheim coat of arms flew from a tower so high that it pierced the sky. Perhaps that’s why no one from the north dares to enter the realm.

 

And the walls along the gate. They seemed to have been weathered by centuries of wind and rain.

 “It’s beautiful.” “It’s the pride of Oppenheim.” 

Jeremiah responded to her admiration. His voice was full of pride.

 

Vanessa turned her head to look at him. His beautiful silver hair sparkled in the castle lights.

 

‘This is the face of the man in charge of the northern part of the realm.’

 

She took a quick look at his proud face and looked away before making eye contact with him. For some reason, her ears felt hot again.

 

Just then, Estella, who had been walking ahead of them, ran up and threw her arms around Vanessa.

 “Sis, come here. Let me introduce you!” 

With Estella’s strength, she walked into the castle, Jeremiah trailing behind us.

 

* * *

 “Wow.” 

Vanessa feels like she’s been admiring it the whole time she’s been here, but she can’t help it.

 

The inside of the castle was just as breathtaking as the outside. Walls adorned with coats of arms of the Dukes of Oppenheim, high ceilings, and ornate chandeliers.

 

The interior was elegant, luxurious, and warm, which was surprising since castles could often seem cold.

 “Welcome, Your Excellency. My Lady.” 

A man who appeared to be the castle’s butler greeted her stiffly.

 

Estella was flattered by the greeting and started to lead Vanessa to her room, but Jeremiah stopped her.

 “Esti, before we do that, we must show our guest some courtesy. Don’t you think you should change?” “…Okay, then, sis, I’ll see you later.” 

Estella reluctantly let go of her arm, and at Jeremiah’s direction, one of the maids escorted her to the guest room.

 

‘The wealthy Duke of Oppenheim…’

 

Even for a guest room, it was larger and more luxurious than her own house.

 “Please wash and come out and I’ll have a dress ready for you.” “A dress? I don’t know how to wear one…” “Ho ho, don’t worry. I’ll help you with that! Oh, and do you want me to help you take a bath too?” “No, thank you!” 

Following the words of the cheeky maid, Vanessa entered the bathroom first.

 “Wow, the bathroom is sparkling!” 

She came out of the bathroom admiring it, and the maid had already prepared the dress.

 

As she stood there, not knowing where to begin, the maid laughed ironically.

 “You have a very nice figure, and I think you’ll look good in any design! I’ve always had a good eye for clothes, so go ahead and try it on.” “Oh, thank you.” 

It seems that most of the people in the Duke’s house are very kind like Estella. To see them treat her, a complete stranger, like this.

 “I suppose it would be rude to refuse.” 

It would be rude to Estella, to Jeremiah, to throw away their goodwill.

 

Vanessa hesitated, but finally undressed and changed into the dress.

 

The maid complimented her on how well it looked, then gave her a new haircut and finished her simple makeup.

 

Only then did she see Estella again.

 “Oh my God, Vanessa, you look so beautiful!” 

Estella gave her a thumbs up as soon as she saw her, but even she couldn’t compare to her.

 

‘I guess she is a fairy after all.’

 

A cozy, pretty room. A girl in a blue dress stands in the middle of it all.

 

Her fine silver hair was always shimmering, and her light green eyes shone fondly. Her rosy cheeks were simply breathtaking.

 

Vanessa thought she’d gotten used to Estella’s heavenly beauty by now, but seeing her gave her a new shock. She was like a lily in full bloom.

 “Estella, you’re so beautiful.” “Really? Thank you, sis. “Estella” is pretty.” 

Estella smiled broadly, took her hand and led her into the room. She started to show her around the room, but soon she noticed something strange.

 

‘Wait a minute. Estella is pretty? She said that.’

 

Estella’s appearance. Estella’s room. Estella’s bed. Estella’s clothes, Estella’s jewelry… None of them said

“mine”

.

 

Vanessa soon realized why.

 

Estella doesn’t think that everything in this world is hers.

 

That’s why she told her she felt stifled at home and guilty about Jeremiah.

 

Jeremiah loves his sister dearly, but he feels that his affection should be for the real

“Estella”

, not for herself.

 

Vanessa was right about that in the secret garden. Jeremiah being nice to her makes her feel more uncomfortable.

 

From Jeremiah’s affection to the things in here.

 

She draws a line in the sand with them because she doesn’t consider them real. They’re not things she should have, and that’s why she feels uncomfortable in a place filled with Estella’s things.

 “I thought being possessed by the original heroine was a tired cliché by now…” 

She didn’t want to throw cold water on Estella, who was talking so sweetly, but she couldn’t help but speak up.

 “Estella.” “What? Sis, what’s wrong?” “You don’t think these things belong to you, do you?” 

Estella’s mouth dropped open.

 “You don’t think the love the Duke gives you or the things in this room are yours to keep?” “…It’s “Estella” he loves, not me.” 

Estella’s shoulders slumped, her face suddenly somber.

 “Sis, I’m in so much pain. Everyone here loves “Estella” too much.” “…….” ““Estella” is loved by everyone because she’s the heroine… But I’m not the heroine.” “…….” “So I don’t deserve to be loved, I don’t deserve the things that “Estella” has…” 

As she muttered depressingly, Estella began to sob softly.

 

Vanessa didn’t say anything, just held her still.

 

Estella’s troubles were similar to her own in the early days of her possession, so she felt she could understand the girl’s feelings.

 

* * *

 

After crying for a while, Estella returned to her normal face. Although she was more worried about that.

 

While Estella was in the bathroom washing her face, the maid knocked on the door to announce that dinner was ready.

 

Estella put her arm around Vanessa again and smiled.

 “Sis, you’re staying with me tonight after dinner, right?” 

She honestly thought about blurting out that she would leave after dinner, but when she saw Estella cooing affectionately, Vanessa could only nod dumbly this time.

 

‘Does she just have mood swings? I don’t think so…’

 

Suddenly she’s starting to feel unbearably annoyed by her. She turned towards the dining room, keeping an eye out for Estella.

 “Good evening, come on.” 

Vanessa followed Estella into the dining room and was greeted by Jeremiah, who had arrived earlier.

 

He’d changed out of his tailored uniform into a comfortable shirt and slacks and greeted them with a somewhat exaggerated bow, pulling out a chair for Estella and her to sit in.

 “It’s been a while since I’ve had guests, so I’m a little apprehensive. I hope you enjoy your meal.” “Is it the custom here to be so hospitable? 

Her mouth dropped open at the sight of the lavish table, but she quickly closed it for fear of drooling.

 

After helping Estella to her seat, Jeremiah, seated at the head table, began to eat with a graceful gesture.

 “So this is how it’s supposed to be, right?” 

Vanessa asked, carefully moving her utensils around the table, remembering the old aristocratic dining etiquette.