I’m Just a Counselor

Estella was silent for a moment at the coachman’s remark, but then she replied with an easy smile.

 “Oh, yes, I did! I mean that every time I come, I feel like I’m here for the first time, because it’s so pretty!” “And you, too.” 

The coachman smirked as if Estella’s fussing was adorable, then pulled a basket out of the luggage compartment and handed it to me.

 

I glanced at Estella’s condition and took what he handed me. Inside the basket, enchanted with a preservation spell, was a lunch the chef had painstakingly prepared.

 “Take good care of her, then, Miss Vanessa. I’ll have my carriage parked up on that hill, and you can meet me there when it’s time to return.” “Yes, thank you.” 

The coachman bowed lightly and disappeared with the carriage.

 

Shifting the basket into my other hand, I looked at Estella anxiously.

 “Estella.” 

I called out to her cautiously. But as if my worries were unfounded, Estella looked back at me and smiled.

 “Sis, come here, the water is really clean!” 

‘I guess I was worried for nothing.’

 

I walked over to her, relieved. The rest of the picnic was a pleasant one.

 

Estella and I spent our time giggling at the colorful maple leaves and splashing each other in the lake.

 

When we got hungry, we opened the basket.

 

The chef had prepared a three-tiered bento box with a variety of desserts, breads, and fruits. There was also fresh juice.

 “Normally, when we have a picnic, we have to eat kimbap… I also like sushi. Do you have a favorite lunch?” “I like cucumber sandwiches.” “Hmm. I didn’t like cucumbers.” “I see. I’ll have to leave the cucumber out of your sandwich.” 

We don’t have nori seaweed here, so it’s hard to make nori rice. But you can make yubu sushi…

 

‘What can I use instead of yubu?’

 

I bit into a cookie, thinking of all the things I could do for Estella.

 

She enjoyed the scone with custard cream and drank a lot of raspberry juice, and then, full and sleepy, she leaned against my shoulder.

 

I took this opportunity to tell her.

 “Estella, let me give you a lap pillow.” “Oh, really? Can I lie down?” “Sure. I’m ready.” 

I patted my thigh as she stretched out her legs, and she lay down in the cold slice of my leg.

 

The warm fall sunlight touched her face. The strands of her sprawling hair sparkled. It was a light as beautiful as the lake’s sheen.

 “I’m glad Jeremiah suggested a picnic.” 

A cool breeze blew in from the lake. I enjoyed the breeze as I ruffled Estella’s hair.

 

To be honest, I wish Jeremiah could have come with us. I’m sure he’s busy right now. Maybe the three of us could go on a spring picnic?

 “Vanessa.” “Huh?” “My brother would be very upset if he found out I didn’t know this place, wouldn’t he?” 

I must have let my guard down too soon. I bit my lip slightly at Estella’s sudden outburst.

 

Estela kept her eyes closed and continued.

 “I’m sure he remembers all the good memories he made with you here, but I don’t know…” “…….” “Because I’m not the “Estella” you know…” 

Estella’s words were tinged with bitterness, and I was glad she had her eyes closed. She wouldn’t be able to see my panicked face.

 

It suddenly occurred to me that it was a good thing

“Vanessa”

was a fallen noblewoman.

 

Before I possessed her, she hadn’t been close to anyone, and was an outsider, so she was able to start a new life quickly. I didn’t have to worry about things like Estella.

 

If I had a really close family member or someone who loved me very much before, I wonder if I would have thought like Estella.

 

‘No, this is not the time to think about that.’

 

Seeing Estella suddenly depressed after seeing her so happy lately made me feel suddenly sad.

 

I didn’t stop stroking her hair and whispered to her as softly as I could.

 “You might be upset, but it’s only because the Duke loves you so much, Estella, so I’m sure he’ll say it’s okay.” “…….” “We’ll just have to recreate the good times, I’m sure the Duke would want that.” “Do you think so? I’m not the “Estella” he knows…” “Estella, let me be clear.” 

I said firmly. Now I needed to make this clear to Estella. Even if she was a little slow to accept it.

 “There’s no point in distinguishing between Estella before and Estella now, because you will always be Estella here.” “…….” “And the Duke will love you with all his heart, no matter who Estella is. It’s clearly a love for you, and it’s yours and no one else’s.” “Will it be okay if I’m not the main character?” “Of course. Think of me. I love and care about you so much, whether you’re in the movie or not.” “Sister Vanessa…” 

In Estella’s mind, the others and I would be in a slightly different category. I don’t know the pre-possession Estella, only the current Estella.

 

As I explain, using myself as an example, Estella’s face seems to soften slightly. My comparison seems to be working.

 “I think Estella is someone who can be loved even if she’s not the main character.” “Really?” “Yes. Trust me, I’m sure the Duke feels the same way.” “…….” 

Estella finally opened her eyes, smiling wryly. I smiled and patted her cheek as her light green eyes sparkled.

 

A memory of their past flashed through my mind, something I’d heard from Jeremiah.

 

“She saw her parents torn apart by the claws of a beast before her eyes.”

 

“Maybe we should talk about that later?”

 

I was just thinking about it. Estella suddenly jerked up like a rabbit sensing danger.

 “What’s that noise?” 

I heard it, too, belatedly.

 

There was a rustle and the bushes swayed. Estella was on alert.

 

I was staring nervously in the direction, too. Rustling, the bushes swayed once more, and a figure emerged from among them.

 “Ladies, do you happen to have anything to eat…” “……?” “……?” 

The man, dressed far too nicely to be a beggar…, said those words and scurried away.

 

Estella and I exchanged bewildered glances.

 

* * *

 “Hey, thank God, if it wasn’t for you ladies, I would have fainted!” 

He revealed his identity, fortunately before my and Estella’s suspicions could be further aroused.

 

His name was Kianton Bell. He’s the crown prince’s bodyguard.

 

I had my doubts about his authenticity, given his gaunt face and… uniform, but Estella had hinted that she recognized his name from the original, so I decided to believe him.

 “So… you lost both your horse and your traveling expenses to bandits on your way to Loasen…?” “Yes.” “And the bandit was strong enough to rob His Highness the Crown Prince’s knight as well…?” 

Kianton scratched his head in disbelief at my exuberant muttering.

 

Surely the bandits I’d encountered had been bad enough to be fought off with self-defense magic tools.

 

‘Of course, if they’re in a group, he might get beaten…’

 

Still, he’s a knight worthy of a crown prince’s escort.

 

I glared at Kianton suspiciously. Estella whispered to me again.

 “He’s an unpleasant supporting character in the original.” “…….” 

Apparently, it was a fictional license.

 

I thought to myself,

‘Is this how Estella makes contact with the crown prince because she has no intention of meeting him?’

 

Or maybe it’s the author’s way of trying to create a romance between the hero and heroine.

 

I glared at Kianton.

 

He was munching on bread from the lunchbox Estella and I had left behind, and it was a little salty to watch.

 

It couldn’t have been a quick trip from the Islands to Loasen.

 “So, what brings His Royal Highness’s escort to Loasen?” 

At my question, Kianton swallowed the muffin he was biting into in one bite and spoke seriously.