I’m Just a Counselor

I listened to his words with rapt attention, then blinked in surprise at his addendum. I actually thought his apology was insincere.

 

‘He realized that I didn’t take him seriously, and that’s why he looked so upset.’

 

As if to confirm my thoughts, Jeremiah spoke up.

 

‘He answered my question so directly,’

I thought,

‘Yeah, that’s probably why.’

 

‘…Is Jeremiah also a psychology major?’

 “So I thought I’d make it clear to Miss Vanessa again.” “Oh…” “Estella is, and always will be, my number one priority, but I don’t want you to think that I don’t respect you.” “…….” “And I don’t want to come across as narrow-minded to you either.” 

Jeremiah’s apology came back to me.

 

I couldn’t take it as easily as I had before. The same person wouldn’t say it twice if he didn’t mean it.

 

‘I’m sure he didn’t mean anything else.’

 

I stared at him, then nodded. The corner of his mouth lifted in satisfaction.

 

‘I didn’t think you had any expectations…’

 

I was surprised to find that his apology was sincere.

 

‘It’s called human psychology.

 

If Jeremiah had let this slide, it would have created an unbridgeable misunderstanding between him and me. I’m glad to know he’s not the kind of person who lets things like that slide.

 

…So I might expect it next time. I subconsciously thought to myself.

 “Well, then, Miss Vanessa. Now that I’ve gotten it right once again, and I think you understand, let’s talk about something else.” “Another… what is it…?” “About what Miss Vanessa cooked for Estella today.” 

Jeremiah frowned and cocked his head.

 “What was the main ingredient?” “Uh, rice and… chili powder seasoning.” “Chili powder?” 

Jeremiah’s eyebrows shot up, as if he’d heard something strange.

 

I nodded to confirm that he had heard correctly.

 

Finally admitting that it was the chili that impressed Estella, Jeremiah pressed his brow together as if in pain.

 “I knew Estella bought chillies and ground them into powder, though I didn’t realize it was for eating…” “I thought Estella was really upset that she couldn’t cook with the chili powder, and I think food tastes better when you have someone to share it with.” “I don’t think anyone would eat the chili, it’s a crazy idea.” 

Probably true. No one would want to eat something that’s meant for self-defense.

 

It’s about as crazy as using gas instead of air for self-defense. For Jeremiah.

 

Rolling my eyes, I asked him cautiously.

 “Excuse me, Duke. So what did you feel the first time you tried the chili powder seasoning?” “It felt like someone slapped me on the back of the head.” “…….” 

Apparently, spicy is not a taste, but a nociception. That’s probably how it felt to Jeremiah.

 

And when had he ever felt like someone slapped him in the back of the head?

 

Understanding Jeremiah’s shock at once, I laughed hollowly. Estella was really fighting a lonely battle all by herself…

 “I had no idea Estella liked that flavor.” “…….” “…Why didn’t I know, I don’t know Esti’s taste?” 

Jeremiah muttered, suddenly not understanding at all. It was as if he found it strange that he was the first to know Estella’s taste.

 

I scratched the bridge of my nose.

 “It’s not like you don’t know…” 

It’s just that this Estella isn’t the Estella he knows.

 

I felt bad for him, but I spoke up for Estella.

 “…Everyone has things they want to hide from others, and even if the Duke has gotten to know so much of Estella as her brother, there’s always something left over.” “Is that so?” 

Jeremiah didn’t seem entirely convinced by my words, but he didn’t say anything more.

Instead, he asked me something else.

 “But how is it that Miss Vanessa can eat chili powder with no problem, has she ever had it before?” “Uh… yes, somehow… That’s probably why Estella told me about the chili powder…” “I’m surprised you’ve been able to cook with it, none of the cooks know about it.” “…How come?” 

I could only stammer, as I had a lot to hide.

 

Jeremiah looked at me suspiciously for a moment, but then nodded. Luckily, he didn’t ask me where I knew about it or where I’d eaten it.

 “Well, if Estella likes it, it’s good enough for now.” 

I breathed a sigh of relief.

 “If Estella likes it, I’d like to join her.” 

Jeremiah’s words reminded me of the way his face had turned bright red as soon as he ate the tteokbokki.

 “You mean you want to eat it again after feeling like you’ve been slapped in the back of the head?” 

Estella would have loved to hear that, but I timidly interrupted him, not completely on her side for once.

 “Uh, Duke. I think that’s a bit much…” “…….” 

Jeremiah glanced at me at my words. I quickly averted my gaze.

 

He took my advice this time.

 “Yeah, I don’t think I can eat that again.” “And Estella might get sad again if the Duke tries to force himself to get used to it.” “Of course not, so I’ll leave that part entirely to Miss Vanessa, so that Estella doesn’t hide what she likes.” 

He meant for Estella to keep making her food and eating with her.

 

I nodded, knowing I would have done so even if he hadn’t said so.

 

Jeremiah tilted his head slightly, apparently pleased with my stoic demeanor, and offered.

 “Can I get you another drink?” 

‘Why does he keep offering me drinks all of a sudden, like he’s trying to get me to admit I’m drunk?’

 

I looked at him suspiciously, but soon realized his intentions.

 “A reward.” 

Jeremiah was paying me a compliment of his own, for making Estella laugh so hard.

 

I gave myself a small smile.

 “So you’re good with people after all.” 

Or maybe he’s bossy because he’s in charge.

 

In any case, Jeremiah was a man who knew how to use the stick and the carrot very well.

 

I could see now why people with this surname were so good at their jobs. It must be easy and pleasant to work when your employer is like that, then.

 

I nodded in understanding and held out my teacup coldly.

 “Thank you.” 

I felt much better knowing that this was a reward for my actions, not an unearned favor.

 

My nervousness about Jeremiah dropping a bomb at any moment quickly dissipated. There was no reason to turn down such a delicious drink.

 

When I didn’t refuse his offer, a smile appeared on Jeremiah’s face.

 

He got up from the couch and returned with a full bottle. The amber-colored glass bottle gurgled with half-full liquid.

 

Jeremiah unscrewed the stopper and a fresh aroma wafted out.

 “You’ll do me a favor.” “Yes.” 

He took a sip, and this time it tasted different than the first. It was like grabbing a handful of clean snow and popping it into my mouth.

 “Wow, this is really good.” 

‘I’ve lived in Loasen for three years, why haven’t I tried this?’

 

‘Oh, it’s exclusively distributed by the Duke of Oppenheim. It must be very expensive.’

 

It had a refreshing minty flavor. I sipped my drink, thinking to myself to drink it while I could.

 

Jeremiah didn’t bother to stop me and refilled my glass whenever I finished.

 

I guess he thought it was pretty funny that I was getting drunk in real time, since I had initially refused wine.

 

In conclusion… I continued to drink. And my end was in sight. It was partly because my body was relaxed.

 

I mumbled, my voice cracking.

 “Duchess… That’s me…, I think I’ve had a lot to drink, yo…” “Really? Seven drinks isn’t that much.” “Oh, why am I so sleepy…” 

As I rubbed my eyes and dropped my head, I heard Jeremiah across from me click his tongue slightly.

 

Then someone sat down next to me and grabbed my shaking head.

 

Then my cheek touches something. It’s a little hard, but…

 

I don’t notice anything out of the ordinary and settle into a comfortable position.

 “Estella… I have to go see her… but…” 

The couch was too fluffy to get up, and the cushions were warm.

 “Sorry, Estella. Give me a minute.” 

I mentally apologized to Estella and closed my eyes. Just a little rest. Just a little bit…