I’m Just a Counselor – Chapter 120

Author: Dakku-san

A ray of golden warmth hung from the tips of his silver lashes. Without thinking, I answered: “You look beautiful.”

He continued softly: “Do you know the meaning of camellias?”

“No.”

“It means ‘I love you more than anyone.’“

“…”

“I suppose I’ve finally found where I can bloom.”

Jeremiah lifted our intertwined hands and kissed mine. I pressed my lips to each of his fingers in return. His warm breath tickled between my fingers, making my shoulders tense slightly.

The moment reminded me of a conversation with Shane: “Vanessa, do you know the language of camellias?”

He’d promised to tell me when they bloomed, but never did. Now, hearing Jeremiah say what Shane hadn’t, realization dawned.

That first snowy day together, Shane had asked me to view camellias with him. Yet he’d said nothing. Even now.

I wouldn’t dare bring it up first. Truthfully, I didn’t want to. Shane and I would always remain best friends – nothing more.

‘And with Jeremiah…’

Blinking away my thoughts, I focused on Jeremiah watching me expectantly. Guilt prickled at being distracted. I forced a brighter smile and squeezed his fingers.

His expression softened, white eyes melting in the spring sun.

“I wonder what the Duke would think of this.”

“Enough.”

Jeremiah kissed my hand again, lingering this time. I didn’t pull away with excuses. As we walked back, our steps fell into sync.

* * *

“Sis! I’ve been waiting!”

Estella beamed as I arrived in the castle’s backyard precisely at the appointed time. She grabbed my hand, leading me to a prepared table where Jeremiah sat looking uncharacteristically nervous.

She seated me beside him. Glancing around at the intimate setup – just three teacups – I asked: “Didn’t you invite anyone else?”

“Who else would I invite?”

“Well… Shane or…”

“Ugh. Why would I invite him to my birthday?” she grumbled.

The seating arrangement felt intentional: Jeremiah and I side by side, Estella opposite us.

“Welcome to Estella’s birthday party!” she announced cheerfully.

After a beat, I began clapping. When I nudged Jeremiah, he joined in, though his expression remained tense.

“First course!”

Estella rang a silver bell. At its chime, the castle chef emerged, placing bowls before us. I stared in disbelief at the familiar aroma.

“…Seaweed soup?”

“Seaweed soup?” Jeremiah echoed blankly.

“Made with seaweed!” Estella explained. “Some countries serve it for birthdays! I made it myself – Shane got the ingredients.”

‘So he was helping after all.’

The broth resembled clam chowder more than traditional miyeok guk, but when I tasted it, I gave a thumbs-up.

“Delicious.”

“Really? Oh good!”

Jeremiah, remembering his spice incident, eyed his bowl warily before trying it.

“It’s good. Thank you, Estella.”

“Ehehe!”

We ate the soup with bread instead of rice – an odd but not unpleasant combination.

“Second course!”

Another bell ring brought maids carrying a gorgeous cake and three… tinfoil hats?

“Put these on!”

Estella donned hers eagerly. I stifled laughter while Jeremiah examined his pink-tasseled hat with grave seriousness before resigning himself to wearing it.

I burst out laughing. Ridiculous. Adorable.

“Glad you approve,” he muttered.

After lighting the candles with a magical lighter, Estella requested: “Sis, will you sing?”

I obliged with a birthday song. Jeremiah kept rhythm while Estella blew out her candles dramatically.

“Happy birthday, Estella.”

“Happy adulthood, Esti.”

Time for gifts. I presented mine first:

“I didn’t bring aurora roses, but…”

“You’re the best gift,” she interrupted, already tearing open the box.

Inside lay the fountain pen engraved: From Vanessa, Estella’s forever friend.

“Sis…!” Her eyes shimmered. “I’ll treasure this!”

Jeremiah cleared his throat nervously: