I’m Just a Counselor Chapter 90

Jeremiah summoned me to his office and handed me an invitation. I took it in bewilderment.

 

“His Highness the Crown Prince wishes to invite you, Miss Vanessa.”

 

The invitation was beautifully written, saying that, true to Jeremiah’s word, Julian would personally invite me to the crown prince’s palace.

 

Not with Estella like last time, but by myself…

 

I muttered to myself, feeling a little bit peeved.

 

“Why would His Highness the Crown Prince send me to…”

 

“I don’t know.”

 

Jeremiah replied smugly. He smirked when I glared at him.

 

Given the way Jeremiah handed me the invitation, I’m guessing Julian told him first.

 

“…okay?”

 

‘You were just asking me why I was dating Julian last time.’

 

‘He’s jealous.’

 

I tried to push the words out of my mind.

 

…At least I’m not sneaking around this time, so it must be okay.

 

“Do you know why the Crown Prince is calling me?”

 

“I said I don’t know.”

 

“I think I know.”

 

I looked at Jeremiah suspiciously, then nodded in understanding.

 

But before I left, Jeremiah said meaningfully.

 

“Don’t let it slide, but make it clear, or I’m coming for you.”

 

Jeremiah seemed to know why Julian had called me. I’ll just let him know.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“You didn’t ask me to lend me an escort since it’s getting dark, huh? You think I’m so mean as to turn down a favor like that?”

 

“Well, considering you were just going to leave me there last time…”

 

“Hey, I didn’t do that!”

 

It’s not his fault, so I’ll let it go, but seeing that he can’t, I have to say that Julian is kind in many ways. He’s a little twitchy.

 

‘Oh, this Tsundere.’

 

I shrugged, giving up on teasing him about the past.

 

“Never mind, it’s not your fault I was kidnapped, and it’s not like I got hurt or anything.”

 

“…….”

 

“The duke handled it well, and…”

 

“In fact, His Highness was so worried about Miss Vanessa that day that he asked me to follow you.”

 

Kianton interrupted.

 

“But I was distracted and didn’t prevent Miss Vanessa from being kidnapped.”

 

“…….”

 

“That… means I didn’t allow Miss Vanessa to be kidnapped, but… it was my fault…”

 

I could see now why Kianton had been so sullen earlier.

 

He thinks everything happened because he did something wrong. That’s why he couldn’t see my face.

 

I narrowed my eyes at Kianton, who, with a blank face, was once again telling me I was wrong.

 

‘You aided and abetted the kidnapping…’

 

Well, I think I know who told Julian that.

 

‘For some reason, he told me not to let it go.’

 

“What did the duke say about it being your fault that I was subjected to what happened?”

 

“He wrote…”

 

“I see.”

 

Last time, Julian said he was trying to get Jeremiah from seeing me, and this time, Jeremiah says Julian helped me get kidnapped, and I feel like I’m being used as a pawn in their fight.

 

I chuckle and sip my tea.

 

“I thought you had a little something on the duke the other day.”

 

“Hey, that was me…”

 

“Ah, I don’t really care how you did it, and I think the duke was a little harsh on you for it.”

 

To put it more bluntly, I think it was Julian’s provocation that caused Jeremiah to retaliate. But I think he would have understood if I said something like this.

 

‘Actually, I think Jeremiah is just as childish as Julian.’

 

I don’t think it was necessary to repay him in this way.

 

“So, neither your highness nor Lord Kianton should pay too much attention to what the Duke says.”

 

“…….”

 

“Again, I assure you that you had nothing to do with my being kidnapped… but rather that you let Lord Kianton follow me, which means you care about me, and I should be grateful.”

 

Julian’s scowl softened slightly at my words.

 

Satisfied that I’d placated him somewhat, I turned to Kianton, who was still looking a bit pensive.

 

“You must have had a hard time.”

 

Kianton had probably suffered doubly from both Jeremiah and Julian…

 

I looked at his face, which looked particularly tired, and spoke.

 

“What happened to Lord Kianton that distracted you?”

 

“What? Oh, that’s because… there’s a little girl who’s lost her mother, and I’ve been taking her to the magistrate…”

 

“Well, then, my lord, you didn’t miss me while you were doing something odd, because helping a child is something you’re supposed to do.”

 

“What, did you…?”

 

Apparently, Julian hadn’t even asked how Kianton had lost me. Kianton cried out in frustration.

 

“You don’t know anything, and you’re scolding me!”

 

“Kianton…”

 

“If your highness looked half as much like Miss Vanessa as you do…”

 

Kianton, wildly wiping away tears, shouted and ran away.

 

Julian gave her a look that said, “What’s wrong with him?” and then shook his head.

 

I shook my head too. But the way he stuck by Julian’s side, I think Kianton likes Julian and is loyal to him.

 

I turned to Julian and said sincerely

 

“Please be nice to Sir Kianton.”

 

“I’m being nice to him.”

 

Julian grumbled and sipped his tea.

 

“I’m calling you in to talk to him because I don’t think the Duke is far off the mark, no matter how much he meant it… I should have been more careful.”

 

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

 

“I didn’t… much, I’m sorry.”

 

Julian looked awkward, as if he’d never said an apology before. After all, he was the crown prince of a country, so why should he apologize to anyone?

 

I smirked, suddenly finding his awkwardness endearing.

 

But I suppose there are times when it’s necessary.

 

He shrugged, and I was just about to tell him it was okay.

 

“Actually…”