Chapter 30

After the picnic, on the way back in the carriage.

Rebecca, who had been playing so happily just a moment ago, had fallen asleep.

She must have been quite active and her stomach was full, so she got sleepy.

"Rebecca is sleeping soundly."

"Yes, she is."

To let Rebecca lie down, I sat in the seat in front of her.

So now, I am sitting next to Alan.

The carriage of the Duke's family is luxurious, but it's not that spacious.

I am sitting so close that my shoulder is almost touching Alan's.

I've experienced this kind of distance many times before, and I even used to link arms with him in society... yet my heart is racing now.

The reason is probably because of what happened earlier, about the color of my eyes.

"Are you not tired, Sophie? Preparing for the picnic must have been quite a hassle. I didn't expect that all the food in the bento was made by you."

"I didn't say anything because I wanted to surprise you. Did you like it?"

"Yes, of course. I've always liked the sweets you make, but I also enjoy your regular cooking."

"Thank you."

It wasn't just Rebecca who was looking forward to the picnic.

I got excited too, but I'm glad Alan enjoyed it.

Since he showed me a place he had kept secret, I'm happy if I could return the favor even a little.

"Would you like to sleep, Sophie?"

"No, I'm... fine."

"You probably can't lie down and sleep like Rebecca, but I can lend you my shoulder, you know?"

"Wh-What? N-No, I'm fine!"

I didn't expect him to say something like that, so I declined immediately.

His shoulder is right next to my face, so when he says it, I become aware of it.

"Alright, if you say so."

"Yes, thank you for your concern."

After that, a silence fell.

It's not an awkward silence, but rather a comfortable one.

A time to store the happy memories of the picnic in my heart and savor them.

It feels so comfortable, being in this space with Alan. It's like a dream.

Does he feel the same way?

Just as I was thinking that, Alan's hand touched mine.

No, that's not right... Alan moved his hand towards me and gently placed it on top of mine.

"..."

I had my hands folded in my lap, but I gently moved them to hold Alan's hand.

It's not just that we're holding hands, but our fingers are intertwined.

Just that makes my heart race more than when we link arms in society.

"Thank you, Sophie. I had a lot of fun, and it healed the fatigue from work."

"Y-Yes, thank you too..."

When I said that and looked up at Alan, his face was much closer than I expected.

We stared at each other for a moment, but I felt embarrassed and quickly turned away.

I can't see Alan's face now that I've turned away, but I heard a soft laugh.

Then, for some reason, Alan squeezed my hand lightly and moved his fingers.

I don't really understand, but it's embarrassing...!

"Sophie."

"Y-Yes?"

"Sophie... hmm, Sophie."

"W-What is it?"

Alan called my name a few times and put his hand to his chin, thinking.

"Rebecca changed the way she calls us, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

Rebecca calls us 'Father' and 'Mother'.

It's very touching, but what's he talking about all of a sudden?

"She changed it to become part of the family. I think we should change something too."

"O-Oh, I see?"

Does he mean the way we call each other?

But it's hard to call Rebecca by another name... maybe 'beloved daughter'?

"That's why..."

Alan paused, and I looked up at him, curious.

Looking straight into my eyes, Alan continued.

"Can I call you 'Sophie'?"

"Wh-What...!"

W-What, change the way he calls me?

I don't think it has anything to do with Rebecca?

"Would you mind being called 'Sophie'?"

"N-No, I don't mind... in fact, I'm... happy."

"Good. Then I'll call you 'Sophie' from now on."

Alan called my name gently and smiled.

That soft smile reminds me of the dream I had, whether it was a premonition or a lucid dream.

"Sophie, there's one more thing. I want you to change something too."

"W-What is it?"

I'm still in shock, but Alan continues.

"You always use polite language when talking to me, but you don't when talking to Rebecca, right? I feel left out."

"Um... so what are you saying?"

"I want you to use informal language when talking to me too."

Of course, that's what he means.

I didn't expect him to ask for that.

Talking to the Duke, Alan, in informal language is still a bit nerve-wracking...

"Since we're family, it's fine, right?"

"U-Um..."

When he puts it that way, I can't find a reason to refuse.

Besides, I'm just nervous; I don't dislike it.

Thinking that Alan wants to be this close makes me happy.

"O-Okay... I understand, Alan."

"Good."

Hearing my words, Alan smiled again.

Lately, Alan's expressions have become more varied, and my heart races more often.

Now, holding his hand, I feel a mix of embarrassment and happiness.

Seeing his soft smile, I can't help but remember that dream.

...Huh?

Wait, now that I think about it, aren't we getting closer to the relationship in that dream?

In the dream, Alan called me 'Sophie', and I called him 'Alan', and we didn't use polite language.

So, was that really a premonition?

N-No, but Alan was so sweet in that dream, it's embarrassing to even think about it.

So I'm not sure if it was a premonition or just a dream.

But being called 'Sophie' and being allowed to talk informally is something I never imagined when we first met.

...I-I have no idea which it is.