Chapter 31

There's one more announcement.

"Sophie, we've arrived."

"Oh, yes..."

While I was lost in thought, it seemed we had already reached the mansion. I woke Rebecca, who had been sleeping, and she opened her eyes in a slight panic.

"S-Sorry, I fell asleep..."

"It's fine, did you sleep well?"

"Y-Yes."

"That's good. Here."

Alan got off the carriage and offered his hand to Rebecca. Rebecca, a bit surprised, hesitantly took his hand and got down.

"Thank you, Father."

"Ah."

After Rebecca got down, Alan immediately offered his hand to me as well.

"Sophie."

"Yes."

I took his hand and got off the carriage. Alan stood in front of me, with Rebecca beside him.

"Shall we go into our house, both of you?"

"Yes."

"Yes!"

At Alan's words, Rebecca and I smiled and nodded.

The three of us walked together, heading home. Just being together like this felt like a family.

No... We are a family now.

I've become close with Rebecca and Alan. While I might have been the one to initiate it, I couldn't have built this relationship on my own.

Rebecca and Alan both wanted to become a family.

I knew from my premonition that Rebecca was seeking love, but I never thought I could have such a good relationship with Alan.

I haven't been blessed with a family, but now I have one with Rebecca and Alan.

If I saw a premonition now, would Rebecca's future still lead to her becoming a villain and meeting a tragic end?

It's really on my mind. Premonitions are very convenient, but it's a shame I can't control when I see them.

When I see Rebecca's future again, I hope she's smiling. And as for my relationship with Alan... well, this is fine, yes.

I shouldn't aim too high; we've already become closer than I ever expected.

I looked at Alan's face beside me.

"Hmm? What's wrong, Sophie?"

"Nothing, Alan."

Alan, just like in the dream, calls me by my nickname and speaks to me without formalities. I don't want to get my hopes up too much... but it's hard not to have any expectations at all.

But I mustn't break the contract that says I can't love Alan. If I do, we won't be a family anymore.

"Father, Mother... I want to hold hands again."

I was a bit surprised by Rebecca's shy request. She's become more assertive, and her request is so cute.

Alan and I looked at each other, smiled, and nodded.

"Of course."

"Thank you...!"

"Yes, it might only be for a short time until we enter the house."

"Even so, I'm happy!"

Rebecca stood between Alan and me, holding our hands. She was beaming with joy, and Alan had a gentle smile on his face.

I don't know if Alan and I will maintain this good family relationship in the future or if we'll become even closer...

But being a family won't change.

"But Rebecca, I want to hold hands with Sophie too."

"A-Alan!?"

"Really? Then we can form a circle and hold hands...!"

"That's a good idea, Rebecca. It shouldn't be a problem for the short walk to the house."

"No, no, what are you saying, Alan... Really, are you going to do it?"

And we really did form a circle and walked to the front door.

I wondered what we were doing, but seeing Rebecca's happy smile and Alan's serious expression as he walked backward...

My cheeks relaxed on their own, and a smile slipped out.

This work is now available in book form, released on January 18th!

The label is "Gagaga Books f," a new label from Gagaga Bunko! I've included the cover image below, and if you click on it, it will take you to the official page.

Please check it out!

And I've also uploaded a new work.

"It's 'When I Switched Bodies with My Cold-Harted Husband, I Was Loved More Than I Expected.'"

It's a short story that's easy to read and very interesting. Please check it out!

Thank you!