3- Welcome To Sylvestria [3]

"Be good at school, okay?" Celine's voice is tender, her eyes soft as she leans forward to kiss my forehead.

The gesture is filled with love and concern, grounding me in a familiar and alien moment.

"You might not dream of becoming a Magitist anymore, but that doesn't mean you can slack off with your studies," André adds, ruffling my hair with a playful grin. His voice carries a mix of encouragement and good-natured teasing, the fatherly affection I hadn't realized I had missed.

Their warmth and care make my chest tighten. Dominic's parents—my parents in this new world—shower me with the same love and concern my parents did in my previous life.

"Be careful on your way to school, okay?" Celine repeats, her tone slightly more serious.

"Your mother's right," André chimes in. "And remember, do well in school, okay?"

Their words, spoken with such sincerity, echo the ones my parents used to say every morning before I left for school. Back then, despite our struggles, they always ensured I felt loved, urging me to excel so we might one day escape our hardships together.

But I failed them.

My life ended abruptly, leaving dreams unachieved, commitments unmet, and promises broken. The thought of my parents back on Earth—their pain, their possible despair at losing me—hits like a dagger to the heart.

How are they coping with my death? Are they blaming themselves? Or worse, blaming each other?

The weight of these unanswered questions presses down on me, and before I can stop it, tears blur my vision. It's an involuntary tribute to a life I can never return to, to the love I left behind.

"Dominic, you're crying again!" Celine's voice breaks through my spiraling thoughts. She places her hands on my shoulders, her touch firm but gentle, her expression etched with worry.

Her sudden movement jolts me back to the present. Realizing my tears are visible, I hurriedly wipe them away, trying to mask my vulnerability.

"Don't worry, I'm fine," I manage to say, forcing a smile that even feels hollow.

Celine's gaze lingers, searching my face for the truth. She doesn't seem entirely convinced, but she doesn't press further.

"Dominic, I can accompany you to school if you're feeling unwell," André offers, his voice steady and reassuring. His hand ruffles my hair again, a comforting and grounding gesture.

His offer suddenly illuminates an important detail I'd overlooked amidst the whirlwind of emotions: I have no idea how to get to school. In this new life as Dominic, there are still so many unknowns—routines to establish, paths to navigate, and knowledge to gain.

"Sure, Dad," I reply, the words spilling out almost reflexively.

Welcoming his company solves the immediate issue of finding my way, but it also presents an opportunity to bond with André and learn more about this world. His kindness and understanding have already eased some of my fears, and I sense that having him by my side, even for a little while, will help me begin to truly step into Dominic's life.

Celine's worried expression softens as she observes our interaction. "That's a good idea. André, make sure he gets to school safely."

"Of course," André replies with a chuckle, grabbing his coat. "Let's go, Dominic."

I nod and open the door, and a breathtaking sight strikes me.

Spreading out before me are endless fields of lavender, their vibrant hues glowing in the soft morning light. The gentle breeze carries their soothing scent, brushing against my skin like a tender reminder of the beauty in this world.

So, this is where the lavender fragrance came from when I first woke up here.

Taking in the expansive view, I realize where I must be—the Golden Fields Region of Verdant Haven.

Verdant Haven is divided into five distinct regions:

• Verdant Haven City, the bustling capital at the heart of the land, where magic and culture intertwine in its vibrant streets.

• To the north lies the Greenwood Region, a dense forest teeming with ancient secrets and wildlife, perfect for adventurers and explorers.

• The Golden Fields Region, to the south, where I now stand, is a testament to agricultural prosperity with its fertile lavender fields stretching endlessly.

• To the west, the Emerald Coastline boasts serene beaches, hidden coves, and an underwater world alive with magic.

• Finally, the Misty Peaks to the east rise like majestic sentinels, shrouded in mist and mystery, home to ancient ruins and mystical temples.

Each region is a piece of the tapestry that makes Verdant Haven a place of infinite wonder and adventure.

"It looks like harvest season for the lavenders is near," André remarks, pausing beside me. His gaze lingers on the vibrant fields, his expression of quiet appreciation. Then, glancing back at me gently, he adds, "Let's go."

I step beside him, feeling both awe and anticipation as we begin the journey.

"Have a great day at school, Dominic!" Celine's voice rings out from the doorway, warm and encouraging. Turning, I see her waving, and I mirror the gesture with a smile before continuing down the cobblestone path.

The beauty of the fields is overwhelming, a stark contrast to my previous life's dull, chaotic streets. The lavender stretches as far as the eye can see, their perfume calming my spirit.

As we walk, something extraordinary catches my eye—a farmer standing amidst his field raising his hands in a delicate motion. He manipulates water from the air with fluid grace, guiding it into a bucket using magic. I watch, mesmerized by the seamless blend of effort and enchantment.

After a stroll, we arrive at a quaint village that could easily belong in a French countryside postcard, though with a Sylvestrian twist. Stone cottages with flower-filled balconies line the streets, but atop their roofs, modern solar panels glistening in the sunlight.

The village bustles with life. Magic shops display floating objects in their windows, bakeries fill the air with the intoxicating aroma of fresh pastries, and enchanted fountains sparkle with ethereal light. Everywhere I look, the integration of magic into everyday life is evident.

"Bonjour, Monsieur André, and Monsieur Dominic!" a cheerful villager calls out as they pass.

"Bonjour!" we reply in unison.

The villagers' warm greetings hint at Dominic's place in this community- now my. Was I well-known? Popular, even?

André waves back with his characteristic ease, his smile genuine. I mimic his gestures, trying to match his demeanor and blend into the life I'm now stepping into.

As we leave the village, the distinctive silhouette of the middle school comes into view. It's a charming structure that blends traditional French architecture with modern features like solar panels. The stone façade and grand gate exude prestige, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.

The area is lively, with students gathering in groups and chatting animatedly as they head to class. Some descend from the sky on brooms, their casual use of magic fascinating me. Others arrive in sleek, Aether-powered cars, a futuristic contrast to the school's rustic backdrop.

"Dominic."

André's voice halts me in my tracks. Turning to face him, I notice his thoughtful expression and steady gaze.

"Da—"

"Dominic, what's the deeper reason you no longer want to be a Magitist?"

His gentle tone catches me off guard, and my heart skips a beat. Does he suspect something? While magic is commonplace here, transmigration would seem absurd even in this world. I need to handle this carefully.

"It seems I can't fool you with a lie, Dad," I admit with a sigh. "The truth is… I'm tired of studying. I don't want to deal with the pressure of being a genius or something."

It's a crafted excuse, but not entirely untrue. The medals in my room hint at the high expectations placed on Dominic, and my desire for a different path resonates with this reasoning.

André's expression softens. "I see… I'm sorry for not noticing your struggles earlier."

The guilt in his voice tugs at me. I've unintentionally burdened him with worry in trying to protect my secret.

"Calm down, Dad. You didn't do anything wrong," I reassure him.

But his concern only deepens. Placing his hands on my shoulders, his voice wavers with sincerity. "Dominic, did we pressure you? If so… I'm sorry!"

Before I can respond, he pulls me into a firm embrace, his actions radiating an apology that's felt more than spoken.

His emotional depth surprises me. I've quickly learned that Celine and André are loving parents, but this moment reveals just how deeply they care. They're willing to shoulder blame they don't deserve, all for my sake.

"Dad, really, it's okay," I say, trying to soothe him.

André steps back, his hands still on my shoulders. "Then, who pressured you? Was it the teachers? Your classmates?"

Caught in a web of my own making, I tread carefully. "No, Dad. It's just… internal pressure. Expectations I put on myself."

He studies me for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright. Just remember, your mother and I are here for you. Always. You don't have to carry everything alone."

His words settle in my heart, a comforting balm amid the complexity of my circumstances. "I know, Dad. Thank you."

His smile returns, warm and reassuring. Ruffling my hair one last time, he steps aside. "Well, I don't want to make you late. Have a great day at school!"

Then, with a playful grin, he slaps my back—hard.

"Gah!" The unexpected force catches me off guard, nearly knocking the wind out of me.

"Oops, sorry about that. Are you okay?" he asks, his concern immediate.

"Y-Yeah," I reply, giving a shaky thumbs-up. Despite the surprise, his playful gesture brings a smile to my face.

"Good. Now get going!"

With one last wave, I turn toward the school gates. As I walk, a mix of excitement and nervousness courses through me. My first day at school in this new world awaits, and with it, a chance to uncover what lies ahead in Dominic's life.