He opened the door, the warm light enveloping him like a gentle tide as he stepped into the greenhouse. A faint mist hung in the air, rich with the scent of soil and blossoms. In the middle of the serene garden stood a woman—tall, poised, and unmistakably elegant. Her black hair flowed down in loose waves, and her dark eyes shimmered beneath the gentle glow of hanging lantern-orbs.
She wore a simple yet intricately designed white dress, its hem embroidered with delicate silver thread that caught the light like morning dew. Modest jewelry—small earrings and a slender bracelet—glinted faintly with arcane etchings.
She stood perfectly still, gazing at a freshly planted bouquet of flowers nestled in fertile soil. The blooms were unlike anything Marcus had seen before—broad petals, inky dark with deep crimson centers that pulsed faintly, almost like a heartbeat. They radiated a subtle, strange energy.
Probably native to this world as well… he thought. Dark, with red in the middle. The perfect flower for this family's theme.
Those flowers really stand out in a place this colorful…
Around them, the greenhouse was a kaleidoscope of life. Glass panels fogged slightly at the edges, and soft golden light filtered through clusters of hanging vines and fern-like plants that pulsed with soft luminescence. The distant sound of water trickling through a narrow fountain filled the silence like a lullaby.
Just across the greenhouse, Aveline moved slowly between rows of flora—eyes scanning, fingers brushing against leaves and petals. She crouched beside a different patch of blooming growth, bright and wild with color, utterly unlike the muted elegance of the flowers near their mother.
"How was your first day in school?"
The woman's voice was soft, almost like a whisper through silk, but it carried clearly as she turned her head slightly to look at Marcus. Her tone was calm—neither too warm nor cold—but there was a distinct undertone of curiosity and maternal attention.
"Well… got into a bit of trouble, but definitely was an interesting experience nonetheless."
Marcus replied, a little stiffly. He stood with his hands in his pockets, trying to sound casual, but his voice wavered slightly with the effort. He still didn't know how to act in front of his new family—each sentence felt like it could be a trap if phrased wrong. He tried not to fidget.
"Trouble?" she repeated, a faint chuckle escaping her lips. "Sounds unlike you. But it seems you had fun."
She returned her gaze to the flowers, her fingers gently tracing the outline of a petal. Her posture remained relaxed, composed—almost too perfect, like it had been practiced over years.
"What brings you here, dear?"
Marcus scratched the back of his head and glanced away, letting his eyes wander across the strange flora that filled the greenhouse. Each plant seemed stranger than the last—twisting vines, translucent blossoms, softly humming herbs. This world's ecosystem felt as foreign as the people in it.
"Well… the old man told me to go talk to you."
She sighed at that—not with irritation, but with quiet amusement, like someone who had long since stopped expecting logic from her husband.
"Your father and his nonsensical requests," she said, smiling faintly. "What would we even talk about?"
Before Marcus could reply, a sharp clang echoed from the mansion—a large dinner bell—followed by a loud, familiar shout.
"Dinner's ready!"
Lance's voice rang across the lawn, carried clearly even through the greenhouse glass.
Aveline's ears perked at the sound. She immediately stood upright with a bright, satisfied grin, brushing off her sleeves.
"Finally! I was waiting for hours."
She practically skipped toward the exit, the door swinging open briefly as she passed through. It thudded shut behind her, leaving Marcus alone with the woman in white.
"Guess we better get going now," she said with a quiet chuckle. Her smile lingered for a moment before she lifted her hand in a practiced, graceful motion.
Blue light shimmered around her fingers and bloomed outward into dust-like particles, scattering into the air like sparks. In a blink, she vanished—teleportation magic, the same type the professors had used at school.
Marcus exhaled, shoulders sagging slightly.
And just like that, the closest thing I had to a mother in this world disappeared too. No judgment. No affection. Just silence.
I'm not sure if that makes it easier or harder.
At least I didn't have to go for a longer talk…
I can't for the life of me make conversation without drawing suspicion to myself.
He glanced up at the glass ceiling above, where condensation blurred the stars. The vines overhead swayed gently in the enchantment breeze. His face tightened, weariness settling into his brow.
"Can't believe I'm saying this, but I miss school…"