As the enforcer disappeared into the throng of bustling shoppers, Evander turned his gaze back to the pair of women still sitting across from him, their eyes wide with bewilderment. He might as well have sprouted an extra head from the way they were gaping at him. And yet, their surprise was laced with a hint of pleasure, as though his rebellious act had somehow proven amusing.

Feeling the discomfort hanging in the air, Evander smoothly reclaimed his seat, his face open and apologetic. "Sorry about that," he said, his voice soft as a feather's whisper, attempting to sweep away the awkward tension.

His polite demeanor seemed to throw the women for yet another loop. Their surprise was mirrored by a woman seated nearby, who murmured in an impressed undertone, "Not only is he quite a looker, he's got manners too. His family must've invested heavily in good tutors."

Evander chose to ignore the comment, his mind more concerned with the situation at hand. His eyes darted towards the bustling food stalls around them, their fragrant allure stirring his appetite. "How do you get those stone tokens you're using?" he questioned, deciding to shift the focus from himself to the peculiar local customs.

His question seemed to stun the girls again, their expressions reflective of shock. "You want to know about money?" Adrasteia stammered, her eyebrows hiking up towards her hairline. "But men don't usually...I mean, they don't handle..."

"How can I buy something?" Evander interjected, his curiosity winning over the absurdity of the situation. "I mean, if I wanted to purchase something for myself."

The girls exchanged a flustered glance. "Normally, women buy things for their men," Calliope explained, her voice cautious as though she was treading on thin ice.

Before he could comment on the impracticality of such an arrangement, Adrasteia blurted out, "We could buy something for you. What would you like?"

Evander's refusal was as gentle as it was firm. He was a man forged in the crucible of a different world, one where pride and independence were pillars of self-respect. Accepting their generosity would be tantamount to surrendering a part of his identity.

"I appreciate the offer," he began, his gaze steady as he locked eyes with the two girls. "But I would like to fend for myself, if you don't mind."

His refusal landed with a quiet thud, coloring the girls' faces with a soft tinge of disappointment. He hadn't intended to rebuff their goodwill, and the look on their faces felt like a mild blow to his chest. This is their world, their customs. But I can't let that change who I am.

Wishing to steer the conversation away from the minor setback, he inquired about procuring one of the money stones for himself. This seemed to reignite the spark in their eyes. They appeared ecstatic to help him navigate this unfamiliar landscape.

Calliope fished out an electronic device, its display alive with magical symbols and glyphs. His mind, having been fed on a diet of pure science all his life, balked at the unfamiliarity of the magic-infused technology.

"There's a guild bank here, in the mall," she reported, her voice abuzz with excitement.

Without further ado, the girls finished their meals, practically inhaling the food in their haste. Evander felt a strange amusement at the sight. So much for feminine grace and poise. As they rose from their seats, each girl by his side led him away from the food court.

The envious stares of other women followed them, their gazes focused on the two young girls who had successfully captured the attention of the only male in the vicinity. The girls basked in their victory, their joy unhidden as they guided Evander towards his next destination.

The crowd at the mall was a vibrant tapestry of colors and sounds, awash in a tide of feminine voices and laughter. Calliope and Adrasteia, locked on either side of him, seemed to revel in the attention they were garnering. They were close enough for Evander to feel the warmth of their bodies, yet they maintained a respectful distance, never infringing on his personal space.

As they navigated through the bustling mall, Evander's eyes roved across the sights around him, his mind riddled with curiosity. He questioned the girls on the myriad things he observed, his innocent curiosity only fueling their fond amusement. To them, he was an endearing child exploring a world vastly different from his own.

His position in this strange dynamic was unnerving, a stark departure from the societal norms he was accustomed to. Is this what it's like to be a "cute one" in their world? The thought of himself as the damsel in distress, while the stronger, more worldly girls played the knights, sent a shiver crawling down his spine.

Their journey through the mall culminated on the ground floor, in front of a formidable structure that bore a striking resemblance to a modern-day bank vault. The only difference was the smattering of magical inscriptions that adorned its façade, casting an eerie glow that was almost hypnotic.

The sight of the guards stationed at the entrance jolted him. They were women, strong and intimidating, and for the first time since his arrival in this world, Evander saw firearms. Handguns, to be precise. The sight was both alarming and oddly comforting.

As if sensing his internal conflict, Adrasteia leaned in, her voice soothing as she reassured him. "You're safe, Evander. They would never harm you."

The interior of the bank was grandiose, with marble flooring underfoot and a vaulted ceiling overhead. The walls were lined with mahogany and gold trim, giving the large room an air of elegance and wealth. A customer service area was cordoned off to one side, populated by women immaculately dressed in smart suits and with precise, efficient movements. Behind them, the bank’s patrons formed an orderly line, waiting their turn with an air of practiced patience.

As they approached the queue, Calliope flashed a mischievous grin at her companion, a spark of anticipation lighting up her eyes. "I've always wanted to do this," she declared, excitement simmering in her voice. And, before Evander could decipher her meaning, she latched onto his arm and guided him to the front of the line.

Evander felt a flush of embarrassment heat his cheeks. Such blatant queue-jumping felt foreign and inappropriate to him. However, the reactions of the bank's patrons did nothing to assuage his discomfort. Instead of showing annoyance or indignation, they seemed indifferent to the spectacle, their expressions conveying that such a scene was commonplace.

Once they reached the front, one of the tellers concluded her dealings with a customer and seemed to beckon them forward. When she lifted her gaze to them, her eyes widened momentarily upon realizing there was a man among her next clients. She rose swiftly from her chair and, with a respectful bow of her head, welcomed them.

Guarding him like vigilant sentinels, the girls flanked Evander, their protective demeanor resembling that of seasoned bodyguards rather than youthful maidens. The woman behind the desk, an elegant figure dressed in a charcoal-colored business suit, directed her attention toward Calliope, perhaps due to her earlier display of assertiveness.

"What can we do for you today?" the woman inquired, her voice laced with a hint of curiosity. Her question hung in the air, pregnant with expectation. Evander drew in a breath, preparing to articulate his needs, when Calliope effortlessly stole his chance.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

"My new friend, Evander here, would like to acquire a paying stone for himself," she announced. The words echoed in the ornate room, an unexpected statement that held a hint of audacity.

The woman's eyebrows shot up in a wave of surprise, her expression reflecting both astonishment and intrigue. A murmur of "unusual, but not unheard of" seeped out from her lips, followed by a moment of contemplative silence. Then her gaze fell upon the girls, and the corners of her lips pulled down in a disapproving frown.

"You girls must be very mean not to treat him properly," she admonished, her words laced with a tinge of disappointment. A flush of embarrassment washed over Calliope and Adrasteia. Their cheeks turned as red as ripened apples, their pride bruised by the chastisement.

For the first time, the woman's gaze drifted toward Evander, her expression morphing into a blend of gentle regard and respect. It was an acknowledgment typically reserved for someone endearing and innocent. With an air of formality, she addressed him, "Man," her voice echoed in the grandeur of the room, and in her tone, the word sounded more like an honorary title than a gender reference.

"I need to run an ID check. Please place your hand on the crystal," she commanded, pointing towards a glowing object on her desk.

Complying with her instructions, Evander extended his hand and placed it on the luminescent crystal. His fingers tingled with an odd sensation as the woman tapped her fingers rhythmically on her machine, typing in a set of commands. The machine whirred to life, unveiling a three-dimensional holographic display.

An image of a younger-looking Evander materialized within the holographic prism, his countenance from a year ago vividly displayed. He looked healthier, his cheeks fuller, his skin glowing with vitality - a stark contrast to his current state.

Then, his gaze drifted to a series of floating text above his holographic self. His name, "Evander," was emblazoned in bold letters, followed by a string of archaic and aristocratic names: Evander Theodoric Arcturus Leonidas.

The holographic display cast a vivid spectrum of colors around the room, illuminating the awe-struck faces of Calliope and Adrasteia. The revelation of Evander's high-noble lineage sent a palpable shockwave through the pair. Their complexions paled and then bloomed into a deep shade of red, their expressions mirroring a blend of mortification and trepidation.

Across the counter, the bank clerk's countenance mirrored a similar palette of surprise, swiftly transitioning into a state of alarm. She abruptly stood, her chair skidding backward against the polished marble floor. With an apologetic bow to Evander, she murmured her excuse and vanished into a hidden door that led to the bank's private offices.

The silence left in her wake was filled with the uncomfortable rustling of the girls beside him. Adrasteia turned towards him, her usual confidence undermined by the shocking revelation. The words that left her lips carried a tone of horror, "Evander, we should have known... You're a high noble. If we'd known, we would have shown you more respect."

Simultaneously, Calliope was mumbling a litany of self-reproach. "Why wasn't he wearing his house badges?" She whispered more to herself than anyone else. "That would have warned everyone..."

However, their disquieted chatter fell into silence as the hidden door creaked open again. Out stepped the bank clerk, her previous worry now replaced with an air of composed professionalism. Beside her, a much older woman followed. Her hair was a silver waterfall cascading down her back, her face etched with years of wisdom. Her piercing gaze swept across the room, freezing everyone in their tracks.

The elder woman's smile was as sharp as her gaze, cutting through the heavy tension in the room. Respect radiated off her as she offered a deep bow towards Evander, a testament to his standing in this society. In return, he gave a respectful nod, accepting her courtesy.

However, before she could open her mouth to speak, Evander seized control of the conversation. His voice, firm and resolute, echoed throughout the hushed bank, "I am here to acquire a payment stone. Is it possible?"

She blinked in surprise, her face reflecting the unexpectedness of his request. An undercurrent of confusion swept across her features. She was clearly not anticipating such a mundane request from someone of his stature. Her gaze swept across his determined face, analyzing his conviction, and then she relented.

"Of course," she responded, bowing slightly in acknowledgment of his request. The words held the weight of deference, confirming his command.

She turned, settling into the plush chair behind the counter. The younger clerk, now restored to her previous position, hovered behind her. The elder woman's fingers danced across the holographic keyboard in front of her, her eyes scanning the information that appeared on the screen.

With a final nod at Evander, she gestured towards the luminescent crystal in front of him. "Please place your hand on the crystal," she instructed, her voice carrying an echo of respect.

As he complied, the crystal pulsed in response, a kaleidoscope of colors spiraling out from its center, reflecting in the polished surface of the stone placed next to it. The stone, inscribed with intricate symbols, began to glow in harmony with the pulsating crystal. The mesmerizing rhythm of the lights seemed to solidify the reality of his decision.

The elder woman's fingers paused on the holographic display as she tilted her head slightly in Evander's direction. She requested with measured politeness, "May I know the amount you wish to transfer from your personal account?"

A light flashed in Evander's eyes as a smile blossomed on his lips. He reclined, shoulders relaxed but posture still straight, exuding an air of nonchalant confidence. "Transfer as much as possible.”

Her fingers danced on the virtual keyboard again, the rhythm of her typing a stark contrast to the quiet of the room. The holographic display responded in kind, flashing with a flurry of numbers and texts. After a few seconds, her movements ceased and she swiveled her chair to face him.

Her gaze softened and in her voice echoed a note of regret, "I'm afraid your personal account does not hold any funds. Do you have any other accounts we could draw from?"

He nodded in quiet acceptance, his expression barely shifting. There was a beat of silence as he processed the information. A slight twitch of his eyebrows, the only indication of his internal thoughts. Empty, huh? Just like my old life.

The bank clerk then transitioned into an array of other services they could offer to someone of his stature, especially as a man in this world. She spoke with an eagerness to assist, trying to add value to his experience. But Evander remained unperturbed, his focus already miles ahead.

Instead, he listened politely, nodding at intervals, and thanked them for their help. His attention, though, was already on the stone. The glow it emitted felt like a symbol of the freedom he was seeking in this world.

Ignoring their offers, he stood up, the stone now safely tucked in his pocket. He knew about the fees associated with its use.

--

Evander found himself back in his residence, a dome seated amidst parklands. The night was falling in earnest now, the dome's walls, a sheer expanse of glass, providing an unbroken view of the encroaching twilight. He'd spent the day exploring, learning, exercising. Yet, now, as the evening cast long shadows, he was alone.

He pondered over the abrupt departure of Calliope and Adrasteia after their exit from the bank. Their faces, once lively and full of chatter, had become somber, their eyes revealing a newfound respect, or perhaps fear, towards him. The title 'high noble' they'd flung at him had seemed to deepen the chasm that was slowly forming between them.

Why should a title change anything?

He gazed out the window, his eyes drawn towards the city's edge where a mammoth wall guarded the civilized world from the wilderness beyond. As he squinted into the distance, a spectacle began to unfold.

Just above the wall, lights sprouted into the sky like a sudden bloom. Fireballs exploded in mid-air, their radiant glow illuminating the dark expanse before they disappeared as abruptly as they appeared. Bright streaks shot upwards, dancing and spiraling in an arcane ballet. They struck dark, ominous shadows that fell toward the earth.

The celestial onslaught continued to rage outside, the relentless volley of fireballs and streaks of light locked in a fierce skirmish with the descending shadows. The wilderness beyond the city was an ethereal stage, hosting a ballet of destruction and chaos that fascinated Evander.

A rogue grin of exhilaration danced across his face, the unfolding spectacle reflected in his eager eyes. A strange satisfaction was brewing within him, a thrill pulsating with the rhythm of his heartbeat. This was a world of peril and enchantment, where the boundaries of mundane reality were pushed and contorted beyond recognition. It was an arena for wild dreams and audacious spirits.

His words tumbled into the silence of his residence, spoken in hushed whispers like sacred confessions. "Now this... this is more like it," he murmured, his voice laced with an intoxicating blend of awe and excitement.

The constant backdrop of the dramatic display outside, the continuous surge and fall of the fireballs, the shrieking shadows crumbling under the assault - all of it made Evander feel oddly comfortable. His heart raced, his blood surged, every fiber of his being screamed of danger. Yet, there was an addictive thrill to it all. It was as if danger was an old friend he'd been waiting to meet, an indispensable part of his existence.