Love of Fortune and Steel

James blinked as the soft glow faded, finding himself standing in an opulent room bathed in warm light. He glanced around, momentarily disoriented. "Where are we?" he murmured.

Beside him, Bisera looked around in awe. Though raised in the luxury of Boris's grand palace and seasoned by her career as a general, nothing had prepared her for this. "What is this place?" she whispered, her voice tinged with wonder.

Just then, Seraphina's melodic voice resonated in James's mind. "Welcome to the Four Seasons Hotel in Bortinto, James. You're on the 50th floor."

His heart skipped a beat. "Wait, we're in Bortinto? On the 50th floor?" A surge of excitement washed over him. "We're back in my world!"

He turned to Bisera, eyes bright with joy. "Bisera, we're in Bortinto—the city where I come from!"

She gazed at him, both confused and amazed. "This is your homeland?"

"Yes! I was starting to worry I'd never see it again." He laughed with relief. "It's only been a few days, but it felt like forever."

Bisera took a tentative step forward, her gaze sweeping over the room. The polished marble floors gleamed under soft, unseen lights. Paintings unlike any she'd seen adorned the walls. "This chamber is beyond anything I have ever seen," she breathed. "But where are the candles or hearths? How is it so well lit?"

James smiled. "We use electric lights—illumination without fire."

She stared in disbelief, her eyes wide like a curious cat's. "Light without flame? Is this the same sorcery you used back in the cave?"

He hesitated. "It's a type of technology we've developed."

She moved toward the vast windows spanning one wall. As she approached, her breath caught. "By the Universal Spirit... are we among the heavens?" Looking down through the transparent wall, dizziness overtook her. The city lights below stretched infinitely, tiny as stars. Her knees weakened, and she stumbled backward.

James noticed and quickly stepped forward. "Bisera, are you alright?"

She clutched his arm, her grip tight like a startled feline's claws. "The floor... it falls away beneath us!" she exclaimed, trembling.

He gently guided her away from the window. "It's alright. That's just a window made of glass. It's solid; it won't let you fall."

She glanced back warily. "Glass? But so large and clear."

"Yes, it lets us see outside while staying protected."

Her grip remained firm. "I've never been this high before. Even the tallest towers in Vakeria are nothing compared to this. It feels... unnatural."

He offered a reassuring smile. "I promise, you're safe here."

Realizing how close they were standing, she released his arm and stepped back, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Forgive me," she murmured.

"No need to apologize," he said softly. "You took care of me in your world; let me do the same for you in mine."

She gave a small, nervous laugh, her eyes darting away shyly. "I didn't expect the ground to be so far below. It caught me off guard."

He nodded. "It can be overwhelming even for people from my world."

She looked at him appreciatively, her gaze lingering. "Thank you for steadying me."

"Anytime," he replied, still feeling the warmth of her touch lingering on his arm.

An intimate silence settled between them, each acutely aware of the other's presence.

She glanced around, eager to divert her thoughts. "This chamber is truly magnificent. You must be very wealthy to afford such luxuries."

He shook his head. "Actually, this isn't my home. This is a hotel—a place where travelers stay. It's like an inn or tavern."

She tilted her head, feline curiosity sparking in her eyes. "This is a tavern?"

"Yes, and I paid for one night's stay in this room."

Her eyes widened. "This magnificent tower is a tavern? Why would someone build such a grand structure for travelers?"

James smiled, choosing his words carefully. "The hotel isn't owned by a single great lord or noble. It's owned by a corporation—a collective organization created by law, treated somewhat like a person. This corporation is owned by shareholders—merchants, investors, even ordinary people—who have invested their wealth and hold shares of ownership."

Bisera's brow furrowed. "An entity treated like a person, yet it does not live or breathe?"

"Exactly. It's a legal construct that can own property, enter into agreements, and is responsible for its debts and actions, separate from its owners."

She considered this, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "So these shareholders pool their resources to undertake ventures too large for one individual?"

"Yes. They gather wealth to invest in large projects like building this hotel. As it earns money from guests like us, the profits are distributed back to the shareholders."

A glimmer of understanding appeared in her eyes. "In Vakeria, merchants sometimes fund trade caravans together. Is your corporation like that?"

"That's a good comparison," James said. "But on a much larger scale, involving thousands, even millions of shareholders, undertaking massive projects."

She nodded slowly, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of a marble table. "Then countless people must have contributed to create such a grand tower. The wealth required would be beyond that of even the richest nobles in my land."

"Indeed," he agreed. "But in our world, we have institutions that facilitate such processes. This allows even ordinary people to own a small piece of large enterprises."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "So common folk can become part-owners of grand ventures? In Vakeria, wealth and opportunities of this scale are reserved for the nobility and the most prosperous merchants."

"Yes. It's one way we've distributed wealth more broadly."

Bisera pondered this. "But with so many involved, who leads this corporation?"

"Typically, the shareholders elect a board of directors who make major decisions and oversee management. They appoint executives who handle day-to-day operations."

She seemed intrigued. "So these directors and executives are like the leaders of a merchant caravan?"

"In a way," he replied. "They run the corporation on behalf of all the shareholders."

She glanced around the opulent room. "The cost of one night's stay here must be significant. Does that mean only the very wealthy can afford such lodging?"

"This hotel is luxurious, so it's more expensive than most. But many people save up for special occasions. There are more affordable accommodations as well. Our advancements have made many luxuries accessible to more people."

Bisera looked thoughtful. "In Vakeria, such luxury is reserved for nobility. Commoners would never dream of staying in such a place."

"Our society strives to offer opportunities to more people, not just the elite," James explained.

She turned back to the window, gazing out at the sprawling metropolis below. The sheer expanse of the city lights seemed endless. "Your homeland reminds me of tales from the old legends—a place where abundance is so great that even those of humble birth can live comfortably. Where merit and effort can elevate one's station."

He raised an eyebrow. "You've heard stories like that?"

"Yes," she replied, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "During my studies, my philosophy teacher—a Gillyrian scholar—spoke of an ancient society where justice and fairness prevailed, and material wealth was abundant. But it sank under the ocean waves millennia ago. I thought they were merely fanciful tales."

"Why a Gillyrian scholar?" James asked, intrigued.

She smiled softly. "Though Vakeria excels in military prowess and technology, when it comes to philosophy, arts, and culture, the Gillyrians are far ahead. They are a far older civilization that once ruled the Mediterranean and possess knowledge from areas now lost to us. Father wanted me to learn from the brightest minds. My philosophy teacher was among them."

James nodded, impressed. "In my world, we have similar stories."

She looked at him, her eyes searching his. "But seeing your world now, I realize that such a place is not a myth but simply exists in a different universe."

He felt a warmth spreading in his chest at her words. "Perhaps our worlds have more in common than we thought."

She turned back to the window, taking in the vast cityscape once more. "How many people live in Bortinto?" she asked softly.

"About three million," James replied.

She gasped, stepping back from the window. "Three million? In one city? How is that possible? How do you provide enough food and water? How do you manage waste disposal, housing, and disease prevention?"

He smiled. "We have advanced systems—plumbing, sanitation, medicine—that help us support large populations."

She shook her head slowly. "The largest cities in Vakeria hold perhaps twenty thousand souls. Beyond that, disease and famine take their toll."

He nodded. "We've had many centuries to develop solutions."

She glanced around again, absorbing the wonder and marvel. "Your world is filled with wonders."

She hesitated, then asked, "So where is your personal residence?"

"It's in the suburbs, far from the city center. We're in the heart of the city now."

"Wait, the center of the city is full of these towers for travelers instead of a fortress?" Bisera seemed incredulous, her feline eyes narrowing in confusion.

"In my world, we no longer need city walls and fortresses. We have weapons that can destroy the enemy before they even cross into our country. In fact, some nations in this world have weapons that can destroy entire cities or even regions in an instant," James said, trying to simplify modern warfare.

Bisera was shocked but thoughtful. "That sounds like the powers of the archangels."

James was surprised. "What do you mean?"

She explained, "The holy book says that in antiquity, there was a city so advanced and wealthy that its people became decadent and tampered with the Spirit's creations in forbidden ways. One of the archangels destroyed the city with the blast of a thousand suns."

He regarded her with newfound curiosity. "Interesting."

"I couldn't fathom it before," Bisera murmured, almost to herself. She looked at him earnestly. "Can you tell me more about the weapons of your world?"

Just as he was about to pull out his cellphone to show her more, he realized he didn't have it with him.

"Looking for your cellphone, James? It's at your home. You left it on the washroom counter of the museum, and I kindly teleported it back to your house as a gesture of kindness for you committing to be my knight. Consider it a signing bonus. Aren't I just the sweetest?" Seraphina's voice rang in James's mind, her tone both grand and teasing.

James rolled his eyes at Seraphina's self-aggrandizement. Then her voice echoed again, imbued with a grandeur befitting an archangel. "However, James, recall the edicts I have imparted regarding the transference of armaments and related knowledge between worlds. Such actions would disrupt the equilibrium of the cosmos, bestowing undue advantage and unsettling the sacred balance. Therefore, while you may elucidate the principles of your world's technologies to Bisera, the physical conveyance of such weapons into her realm remains forever beyond your grasp."

Bisera looked at James with a curious stare. "Are you speaking to Seraphina again?"

"Yes," he replied, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "She told me that I won't be able to bring weapons from this world to yours because it would disturb the cosmic balance, apparently, as it provides an unfair advantage."

"That's expected," Bisera said, accepting the news calmly. Her eyes reflected a serene understanding, rooted in her deep reverence for Seraphina and the teachings of the Universal Spirit, which valued justice and fairness above all.

James observed her, a surge of admiration welling up inside him. He knew how profoundly Bisera loved her country—how every decision she made was weighed against the well-being of her people. Yet, despite the potential advantage advanced weapons could offer Vakeria, she accepted Seraphina's decree without hesitation or complaint. Her selflessness and adherence to a higher moral code struck a chord within him.

He felt his heartbeat quicken, a warm sensation spreading through his chest. The way she gracefully balanced her duty with her principles revealed a depth of character he hadn't fully grasped until now.

"You're remarkable," he found himself saying softly, the words escaping before he could second-guess them.

She looked up at him, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

He hesitated for a moment, then continued, "Despite everything—your responsibilities, your love for your country—you accept Seraphina's guidance without question. Your faith and willingness to see the bigger picture are... inspiring."

A faint blush touched her cheeks. "It is our duty to trust in the wisdom of the Universal Spirit and its messengers," she replied modestly. "Even if it's not the path we envisioned."

He nodded, a sincere smile forming on his lips. "Still, it's not easy to put aside our own desires for a greater cause. You do it with such grace."

Her eyes met his, and for a moment, they shared a silent understanding. James felt the bond between them deepen, rooted not just in shared experiences but in mutual respect and admiration. He suddenly felt even more drawn to her, recognizing that their connection was evolving into something richer and more profound.

Just then, she knelt down, her head bowed. "Thank you, Universal Spirit, for revealing the grandeur of your creation to me," she whispered, beginning to pray.

While Bisera was praying, James thought to Seraphina in his mind. "I didn't know you had such great power."

To his surprise, she replied, "I do."

James thought, "Wait, so you are the archangel Seraphina?"

Her voice came again: "Only one question per task."

Before James could ask more, Bisera opened her eyes and rose gracefully.

"Everything alright?" he asked gently.

She nodded. "Yes. I just needed a moment."

Then, Bisera slowly took in the surroundings once again, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of electric lights. "Your world seems so advanced. Do you ever miss it when you're in mine?"

He considered her question. "I did, but being here now, I realize it wasn't complete without you."

She felt her cheeks warm and quickly looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "You mean that?"

"Yes," he said sincerely, his gaze steady on her.

She was silent for a moment, then spoke softly. "I was afraid you would have to leave me behind."

Realizing she had voiced her deepest worry, her cheeks flushed a deeper shade. She pulled her hand back gently, her heart racing. "Perhaps we are both fortunate to experience each other's worlds."

"Perhaps," he agreed, his gaze lingering on her.

Then, without thinking, James picked up the remote and turned on the television. The screen lit up, showing a scene from an action movie featuring a warrior woman.

Bisera gasped, leaping up like a startled kitten. "What enchantment is this?"

"It's called a television. It displays moving images for entertainment."

She approached cautiously, her eyes wide with wonder. "Is this a portal to yet another Universe?"

"No, it's a recording—a performance captured to watch later."

She furrowed her brow. "How can a performance be captured?"

"We have devices called cameras that can record what they see and hear, storing it so we can watch it whenever we like."

She shook her head in amazement. "Your magic knows no bounds."

She watched as the heroine battled foes with incredible skill. "Her attire is impractical," Bisera noted, tilting her head in a display of curiosity. "She leaves too many parts of her body unprotected. Is she not concerned for her safety? Perhaps she has fallen on tough times."

He chuckled. "That's a common issue in our stories. They often prioritize appearance over practicality."

But as the warrior overcame her enemies, Bisera's expression softened into admiration. "She must be a master of mana channeling," she mused. "Perhaps armor is unnecessary for her."

"You might be right," he said, amused by her interpretation.

She turned to him, eyes shining with curiosity. "So instead of telling tales through bards, people in your world act them out and record them?"

"Exactly."

"Amazing! If permissible, could you teach me this? It would greatly aid scouts in providing accurate accounts."

James was impressed. "Of course, I will be more than happy to."

He then offered her a piece of truffle chocolate from the minibar. "Would you like to try this?"

She accepted it hesitantly, sniffing it delicately. "I've never seen anything like this. It looks like a clump of soil."

"Give it a try. I promise you'll like it."

She took a small bite, and as the rich, velvety chocolate melted on her tongue, her eyes widened in astonishment. A delightful warmth spread through her, her senses enveloped by the decadent flavor. "This is... extraordinary!" she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Overjoyed, she impulsively threw her arms around James. "Thank you so much!" she exclaimed, her heart pounding like a drum.

James was momentarily surprised but quickly embraced her in return. He could feel her warmth, the softness of her embrace stirring feelings he hadn't fully acknowledged.

Realizing the intimacy of the moment, Bisera suddenly pulled back, her cheeks flushing deeply. She averted her gaze, eyes flickering downward. "I... I didn't mean to be so forward," she stammered softly. "It's just that I've never tasted anything so wonderful."

He offered her a gentle smile, his own cheeks slightly warm. "There's nothing to apologize for. I'm glad it brought you joy."

She glanced up, meeting his eyes briefly before a shy smile curved her lips.

An intimate silence settled between them.

"Bisera," he began softly, "I've been thinking."

"Yes?" she replied, her heart fluttering like a bird in flight.

"Now that we know it's possible to travel between our worlds, perhaps we can continue to do so."

She considered his words, hope rising within her. "You mean we wouldn't have to say goodbye?" Realizing she had voiced her deepest hope, she quickly covered her mouth, her cheeks turning crimson.

"Exactly. We could share our worlds with each other," James replied, his eyes never leaving hers.

A hopeful smile spread across her face. "That would be a blessing." Slowly, she raised her eyes and summoned the courage to look into his. For some reason, she found it took more bravery to meet his gaze than to face the fiercest enemy.

James felt his heart pounding. "I was afraid you would have to leave me behind," Bisera admitted softly.

He reached out and gently lifted her chin, his eyes sincere. "I don't want to leave you behind. Perhaps Seraphina has a greater plan for us."

"Maybe she does," Bisera agreed. But the mention of Seraphina brought her back to reality. She suddenly became aware that they were alone in a room together, an unmarried man and woman. Her face warmed further, and she took a step back, trying to suppress her growing feelings in accordance with her upbringing.

"James?" Bisera said gently, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes?"

"Thank you for showing me your world. It's beyond anything I could have dreamed."

He looked into her eyes. "I'm glad you're here to experience it with me. We should thank Seraphina; she made it possible."

Bisera's face flushed again at the mention of Seraphina. She noticed the two grand beds, and her embarrassment eased slightly. If Seraphina brought them here, then perhaps the arrangement was proper and respectful.

Then, Bisera remembered her armor and that there was no one to help her remove it for the night. With a hesitant smile, she asked, "James, could you assist me in removing my armor?"

"Of course," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "And don't worry; it's completely safe here. You can rest without concern."

"Maybe that's why Seraphina brought us here," she mused softly. "To finally have a good night's sleep."

"Perhaps," he agreed.

He helped her with the clasps and straps, carefully removing each piece. As each layer came off, they shared light conversation—their words mingling with the distant sounds of the city outside. She recounted tales of past battles and strategies, her eyes lighting up with each story. He listened intently, admiring her courage, intelligence, and the passion that burned beneath her reserved exterior.

As the final piece was lifted away, a noticeable musk filled the air—a blend of leather, metal, and the exertions of long travel and combat. James tried to mask his reaction, but a fleeting grimace crossed his face.

Bisera caught the subtle change. "Is something amiss?" she asked, her eyes keen and observant.

He hesitated, feeling a flush rise to his cheeks. "No, not at all," he replied a bit too quickly.

Understanding dawned on her, and she glanced down self-consciously. "Ah, yes. Days on the road and in armor do leave their mark," she admitted with a faint smile. "Is there a bathhouse nearby?"

He gestured toward the bathroom. "Actually, there's a bath right here."

Her eyebrows raised in surprise, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Within your chambers? And without attendants to prepare it?"

"Yes. It's private, and you can use it whenever you like."

She followed him to the luxurious bathroom. The room gleamed with polished marble; a large tub stood at the center under soft lighting. Gleaming fixtures adorned the walls, and plush towels were neatly arranged.

Bisera gazed around, her eyes wide with wonder. "This is your bathing chamber? And you have it all to yourself?"

He smiled. "Yes, it's part of the accommodations here."

She stepped further in, running her fingers over the smooth marble, her touch as light as a cat's paw. "So... are we going to summon the attendants?"

"Well, here you don't need attendants," he said, moving to the faucet. "Watch this." He turned the handle, and water flowed smoothly into the tub.

Her mouth parted in astonishment, a soft gasp escaping her lips. "Hot water... flowing instantly? Without servants or even a fire?"

"You can adjust the temperature as you like," he demonstrated, turning the knobs. "Hot or cold."

She tentatively reached out to feel the water, a delighted purr escaping her throat. "This is incredible," she whispered. "Such convenience is unheard of."

He enjoyed her amazement. "It makes things easier."

She looked around, noticing the absence of attendants. "So, one bathes alone here? Without assistance?"

"Yes," he replied. "Privacy is customary."

She seemed contemplative. "Now I see how daily baths are achievable in your world. Your bathing culture would put even the Gillyrians to shame."

He smiled. "The soaps and shampoos are here—their uses I explained before." He pointed to the array of bottles. "Use anything you like."

She picked up a bottle, uncorking it to inhale the fragrance. "Lavender," she noted, her eyes closing briefly in pleasure. "Such luxuries."

He stepped back toward the door, his hand on the handle. "I'll leave you to it. If you need anything, just let me know."

After they finished taking turns to shower, Bisera emerged wearing a plush robe provided by the hotel. Her damp hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her cheeks glowed with a fresh warmth.

She retired to one of the grand beds, running her hand over the soft linens. "These sheets are so fine," she remarked. "Softer than any fabric I've known."

"They're made from high-quality cotton," James said, settling into the other bed.

She settled into the bed, sighing contentedly. "It's like lying on a cloud." She nestled into the pillows, her movements graceful and feline.

"I really must not get used to this. It will make me soft," she said with a playful smile, her eyes twinkling.

"Or it can motivate you, now that you know what you're fighting for," James joked gently.

Bisera gazed steadily at James, her face turning a bit red as she spoke. "Oh, I think I know exactly what I am fighting for now."