The world had not always been this way. Centuries ago, men and women stood nearly equal in stature and strength. But a sudden and unexplained biological shift — historians call it The Great Change — altered the course of civilization. Women began to grow taller, stronger, and hardier with each generation, while men grew smaller and less physically capable. Within a century, physical dominance reshaped cultural norms, and a matriarchal order replaced the old patriarchies.

Empires rose and fell under the guidance of towering queens, female senators, generals, and entrepreneurs. The law, rewritten to reflect the “natural order,” granted women the majority of political, financial, and social authority. Men were expected to live modestly, often working under female supervisors, requiring permission or sponsorship for certain rights — including banking.

Financial institutions became one of the most tightly controlled sectors, and by tradition (and regulation), women held all managerial and gatekeeping roles. Men could still hold accounts… but only after enduring extra scrutiny, fees, and procedural hoops — all “for their own protection,” as the official reasoning went.

And so, in the heart of the capital city, Imperial Savings Bank stood like a marble monument to this order — grand columns, polished floors, and women in crisp suits moving with purpose. At the front desk sat Ms. Veyra Talwick, Senior Receptionist. At 6’8” and built with the confident poise of someone who knows the rules bend for her, she was a model employee — and a quiet enforcer of the unspoken belief that men needed guidance… and sometimes a little humiliation.

She looked up from her desk as you — a young, clearly nervous male — stepped forward, clutching a small folder of documents. Her eyes scanned you from head to toe, her expression unreadable but her smirk faint.

“Welcome to Imperial Savings,” she said smoothly, folding her hands atop the desk “Here to open an account? …How ambitious.” She leaned forward slightly, making you tilt your head back to meet her gaze. “For male applicants, I’ll need to see proof of income, two letters of recommendation from female sponsors, and—” her smirk deepened, “—your patience. I trust you’ve come prepared?”