Although his consciousness had just returned, and his head was a bit foggy, Yi Chen was still fairly aware of his surroundings and naturally noticed the arrival of Chamberlain, this high-ranking gentleman. Chamberlain pressed close to examine Yi Chen carefully, while all the people present, including the examiners and clergy, focused their gaze on him as though sensing something missing.
The owl perched on Chamberlain's shoulder let out a call.
“Here?” Following the owl’s direction, Chamberlain shifted his gaze to the back of Yi Chen’s head, parting his hair with his fingers to peer fully into the skull and observe the brain's internal state.
An intact brain came into view, and where its grooves should have been randomly distributed, there was an unusual reshaping at the back. The muscle-like streaks and indentations at the rear of his brain interlocked and combined, forming a "Professional Emblem" resembling an open book, perfectly symmetrical.
With each breath, oxygen flowed into his skull, causing the brain to pulsate with the intake. The 'Book' symbol imprinted on the back of his head created an illusion of pages turning, even with tiny letters on the surface seeming to shift like living text as they adjusted to his form.
“This!” Chamberlain, who had been in Zion for years, was so taken aback by the sight that he stared in amazement, frozen with his hand still on Yi Chen's head. It took him a full three minutes to realize his lack of decorum, and he quickly straightened himself.
“The ceremony has been a success; all of you have received your respective 'Professions' without exception. However, you’re still one step away from becoming true gentlemen. Before you officially start your 'training' with the organization, you’ll have two days of free time. Soon, a designated person will escort you to temporary accommodations in Zion City.
“Huh? William, is your emblem hidden somewhere secret? Well, my family has connections with a really good tailor shop in Zion; maybe we could go together?”
Yi Chen didn’t mind the suggestion. After all, he was unfamiliar with the place and completely unfamiliar with the process of “custom-made clothing’.”
However, Chamberlain, the white owl, gave him a sharp look and said sternly, “Due to William Behrens’ unique circumstances, I will personally oversee his lodging and attire.”
Edmund got the message, giving Yi Chen a quick look that said, “We’ll meet again.” He then left with his team.
The other examinees were either taken to temporary accommodations or, like Edmund, could head directly to established family estates in Zion.
“We’re leaving,” Chamberlain said, leading Yi Chen to an upscale restaurant called Brusalle, where they were seated in the deepest private room. Once the array of exquisite dishes was brought to the table, Chamberlain emphasized privacy to the waiter, ensuring that they wouldn’t be disturbed during the meal.
Dining with Chamberlain was rather uncomfortable for Yi Chen. Chamberlain's movements were incredibly refined, even keeping the exact angles of his knife and fork consistent and the food in his mouth for precisely the same duration every time. Yi Chen did his best to mimic the etiquette he saw.
“No need to force yourself. Later, during your formal training, you’ll learn gentlemanly etiquette in a structured way… After all, you were just a contracted worker at the cemetery before you came here.
“Relax and enjoy; this is your well-deserved reward.”
Yi Chen promptly updated his address, “Professor Chamberlain, I have one more question. Now that my profession is determined, how can I experience the changes it brings? Or, how can I examine information related to this profession?”
“This is why I’ve given you two days to complete something essential, the last step in becoming a gentleman: 'tailor-made clothing'. Take your gentleman’s skin and come with me…”
1. Balance = Behrens... Get it? XD