There were very few tall buildings above two stories, as well as a lack of a central building above them all, as was custom in most cities.
However, it still counted as a city nonetheless.
Skymender made his way to the hospital, his carriage receiving astonished and excited looks from all who saw it.
Here, he was akin to royalty.
Skymender quickly arrived and made his way inside.
As if expecting him, he was quickly met by multiple doctors. Upon sharing his goal for coming, he was brought to another section of the hospital. He met with someone that was half a doctor and half an artist.
He specialized in making better looking medical assistants.
For example, a cane could be customized to look elegant or aged. A brace for a broken bone could be designed with tiger patterns. A mask on the face could be recolored or drawn on.
Of course for Skymender, the options were much greater than others. In fact, as long as his request did not exceed the artist's capability, he could do whatever he wanted.
Skymender thought long and hard before coming to a decision.
His current mask only covered his mouth and nose, but he would design a mask that would cover the entire bottom of his face.
It would be white with golden patterns on the outside.
He stated his idea to the artist, who immediately nodded. He drew up some sketches, and after slight changes, declared that it would be done by tomorrow. Without a doubt, the artist would put his heart and soul into it, especially since it would be created using real gold, a chance he may never get again.
Skymender believed in his abilities and returned home for the day. Skipping school, he returned the next day.
He was instantly brought to the artist, whose eyes were clearly tired. He must have not slept at all.
However, he was clearly excited.
"Lord Skymender. I have completed your new mask to the best of my ability. It has already been incorporated with the same technology on your mask, meaning it is as efficient as your current one and ready to wear." The artist said excitedly.
He then opened the box he was holding, allowing Skymender to see inside.
Skymender saw it and smiled. It was just as he had imagined it.
He gave the artist a nod and spoke. "Very good."
He kept his words short since his throat was still injured and always would be. The artist smiled at his acknowledgement.
Skymender took off his mask and breathed the fresh air. However, he soon felt his breathing become difficult. In less than an hour, it would be hard for him to breathe.
Skymender took the mask out of the box and put it on. For the first time in a while, he felt good. The mask covered more of his face, but it also gave balance.
The pure white fabric and the golden patterns made him seem even richer than he was.
Luckily, the gold was not very expensive since it was in a very small amount. Skymender paid the artist a handsome amount for his good work and left.
Upon returning home, he was greeted by his Mother and Father.
They were surprised to see him wearing a new mask. However, they instantly found it more pleasing to the eye. The other mask looked awkward since it was just a circle on the face.
This made it look much better. It also looked very expensive, but also worth the money.
Baron Sky knew exactly how much money Skymender had been spending, but as long as it was not wasted, he could endure. After all, they made plenty of money. Skymender's spendings combined were around 1% of their yearly profit. This was definitely a large amount, but it was okay since he was, after all, their son.
His mother came closer and studied the mask for a while, but his father continued on with whatever he was doing. His mother soon left, leaving Skymender as the only member of the Sky Barony in the house.
There were servants, but nobody else. Even after living so long, this was a rare situation. He returned to his room and saw Li Youcai standing outside of it.
"Back so soon, Lord Skymender?" He asked.
Skymender nodded.
"I like the new look. I received a letter for you from the Imperial Capital."
Li Youcai handed him a letter. It was naturally from a noble at least, but it was not marked.
Skymender opened it and saw some words written down.
"A pity about your injuries. However, it has not knocked you down. Admirable. A master of poison could be greatly useful to the Empire, but there are very few who survive to reach that level. Most either die alongside the way or get scared into stopping their experimentation. Don't die. Don't give up. I don't want to be disappointed - Imperial Scholar. P.S. Have you ever considered becoming a scholar?"
Skymender was surprised. He did not expect the Imperial Scholar to have noticed him enough to send him such a letter.
Although he had reached the top in the intelligence exam, it had only been because of the adjustment for age.
Yet, the Imperial Scholar had clearly been keeping tabs on him. He even knew about him practicing poison, though it was not as if he was trying to hide it.
This changed his thinking about the Imperial Scholar. Perhaps he had plans for him.
As for becoming a scholar, Skymender had indeed thought of it. It did not seem like a bad path to take, nor an exclusive one. He could still practice poison or research while becoming a scholar. All that one needed to become a scholar was wisdom, intelligence, and knowledge.
Of course, to reach such a level, talent and the correct disposition was needed.
Being a scholar was about being above normal people. Noble scholars were rare since they were born above others and tended to be arrogant, but commoner scholars were like nobles among commoners.