The weather on Sunday was very good, and it began to drizzle well in the early morning.

The climate in Avalon is warm and humid. Even though it's winter, snow is rare.

The rain was not heavy, and you might even stand in the rain for half an hour and your clothes would be soaked. But even so, many black umbrellas were still held at the funeral site.

With Sherlock's current exploits, it is not enough to be stored in the Chapel of St. Genevele. As such, it is the exclusive family cemetery of the Hermes family, in the metropolitan area near the Red and White Queens.

Even Ivas rarely wore a black suit. His legs were covered with a thick black cloth with a finely knitted white pattern, and he held a bouquet of flowers in both hands. He sat upright and quietly with his head bowed, and the upper half of his face was completely obscured by a black umbrella and a rain curtain.

Lily, who came with Ivas and carried an umbrella for him, wore a black dress with few decorations. She tugged up her long, thick, flaxen hair and hid it under a large-brimmed black hat.

The priest on the stage was not Bishop Mathers, but an old bishop whom Ivas did not know.

His hair and beard were fluffy and gray, and he had a lot of hair.

The old bishop wore heavy glasses on the stage, and laboriously looked at the words on the chanting table in front of him, and read slowly. It was all Sherlock's life exploits, as well as the scriptures that had been written beforehand.

As a dedicated pastor, he can look so old, which shows that his age is terrible. This also means that he is very old and has a high status. It's not something that ordinary people can please.

However, it stands to reason that the Hermes family should have invited Bishop Mathers. Bishop Mathers, as a member of the clergy, the supreme bishop of the Cathedral, and the supreme administrator of the Church of the Nine Pillars in Avalon, is the highest clergy he can invite.

But he apparently shirked it. That's why it was the turn of this old man, who was old enough to even feel like he was walking scum, to preside over Sherlock's funeral.

- But Ivas thinks that the real reason why Bishop Mathers didn't come was probably because he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to hold back.

If he couldn't help but laugh out loud when he looked at Sherlock's "corpse", he was afraid that something would happen. So he didn't dare to come.

At this moment, the huge coffin behind the old bishop was open, and inside lay the lifelike "Sherlock", next to three pillars, on which white flames burned quietly. Next to the "corpse" in the coffin, there is a small delicate silver box inlaid with fine rubies and emeralds.

The coffin wasn't Sherlock, of course, but it wasn't an illusion or puppet that McCroft had made to make it as if it were real. It's just an ordinary wax figure.

After all, Sherlock was involved in the bombing and died, and the tragic death of the guests present should be able to imagine. Therefore, it is very reasonable for the Hermes family to directly cremate Sherlock and hire someone to make a wax figure for the funeral to maintain the deceased's dignity.

However, it only takes a day or two to produce a lifelike wax figure, which is definitely not possible for ordinary wax artists. You have to be a preserver of the Dusk Path to do this. Finding a preservator in Avalon is difficult, but not for the Hermes family, who are now the only "minister" of the Hermes family, Sherlock Hermes's own brother, Microft Hermes.

Queen Sophia is sensible.

Sir Arthur was framed and lost his position as minister, and his reputation has not been fully restored. But he was clearly innocent...... Because of this, the queen chose to compensate for Arthur's children by giving them higher authority. Just as Sherlock was able to walk the path of wisdom, so was his brother Michaelt.

In addition to being an arbitrator, McCroft is also studying the art of preserving the path of twilight.

Preservation is a very broad and mystical art. It's not so much a technology as a philosophy.

Preservation techniques are required to make wax figures, models, and specimens, or to preserve corpses and food for a long time, or to preserve contracts, evidence, wills, deeds, documents, paintings, and other objects that are easily damaged over time. It can even include the art of stopping the bleeding of a wound quickly, or making someone who is close to death try to survive.

The ability to "ensure that the situation does not deteriorate further" is the broad knowledge that a preservator needs to possess.

The wax figure that now replaces the corpse of Sherlock Hermes was made by McCroft himself.

It is said that he was so shocked when he saw Sherlock's body that it left a lasting impression on his mind.

Therefore, it is not necessary to refer directly to the person, and only the memories that remain in the mind can make a wax figure that replaces the corpse to attend the funeral.

If the guests had stood a little farther away, they would not have been able to tell if the coffin was actually in person—the body was already very different from the state it was in alive. What's more, it's still a pale-faced version with closed eyes.

“…… At this point, his spirit was evaporated by fire, and his soul returned to the candle. He will drink the blood of the candle, and the candle will bear his sins for him. ”

The old bishop's eulogy is also nearing its end. He trembled and staggered, "We ask the god of the three holy numbers, the god of sin and thorns, and the god of burning and chasing darkness, the stag of the candle, and please protect his spirit." If you shelter the tiniest candle flame in this world, take care of the faintest fire. ”

With that, he reached out and slowly tapped three times on top of his crown.

The old bishop whispered: "May the candle light last in front of his grave." ”

"—may his candle burn forever."

All the guests present bowed their heads, chanted in unison, and reached out to their chests three times.

At this point, the main process of the funeral is over.

After that, it was time to find someone to close the coffin and bury it in the earth. Then let the priest bless the land, and those who bring the flowers can come and offer flowers. Now you can leave just to see the funeral and walk around and talk freely.

Under the black umbrella, Ivas noticed that Sherlock's mother was finally crying not far away. His mother is also in a wheelchair. Unlike Ewass, she looked haggard and thin-cheeked at the moment. The middle-aged man with black-rimmed glasses and neat short black hair whispered comfort to the side.

- When this is over, you'll have to give your mom a beating to get angry. Ivus thought to himself.

"Leave the flowers to me."

And at this moment, a calm voice came: "You are not in good health, Mr. Ewass. ”

Ivas looked up, the black umbrella tilted back slightly. Immediately after, a palm as wide and fat as a seal's paw reached out from under the umbrella and gently removed the bouquet he was holding in his arms.

"Mr. McCroft."

Ivus nodded slightly, greeting the visitor.

This man was none other than Sherlock's most trusted relative, his eldest brother, Michael Hermes.

Ivas visually measured Sherlock's height of about 1.83 meters, only half an inch taller than himself. But McCroft would have to be close to 1.9 meters, not much less than Edward.

McRoft wasn't just taller than Sherlock, he was even thicker than him. The only minister of the Hermes family today is not just a big belly, but a visibly fat man, and even a wider face. Even the umbrella he was wearing was one size bigger than the others.

Despite this, the obese Mr. McCroft does not look ugly.

Ivas could clearly see the marks on his face that resembled Sherlock's—even though the fat on his face was so full, he could still see the deep marks of his features. McCroft has the same black hair and wolf-like amber eyes. His eyes were piercing, and he seemed to be constantly contemplative.

He looks fat, but his body is not bulky. His quiet stride as he walks gives a sense of lightness and precision; Holding such a huge umbrella in one hand and being able to keep it motionless shows his balanced and steady strength.

"I've heard Sherlock mention it before."

McCroft held the bouquet in his free other hand and looked at Ivas with a look of deep meaning: "He trusts you a lot. ”

"I'm also proud to have such a friend."

Eivas said softly, his face showing a faint sadness: "He is a man of wisdom and integrity. Loyal to the Kingdom and the Queen...... But I didn't think that in the end, it was because of his wisdom that I would harm myself. ”

"I don't think so, Mr. Iwas. I think there's nothing wrong with wisdom. ”

McCroft said calmly, "Sherlock, as the victim, is completely clean and not at all wrong - the fault is clearly with the hateful bandits. ”

Although he also knew that Sherlock was faking his death, McCroft did not act as sad. He looked calm, as if it wasn't his brother's funeral, but someone else he didn't know.

Based on Sherlock's admiration for him, McCloft shouldn't have thought of such a thing. So that could only be the other way – as was always the case with Michaelt, at the same pace as everyone else.

"I'm more inclined to say it's a despicable revenge than to kill it." Ivas said.

"What do you think it should have come from?" McCroft asked rhetorically.

"Brotherhood of sweaters."

Aihuas lowered his head and said softly, "To be precise, the alchemy bomb smuggling case was involved in this incident. Sherlock, who was investigating the bomb, was killed by the bomb...... I guess it's a high-profile provocation. In this sense, perhaps this is just the beginning. ”

"—yes, it's not impossible."

At this moment, a calm voice sounded from the two of them.

Ivas looked up, and Lily raised her umbrella a little higher, allowing him to see the person coming.

The man should have looked to be at least in his fifties, with obvious wrinkles and nasolabial folds on his face. But even so, his hair did not turn gray. The blonde hair was oiled and neatly tucked back into a back, and it didn't look messy even on a rainy day. The man's pupils were not tans that tended to be amber, but pale blues that were close to light gray.

He didn't have an umbrella and looked so sad that he seemed a little haggard. Although he was dressed in black, Eivas still recognized ...... This man was the lawyer in a white suit he had seen at the award ceremony.

- Lloyd's Legal Counsel, York Hermes!

“…… Uncle York. ”

McCroft glanced at Ivus, then turned to York for a deep hug.

And York also looked sad, holding Michaelft, who he couldn't hold at all, and patting him on the back: "Mourn, child."

"Sherlock is a good boy. That's how he died...... What a shame. ”

Lawyer York sighed under his breath: "I still want him to join Lloyd's." If he can enter Lloyd's, there will be someone who can protect him...... Those people would never dare to do anything to him. ”

At that moment, Lily suddenly raised her head slightly.

She captures a hint of murderous intent in Mike Lovt. But that breath was fleeting, as if it were just an illusion.

And the fat man still looks gentle and generous, and he is kind to others.

"Lloyd's?"

At this moment, Ivas made a suspicious voice just right: "That's not the ...... of Lloyd's"

"—Lloyd's insurers only. We are not a company, we just provide a place to talk, we are a purely private business organization. ”

Following Ivus's words, York Hermes stepped forward.

And Ivas showed a puzzled expression: "But I heard that Lloyd's is an organization that provides usury......"

"It's not usury. The interest on our loans is fully within the limits of the laws of the Kingdom. ”

Lawyer York replied.

As he spoke, he handed Ivus a gorgeous business card made of gold paper, "You may have heard some rumors, but I want to say that none of them are true. It's nothing more than a rumor spread by the envious...... I am the legal counsel hired by Lloyd's, York Hermes, Sherlock's uncle. We met last week – I'm a friend of Gordon's and sit right next to him. It's the guy on your right...... Do you remember me? ”

"I remember, Mr. York. I've heard Sherlock mention you. ”

Hearing this, Ivas was stunned, and his eyes were a little more friendly and convincing.

"What did he say?" York paused, then asked.

And Aihuas's eyes were pure and serious, without the slightest distraction: "He said that you are a good person who is kind to others and makes friends. ”

"Alas...... Thank you for his review. It's a shame that Sherlock is a very good young man as well......"

Lawyer York sighed. He genuinely felt pity.

Halfway through his words, he glanced at McCroft beside him and stopped talking. It's like he has something to say, but it's inconvenient to speak at the funeral.

Ivas looked like he realized something, and nodded to McCroft, "Let's talk next time, Mycroft." Please send your condolences to Sherlock on my behalf.

"I have something I would like to speak to Mr. York. I still don't think there's something quite right about Sherlock's attack. ”

"Yes, Sherlock left some words for Mr. Ivas. It's not convenient here," Lawyer York nodded, and greeted Ivas warmly, "aren't you interested in Lloyd's?"

"-Coincidentally, then I'll take you to see it. Let's talk to Lloyd's headquarters. ”

I read some of this chapter and said that after changing my position and thinking about it, it is really not good to ask for leave when opening a copy, and it can kill people in a hurry.

But I'm also a little worried that my body won't be able to hold it up by then...... This year's summer was so hot and humid that I felt a little out of breath every day in the air-conditioned room.

But I just took a day off, and I was not embarrassed to ask for another day, so the cat thought of a way to take two and a half days off!

Forcibly accelerate the cycle of work and rest!

I slept until half past five yesterday afternoon, and I got up at half past one this morning. Sleep until seven or eight o'clock tonight, and wake up tomorrow morning, and your schedule should be considered normal!

This is called cathode to yang!

Today, there are only more than 4,000 words. But at least there's a bit of an update to watch! There may be a single update tomorrow, and the update should be resumed the day after tomorrow -

There is also a cancan in the book review area to do an event to promote it~

(End of chapter).