Chapter 110 Sherlock's Funeral
The weather on Sunday was very kind, with a very timely drizzle falling since early morning.
Avalon has a warm and humid climate. Even in winter, it rarely snows.
The rain wasn't heavy, and one could stand in it for half an hour without getting their clothes soaked. But even so, there were still many black umbrellas at the funeral.
With Sherlock's current achievements, it is not enough to be buried in the Chapel of Saint Guinevere. Therefore, this is the family cemetery dedicated to the Hermes family, in the metropolitan area near the Red and White Queen District.
Even Aiwass, unusually dressed in a black suit, covered his legs with a thick black cloth with a finely woven white pattern, and held a bouquet of flowers in his hands. He sat upright and quietly, his head lowered, the upper half of his face obscured by the shadow cast by the black umbrella and the rain.
Lily, who came with Aiwass and held his umbrella, was wearing a black dress with few decorations. She had her long, thick, flaxen hair tied up and hidden under a black wide-brimmed hat.
The pastor on the stage was not Bishop Mathers, but an old bishop whom Aiwass did not know.
His hair and beard were fluffy and gray, and he had a lot of hair.
The old bishop, wearing heavy glasses, sat on the platform, straining to read the text on the lectern before him, reading slowly. It contained Shylock's life's achievements, as well as pre-written scriptures.
For a dedicated pastor to look this old clearly indicates that he is quite old. This also means that he is very experienced and has a high status. Not everyone can hire him.
However, logically speaking, the Hermes family should have invited Bishop Mathers. As a spiritual councilor, the Supreme Bishop of the Candlelight Cathedral, and the highest administrator of the Enneaded God Church in Avalon, Bishop Mathers was the highest-ranking clergyman that could be invited.
But he obviously declined. So it was this old man, who was so experienced that he even felt like he was falling apart when he walked, who presided over Sherlock's funeral.
——But Aiwass thought that the real reason why Bishop Mathers didn't come was probably because he was afraid that he couldn't hold it in anymore.
If he couldn't help laughing when looking at Sherlock's "corpse", something bad might happen. So he didn't dare to come.
The huge coffin behind the old bishop was now open, revealing a lifelike figure of Shylock. Three pillars stood beside him, each one atop a quietly burning white flame. Inside the coffin, beside the "corpse," lay an exquisite silver box inlaid with tiny rubies and emeralds.
Of course, the person in the coffin wasn't Sherlock, but it wasn't some convincing illusion or puppet Mycroft had created. It was simply an ordinary wax figure.
After all, Sherlock was involved in the explosion and died, and the guests present could have imagined how horrific his death must have been. Therefore, the Hermes family's decision to cremate Sherlock and then have a wax figure made to be used at the funeral to maintain the deceased's dignity was a very reasonable move.
However, creating a lifelike wax figure in just a day or two is definitely beyond the reach of ordinary wax sculptors. Only a conservator from the Dusk Path could accomplish this feat. Finding a conservator in Avalon is difficult, but not for the Hermes family—the only "minister" of the Hermes family, Mycroft Hermes, Sherlock Hermes's older brother, is a conservator.
Queen Sofia is sensible.
Sir Arthur was framed, lost his position as minister, and his reputation has never fully recovered. But he was clearly innocent... Because of this, the Queen chose to give Arthur's children as compensation, granting them greater authority. Just as Sherlock can embark on the path of wisdom, so too can his brother Mycroft embark on the path of twilight.
In addition to being an Arbitrator, Mycroft is also studying the art of survival in the Twilight Path.
Preservation is a very broad and mysterious art. It is more of a concept than a technique.
Preservation techniques are used to create wax figures, models, and specimens, preserve corpses and food, and preserve easily damaged items such as contracts, evidence, wills, deeds, documents, and paintings. This even includes the ability to quickly stop bleeding from wounds or keep those near death alive.
The ability to "ensure that the situation does not deteriorate further" is the broad knowledge that a preservationist must possess.
The wax figure that now replaces Sherlock Hermes' body was made by Mycroft himself.
It is said that the shock he received at the sight of Sherlock's body was so great that it left a deep impression on his mind.
Therefore, there is no need to directly refer to the person himself, and a wax figure can be created to replace the corpse in the funeral based solely on the remaining memories in the mind.
If the guests stood a little further away, they wouldn't even be able to tell whether the person in the coffin was actually the person himself - the body was already very different from when he was alive. Furthermore, the person in the coffin had his eyes closed and his face was pale.
"...At this point, his spirit will be consumed by fire, and his soul will return to the candlelighter. He will drink the candlelighter's blood, and his sins will be borne by the candlelighter."
The old bishop's eulogy was nearing its end. He trembled and staggered as he recited, "We call upon the God of the Holy Number Three, the God who binds the body with sin and burns to chase away darkness—the Stag of the Candles. Please protect his soul, just as you protect the smallest candle and watch over the faintest flame in this world."
After saying this, he reached out and slowly tapped his crown three times.
The old bishop murmured, "May the candles burn brightly on his grave."
"—May his candle burn forever."
All the guests present bowed their heads, chanted in unison, and tapped their chests three times with their hands.
At this point, the main process of the funeral is over.
Afterward, someone will close the coffin and bury it in the ground. A priest will then bless the ground, and those who brought flowers can come and lay them. Those who were just there to observe the funeral can now leave and walk around freely.
Under the black umbrella, Aiwass noticed Sherlock's mother, not far away, finally bursting into tears. His mother, also in a wheelchair, looked gaunt and thin, unlike Aiwass. A middle-aged man with black-framed glasses and neatly cropped black hair whispered words of comfort beside him.
—When this is over, you’re going to give your mother a good beating to vent your anger, Aiwass thought.
"Give me the flowers."
At this moment, a steady voice came: "You are not in good health either, Mr. Aiwass."
Aiwass raised his head, and the black umbrella above his head tilted back slightly. Then, a palm as broad and fat as a seal's paw reached out from under the umbrella and gently took away the bouquet of flowers from his arms.
"Mr. Mycroft."
Aiwass nodded slightly and greeted the visitor.
This person is Sherlock's most trusted relative, his elder brother Mycroft Hermes.
Aiwass estimated Sherlock's height to be around 1.83 meters, only half an inch taller than himself. But Mycroft was closer to 1.9 meters, not much different from Edward.
Mycroft wasn't just taller than Sherlock; he was even more robust. The Hermes family's only minister wasn't just bloated; he was visibly obese, with a face even wider than his. Even the umbrella he held was a size larger than the others.
Despite this, the fat Mr. Mycroft did not look ugly.
Aiwass could clearly see the resemblance to Sherlock in his face – even with the fat filling out his face, his deep features were still visible. Mycroft had the same black hair and wolf-like amber eyes. His eyes were bright and intense, as if he was often deep in thought.
He looked fat, but his body was not bulky. His quiet steps gave people a sense of lightness and precision; the fact that he could hold such a huge umbrella in one hand and keep it motionless showed his balance and steady strength.
"I've heard Sherlock mention you before."
Mycroft held the bouquet in his free hand and looked at Aiwass with a meaningful look: "He trusts you very much."
"I am also proud and proud that I have such a friend."
Aiwass spoke softly, a subtle sadness on his face. "He was a wise and upright man. Loyal to the kingdom and the queen... but I never imagined that his wisdom would ultimately harm him."
"I don't think so, Mr. Aiwass. I think wisdom is always right."
Mycroft said calmly, "Sherlock, as the victim, is completely innocent and blameless—the fault clearly lies with those abominable criminals."
Although he knew that Sherlock's death was faked, Mycroft did not act sad. He looked calm, as if this was not the funeral of his brother, but of another person he had never met.
Given Sherlock's admiration for him, it wouldn't have been a mistake for Mycroft to have thought of it. So it could only be something else—Mycroft was always like that, out of step with everyone else.
"Rather than silencing someone, I think this is more of a despicable revenge," said Aiwass.
"What do you think it came from?" asked Mycroft.
"Sweater Brotherhood."
Aiwass lowered his head and said softly, "To be precise, it was this incident that led to the alchemical bomb smuggling case. Sherlock, who was investigating the bomb, was killed by it... I think this was a high-profile provocation. From this point of view, perhaps this is just the beginning."
"—Yes, that's not impossible."
At this moment, a steady voice sounded from beside the two of them.
Aiwass looked up, and Lily raised the umbrella higher, allowing him to see the person clearly.
The man looked to be at least fifty years old, with distinct wrinkles and nasolabial folds on his face. Despite this, his hair hadn't turned gray. His golden locks were oiled and neatly slicked back, never looking disheveled even on rainy days. His pupils weren't amber-brown, but a pale blue closer to light gray.
He wasn't holding an umbrella and looked sad and haggard. Although he was wearing black, Aiwass still recognized him... this was the lawyer in the white suit he had seen at the awards ceremony.
——Lloyd’s legal adviser, York Hermes!
"...Uncle York."
Mycroft glanced at Aiwass first, then turned around and hugged York tightly as if nothing had happened.
York also looked very sad. He hugged Mycroft tightly, even though he couldn't hold him at all, and patted his back hard: "My condolences, son.
"Sherlock was a good kid. It's such a shame that he died like that."
Lawyer York sighed softly, "I wanted him to join Lloyd's. If he could join Lloyd's, there would be people who could protect him...those people would never dare to do anything to him."
At that moment, Lily suddenly raised her head slightly.
She caught a glimpse of murderous intent in Mycroft, but it was fleeting, as if it were just an illusion.
And the fat man still looked gentle, generous and kind.
"Lloyd's?"
At this moment, Aiwass made a puzzled sound: "That's not Lloyd's District..."
"—It's just an organization of insurance companies in Lloyd's. We don't run a company; we simply provide a forum for discussion. We're a purely private business organization."
Following Aiwass's words, York Hermes stepped forward and spoke.
Aiwass showed a puzzled expression: "But I heard that Lloyd's is an organization that provides usury..."
"It's not usury. Our loan interest rates are well within the laws of the kingdom."
Lawyer York replied.
As he spoke, he handed Aiwass a gorgeous business card made of gold paper. "Although you may have heard some rumors, I want to say that they are not true. They are just rumors spread by jealous people... I am the legal advisor hired by Lloyd's, York Hermes, Sherlock's uncle. We met last week - I am Gordon's friend and sat next to him. The person on your right... Do you remember me?"
"I remember, Mr. York. I also heard Sherlock mention you."
Hearing this, Aiwass suddenly understood, and there was a little more friendliness and conviction in his eyes.
"What did he say?" York paused and asked.
Aiwass's eyes were pure and serious, without a trace of distracting thoughts: "He said that you are a good person who is kind to others and makes friends widely."
"Ah... Thank you for the evaluation. It's such a pity. Sherlock is also a very outstanding young man..."
Lawyer York sighed like this. He felt really sorry.
He was halfway through his words when he glanced at Mycroft beside him, seeming to hesitate, as if he had something to say but it was inconvenient to do so at the funeral.
Aiwass nodded to Mycroft with an air of realization. "We'll talk some other time, Mycroft. Please give Sherlock my condolences."
"I have something I want to discuss with Mr. York. I still feel something is not right about Sherlock being attacked."
"Yes, Sherlock left some words for Mr. Aiwass before he died. It's not convenient here," York Lawyer nodded and greeted Aiwass warmly, "Aren't you very interested in Lloyd's?
"——It just so happens. Then I'll take you there. Let's go to Lloyd's headquarters and talk."
I read some of what this chapter said, and after changing my perspective, I realized that asking for leave while a dungeon is in progress is not a good idea, as it can really frustrate a person to death.
But I am also a little worried that my body won’t be able to take it... This summer is so hot and humid that I feel a little breathless even staying in an air-conditioned room every day.
But I just took one day off, so it felt awkward to take another day off, so the cat thought of a way to take two half-day days off!
Forcefully speed up your work and rest cycle!
I stayed up until 5:30 yesterday afternoon, but woke up at 1:30 this morning. If I stay up until 7 or 8 tonight and wake up in the early morning tomorrow, my sleep and sleep routine should be normal!
This is called cathode to yang!
Today I will update a single post, with only 4,000 words. But at least there is something new to see! I may also update a single post tomorrow, and I should be able to resume updating the day after tomorrow.
There is also a promotion activity held by Guan Guan in the book review area~
(End of this chapter)
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