Upon receiving Conrad's order, Hu Tao immediately had his servants remove all those strange-looking objects because they were too unsightly.
Next, she briefly introduced Conrad to the funeral process: family members would first mourn in a spacious mourning hall, then the coffin would be loaded onto a black hearse, and finally, the burial would take place at the cemetery.
At the same time, Hu Tao also drew up a list and instructed Conrad's servants to purchase the funeral items written on it.
As expected, some of the specialized funeral items on the list had been completely lost to the dust of history.
But this was not difficult for Conrad; with a single command, the relevant manual production lines were magically and swiftly set up.
Of course, Hu Tao also specifically reminded him to inform other guests that the entire process must remain solemn, and absolutely no recreational items should appear, as this was a sign of respect for the deceased.
Afterward, she followed Conrad back to the manor and instructed the servants to arrange the mourning hall.
Hu Tao's every move exuded the demeanor of a professional, which further increased Conrad's confidence in her... Two days later, when Amber and her companions arrived at Conrad's manor as honored guests, the sight before them greatly shocked them:
The entire manor was covered in soft white.
Not only were the wide banners hanging at the gate, the paper lanterns hanging everywhere, and the burlap hanging on the trees along the surrounding walls white, but even the uniforms of the reception staff along the way and the vibrant wreaths placed along the walls were all white.
In addition, the entire manor maintained a solemn atmosphere; staff members occasionally reminded those taking photos with their phones or making loud noises, and ancient music specially selected by Hu Tao played softly from the manor's speakers.
At this moment, Hu Tao, dressed in a black butler's uniform, stood with Conrad before the altar, which displayed a large black and white portrait of the deceased covered with a white cloth, guiding him to light the incense burner and white candlesticks on the table.
Seeing Nicole and the two others approach, she secretly gestured, "I'm busy right now; you guys go explore nearby first."
Seeing this, Nicole clicked her tongue and said, "Is this a real funeral? Hu Tao truly lives up to her reputation as a professional in traditional funerals."
Then, with lingering fear, she added, "Luckily, Hu Tao reminded us to wear formal attire in advance, otherwise I would have been kicked out."
Amber: "Indeed, look at that pile of people blocked at the entrance; their regular clothes are much more formal than yours."
Nicole: "(꒪⌓꒪) Amber, what do you mean? Is my usual attire very informal? It's just a little cool!"
Amber: (◑.◑)
Just as the atmosphere here became slightly awkward, a small commotion arose among the crowd at the manor's entrance: "Look, isn't that Luciana de Montef?"
"I heard that because her father, Mr. Conrad Montef's brother, disagreed with her becoming a Hollow Investigator, she ran off to the Outer Ring wilderness to stay with the Biker Gang in a fit of pique. Why is she back now?"
It was clear that many people disapproved of this runaway young lady. Some even ignored the reception staff's dissuasion and mockingly shouted, "Those who voluntarily leave the city, go back to your Outer Ring!"
But Lucy, who was being "protected" by the servants dispatched by her father, was not to be outdone and loudly retorted, "This young lady can go wherever she pleases, what's it to you?!"
"If it weren't for my father insisting that I return for 'major family matters,' I wouldn't bother staying with you money-grubbing people!"
Just as the crowd descended into chaos, an angry voice suddenly boomed from the speakers: "The funeral is about to begin; please show respect for the deceased! Anyone wishing to continue making noise, please leave the manor immediately!"
People turned around to see Hu Tao standing by the altar, microphone in hand, a furious expression on her face. She detested such behavior that disrupted the funeral atmosphere.
Some disgruntled individuals were about to retort, but upon seeing a gloomy-faced Conrad standing beside Hu Tao, they became too embarrassed to speak further.
Lucy also gave Hu Tao a grateful look, then found a corner to sit quietly.
Next, the funeral officially began.
Hu Tao stood at the front of the mourning hall, presiding over the funeral with a clear and solemn voice.
She first recounted the life story of the deceased; those past moments unfolded like a scroll under her narration, giving those present a deeper understanding of the departed.
Next, family members came forward one by one to mourn, and sobs echoed through the hall.
Hu Tao guided the process in an orderly manner, with every step executed perfectly.
When the coffin was slowly lifted onto the hearse, Hu Tao directed the staff, ensuring everything went smoothly.
The funeral procession followed the hearse to the cemetery, and along the way, Hu Tao maintained a solemn atmosphere.
At the cemetery, the burial ceremony began, and Hu Tao read the eulogy with a solemn expression.
Finally, the funeral concluded successfully. Conrad stepped forward and gratefully shook Hu Tao's hand: "Thank you, Miss Hu Tao, you made this funeral truly perfect."
Hu Tao smiled and nodded, responding, "It's my duty; I hope the deceased rests in peace."
Conrad also smiled gratefully, then suddenly posed a question to her: "So, what are your plans next, Miss Hu Tao?"