"Huh? So we still have to hire shrine maidens?"
"No, shrine maidens cannot be hired. They are all professionally trained ritualists. If you can persuade the one at Mount Yougou, then this matter would become very simple."
Trying to directly hire shrine maidens was absolutely impossible.
Because all shrine maidens obeyed that supreme Guuji-sama. Without her approval, the shrine maidens would not even be able to descend the mountain.
Of course, if Hu Tao could handle the Guuji-sama.
Then even without spending money, she could invite shrine maidens to help for free.
Hu Tao frowned when she heard this. It seemed the matter had become troublesome.
According to what Su Han had told her before arriving, the Guuji at Mount Yougou was extremely difficult to deal with. She was not only calculating, but also very mischievous.
In short, it was best not to cross paths with her if possible.
"Then what if we find someone to pretend to be a shrine maiden? Would that work?"
"Uh… it probably wouldn't be a problem. But let me say this first, I absolutely will not pretend."
Kuki Shinobu was very afraid of running into someone she knew while dressed like that. If word reached her mother's ears, she would never be able to explain herself.
But Hu Tao said enthusiastically, "No need for you to pretend. I, the Director, will do it personally. You only need to find me a set of shrine maiden clothes and teach me what to do. I'll handle the rest."
"Huh? That works too?"
"Why wouldn't it? I am a professional."
In Liyue, she was the most professional funeral director. In Mondstadt, she was a noble priest. Now that she had come to Inazuma, she would naturally adapt to local customs and become a shrine maiden.
Seeing the disbelief on Kuki Shinobu and the others' faces, Hu Tao immediately prepared to demonstrate.
Since the boss had spoken, the employees could only cooperate.
An hour later.
Hu Tao walked out wearing a shrine maiden outfit with a white top and red hakama. Her expression was solemn, her steps reserved. Every movement gave off a sacred presence.
Everyone was stunned.
They had originally thought their Director would fool around, but she truly had skill.
Hu Tao was very satisfied with their reactions. She turned in a circle and asked, "Well?"
"Mm… you're still lacking a bit. You don't understand shrine maiden techniques."
"I've already thought of that. I'll cast the Rite of Passage Incantation, then recite the salvation mantra. Paired with the Golden Light Incantation, it will absolutely fool people."
Acting naturally required a full performance.
Hu Tao was already thoroughly experienced in that.
Over the next two hours, everyone cooperated with full effort, and the results were astonishing.
If Kuki Shinobu had not come from a shrine maiden family herself, she might have been fooled as well.
With the early preparations complete, the next step was business.
"So, what are you planning, Boss?"
"We're heading to Kujou Encampment. I heard there is constant warfare there. If we go, business will definitely not be lacking."
Hu Tao was brimming with confidence. She had regained her self-assurance and no longer felt yesterday's confusion.
Kuki Shinobu frowned. "Going there? But the Kujou Clan probably won't be easy to deal with."
"I've considered that. War inevitably causes casualties. We can conduct funeral rites for the fallen. Even if they want to make things difficult, they won't dare do anything to us. Otherwise, how would the soldiers view them?"
This point was crucial.
Even if the Kujou Clan did not treat commoners and soldiers as people, they still had to consider public opinion.
If they did not even bury the dead, everything would descend into chaos.
Yoimiya said, "I support the boss's idea. Kuki Shinobu, what do you think?"
"Let's try first. Anyway, the boss of that place probably won't be easy to talk to."
Since everyone agreed, Kuki Shinobu's objection was meaningless. Besides, the Arataki Gang was truly short of money.
With everything prepared, they brought their supplies and headed toward Kujou Encampment.
Traveling from Narukami Island to Kujou Encampment required a boat.
The distance was considerable.
Fortunately, Hu Tao had money, so she did not worry about that.
They arrived at the shore around dusk.
"What are you doing here? This is a military zone. Civilians are not allowed to approach. Step back."
The soldiers guarding the coast saw a boat approaching and immediately moved to drive them away.
To their surprise, a shrine maiden stepped out from the boat.
"We are funeral personnel from the city. We heard that warfare occurs here year-round and have come specifically to conduct funeral rites for the fallen."
"Captain, it's a shrine maiden. What should we do?"
A soldier asked his leader. Just a few days ago, they had fought a major battle with Watatsumi Island. They were in urgent need of shrine maidens.
It was not that they were unwilling to spend money.
Rather, the conflict between the Kujou Clan and Mount Yougou was too severe, and the shrine maidens refused to come.
Now that there were other shrine maidens, they were naturally willing to try.
"Let them dock. I'll report this first."
"Yes."
When the squad leader arrived at the camp, the general stationed there immediately showed delight.
"Quickly invite them over."
"But General, they may not be from Mount Yougou."
Hearing the subordinate's concern, the general snorted coldly. "You think I don't understand? This is about stabilizing morale. I don't care whether they're authentic or not. As long as they can give the brothers some comfort, that's enough."
The war was raging.
People were dying almost every day. If morale could not be stabilized, what was the point of fighting?
So he did not care whether they were legitimate. As long as they could put on a convincing show, it would suffice.
The squad leader immediately understood and escorted Hu Tao and the others into the military camp.
What surprised Kuki Shinobu was that they had expected suspicion or strict inspection, but none of that happened.
Instead, they were personally received by the general as soon as they arrived.
"You are truly kind-hearted people. How about this, I can pay more Mora. Would you be able to send the remains of those brothers back to their hometowns?"
"The price is negotiable. We are professionals."
Hu Tao had not expected the business to be settled so easily. She was in an excellent mood.
Until they entered the morgue.
No one could smile anymore.
There were more than a hundred bodies inside.
Arataki Itto frowned. "That many dead?"
"Boss, watch your words."
Kuki Shinobu tugged at his sleeve in warning.
Outside were all members of the Kujou Clan. Speaking carelessly could cause trouble.
Arataki Itto immediately realized and shut his mouth.
Yoimiya asked, "What do we do next?"
"Let's start with cremation. Sigh. Sometimes when business is too good, I also feel troubled."
So many people had died because of war. It was truly heartbreaking.
Even so, business could not be neglected.
With the help of Arataki Itto and the others, large numbers of bodies were carried outside.
Hu Tao and Kuki Shinobu conducted the salvation rites.
The general watching secretly was very satisfied.
"It seems these people are not impostors. They truly have some ability."
He had originally intended to test their strength.
If they were impostors, he could justifiably withhold payment. Since they were genuine, there was no need.
Embezzling the Mora of the fallen would bring retribution.
There will be more today.
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