On the system panel, a clear line of text appeared:
[Dead: Lily, Grant's illegitimate daughter. Age: 18.]
Adrian felt as if life's highs and lows were coming far too violently.
It was exactly like thinking he won a five-million Mora lottery—
Only to realize he bought the ticket for the wrong week.
It took him a long moment to settle his emotions.
He turned, walked up to Lord Dean, and asked:
"Lord Dean, the teacher Jace, whom your daughter Flora supposedly died for—
He hasn't shown up even once, has he?"
The moment Jace's name was mentioned, Lord Dean exploded in fury.
"That bastard! He once swore his love for Flora was eternal—yet my daughter dies, and he doesn't even come once! Heartless animal!"
Adrian listened quietly, then sighed.
"If I'm not wrong… Jace is probably eloping with your daughter Flora right now."
Lord Dean froze, stunned.
"Shopkeeper Song… what do you mean? Jace died?"
Adrian shook his head.
"No. Your daughter Flora is alive."
Lord Dean looked as if Adrian had told him the sky had flipped upside down.
He instinctively looked toward the ice coffin, lips shaking.
"My daughter is right there. I saw her body with my own eyes.
How could she possibly be alive? What… what is this?"
Adrian spoke evenly:
"Not long ago, Grant's daughter Lily (Zhang Xiaoli) went missing.
She was the same age as Flora—eighteen—and had a similar build."
Lord Dean immediately grasped the implication, though disbelief remained.
"Impossible… the body is wearing Flora's clothes."
Adrian remained calm.
"Because Flora dressed Lily in them.
To fake her own death and elope with her beloved Jace."
Lord Dean's emotions twisted painfully.
Part of him hoped Adrian was telling the truth.
Another part feared that if it was true, Flora was now involved in a possible homicide.
After a long silence, his face hardened.
"Shopkeeper Song, stop talking nonsense!
The body in that ice coffin is my daughter Flora!"
Adrian gave a cold, faint smile.
"Lord Dean, are you not afraid that Grant and Lily's spirits will return seeking justice?"
A flicker of fear passed through Lord Dean's eyes—
But he forced himself to stay firm.
"I already told you. The one who died is my daughter. I know nothing else."
Adrian silently sighed.
Poor parents… For their child, they'll sacrifice anything—even their integrity.
His voice softened.
"Lord Dean, why put yourself through this?
Even if you insist right now, once Flora and Jace are found, everything will be exposed."
Lord Dean said nothing, still resisting.
So Adrian continued:
"Flora is a pampered, sheltered young lady.
Jace is a simple teacher.
They don't have many possible places to run—Shimen, Qingce Village, Chenyu Vale.
Finding them won't be difficult.
And even if we can't…
As an adeptus disciple, I can communicate with Lily's spirit myself."
That sentence shattered Lord Dean completely.
His shoulders collapsed as he sighed.
"It's all my fault. I forced her to break up with Jace.
I never imagined she'd do something so foolish…"
"Foolish?"
Adrian sneered softly.
"In my opinion, she's both foolish and selfish.
Seeking her own happiness is one thing—but why harm others?
If she wanted to run away, fine.
Why involve an innocent life?"
Lord Dean was speechless, covering his face as he wept.
After a moment, Adrian sent someone to call Keqing.
It wasn't long before Keqing stormed into the estate like a bolt of violet lightning.
Dust still clung to her clothes; she didn't even slow down until she reached Adrian.
With arms crossed, she said sharply:
"All right, speak. What is it this time? Don't waste my time."
Adrian shrugged and explained the entire incident.
Keqing frowned.
"You're absolutely certain the deceased is Lily?"
Adrian looked offended.
"Master Keqing, do I seem like someone who would ignore a massive, high-paying job just to make trouble for myself?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Keqing's eyes.
"Hmph… never thought someone as shameless-looking as you would actually have professional ethics."
Adrian straightened, serious:
"Insult my character if you wish—but never insult my professional ethics.
Funerals are among the most serious matters in life."
Hearing this, Keqing's view of him changed significantly.
She paused, then asked:
"Adrian, where do you think Flora and Jace escaped to?"
Adrian thought briefly.
"Most likely Shimen."
Keqing narrowed her eyes.
"Why? What makes you so sure?"
Adrian explained:
"Shimen has many passing merchants.
Information spreads quickly there.
After eloping, they'd need constant updates about Liyue Harbor to avoid danger.
It's the safest place for them."
Keqing nodded—his logic was sound.
"All right. I'll contact the Ministry of Justice and send men to Shimen immediately."
She turned sharply and left without wasting a second.
Watching her departing figure, Adrian sighed with admiration:
"As expected of the Thundering Rain That Cuts Down All Evil… Keqing the Cat."