108 - The Butler Dismissed by the Saintess Couldn’t Possibly Be the Demon Dragon Princess

Chapter 108: The Missing Lillian "Are you saying your parents were infected by a very unusual creature?" Ian's voice trembled slightly. From Lottie's words, she learned that there was actually a potion in this world that could cure infections. Although Lottie had failed her initial attempts, that didn't mean she couldn't succeed now. If the current Lottie could craft such a potion, it would mean Lillian could return to normal, wouldn't it? Even though Lillian's hair color had changed from silvery white to golden yellow this morning, it didn't necessarily signify her complete recovery. With a potion as such, everything would be alright. "After my parents were infected by that special creature, they acted as if they didn't recognize me, brandishing their swords at me. If Aelia the Saint hadn't been passing by, I might have died under their swords." Lottie answered Ian's question, her eyes welling up as a few tears slipped out. "It was my birthday, and if I hadn't wanted to go out and play, perhaps my parents wouldn't have..." "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Seeing Lottie cry over her painful memories, Ian felt a pang of guilt. She had only meant to find a way to help Lillian but accidentally touched upon Lottie's grief. "It's alright. I've moved on from that incident. I'm a strong person." Really? Wipe away your tears before making such claims! Ian had doubts about how much truth there was in Lottie's assertion of having moved on as she noticed the tears clinging to her eyes. After a long while, Ian remained in the shop, showing no sign of leaving. Oddly enough, she realized she was the only customer there, with no other patrons in sight. "Is there anything else you need?" Lottie asked, puzzled by Ian's lingering presence. "Have you continued researching the potion inside this black bottle?" Ian inquired cautiously. She felt awkward about seeking Lottie's help after inadvertently reopening her wounds. "Of course. Over the years, I've been working on experiments funded by Aelia the Saint, aiming to save those infected." "And what were the results?" Ian asked urgently. You could hardly blame her—Lillian's complete recovery hinged on this. "It was a failure, naturally. Otherwise, we wouldn't be so helpless against that creature." "And who knows when that creature will come around again? If I could just sense its aura closely, perhaps I could develop an antidote." Lottie shook her head dejectedly. She knew it was a pipe dream to get near that creature—as soon as she did, she'd undoubtedly be infected, so she dared only indulge in idle contemplation. "Is there no other way to help you succeed in creating the remedy?" "None. I'm still exploring on my own. There's no telling when I'll succeed with this potion; it might as well be forever." "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." With that, Lottie, donning her oversized magical hat, made her way back to the counter. "Wait, Lottie, have you ever seen someone infected by such a creature not become violent?" "Never. I don't think such a person exists," Lottie replied. "What if I told you I have a friend who remained sane after being infected? Her personality only changed slightly but didn't turn violent. Could she be reverted to her former self?" "Maybe she hasn't shown it yet. I've dealt with many infected people over the years. It's not unheard of for some to not immediately become violent." "Is that so?" Ian stood there, stunned by Lottie's words. "What if the infection is treated promptly by Aelia?" "The Saint's treatment? I'm unsure; I haven't encountered that scenario. Though I acknowledge the Saint's healing skills, I doubt they'd be effective." Pausing, Lottie added, "That dark entity is just too terrifying." Ian felt as though she had been struck by lightning after hearing Lottie's words. She desperately tried to convince herself that Lottie's suggestions were only conjectures and not necessarily true. "What if I told you a friend of mine stayed rational despite being infected by that unique creature?" "How many days has it been since she got infected?" "Just one day." "In that case, give it some time. Maybe she just has a strong resistance to it." "From available data, only those with the activated purest saintly bloodline can resist that unique creature's infection." After a brief exchange with Lottie, Ian left the shop with a weary expression. If everything Lottie said was true, then why hadn't Aelia told her? Could it be that Lottie's knowledge of that unique creature surpassed Aelia's? Ian didn't dwell in the streets but grew anxious. Joining Lottie's words with how Lillian had been missing all morning could only mean... Ian couldn't bear to think further. Her primary task was finding Lillian's whereabouts. She rushed back to the hotel, her heart pounding as she stood at the entrance. Without hesitating, she pushed open the door. The room was silent, with the harsh midday sun piercing through the curtain's crevice, casting golden beams on the floor. The bed was a mess, indicating that whoever last got up hadn't bothered to tidy it. Lillian was nowhere to be seen. "Lillian?" Ian called softly, her voice echoing clearly in the empty room, but no one answered. She quickly moved to the bathroom and opened the door. Empty. Ian forced herself to remain calm, convincing herself that maybe Lillian had just gone for a walk. Yet unease surged within her, Lottie's warnings echoing in her mind: "It's not unheard of for some not to become violent immediately." Ian dashed out of the room; she had to find Lillian. The streets were bustling with activity. Ian weaved through the crowd, her eyes desperately scanning each blonde-haired figure. Finding someone in an unfamiliar city was no easy feat, but Ian wouldn't give up. Time was of the essence—every second spent searching could mean a greater risk for Lillian.