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Hello Travelers!
This issue’s unsolved true crime case is the one of the archon Rex Lapis, also known as Zhongli. This is a pretty recent case, still unfolding in the bustling town of Liyue, nation of contracts. That does not, however, mean that there is no information about the case.
Let’s compile some of the cold hard facts about Rex Lapis’s case.
Fact # 1: Zhongli was the archon with the highest approval rating.
Compared to the notorious Raiden Shogun of Inazuma, host of the infamous Vision Hunt Decree, and the unforgiving Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya, who is as cold as her nation’s climate, it’s unsurprising that Rex Lapis Zhongli has garnered the most positive reception of his fellow archons. That’s why it’s so surprising that he was assassinated in such a violent, merciless way.
Fact # 2: The coroner delivered the news with a smile.
The official coroner of Liyue’s flagship hospital, a woman named Hu Tao (who is also the owner of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor), has been surrounded by rumors throughout her entire time as coroner and as owner of the funeral parlor. She was rumored to be close personal friends with Rex Lapis as he also served as an occasional consultant to her. But despite her friendship, she relayed Zhongli’s passing while smiling cheerfully, no hint of mourning or grief in her tone.
And thus, our very first suspect comes into play.
As avid followers of FINDING AETHER know, I frequently travel to true crime locations to investigate more closely than I could from the comfort of my home. So join me on my trip to Liyue, the city of contracts, as I attempt to solve the mystery of the passing of Zhongli, a beloved political figure and the victim of a horrific crime.
See you in Liyue!
- Lumine