Eulogy | HSR

Chapter 2

•°•°• Ten-Lords Commission •°•°•

Harsh wind blew across the path towards the Ten-Lords Commission. Most likely due to the ongoing trial with a mara-struck or the subduing of one. But it's this harsh weather that accompanies the summoning of souls that forms a natural barrier around the Commission. That way, no wandering individual will accidentally stumble across it and get into serious trouble. 

The interior, however, was the opposite. At least, for the main hall. These cozy conditions definitely don't hold up as you descend deeper into the Commission, especially in the spirit-summoning halls or court rooms. 

The candle lit chandelier hanging in the centre of the tall ceiling glowed with a soft blue light, reflecting the soft blue tint most spirits liked to take on. 

Like most commissions, the Head's desk was located on a raised podium on the far end, overlooking all other staff. Scrolls were spread along the tables alongside unused talismans, the soft light barely illuminating anything but it was more than enough for me to see a head rested against her arms, fast asleep. 

"Hanya," I gently tapped the girl's head, "What did I say about getting enough sleep so you don't fall asleep here," 

The judge's head shot up, her eyes fearful before realising who had tapped her head, "Oh, Miss Xuanyi you're back,"

Hanya quickly tidied up her desk, piling scrolls and documents up on one side before laying her brush neatly on a ink palette, "I heard you had returned to the Luofu. I guessed that you'd come to the Commission last so I took the time to compile a report on the most recent mara cases. The door the Hall of Karma has been rather unstable recently due to the presence of a Stellaron, as well as the revival of the Ambrosial Arbor which blurred the line between life and death,"

I took the scroll that Hanya was offering me, scanning through its contents, "I didn't expect the revival of the Ambrosial Arbor would have cause such damage. I'm afraid we've been living without the treat of the Arbor for too long," 

I handed the scroll back to her as I looked around the empty commission, "Where's everyone? Where's Xueyi? I need to speak with her,"

"Most of our spiritfarers are busy locating those affected by mara or the Sanctus Medicus. As for everyone else, well, a lot of effort has been put into retaining the door to the Hall of Karma," Hanya sighed, "But if you're back, things should return to normal soon. Also, Xueyi is resting up. She hasn't disclosed anything that happened to her to anyone so I'm quite worried,"

I nodded slowly, "Mn, thanks for letting me know. I'm sure Xueyi will be fine. If she was making a fuss out of it, I would be more concerned,"

"Very true," Hanya nodded, more relieved, "Also, how did the meeting at the Xuling go?"

My expression soured remembering about the event, "Very boring. If I had heard information about the Luofu earlier I would have rushed back at once,"

Hanya smiled lightly, the light reflecting in her tried grey eyes, "Good to hear. At least you haven't change, Miss Xuanyi,"

I returned the small smile. "Wow. Now, no more sleeping here. Okay? I'll go see Xueyi,"

Hanya nodded, returning to her work as I pushed another set of doors. 

"Miss Xuanyi!" A ball of green and burning blue jumped out of one of the rooms as I walked past, nearly giving me a heart attack. 

"Miss Xuanyi! You're finally back. The ghosts are getting worse since you left," The young Foxian cried, "Do you think...do you think I can still continue?"