Half-step Purgatory

For a long time, Malin always felt that Fate had been quite generous to him. Although he had to face that life-threatening job every day, as long as he had the lovely Leopard Girl cooking delicious food for him daily, and as long as there was meat to eat and cats to stroke, life wasn't too unbearable. Working a bit harder and facing some difficulties on the job weren't really an issue for a man.
Moreover, being able to live two lives meant one shouldn't have too high demands, right, Mr. Different-Kind?
Having said that, and without waiting for an answer, the young man snapped his fingers, and the white flame on his fingertip lit the tobacco in his other hand, then he flicked it towards the non-human entity on the stake.
Welcome to Abield, to witness the last splendor of the steampunk era.
And the madness.

Steampunk Era: Mad Abield

"I admit I was jealous for a little while."


By the time Malin had used a sapling of the World Tree as an umbrella to shield from the gradually increasing rain, Faye sighed softly by his side.


"I know, you already said you are a jealous woman," Malin said in a calm voice.


Faye fell silent for a moment, then reached out and pinched Malin's waist.


Malin remained silent, leaving Faye somewhat puzzled: "You usually yelp."


"There are so many people around now, I need to maintain the image of you being a virtuous wife and good mother, because you are my wife," Malin replied with a smile.


Faye laughed, then wrapped her arms around Malin's neck and sighed with a touch of regret, "I'm starting to understand why everyone says it would be better if you were a bit shorter, Malin. Even on my tiptoes, it's tiring."


"Actually, you could shrink a little too," Rewo, who was also embracing Malin's neck, suggested.


Section 443: Rain (Part 2)