Half-step Purgatory

Durin stroked the black cat on the armrest of his chair, sitting on the black leather sofa. Through the glasses perched on his nose, his gaze passed over the long table in front of him and settled on the man kneeling on the carpet:
"I understand, you've made money in Naples, your business has been very successful, and you've led a happy life. You've had those secret police, friends in both the law and the underground, and even the Royal Family speaking on your behalf."
"You don't need a friend like me, I know that. You're afraid of owing me a favor, and you don't want to get involved in troubles."
"But now you come to me and say, 'I beg you, Mr. Durin of the Corleon family, please help me seek justice, so that my life and my family will not suffer and sink into despair.'
Yet, in your eyes, I was nothing more than a second-rate artist involved in movies and music. Even at the brink of death, you still show me such disrespect, not even willing to call me by my title... Keeper of Secrets."

Durin's Diary

Durin once again opened the door, and then paused as he saw the old Dwarf standing outside.


"Mr. Anvil?" Durin remembered the appearance of this Dwarf, and although, in his eyes, Dwarves almost all looked the same, Old Anvil was often present in his maternal grandfather's ducal mansion, so Durin remembered this old Dwarf's face.


"Durin, it really is you," the old Dwarf smiled too, he extended his hand and grabbed Durin's, giving it a vigorous shake.


Very enthusiastic, and also very much in line with Durin's consistent impression of Old Anvil, but he didn't consider his own strength. Durin felt like he was about to be shaken to pieces.


Durin let the old Dwarf in and poured him a cup of tea, "Mr. Anvil, what brings you here?"


"My comrade just visited you, and after hearing about it, I thought it must be you." Old Anvil took the tea cup, he took a sip, "Honey tea, it's been several years since I've had it."


Chapter 5: The Great Train Robbery II