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

Irene didn't know anything, but when Durin reached out his hand, she grasped his proffered hand tightly.


This touched Durin, how he wished Anta could be as well-behaved.


Alas, Anta was Anta, and Irene was Irene.


Having left the academy and passed through the bustling streets and crowds until they turned into the neighborhood's intersection, Durin finally felt the sobbing of the young girl behind him.


Durin stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Irene.


The little bird's eyes were brimming with tears, "Mr. Durin, if I were a boy, would I not have to face such hardships?"


Chapter 43: History