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

Duke Robbie Algin, the eldest member of the Algin family and the head of this not-so-prolific clan.


He must have been familiar with Lord Alex, for the typically stern-faced old man's near-frozen expression thawed a bit upon seeing Alex.


He laughed heartily as he embraced Alex, "My old friend, you must have smelled something nice, right? I have a dinner party tonight. Stay and I'll have the kitchen prepare you the tastiest steak."


"That would be wonderful, but this time you've guessed wrong. I'm here with my descendant. He mentioned you invited him to dinner, so I came along to see you," Lord Alex said, gesturing towards Durin.


"Oh, Durin Aiersh, the young son of the Aiersh family, welcome to Algin Mansion. Your grandfather is a very busy man. I heard he has received the Thorn Ring, which probably means even less time to meet with me, such a pity," Duke Robbie said while leading Durin and Alex into the mansion.


Chapter 46: Look Up to the High Mountains