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

"Is this considered a compliment?" Durin didn't know, but regardless, to be appraised so by Alex, a Silver Dragon, must have brought glory to Duke Algin and his family.


With Alex leading the way, Durin didn't have to worry about getting lost. They walked up and down the streets, greeting people of all sorts from time to time.


Whether it was a peddler in tattered clothes or a well-dressed gentleman, Alex could strike up a conversation with them.


And these people seemed to have known Alex for a long time.


Chapter 45: On the Road