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

The power of words is great, but in many people's eyes, it is weaker than the power of imagery.


It's not because words are not great, but because often mortal minds cannot transform the scenes described by words.


So Durin, accompanied by Big Bear, found Duke Algin, and the old man smiled, nodded, and then gestured for Durin to follow his granddaughter.


Tanya led Irene, escorting Durin and Dutel to the studio.


Several self-proclaimed art connoisseurs among the nobility followed behind, looking as if they wanted to see what other superpowers today's hottest card sharp might have.


After all, Durin's performance in the last game was hardly any different from being the Goddess of Luck's illegitimate child.


Tanya opened the studio door and lit the lamps, preparing charcoal pencils and drawing boards for Durin.


Durin hefted a stack of paper onto the drawing board.


Chapter 50: Fire and Ashes