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

Rolyn Sario stood at the crossroads waiting for her family carriage to arrive, and as she watched Irene, who had brought her here, the usually stern woman spoke up, "Remember your vow, Irene."


"Yes, Grandmother, but..." the girl's face still held some hesitation.


"I know your hesitation might be reasonable at another time, but in this moment, I must find you a safe harbor. Remember my words, child, I am doing this for your own good, and one day you will understand my painstaking effort."


The carriage arrived, and the old woman climbed into the compartment. Then she looked at the girl on the roadside, "Go back now, the boys of the House of Ailish take their promises seriously, you won't lose out following him."


Chapter 64: To My Distant Ally in the Mage Tower