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

"I brought your short film to Robert today, and he was very satisfied with it. Moreover, your great-uncle wants to meet you in person,"


"When shall we meet then?" Durin shelved the idea of refusing.


"His Majesty is quite busy recently. As soon as he has time, he will come to find you," the dean said, then pondered for a moment before adding, "You had better prepare yourself though. Although Robert really liked your short film, Carefree Palace will still test you. After all, you are just a student, unknown to the world. But that's not something to worry about. Nowadays, film directors are either sleazy scoundrels who only know how to cling to others' coattails or nobodies worse off than you. Guys like Dutel can be counted on one hand, but your short film was very well done, and that is definitely worth recognizing."


Chapter 66: Fate (Part 1)_2