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 am willing." This time, the little bird finally revealed a satisfied smile.


Having given her answer, she stood up and silently moved to stand behind Durin.


Fischer glanced at Robert and eventually picked up a pen, drawing an 'X' over the photograph of Irene on the wall.


"Fischer, take out the two letters from my bedside table, give them to Durin and Dutel, and then escort them out of Carefree Palace," Robert said, and then his smile faded, "Dutel, if I were you, I would leave the North within two days."


"I know, my god, Robert, I always thought we were friends—" "It's because we are friends that I wouldn't tell you these things, you big oaf, you've never been good at keeping your mouth shut."


Facing Dutel's confusion, Robert answered disapprovingly.


When Fischer approached with the envelopes, Durin took the one belonging to him and stood up, then prepared to retrieve his hat from the coat rack beside the sofa.


Chapter 53: Turning My Broken Body into Blazing Fire