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

Durin told the Old Man what had happened yesterday. Upon hearing that the little girl was beaten, the old man seemed indifferent, "Such a small Candle Dragon demands a high amount of food, and don't worry about the Candle Dragon choking."


After finishing his words, the young dragon yawned, "There aren't many fish in your rivers here. Last night, two bodies were fished out, but not a single fish was seen. What an unlucky place. After I wake up, I might as well go sea fishing."


"Bodies, old or young, male or female?" Durin asked out of safety concerns.


Upon his question, the Old Man fell silent for a moment. "Now that you mention it, it is strange. The deepest part of that river is only two meters, and while there's plenty of aquatic plants, they're not long. It's quite obvious there should be herbivorous fish. Both of the dead were adult males, with no wounds on their bodies. I have already informed the local patrol."


Chapter 100: The Past