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

It wasn't until Durin returned to the Duke Mansion that he looked at the Old Duke standing beside him—after having stood in the Endless Plains for a while, the little old man seemed considerably healthier. He could now stand up straight.


"I really am lucky, as a mortal, to have witnessed such hidden affairs, and to have gained many benefits. Look, my health is fantastic now, as if I have returned to my youthful days," the Old Duke Alessandro said, clenching his fists, "No, I must go to the training grounds to solidify my realm. Durin, make yourself at home here."


"Alright." Durin watched the old man leave.


Inside the hall, Reed and Lan En were playing with a bunch of children, descendants of the Alexandro family who were only eight or nine years old, or even younger—just right for child kings like Reed and Lan En.


Chapter 214: Just This