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

Although Durin was somewhat annoyed by this little creature that used crying as a weapon, he couldn't help but find it endearing.


His freshly transformed body, with tiny horns and a long tail, greatly charmed Durin's mother. She declared that Durin's future children should all be this adorable.


Durin's sister subtly moved next to their mother, "He said he wants to marry me, and I don't like him."


Durin's mother paused, then smiled at her younger daughter, "What's wrong, my Natalia? Isn't it good that someone likes you?"


Durin sat to one side—he really wasn't cut out for gaming tables as a favorite of the Goddess of Luck.


He might as well enjoy his sister's performance.


The sister fell silent for a moment, then her lips parted gently, "Because sister said not to trust men from outside. They are wolves in gentleman's clothing, always scheming to take advantage of us girls."


"You're absolutely right, Yelena!" Anta stepped forward to back up Yelena.


Chapter 246: The End of the Map