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

The old housekeeper glanced at the somewhat hesitant Maid Chief and extended his hand to lead her away from the side of his master and young mistress.


With a wave of his hand, Duke Alkin activated a small Soundproof Barrier.


"Durin trusts Amiusa, the Maid Chief, and I can't let down that trust. If she betrays us, it will not be too late to deal with her then. However, I believe in Amiusa. Her family has served us for seven generations, and she, along with her children, will surely continue to do so. After all, it has been five generations since anyone in the Alkin Family has whipped a servant to death. This is a result of the servants' loyalty and our own mercy," Tanya said, then smiled wistfully, "Grandfather, do you think I am too merciful?"


Chapter 260: One of Us