IS-1 Silent Raindrops

Welcome to Teatro di Milano, signorine mie.

Wow, this place is breathtaking!

Siracusans love to kill time here to the accompaniment of music and performance. After all, when reality is monotonous and difficult to change, people naturally need a place to indulge their fantasies.

Or, to equate their bloodstained business dealings with the legendary exploits of the heroes on stage to obtain a sense of moral satisfaction.

Wow... you really don't pull any punches, huh?

Of course not. In this line of work, we must be clear-eyed about our own profession, no?

Your friends over there seem to have been on their guard from the very beginning.

I don't mean no disrespect, Mr. Director, but the way I heard it, you was callin' that play yer rehearsin'...

'La Morte di Texas.'

'The Death of Texas'? That might be the crappiest 'joke' I've ever heard.

Hm? You seem to be well-acquainted with that name. That's fairly unusual among foreigners.

Siracusans rarely bring it up in the first place, and the mafiosi here are even more secretive about it. But the story of Famiglia Texas... is one that every mafioso must always keep in their hearts.

It is a cautionary tale.

A warning...

Let's talk about the script itself first. There are countless works based on the deeds of Famiglia Texas, but not a single one dares to actually print the name.

Playwrights are more inclined to reimagine or adapt, with the help of allusion or parody. After all, it is against their interests to invite trouble.

However, times change, and today's audience finds true history far more salient than fairy tales with falsified names. Wouldn't you agree?

As such, a remarkable individual has brought this script before us.

It's a play in three acts.

The first act harkens back to the era when Columbia was first established, with many a Siracusan famiglia yearning for this undeveloped land.

Consequently, the famiglie each dispatched their own teams, one after another, joining the ranks of Columbia's first pioneers.

'In an era when chaos and opportunity came hand-in-hand, some were swallowed by the tides of the times, while others found in it their promised land.'

The cream of the crop among them was Salvadore Texas, a man who would later establish his very own era.

(I know he means the surname and not her, but still...)

So, Texas is one of Siracusa's families?

To be precise, they were a famiglia that originated in Siracusa, but took root in Columbia.

Such famiglie are hardly unusual over there.

From beginning to end, though, old Salvadore saw himself as a Siracusan, through-and-through.

And the Siracusans in turn rewarded him for his perseverance, always affording him a Siracusan's respect.

The Siracusans...

The second act chronicles some of the most praiseworthy episodes from his storied struggles in Columbia.

Siracusans can be found everywhere in the shadows of Columbia's history, and it is precisely amidst that tide that Salvadore gathered his famiglia.

In truth, the contents of this act are the best known of the three.

Even across various retellings, they're almost always the same.

Accounts of 'the Siracusan in Columbia' can be found in over a dozen versions in any local bookstore, mostly romance novels borrowing the phantom of his name, so to speak.

Perhaps, there may even be a few words of truth among them.

If you're interested in that, I can point you to some of the less-outrageous ones.

Ooh, I'd appreciate that!

Think nothing of it. Now, onto the third act - this is the one that can change most dramatically between versions.

Because... it deals with the fall of the Texas Family?

That's right.

Outsiders only know one thing for certain about the fall of Famiglia Texas, and that is that—

Salvadore was murdered by his own son, Giuseppe, who later declared that Famiglia Texas would break away from Siracusa's famiglia system.

This act angered Signora Sicilia, and incurred her retribution.

In a single night, the Texas name was wiped from existence.

The entire Texas family disappeared... in a single night?!

At least, that's what every Siracusan believes.

As far as what exactly happened during the liquidation of Famiglia Texas, nobody except the parties involved have any way of knowing.

Excuse me... How come there are only scripts for the first two acts here?

That is because the third act is not yet finished.

Each playwright will invariably imagine their own version of how this process unfolded, arriving at completely different developments and outcomes.

In that regard, our playwright seems to have reached an impasse.

That said, the contents of the first two acts are already exceptional on their own merits, so I purchased the work without hesitation.

Mr. Bernardo, is it possible that one of the heirs of the Texas Family survived the chaos?

Like, maybe she... managed to leave Columbia and escape to a different city?

For example... Lungmen?

Lungmen? If I recall, that's where you ladies hail from.

......

Apparently, Salvadore did not have a particularly amicable relationship with his son.

But he doted on his granddaughter, even sending her back to Siracusa, where she was fostered by Famiglia Saluzzo for several years.

Nobody has seen or heard from her since the liquidation, though.

In fact, nobody can conclusively say if she was even involved in this at all. Some say she's been seen in Columbia, or even along the border of Siracusa.

Therefore, different accounts of Famiglia Texas's story tend to have different endings when it comes to her.

......

She was said to possess their iconic black hair and orange eyes.

If—and I'm speaking hypothetically here! If the last descendant of the Texas Family is still alive, and has returned to Siracusan soil once again...

What would happen then?

Certainly a thought-provoking hypothetical, one with any number of possible developments. Playwrights tend to build their work around such logic.

Sadly, Signorina Sora, reality does not abide by logic.

......

Some say that she is the 'guest' of a family by the name of Bellone.

Some say that the Bellones are the most powerful family in the city.

Some say that she...

Some say that she left everything behind to go there, not even giving herself a chance to say goodbye.

......

I, no, we came all the way here to find her.

Your bravery is commendable.

Since you have been so frank with me, bringing secrets even I have never heard, allow me to be frank with you in turn.

Famiglia Bellone and their guests have indeed frequented this theater, graciously offering their patronage to our humble performances.

Really?!

Call it coincidence, or call it fate. Is that not how all stories unfold?

If that guest truly comes to pay us a visit, then our troupe will be sure to extend her an enthusiastic welcome.

Rumor has it that she is a woman of few words, whose twin swords speak for her.

Her name is... Cellinia Texas.

......

......

Stop shoving that plate of thistles in my face, Lavinia.

The seasoning here isn't as bad as you make it out to be. Give it a try.

I'm going to have to pass again.

Are you trying to save room in your stomach for a cold dinner with those smug mafiosi friends of yours back home, who reek of cigar butts?

After all, only the things that happen there have any real 'value.'

No... I just seriously can't stand artichokes.

Leon, I've already lost count of the number of violent incidents that have broken out in this city over the past month.

Just this morning, a citizen nearly died at this very restaurant.

You're a judge. You should know better than anyone else that Siracusa was built on violence.

Should there ever come a day when there aren't any unidentifiable corpses lying in the alleys, then that would be real news.

The victim was an employee of il Ministero dei Lavori Pubblici. Your ministero.

...Who did it?

It would appear that Leontuzzo, son of Don Bellone deigns to inquire about the life and death of a citizen only when it concerns his career.

Your Honor, Lavinia Falcone, I really do not have the energy to clap back at you right now.

We can all feel that this city has been on edge recently... waiting for something big to happen.

Something bigger than the Bellones' ultimate victory?

If we really are allowed to take the reins, I, for one, do not intend to continue tolerating the thugs that prowl in the cover of darkness.

Lavinia, you're familiar with the way I do things.

I sure hope so.

Over a hundred years ago, when Siracusa first turned from a plot of land into a country, its territory consisted of the twenty-two cities controlled by the Dodici Famiglie.

And to this day, that number has never changed.

Just like Siracusa's ironclad 'tradition.'

But finally, after so many years, our ever-immutable Siracusa is about to give birth to a new nomadic city.

A new nomadic city means new opportunities, new ambitions, and new hopes. You're exactly right, we are indeed at victory's doorstep.

Economy, traffic, and route planning. We and our friends have already been spreading our influence through every facet of Volsinii's new urban area.

When that area is formally built into a new city, we will have the right to lead the future of Siracusa. At least, that's what the more optimistic associates of the famiglia believe.

And do you consider yourself one of those optimists?

I very much hope I am.

That said, the old fellas over at Grey Hall haven't reached their final decision yet.

There's no future to look forward to until everyone there has formally let the chips fall.

Are we still looking forward to the same future, Leon?

...Of course.

Alright, it's about time for me to head off.

Before the banquet starts, I have to first pick up a certain... 'friend.'

......

This whole city is sopping wet.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

I was just looking around.

Celli... Signorina Texas, how do you feel about the way your hometown has changed?

These newfangled streets and alleys? That hardly counts as 'change.'

The way I see it, it's exactly the same as the day I left.

And... this outfit. I don't think it's a very good idea.

Consider it your very first gift from Famiglia Bellone. Hopefully, you'll find that our tailor has not besmirched the former glory of Famiglia Texas. Please, be at ease and accept it.

So if I'm not at ease, can I refuse?

Unfortunately, I'm afraid that is not an option.

Guess I'll have to find a way to ease up then.

So, what's my job here?

It's very simple - you'll join me at tonight's banquet, where I'll proudly announce in front of everyone that I, the son of Don Bellone, have enlisted a bodyguard who's inherited the Texas name.

Then, you'll kill all the overzealous, power-hungry idiots there, and we'll call it a day.

I'd actually be down for that.

Same. If only it were ever that easy.

Alright, Texas. In the two days I've left you in the city, I've been hard at work conditioning my mind.

I've been trying to tell myself that the Texas name is worth a whole lot more than the trouble you're going to bring.

That way, I can gradually come to terms with the terrifyingly dangerous situation I've been dealt.

The Texases are already dead.

Unfortunately, not everyone believes that.

Maybe you're the one misreading how much influence a ruined famiglia can have.

Maybe, but I'm not just talking about Famiglia Texas here. I'm also talking about you.

You once returned to Siracusa from Columbia, only to leave again.

The way I heard it, every famiglia involved in the 'liquidation' tried to kill you on your way out, but every last one of them failed.

They were all made to pay a heavy price, and it was all sparked by a single woman—you.

I just work for Penguin Logistics. I do deliveries.

If you've already made your assessment of how much you're worth to Siracusa today, then let me assure you that—

I know at least as much as you do.

First things first, Signorina. You must have some idea of what's going on in Volsinii, right?

...A new nomadic city.

Precisely.

And regardless of whether you acknowledge it or not, this plan is closely tied to your family name.

Or should I say... it was brought on by the fall of Famiglia Texas.

Sounds to me like what you needed was just a good enough hitman.

But when the hitman's name is Texas, that might just change everything.

Do you still remember the Rossati name?

Rossati...? Yeah, that rings a bell.

After the Texases were liquidated, the famiglie that had taken root in Columbia lived in constant fear of becoming the next target of Signora Sicilia's wrath.

That's when Famiglia Rossati took the initiative to approach her themselves. They were the ones who brought back the technology to develop nomadic cities.

For a brief moment, the Rossatis were poised to succeed the Texases, even managing to squeeze into one of the Twelve Seats of Grey Hall that no Texas had ever touched.

This seems like one of those boring stories that goes nowhere.

Boring, and brutal. Grey Hall has always been like that - open only to the winners.

And the boss of Famiglia Rossati stationed in this city, Signor Wallach, will not be content lapping up the scraps we Bellones leave behind.

And here I was thinking the dour mood around here was because of the rainy season.

I'll be frank with you: Volsinii has not been peaceful these last few months. A few of our friends have found themselves in various kinds of 'accidents.'

Along with them, the famiglie who still remain on the sidelines may end up changing their minds, and there's no guarantee that the famiglie that have already chosen their alliances won't betray them later.

When Signora Sicilia established Grey Hall, she laid down an ironclad rule: 'Do not kill.'

In other words, the famiglie have a lot of leeway to do whatever they want, short of killing one another.

Could've fooled me.

You are still standing in front of me, after all.

Hmph.

And so, you invited me back.

You don't need me to do anything in particular; I just have to get up on the stage you've prepared and announce that I've returned.

And that stage is tonight, correct?

Signorina Texas, are you aware...

...that the fall of the Texases has been adapted into one opera after another, performed across various major theaters?

In those stories, you, Cellinia Texas, are always portrayed as an ignorant child, helpless in the face of your family's collapse.

But right now, I can say for sure that you are anything but.

I truly want to know... What exactly did you experience during that 'liquidation'?

You've returned, Your Honor?

Yes. Is something going on?

Remember how Alessia said she recently met a pretty nice guy?

The one who runs the textile shop?

So you knew after all!

Yes, we've crossed paths a few times back when I was investigating a case. His famiglia...

Yes, Famiglia Gelli! Though they're not a particularly major famiglia, they still control all the textile businesses for a few streets down!

I heard they even have business dealings with some of the famiglie that make their way in and out of Grey Hall!

Yes, we know.

Alessia has been talking us up for ages. She said the guy's going to bring some of his siblings along so we can all have a good time together!

It's been so busy around here lately, I haven't had a chance to cut loose and unwind!

Oh, Your Honor, umm...

You... aren't going, right?

Right... I still have some work to do. Tell them I send my regards.

Okay! Will do!

Oh right, did you get a chance to look through those files?

Which files?

The mass disappearance on Via Como. Family of five. Remember?

I've located a potential witness and am trying to convince him to testify.

But, Judge Angelo declared that case closed as of this afternoon.

He said... He said that family just moved to another city. Then, he added that we still have too many things to do, and shouldn't waste our time and energy on cases like this.

Unless I am misremembering, I am the judge presiding over this case.

The court made the decision internally yesterday. You weren't present for the meeting.

Is that so...?

I get it.

Right, this case is certainly not worth the time and energy. It's only five people after all.

The husband drives a taxi around the city. The wife picks tomatoes on a farm. They have three children, the oldest only thirteen years of age, the youngest still breastfeeding.

The neighbors were reluctant to say anything, and no matter who I asked, they all said that life must move on.

There was no screaming in the night, no crying by the lake, and no traces of blood left on their squeaky-clean floorboards.

Alright then. Life must move on, and they had it coming for crossing a famiglia. Or maybe their luck was so rotten they didn't even notice they were being targeted.

After all, the famiglie always say they would never attack ordinary civilians.

And as for us judges, there are always more important things to attend to, right?

......

Your Honor, I've always had the greatest respect for you.

To be honest, I have no idea what an ideal judge is supposed to look like.

Even though the Signora modeled our courts after Laterano's, and codified our laws after Columbia's...

None of us have ever seen a real one of Sankta's wandering judges, and Columbia's Code of Law is but an excerpt from a book.

What I would rather believe is that an ideal judge should be someone as determined to uphold justice as you are.

But not everyone has your talents, or your connections with Famiglia Bellone. You don't have to constantly fear for your life.

No, I just—

You can casually grab a light meal with the son of the Don.

And earlier this morning, Judge Angelo received a letter sealed in a black envelope.

...Which famiglia is behind this case?

Does it make a difference, as far as we're concerned?

Do you still remember last month how Judge Starocci was dragged by his 'friends' to 'chat' in a car for an entire afternoon? He hasn't been able to lift his right hand since.

Then there's Judge Borriello... That chubby, always-jovial old lady. How long has it been since she came to work?

You're right, in theory we're supposed to represent that woman's will. But what is that even supposed to be? At least, I can't figure it out.

Courage and persistence are great things to have, of course, but Judge Lavinia, please do not laugh at the wet clothes of us folks who stand beneath the eaves.

After all, you have nothing to lose.

Is that so...?

Perhaps the price I pay... is the right to truly be just.

......

Oh, the phones here don't ring very often. They usually prefer to come settle things privately.

Or should I say, they look to settle things with us privately.

Hello.

Got it. I'll be there right away.

Your Honor, you know you don't have to take everything so seriously.

I know.

Should I bring back some macaroni for supper? We're going to a restaurant with pretty good reviews.

...Appreciate it.

You don't know the kind of person he is, but I understand him.

Don't you think we place too much faith in our ability to 'understand' someone? Don't you think we're all too easily blinded by the illusions born of emotion and impulse?

Salvadore... He deserves to step out of Columbia's dark alleyways.

My sister, he is a Siracusan, and you know nothing about how he operates. You really think he could help us get rich?

All he's gonna do is get himself burnt - and we're gonna get caught in the middle.

He uses his fists to protect himself, and then law and order to shackle his fists. Is that not enough for you?

Get your head out of the clouds already.

No, brother. Other Siracusans wear their scars and bloodstains like badges of honor.

Only he knows that blood is nothing more than blood.

So, Sora, how's my acting?

Want me to give it to you straight?

You bet I do.

Absolutely terrible! Exusiai, you've got, like, zero talent for this!

Ehh? I feel like I'm pretty emotionally invested though.

Just being emotionally invested doesn't make you a good actor.

But... as far as the script is concerned, you're on the right track! At least you aren't flubbing any of your lines.

How low were your expectations?!

What do you think, Croissant?

Pretty darn good, if ya ask me!

Only thing is, when yer expressin' yer dissatisfaction with the brother, think ya could dial the emotions back a notch?

Hmm, so try to get the point across some other way? I... can give that a try in a moment.

Woah, Croissant, since when were you an expert?

Hey, don't go underestimatin' a gal who sits in on Sora's classes every week. Not like a certain two someones who come and go without a word.

Hey, I'd never leave without saying anything.

Not what I meant...

But at least this proves we'll be able to find her for sure, right?

Damn straight we will.

Quite the unique performance.

Ehh?

Excuse me, but are you...

My name is Benthonexigios.

Oh, hello, Bensomething-or-other...

Feel free call me Ben.

Sure thing, Ben!

Um, excuse me, Mr. Ben, if there's nothing you need from us, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave. We're still in the middle of rehearsal.

Of course there is. I'm currently watching the performance, am I not?

I don't think someone who's walking around eating pizza counts as watching anything.

Am I not allowed to watch the performance while enjoying pizza?

Well, don't theaters usually have rules against that?

That's a rule imposed on people by the theater, not by the play itself.

Norms have a way of making people superficially conflate these things, and hold them with the same degree of reverence, even erecting false pedestals upon which to elevate them. True reverence, however, is much harder to find.

Huh?

Would you like a bite, young lady?

You betcha!

Bleh, the texture's awful!

It's the cheapest street pizza you can find, after all. That said, their sauce is actually quite respectable.

Um... so if you were watching our performance just now, what'd you think of it?

The key takeaway is that there are some differences between the methods of capturing and expressing emotions that you seem to be adept at, versus the demands of opera.

You are clearly used to standing in front of an audience. Or should I say, you're so used to it that it makes it hard for you to stand on stage as an actor.

That is not an indictment of your abilities, but is nevertheless a trial you must overcome.

Woah, I didn't expect you to be a total pro at this.

Think about it. You are the daughter of a wealthy Columbian magnate. He, Salvadore, is a vagrant from Siracusa.

He's different from all the other men you've ever met. He does not care about your status, but values you for who you are.

He is more indolent than anyone else, yet also cleverer.

He seems destined to become don of a famiglia, setting off on a perilous road from which there is no turning back.

Tell me, young lady, is this someone you could love?

Someone... I could love...

No, you are terrified! The more you love him, the more he terrifies you!

You have no chance of keeping him.

Your intuition tells you that you should escape. That he never belonged to you.

......

You've told yourself countless times that he is just another passerby on the road of life. That even if he slips away, you can find innumerable others who are better.

You know that if you chase after him, your life will become as a landship in an endless desert, unable to see your course.

You don't even know if the decision you made is right or wrong.

But despite all that, you still turn to your relatives and yell—

'Only he knows that blood is nothing more than blood!'

Wooooah.

Oooooh!

So that's the feeling I've been missing this whole time...

Yet you already seem to understand it well, young lady.

I...

Let's give it another run-through, Exusiai!

Lemme get a sip of water first—

Haha, ya ain't gettin' away that easy when Sora's in the zone.

I'll go fetch some drinks for y'all. And some grub while I'm at it.

Mr. Ben, anything ya'd—

Huh? Where'd he go?

Ah, the police are finally here! Over here, ma'am!

I'm not the police. I am Lavinia, a municipal judge for Volsinii.

Siracusa has no police, Signor.

What? No police?

Are you a foreigner? In this country, 'they' are the ones responsible for maintaining law and order on the streets.

Who are 'they'? I'm just visiting for some business discussions, so I don't quite understand.

Hmph. I'm talking about the mafiosi. You'd best steer clear of them.

I... I know that much.

Where's the scene of the crime?

T-Take a look for yourself... Right there, behind the dumpster.

......

Five people. They couldn't have died more than a day ago. From their outfits, they seem to be from the same famiglia.

Hold on...

What's wrong, ma'am?

I saw them... just this morning.

They attacked a public official earlier. I confronted them about it, but let them go.

But why here of all places... and their leader isn't with them either.

I... I've always heard that Siracusa is a dangerous place.

No, if this was a conflict between famiglie, they would've made sure to clean up the scene.

This doesn't make any sense.

For your own safety, act as if you never saw anything.

I'll handle the rest here.

Y-Yes, ma'am!

Damn it, I need to get out of this godforsaken place this instant...

......

Signorina Lavinia, I didn't expect you to ever call me first.

Demetri, noticed any flamboyant hitmen around town recently?

Hmm? Huh... You'd have to either be incredibly brave or incredibly stupid to stick your neck out these days.

...Do you need me to throw last month's crime reports in your face?

I think there's been a little misunderstanding here.

Just now, five bodies were found in a back alley on Viale Orvieto. The scene wasn't cleaned up, which suggests it wasn't the work of one of the famiglie.

And just this morning, I saw these same folks attacking a public official.

Huh, now that's new and exciting.

I don't care about the little power struggle between you people, but don't forget that our ironclad rule still stands.

Setting aside recent developments, even in ordinary times the fact still stands that Volsinii is run by Famiglia Bellone, and has a judge as principled as you.

Pulling a stunt like this is tantamount to spitting in our faces, and nobody would dare do something like that.

Unless...

Unless they're Columbian. Is that what you wanted to say?

It could be anyone who doesn't give two shits about the rules we've set.

Just keep me posted if you learn anything.

I don't recall having to answer to you, Your Honor.

Is this not also 'tantamount to spitting in the face of Famiglia Bellone'?

Fine then, I'll tell Leon. Maybe he has enough spare time on his hands.

......

First, attacks on government officials. Now, hitmen out of nowhere.

Is there really a connection between these?

Sorry.

Be careful out there, signorina.

The rain doesn't seem like it'll let up anytime soon. You might slip if you don't watch your step.

Thanks for the reminder. But you don't seem to have an umbrella either.

I'm not a fan. I rather enjoy the feeling of raindrops on my skin.

Then I hope you also watch your step.

......

Why are you trying to provoke her?

And what makes you think that's what I'm doing? Ohh, you think you've got me all figured out now, huh?

Forget I said anything.

I was trying to provoke her, though.

......

She had a familiar scent on her. One I hate.

Suit yourself. But you're the one who wanted us to break into Famiglia Bellone. And I think this is just making us more suspicious.

I need to know exactly what is happening in this city, and why they wanted to bring Texas back.

So what do you reckon we do? Work our way up from hired guns? Rise through the ranks until we become the Bellones' top hitmen?

Well, Gambino'd probably like the sound of that, at least.

That's way too inefficient.

You guys need some bargaining chips, isn't that right?

So where is Gambino?

Already on his way to the middleman, to cash in the bounty.

Hah, look at that. Here in Siracusa, he's a lot better than you at climbing the ranks.

I don't deny that.

After spending so much time in Lungmen, I'm more shocked at how this place hasn't changed a bit. Not used to it at all anymore.

Trust me, you'll get used to it again soon enough. Just like Gambino.

After all, you're a Siracusan.

You really gonna let him plant his roots down here again?

Why not? There's nothing stopping you either. Be loud and proud about it. I certainly wouldn't get in your way.

The more I think about it, the less I understand. What exactly are you trying to accomplish?

I'm just enjoying the rainy season. What, do you not like the rain?

All I know is, Gambino hates the rain.

So, what news did you get your hands on?

Wanna find out?

Sure, say I do. What would you have me do?

You're in luck. I just happen to be in need of a driver.

...*sigh*.

Come on in, signor istigatore.

I came back alive, bartender.

Your skills aren't half bad. But neither you, Gambino, nor that friend of yours who left for Lungmen eight years ago, Capone, are good enough.

Don't start talking like you're some hot shit, cub!

You're just like the rumors said. Completely clueless as to when you should and shouldn't press your luck.

Is that not how the last Sicilians lost the favor of Signora Sicilia?

Look at the ones today. What can they do now, except cling to their last pathetic scrap of glory?

......

Listen up, Gambino. I don't give a shit what you and Capone came back to Siracusa to do, nor do I care who's backing you behind the scenes.

All I care about is your ability, and the kind of work you can do.

So, what do you think of our work then?

You're not one of us, and you've got guts. Both are good.

So you keep doing good work for me, and I pay you. The better you do, the more you get paid. Simple as that.

You want to see Bellone. Once you've satisfied me, I'll arrange a meeting.

I'm going to do such a good job that you'll regret it.

You know, I don't hate the fact that you Sicilians ooze ruthlessness from your bones.

That's something Siracusans could use more of these days.

So, let's see you try.

When the time comes, you'll realize that I never regret a thing.

Welcome, Mr. Beato.

And you are?

Rubio. We met at the banquet last week.

Ah, I remember now, il Segretario di Sicurezza Alimentare. Rubio. I do apologize for this porous mind of mine.

Seeing as you're here, I'm sure tonight's meal is not to be missed.

Hardly, good sir. But as we are expecting some rather esteemed guests tonight, I did put in a little extra effort.

I see, I see.

Over here, Beato.

I'll be right there. Now, if you'll excuse me.

Who was that?

Rubio, Segretario di Sicurezza Alimentare.

What? He's actually a government official, looking like that? I ignored him when I first came in because I thought he was just a doorman.

Not that you're missing out on much. He might as well be a clown.

Why do you say that?

He's not from one of the famiglie, and after a lifetime of struggling, the best position he could claw himself into was the director of that no-name dipartimento.

And after he landed the position, he went around kissing the asses of various famiglie until he somehow managed to bumble his way into some renown.

Nowadays, his dipartimento pretty much caters all events in Volsinii, large and small.

He doesn't care about his image at all, standing in front of the door to greet the guests like that. I mean, you saw him.

I see. That said though, there is a thing or two we could learn from his sorry mug.

......

I must congratulate you, Rubio.

Oh my... What might the occasion be?

Word on the street is that young master Leontuzzo will be attending the banquet tonight.

The heir to Famiglia Bellone, the great celebrity by Carracci's side, has never attended a banquet like this before.

This is your big break, isn't it?

Haha... Signor Wallach, you must have been quite pleased with the batch of steaks I sent you the other day.

Otherwise, I'm sure you wouldn't be calling me just to joke around in such a manner.

Hahaha.

Things have changed, Rubio. I may be the boss of Famiglia Rossati in this city and made a bit of a name for myself, but there are still plenty of rules I must abide by.

For example, I have to break the bread of fellowship with a guy like you.

Your support is always appreciated.

It's good that we all treat each other like family. You scratch my back, I scratch yours. If we have any issues, we settle them on the table.

None of us enjoy spending all day fighting and killing each other. It's just, a necessity born of circumstance. Isn't that right?

Indeed. You work too hard these days, Signor Wallach.

Il Ministero dei Trasporti is headed by a Bellone, and he normally keeps his distance from me. Tch, not much I can do to him.

But il Ministro al Commercio is a smart man, a good friend of mine. Naturally, he enjoys the Rossatis' full support.

The host of tonight's banquet, Carracci, Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici, is an unpredictable man, though. Even though he's got Bellone's little pup following him around, he manages to stay on decent terms with everyone.

Rubio, food safety is very important, is it not? I do hope you are also a smart man.

Of course, of course.

The VIP arrived just now. Excuse me, I must be off.

See you.

......

I know how strong you are, Signorina Texas. Unfortunately, I am not a man who enjoys resorting to violence.

Using force is the least efficient method.

So if you were expecting to leave Siracusa after making a few heads roll on my behalf, I'm afraid you'll be quite disappointed.

Just... tell me what I need to do.

Carracci, Volsinii's Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici.

He is responsible for the construction of the new nomadic city plate. He's also one of our men, and I need you to protect him.

A government official?

I know what you're going to say.

'The government is just the cloth draped over Grey Hall's round table.'

Every associate of every famiglia remembers Signora Sicilia's lament.

There was once a time when we never took stock of the vases and cutlery sitting on our tablecloth.

But right now, it's something we must pay close attention to.

When the Columbians brought new things back with them, what disturbed me most was not their technology, but rather...

How they do things nothing like we do in Siracusa.

They knew that Siracusa's officials were never going to turn their backs on the old guard of the famiglie, so they never required those officials to defer to them in public.

All they needed was for them to turn a blind eye at just the right moment, or whenever it was convenient for them.

And what can we do? Getting rid of those officials won't solve anything.

Try to settle things with them directly? They're not stupid enough to give the game away.

Despite the not-insignificant amount of power and influence we have here, there is nothing we can do about them.

I believe that you, having spent a number of years living in Lungmen, should be more familiar with their way of doing things.

...To the point I almost thought I was back in Lungmen.

Hah. But here in Siracusa, few people even realize how big the shockwaves from the Columbian approach might end up being.

You know, Signorina Texas, when I really dove into the nitty-gritty of this approach, to better understand it, the only thing I felt was...

Admiration.

The weapons they deploy are profits and negotiations, not violence and bloodshed.

So you also studied their methods.

Studied? No... I'll do it better than them.

And Carracci is my trump card.

Recently, there's been a sudden outbreak of assassinations on government officials around the city. Though I haven't confirmed who's behind the attacks yet, I must ensure the safety of Ministro Carracci.

He's an interesting man, and prefers to walk over taking the car. Even though I have people protecting him in secret, I do not feel at ease.

Now, I've already given them a heads up. Go bring him over to the banquet venue.

......

(The target is crossing the street right ahead. There should be at least seven mafiosi covering him from the shadows.)

(Seems like there won't be any major issues...)

(?!)

Would you look at that. Didn't I just say something good was about to happen?

Texas, care for some mille-feuille?