PV-3 Dishonored Guest

Even the hunter's descendants had a custom of wearing clothing so fitting yet comfortable... and slowly, it evolved into the suit you commonly see on Siracusans today.

...Nonno, you've been telling me this story from when I was a baby, and I still don't get it. I've grown up and you're still telling it.

...

Luchino, I'm nearly done with these two suits. We just need to sew on these buttons.

You accepted this order on your own accord, so we must be meticulous in our work, no matter who the client is.

Go fetch the buttons from the back. You won't miss them, they have the Saluzzo's emblem.

Shouldn't I first bring them to Signorina Lappland for a fitting, and then we adjust the clothes afterward? As you taught me—

It's fine. That Saluzzo signorina doesn't need it, I'll decide if they need any alterations.

But she didn't request to skip the fitting...

I know what's on your mind, boy.

Sometimes our clients request complicated designs, sometimes they don't even have a picture of it in their head, but it's not our place to probe too much.

Remember, Luchino: Tailor de Montano did not gain our reputation purely from our precision tailoring.

People and materials are the same—know them before making any move.

Go get those buttons. It's time to finish this order.

Oh... okay.

I'll get them at once, Nonno.

...*sigh*

I kept you waiting outside for quite long, didn't I? Please come in.

You can't delay Signor Antonio's commission any longer, Umberto.

The old Don's about to arrive, if you start now you can still finish it in time before the Carnevale.

Push back your other commissions and come with me to Venezia Trucking. We won't take too much of your time.

My current commission is also one I can't disappoint.

Nonno! I heard someone come in!

Umberto, you don't actually have to make those measurements yourself.

Wanna go meet a real somebody, ragazzo?

Huh? A—A somebody? Nonno, I—

Luchino, give me the buttons.

Y—Yes!

Here.

...

...

Not bad.

—!

But not good enough for these two outfits, Luchino.

B—But I compared them so many times! They're practically the same!

Once you sew enough buttons, you'll be able to tell if they'll fit or not just by touching them. Go fetch mine.

Here, here! All here!

I—I just wanted to help you out!

Umberto, I think you're being too hard on the kid, personally.

Keep practicing, Luchino.

...

Yes, practice. I'll be good and get back to it once I bring back your medicine!

Signore, surely you can tell this boy is too reckless.

...You amuse me, Umberto.

Apologies, but my recent Carnevale commissions leave me no time at all to go with you.

I promise you, I'll personally go over to apologize once I'm done here.

Of course, I'll pay for any subsequent expenses as well.

You really think Signor Antonio cares about all that? All I care about, is that I can enjoy the Carnevale in peace, Umberto—

Umberto de Montano. Figured you'd be here.

You shouldn't be here, Zaaro.

You lost your Fang and this round, so you ought to return to the barrens and wait for the next round to begin.

Calm down, Caesar.

I know you have the best odds of being the alpha of this round, but there's no way I can just sit and wait.

...

I smell a strong human scent on you. Have you already picked up a new toy?

If you did, then why did you come find me? Were you hoping I console you, Zaaro?

I'm fed up with how you deceive and trick your little pup, Grandma.

I summoned you here to share an interesting secret—where the last unidentified Fang is hiding.

You're out of the game, yet you still try to interfere?

Outsiders make the most eager audience.

Caesar, the bloody stench beneath your merciful appearance and your thirst for victory... I've always been able to sniff them out despite your efforts.

Besides, I don't care if you're interested in my information or not. I'm merely relishing it.

...

Your pup has a keen sense of smell. A pity our unidentified Fang has spent decades cleaning the scent of wolf off himself.

Umberto de Montano. A pathetic tailor.

Zaaro, I guarantee you that when this round ends, you'll savor the pain of our bite.

Caesar, your anger is delicious as ever.

Unfortunately, I'm not even the first wolf to challenge our rules.

A Vulpo? You a tourist? Sorry, Tailor de Montano's all stuffed up with orders right now, so commissions are closed.

You're the boss here?

Who cares if I am or not—

*cough* Signora, this man is an employee of the Venezia Trucking.

Trucking? The famiglia sure has changed a lot since I left.

...

(A Vulpo... the scar on her face... this suit, and that blade—)

(The homicidal lunatic that defected and left the famiglia... but six years ago, didn't she already...?)

You should go, signore. Please send Signor Antonio my regards. Of course, my prior promise to you remains true.

Tch... You... I... cazzo.

(Grazie, Umberto.)

Signora Venezia, you don't seem to have changed much.

You know me?

Your photos were always on the newspapers. Dominated the headlines for a long time.

I thought you would have informed your family first about your return to Siracusa.

I left them many years ago—I came here looking for you.

Yet you're not here to kill me. There's a familiar scent on you.

Vargo?

Yes. He found me in Higashi through his connections, and we made a deal.

...

Are you sure you want to have our conversation while you bask in the sun and roll around the red leaves?

(Big yawn)

How else?

I wouldn't have bothered helping that wolf out if not for the tiny bit of friendship we have.

So you want me to return to Siracusa... and act as a bodyguard for someone?

To 'solve a problem'.

Do that, and you'll know the truth you've been chasing after.

Why you couldn't find the culprit who hurt your daughter despite all the heads you took, and who exactly that is.

...

Are you serious? You're not making up an excuse to chase me away from this place?

Hah. Your choice to believe it or not.

Other than him, I should be the only one in this entire shrine who doesn't hate you, Ingrid.

You raid the place whenever you come in here just to see him, and that makes me quite happy. Life at the shrine would be so dull otherwise.

To be honest, I kind of want to follow you back to Siracusa for a little walk.

You're talking about a deep swamp... Your stubbornness and hobby of rolling about in the grass won't like it there.

Tell him I'm going back.

Not telling him yourself?

It's for Lisa, he'll understand.

After I came back to Siracusa, I also met with the Signore dei Lupi. You, Umberto de Montano, I honestly could not have imagined he really chose someone like you if he hadn't stated your very name...

A humble tailor like myself?

Mhm.

I don't know how Vargo described me to you, but we do subtly differ in our views on some matters.

You don't look so good, Umberto.

Vargo told me the wolves always choose humans with some sort of impressive talent, but your health is quite poor.

That ragazzo who just left, he's your...

Luchino is a bright boy, but he just can't accept the fact that time is unbeatable.

I'm old, Ingrid. Simple as that.

Is Vargo well?

I can't tell with them... Did he not come to you?

We haven't seen each other for many years, I thought he'd long abandoned me.

Maybe he just didn't want to taint you with his scent and risk putting you in danger. That's my guess.

...Is that so?

To be honest, I've no interest in finding out what happened between you and Vargo.

I'm just here to solve a problem for you.

He told me how to distinguish the other Fangs. I was thinking, why not take the first move and give them hell instead?

What do you think?

It seems you can't refuse the conditions he gave you.

But this swamp is difficult to leave, once you make even just half a step into the mud.

Uh... I'll meet Signor Alberto soon. Should I explain the suit design in detail?

—I can't, Nonno will get mad if he finds out.

But if Signor Alberto asks me about it, surely I can't refuse to answer.

Becoming acquaintances with the don of Famiglia Saluzzo could be good for us...

I might even manage to get better medicine for Nonno. Or maybe I could even bring him to Columbia to see even better doctors.

...

Huff. Stop spiraling, Luchino.

The address from Signorina Lappland... it was this way, if I'm not wrong—

Uh... A truck?

Why is it so fast?! It'll hit the—

Hey!!

...H—Help... Help them out!

Merda, everyone's gone to the main street for the show...

Hey, just hold on in there! I'll get you out—

Um, what are these... hidden inside the tires?

Here, Gambino! The car we had our sights on!

That was just a damn coffee break, what the... We're done for!

We were unlucky enough getting assigned the dirty work, with none of the credit...

And now something just had to happen to the goods under our eyes—

Much worse than that, I'm afraid. Look at the car that got hit. Look familiar to you?

Why do you even care who the hell got hit—

Wait. That's. Leontuzzo's...

...

...

I gotta say, what you said about going back to Lungmen wasn't so terrible after all.

Let's get outta here before the cops and boss find out. We'll slowly settle the accounts between us after we're back there.

We toiled to get a sliver of hope here. There's no way we can just throw in the towel now, don't forget why we came here to Nuova Volsinii, why we joined Venezia Trucking!

No Signora Sicilia, no Grey Hall, and no restrictions from the other famiglie.

Who knows, we might even manage to make up a famiglia of our own, Gambino.

See the kid across the street with the box? He's the only witness—maybe he caught a glimpse of the goods stashed inside the truck too?

...I got you. Up to us to decide if he saw anything. You're such a scumbag, Capone.

Just trying to keep myself alive, and leave a good impression on the boss at the same time.

Let's go. Take him, and tell them we got the sole witness with us.

And the goods...?

That's for the recipient to think about. Don't forget, the boss stressed again and again we're just cover.

As for Leontuzzo... Hmph, hope he's fine.

Andiamo. We gotta get that kid before someone else does.

Uh, you are here to help?

Over here, someone's still inside the car—

Lights out.

I'll carry him.

The box he was carrying...

Take it with us. Don't leave any clues behind.

You sure no one saw us?

Obviously. The first thing I did here was to survey the surrounding area.

Go.

A smell. It's strong.

I know you ran in here.

Quick reflexes. No wonder I'm not done hunting yet!

But I've got you now— Huh?

I caught you.

Ow! If you weren't a Fang, I wanted to invite you to the pack.

Too bad Agnese wouldn't agree.

Grandma is waiting for me. I must hunt you... and then the last one.

Huh? Having second thoughts?

...No. Not anymore. I don't want to let Kal'tsit down. Grandma even more.

Best not get too close to a hunter!

Don't move. I won't miss this time for sure.

I need to confirm one thing with you before I drag you back to Agnese—

I see Vargo was telling me the truth.

The wolf pack is restless.

I spent quite the effort to find you two.

Though the rest will be simple to do.

You have a smell that Agnese hates, but you're not a Fang.

You know her, Projekt Red? Just show yourself, I won't shoot on sight.

No.

But her blade. Sharper than mine.

...For real?

There's no telling who'll win like this.

I know.

I will reach her first.

Not before my arrow does.

Three shots, and I'll have her cornered.

Behind you.

Trying to distract me? Tsk.

I've handled tougher fights in Siracusa with many more people on the other end.

But I'm always the last one standing. No exceptions.

Don't treat humans like beasts. Your hunting skills won't work on me.

You can certainly continue to try. Same goes for you, 'Projekt Red'.

...

...

This is not over yet.

My blade... not sharp enough...

Come.

...?

You can't hide from me forever. I won't wait any longer for Vargo's answers.

Are the police here actually working? I should go.

The accident, the Fangs, and the Famiglia Venezia's shadow...

I see Siracusa is welcoming me back with even bigger surprises.

I recommend the 'Red Tongue Sour'. They say it's made like how the Sami do.

Are you mad, Mane? Ordering cocktails at a winery? We'll be laughed out of here!

*ahem* Didn't we taste a similar looking one when we were in Columbia last month?

I just wanted to reminisce about our honeymoon a little, tesoro.

(Remember our undercover classes at the police academy. Sometimes we have to be conspicuous to cover the others.)

(The judge needs more time to clear bystanders from here.)

(...Are you sure you didn't pull that just because you wanted to drink it?)

I swear, tesoro!

Ssh..! Softer, Mane!

I thought his Nuova Volsinii would be much more lenient.

Signorina, why not have a drink on me? A cocktail, of course.

Let's just say it's a local custom.

(Mane, he's here...)

Signore, thank you for the generosity, but it's not your place to offer my—

I think there's been a misunderstanding. My offer was not directed at you, officer.

—!

It's been a while, Lavinia.

Care for a drink? You've been standing in that dim corner for a long while.

I was just wondering how long it'd take before you'd pay and leave.

I don't have to worry about the bill here. The Saluzzos never treat their important guests poorly.

Besides, Alberto informed all of his wineries in advance. 'Feel free to taste the wines as you please', were his words.

I never knew you were on such cordial terms with the Saluzzos. What are you and Alberto doing together? Surely you can't be working as a bartender here?

...

Lavinia, I didn't come here to be interrogated.

I'm deeply concerned for Leon. That's the only reason for our meeting tonight.

'He's still in a coma', 'He's still in a critical condition'... what kind of answer are you expecting from me? Or should I say, what kind of answer are you afraid of?

The fact that you are here means his condition isn't that bad.

...I still can't meet him?

You don't have to ask a question you already know the answer to.

Leon is mi fratello. I just hope he's safe and sound.

A fratello to you? Or Bellone's traitor?

Lavinia, everyone who stayed in the Bellones has valid reasons for hating him.

I hate him too. I don't agree with his choice and how he does things today, but I wouldn't deal with him in such a despicable way.

That won't serve as valid testimony to clear you from suspicion.

Leon got into the accident right before he was supposed to meet you, and you were inside a restaurant near the scene. There is reason to suspect you.

Then, Your Honor, what will you do? Haul me into your court and slowly interrogate the truth from me? I know many of the 'customers' here today are in fact officers.

...I won't arrest you without decisive evidence. This is how the law operates, we won't act according to the 'rules' of the famiglie.

But my suspicion towards you remains.

I'll get to the bottom of this, no matter if you're innocent or not, no matter who was involved. I will get to the truth.

You haven't changed at all, Lavinia. Still the same as your newbie judge days, daring question a famiglia don.

I never liked you that much, but... thank you for taking care of Leon for me.

Also, I still have to say: I'll also investigate Leon's accident... I want to know who the culprit is too.

Someone gifted me this bottle. I had planned to invite Leon to try it. He should have been the one sitting here...

Anyway, this glass is on me.

Can I really not see him, Lavinia?

Fine. No point for me to remain here.

Now would you guys excuse me?

Or are you planning to detain me under some special procedures for the famiglie under the New Urban Management Act?

There's no more famiglia here, Demetri.

...So I guess I'll go?

As you please.

As laid-back as ever, Venezia senior.

Do your men know their don is currently sitting in an ordinary restaurant right now, while they're waiting to welcome him at the port?

I just missed the food here. I didn't expect you'd be the first face to greet me.

Haha. Come, have a seat, my friend.

This restaurant isn't as ordinary as you think. I found the chef here from Sicilia. Makes the most authentic bolognese, you should try some.

The younger ones love talking about the future, which isn't a bad thing. However, some traditions shouldn't be abandoned, especially when it comes to Siracusan cuisine.

Anyone who tried innovating a new Saluzzo wine making method would surely be buried six feet under in the vineyard for fertilizer.

Hmph. That's right.

This bottle of noble rot wine is the first of our new collection. Take it as a welcome gift.

Hm... 1069. A good year.

I can find all of Saluzzo Vino's vintages and subsidiary brands on my rack, but it's been a long time since I've received a bottle from you personally...

We haven't been in contact much, Alberto.

Just a decade.

The Morettis ignored the Dodici Famiglie's ban on competing with the other famiglie to monopolize the Orignium trade, and recklessly tried to wipe us out...

Famiglia Venezia stepped in as a mediator back then, you are certainly worthy of our respect.

'Recklessly tried to wipe us out'—Maybe I'm just old and my memory's failing me...

But as I recall, it was the Morettis who vanished from Siracusa.

You swallowed all their Originium businesses, secured your seat in the Grey Hall, and that granted the Saluzzos the current status in Siracusa today.

I'm sure you've experienced more like this than I have.

Our sparse communication has been a boon to us. No one knows what Signora Sicilia would think of our meeting here.

Really?

She banned Carnevale herself, and yet it's come back from the dead... perhaps she is much more tolerant of Siracusa than we or everyone else in the Grey Hall could imagine.

Hmph.

A brand new city celebrating one of the oldest festivals. Surely no one would miss attending?

The young ones at city hall are simply doing this to declare that Siracusa will change inside-out... from here.

I just thought of the late Bernardo.

...A self-righteous fool.

Not very nice to badmouth a friend who's no longer here.

I saw trucks going in and out while the police directed traffic, and I couldn't even tell a single family member from the unmasked pedestrians...

Even the weather here is better than the other Siracusan cities.

To be honest, the famiglie might not disappear the way Bernardo wanted... but I was finding it hard to believe this was still a Siracusan city until you showed up.

The Venezias have integrated into the city well, senior.

From the city plate's construction work to the founding of the new government, your famiglia never showed up even once. Then Nuova Volsinii officially started operating, and the Venezias went quickly to work.

Anton was in charge of all that.

Your son-in-law is indeed quite capable.

Venezia Trucking has never flouted any of the New Urban Management Act rules, and even works with city hall to investigate illegal acts by the other famiglie.

The younger ones are always more eager to get with the times than we are.

But time is unable to sweep the famiglie's stain away. You know better than me what your vehicle company is doing under the table.

I suppose that's enough gossip for today. Alberto, I've been wondering when you'd finally start talking about the business at hand.

You knew what I was going to talk about?

Not many new stories in Siracusa these days.

No matter where you heard it from or whatever it is you're planning, this old man might not be able to do much.

Be it the city hall or Anton, be it a threat or offer to collaborate, I have nothing to do with it all.

Times have changed. I can't say if I like it or not, but I definitely can't stop progress. So I thought, why not leave it to the younger generation instead.

Not afraid they would screw up?

Why not wait and see?

The Venezias climbed to our current position in just three generations, and it was not because of the older generations sticking with their views.

We have Vulpos, Perros, and Lupos with no blood relations. It is precisely because we accept anyone with ideas with open arms that we are what we are today.

What I'm doing now is no different than what the old don did.

Hmph.

I came here just to enjoy the festival—but I'm happy you were the first person I saw.

But old men like us ultimately need to act with decency.

'Decency'. I see it's still a favorite in your dictionary.

That is why we Venezias have managed to stick together to this day.

The famiglia's decency frames what we should do or can't do. What say you, Alberto?

Anyone else and I would have called beastshit. But you—

I can only admit that it's 'truly valuable in Siracusa'.

Mind getting me some spaghetti bolognese?

You'd best open this noble wine now instead of bringing it back to Montelupe.

I'm craving some myself after seeing you enjoy your meal.

After all, I fear a chance for a leisurely meal like this will be quite rare in future.

—!

Is that you, Luchino?

Signor Umberto?

Oh, it's you, Anna...

Yes, I'm here to collect the suit I ordered. I formally start at city hall tomorrow!

Ah, is Luchino out?

He... had something to do.

Wait here while I get your suit.

How is it?

It, it fits perfectly! Grazie mille!

No need, you paid me for this.

But you used an even better material for it...

You waited so long for city hall to get back to you, and worked hard for the position too. Of course you deserve a better suit.

Treat it as a greeting gift from us when we moved here. Neighbors should take care of each other.

We're so lucky to have you as our tailor, Signore.

Right, I know Luchino hates sitting around, and I wanted to give him this ticket to the Carnevale show contest rehearsals. It's a good seat.

Could you give it to him for me?

...

Haha, everyone knows you only want the best for the boy, but sometimes it's good to let him live a little.

He should enjoy his life sometimes, right?

...Grazie, I'll pass it on to him.

I gotta tell you, your boy has a keen eye.

When I was here last month queuing for measurements, he was excitedly telling me which customers were important government officials or famiglia guys.

He's so proud you're making clothes for those high-ups.

A clever boy indeed. But most of our customers—most people who look for a tailor are actually just regular civilians.

It's rare they get a reason to come here. A rare job opportunity, a beautiful wedding, or even a dignified funeral.

Everyone deserves the decency of tailoring, and we at Tailor de Montano hope to operate for a long time on this basis.

I admire you, Signor Umberto. I'm sure Luchino will be an excellent tailor in future with a great teacher like you.

...You look haggard, signore. Need help?

Just age getting to me. Not getting enough rest lately.

Anna, tomorrow's your first day at work. Your brand new suit won't do all the work of impressing your colleagues. Have an early rest... Oh, feel free to get it ironed here anytime.

I... will close early today and get some rest.

Alright. Ciao, Signor Umberto. Find us anytime if you need anything.

...

I know there's no cause to contact you, but this is the only way I have left.

Luchino's been missing for a whole day. I can't go to the police, I'm afraid that the boy might have gotten himself mixed up in some mob matter—

If you're listening, I beg of you—Help me find him... He's the only thing this old man is concerned about... Please, Signora Venezia.

Your Honor, Demetri is gone. Should we pack up as well?

Just hold on.

Your face is kinda red, did you drink too much...?

Tell the others to continue tracking the vehicle responsible for the accident while we continue investigating the suspects.

It'll be hard, pinning someone down this way...

Indeed. Demetri, Alberto, and a 'missing driver'... We have many suspects, but I think there are other ulterior motives behind this incident.

Ever since Nuova Volsinii was founded, there have been many eyes on us—

Like that customer who hasn't left yet.

So that's why you didn't call it a day yet...

Judge Lavinia, yes?

...

To be honest, your actions today—and your scatterbrained officers are giving me a headache.

I had planned to pry any interesting info from talkative drunkards here, but it turns out—

You're the only one left I can count on.

How do you know my name, and—

Why don't you have a seat first?

Sorry, I had no intentions to eavesdrop on your conversation earlier. But a judge and a famiglia don? A classic combination not to be missed.

What can I say? I don't know if a good hearing really helps.

Ah, right. Ingrid—my name.

Now we're even.

You've been staring at my blade for a long time—just a prop. I can register it at city hall if needed.

I've been away from Siracusa for too long and haven't gotten used to the new rules yet.

...Ingrid.

I think you know very well these promising officers around us won't be much help.

Are they all under you? Does Nuova Volsinii have the police and judiciary together in the same unit?

We make do with what we have in these times. They're also serious about their work.

We'll gladly escort you over to city hall for identity registration, Signora Venezia.

Sure, but after I'm done with my business.

I won't take too long, Lavinia... today I'm just a visitor doing some visiting.

You're here for Carnevale?

For my daughter. She was hurt.

Oripathy. An accident.

Any other questions? I'll be happy to answer.

Signora Venezia. I hope you don't get the wrong idea, but this isn't an interrogation.

It's alright. I've crossed paths with judges before. I have no particular opinions on the profession.

It's not your determination as a judge to crack the case, but your kind concern for a patient that has won my respect.

You know something about the accident. Even though we've been keeping it confidential.

I already told you about my sharp ears, Lavinia.

So who is 'still in a coma'? A relative? An important friend?

Sorry, but I'm not answering that.

Hmm, I see accidents do come easy in Siracusa.

No need to be so vigilant, Lavinia. I can guarantee you my return here has no plans to involve myself in any famiglia affairs.

Hm... Perhaps we may even have a chance to exchange information.

...

Phew. Signora Venezia, I knew you'd be here.

Wasn't easy tracking you down... I told the old don about our run-in at de Montano, and he specifically told me he wanted to see—

Um...

...

...

...

Signore, we've decanted your wine for you. Allow me to show you the way.

Uh, no, it's fine. I just remembered something.

Oh, please wait just a moment while I fetch you a bottle of our winery's newest—

My tuskbeast back home's giving birth today! I shouldn't miss it!

Early this year, that man was jailed for three months for attempting some trouble. I didn't think I'd see him out so soon.

Of course, he absolutely did it on his own and had 'no relations at all' with Venezia Trucking.

Your Honor, I'm starting to think if I should hold you in higher esteem.

The mafiosi were never this afraid of a judge in the old Siracusa.

Well, Signora Venezia, I actually prefer your attitude—'No particular opinions on the profession.'

What Siracusa should revere is the law itself, and not certain individuals.

...

Haha, a novel idea—though I fear I must get going now.

To meet with your former don?

I have no obligation to report every step of my trip to a judge, but I don't wish to complicate matters for you either, Lavinia.

As I said, I have no intentions of involving myself with famiglia matters.

I have more pressing things to attend to, but I'll make sure I get them done before the identity registration deadline.

Ah, you should cut down on the alcohol too.

You can't hold your liquor well at all.

...

She knows what all of you look like, so let's leave it to the others.

Investigate Venezia Trucking, it seems their old don is already in town.

Leon... I'm afraid the situation's getting even more troublesome.

Your Honor, the tech department guys just sent over some data from the scene. We need you to review it—

Wasn't that area's monitoring system broken?

It's not from that. A private car that broke down was parked in the area for several days and its dash cam happened to record something.

A suspicious individual was spotted in an alley. Look, this silhouette looks like a Vulpo, wielding a blade...

...

What's the matter?

She was just here.