Arknights story · I Portatori dei Velluti

PV-4 Honored Guest

Lavinia pursues Ingrid, but the head of the Venezia Trucking Co, Venezia Junior steps in personally to end the chase. Ingrid refuses his invitation to return to the family, but she then learns from Lappland that the old tailor's grandson is currently being held within the Venezia residence.

2 scenes, 510 lines

1. Before Operation

280 lines
Police Officer

Judge Lavinia, the Vulpo was just sighted in this area.

She's a sharp one. Practically stays in a new place every day. We investigated every place she's been and only figured out her approximate location.

Lavinia

Ingrid Venezia.

Back in law school, my jurisprudence professor mentioned the name once, but it didn't even come to my mind last night.

She told us Siracusa's cruel and conflictive atmosphere stems not from the local races here, but originates from the land itself...

Her rationale for how a gentle Vulpo could turn into a 'Vulpo even more ruthless than a wolf' after coming to Siracusa—and our laws are to rein in this sort of inevitable evolution.

Police Officer

Ingrid has more than twenty criminal records spread out between five nomadic city courts, each one corresponding to a spike in the Venezias' influence in the area...

The famiglia has also always tried their best to keep her away from any revenge killings or court trials.

Rumor has it that Venezia senior even favored her more than his actual daughter.

But in 1094, Ingrid suddenly left the famiglia.

Lavinia

Left?

Police Officer

More accurately, she defected.

Venezia Trucking expanded their business to Terni then. Famiglia Tancredi was actively provoking the other side so they could plunder the local alloy deposits. The conflict intensified and eventually escalated into a gang war.

The two Grey Hall famiglie were practically locked in a cycle of violence, and they even tried to put a hit out on Venezia senior...

Ingrid went into a killing spree, taking down more than ten of the Tancredis' made men.

Strange thing is, when Signora Sicilia personally came down and the two famiglie finally managed to start negotiations... Ingrid ignored the don's order to stop and continued her slaughter.

I saw the records. The stuff she did... freaks me out even now.

Lavinia

......

Motive?

Police Officer

Unclear.

Anyway, Ingrid basically challenged Signora Sicilia's authority with her actions, but vanished without a trace after that...

The entire Famiglia Venezia was blamed for this, and they almost met the same fate as Famiglia Texas.

Lavinia

......

The young judge imagines the Vulpo taking lives in the city, along with the smile that never left her face while they were at the winery yesterday.

Lavinia

......

Police Officer

Judge?

Lavinia

A top killer from a famiglia, with many murder cases under her hands, suddenly appearing in Nuova Volsinii... right in time for Carnevale. We can't let her move as she pleases.

Police Officer

You mean...

Lavinia

The famiglie here have all passed their background checks. Every member and weapon is registered and strictly regulated...

Someone like Ingrid is likely to act as another person's blade, regardless of whether she knows it or not.

We need to capture her first at all costs.

Police Officer

Yes. But... this area is huge. We still haven't managed to nail down her exact location yet.

Lavinia

If the information about her and her daughter is accurate, I'm sure she's headed towards a certain place.

Lavinia looks toward an inconspicuous sign not far away from them—'Rhodes Island Branch Office'.

Engineering Operator

*sigh* The shop I often go to source materials is about to close for Carnevale.

We'll need to update our reserve count on the terminal in advance.

How's Vigil's doing? The landship dispatched a doctor to the hospital, but we haven't gotten any news since.

Medic Operator

Dunno. The support mission this time has a high confidentiality level, and I don't have enough clearance to check his latest data.

I looked for Penance earlier, and she seems hesitant to share too much to us.

Engineering Operator

Let's trust our colleagues. We just need to complete our support logistical work.

Medic Operator

Erm... There's a new notice on PRTS: 'Approved: Application to increase security level of Nuova Volsinii branch office', requested by...

Penance?

Lunacub

There's a Rhodes Island safehouse here too... I see these Rhodes Islanders are like tuskbeasts. Dig many hideouts for themselves.

*huff*... Don't attract any attention... Focus on recovering my strength—

*stomach groans*

Lunacub huddles between the ceiling and a ventilation duct, rubbing her empty belly with some frustration.

Lunacub

...I smell something sweet. Like honey.

No, I need to focus. Got to sharpen my arrows while time is on my side—

I can eat first? But Agnese, didn't you say I have to be patient while I'm out hunting—

......

My stomach can wait. I don't want you to lose.

Yup, I'll do everything else as you say, except for this. I don't want to let you down.

Lunacub hides in a corner, grabbing her bow and taking aim, almost instinctively.

Lunacub

(Not a wolf. It's the kind of smell that Agnese hates.)

Ingrid

My nose isn't sharp enough to tell which one you are.

But I know one of you is hiding in here.

You have ten seconds to leave this place. I'll wait for you outside.

Of course, it won't be hard for me to get around Rhodes Island employees to deal with you, but I'd rather not take the risk.

So do me a favor. I'm trying my best to avoid leaving a bad impression on Lisa's coworkers.

Lunacub

......

Ingrid

I guess there's no more room for discussion—

......

A timely response. Interesting.

Guard Operator

I suggest everyone put their weapons down.

We've sealed the exits and activated all defense systems, so let's not make it any worse.

Ingrid

......

Lunacub

You set a trap for me?

Guard Operator

Um... trap?

It's just our regular security system at work.

Ingrid

Rhodes Island truly does not disappoint.

Guard Operator

I assure you we're just protecting our own assets, miss.

If the two of you could just wait a moment. The government will soon take things over from here.

Lunacub

(Agnese, any ideas to get out of here? Agnese? Agnese... where are you?)

Lavinia

We meet again, Ingrid.

An unregistered visitor using a deadly weapon inside the city and vandalizing assets belonging to a legitimate company.

This time, you will have to come with me for an investigation.

Ingrid

And her?

Ingrid points at the girl who is still warily observing the situation developing around her.

Lavinia

*sigh* We'll bring her along too.

Lunacub

Agnese needs me.

My hunt hasn't ended yet—

*stomach groans*

Everyone present turns to look at the source of the sound in unison.

Lavinia

We'll get some food for you.

Lunacub

......

Lavinia

Please, Signora Venezia. I don't wish to have the police act.

Ingrid

You want to protect her?

Lavinia

That is something for us to consider.

Ingrid

Alright, I'll come along. Only because you have my respect, Lavinia.

Government Clerk

Judge Lavinia, we're done with their pre-registrations.

The rest of the process will be a breeze.

Ingrid

I said I'd cooperate, didn't I?

Lavinia

Leon told me about the game. You're in it too? Like her?

Lavinia looks at Lunacub.

Lunacub

Um, grazie mille for the honey biscuits.

Lunacub gobbles down her food as she keeps her eyes on everyone around her.

Lunacub

So can I leave already? I have important things to do.

Ingrid

I'm no Fang, Lavinia. I told you, I'm just a mother in search of justice for her daughter.

Lunacub

Hands off my bow!

Government Clerk

Judge, shouldn't we take her in? What if—

Lavinia

Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.

Remember me, Lunacub? Don't be rash, the police have already locked down this area.

Stay by my side. It'll be good for all of us. You can trust me.

Lunacub

I only trust Agnese.

Lavinia

Bernardo trusted me too.

Lunacub

...He's dead.

Lavinia

But his heir still lives.

Lunacub

I-I want to ask Agnese about this. But she hasn't been replying me for a while.

Lavinia

Stay with me, and you won't have to worry about getting into trouble. You'll have more time to contact Agnese too.

Lunacub

......

Ingrid quietly watches Lavinia as she persuades Lunacub.

The girl covered with a wild scent is hesitating. Ingrid knows an opportunity approaches.

If Lavinia can get Agnese's Fang under control, that will save Ingrid a lot of trouble.

The other Fang in hiding will surely come to her.

???

If you notified me earlier, this misunderstanding we're having here could have been settled in a much more decent manner.

Long time no see, sorella.

Lavinia

Signor Antonio.

Antonio

Salve, Judge Lavinia. I made my way here just to submit the required documents and company testimonials, to help Ingrid Venezia complete her identification registration.

Ingrid

You—

Antonio

Leave this to me, sorella. We Venezias have always been happily cooperative with the government.

Your Honor, I know Ingrid's recent actions have violated a couple of rules of Nuova Volsinii, but I believe none of them are serious?

Let's see: not registering on entry, using personal weapons in public spaces... oh, and vandalizing legitimate company assets, yes?

Lavinia

...Yes.

Antonio

Regarding the last item, Venezia Trucking will discuss compensation with the involved company as soon as we are able.

Lavinia

Signor Venezia, you can just tell me what you want.

Antonio

Bail. I'd like to bring my sister back home, everyone misses her so much.

Ingrid

Wait, Antonio. I didn't want to drag the family in. There's no need for you to fight with city hall for me.

Antonio

It's not just for you, sorella. It's for the famiglia too. You may have your own opinions, but papa and I still regard you as one of ours.

I want every Venezia to have a clean record in Nuova Volsinii.

Besides, there's no need to censor the word 'famiglia' here. Everyone knows it's the foundation of our very lives. Nuova Volsinii just wants a declaration from us.

Forgive me for my candidness, Judge Lavinia.

Lavinia

I understand, your company's enduring cooperative nature with us relies on both sides being honest with each other.

However, are you sure you want to stake the entire company's reputation to vouch for Ingrid, Signor Venezia?

Antonio

Why not? It would have been the same with the old don.

Venezia Trucking will ensure the government that Ingrid Venezia will not step afoul of the law during her post-bail probation period.

If you find any clear evidence of her doing so, I will personally accompany her at court.

Lavinia's head hurts. The other party's request does comply perfectly with standard procedures.

Ingrid does have a right to be released on bail, but... it shouldn't happen now.

Lavinia

I can't refuse you, can I? You really excel at dealing with the government, Signore.

Antonio

Because I know you are not the inflexible type.

After all, I can clearly tell you know our little friend here with the huge bow, and you have no problems with her actions either.

Lavinia

......

Antonio

Andiamo, sorella.

Someone else will handle the formalities for you. I know why you're back in Siracusa, we can help you with Lisa's matter.

Ingrid

......

Lavinia

Venezia... are you involved as well?

Flustered Government Clerk

—Aaaaahh!

Lavinia

What's wrong?

Flustered Government Clerk

I-I just got bitten by a tuskbeast that came out of nowhere!

Lavinia

A tuskbeast?

Wait—where's Lunacub?

Flustered Government Clerk

Isn't she right next to—

She suddenly freezes—there is only air.

Flustered Government Clerk

Where did she go?

Calm Officer

Your Honor, we just engaged with a very agile individual.

She was mumbling something about wilderness survival skills and an Agnese, we couldn't stop her... we sent some men to chase after her.

Lavinia

I got it.

......

Antonio

To be honest, I thought we'd never get a chance to see each other again until the famiglia started considering an expansion in Higashi, sister.

Ingrid

Stop calling me that, Antonio. We were never that close, and I'm no longer part of the family.

Antonio

......

Alright.

Ingrid

Judging from their attitude towards you, I see you'll be the next don.

You're looking more and more like the Don—not just your attitude, but your appearance as well.

Your ears and tail... Did you become more like Bella after your marriage, or have you gotten some work done?

Antonio

Ingrid, why are you still like this...

You don't like it when people make fun of you, but you don't hold back when you're on the offensive.

Ingrid

Really now?

Antonio

It's been a while, Ingrid. Papa and I missed you very much.

Ingrid

Mhm.

Antonio

He took you in and raised you as his own. When I joined the famiglia you were the one he trusted the most. He loved you as much as his own daughter.

But the chap who fled here from Bolívar and became a hired thug to avoid starving to death? He didn't know a soul here, and could only tuck his tail and try his best.

Combat wise? Within the wolves, he wasn't any much stronger. So what could he possibly offer such a big famiglia in exchange for a place of his own?

Be it a Vulpo's compassion for a Perro, or the most reliable member of the famiglia doing it to appease her subordinates...

Basically, I wouldn't be standing here today if you hadn't helped me out.

Ingrid

You're over-thinking it.

The Don cares about many things, but decency will always top the list no matter what. He'll never let family members exclude or fight each other.

Antonio

That wasn't my point, Ingrid.

Ingrid

Oh?

Antonio

I have to become Venezia Junior. This is my way of repaying what you did.

Six years ago, the day we fought the Tancredis and it felt like it would never end—you were the one who pulled me out from the pile of corpses.

Ingrid

I didn't do it for you.

Lisa was only nine when she was hurt during the Tancredis' plot to assassinate the Don.

I don't care who orchestrated it. They should all perish.

Antonio

...I know. I'm just admitting the fact that you saved my life.

Ingrid

Enough with the niceties. Both you and him have more important things to deal with.

When I had just arrived here, I was collecting information when I overheard some wise guys at the bar bragging about your achievements.

'Antonio went with Venezia Senior and asked to meet with Signora Sicilia, and then sat at the negotiation table alone. Even though the other party gave him a hard time, he still managed to save a factory in Terni for the Venezias.

Look at you now. Got what you wanted.

Antonio

It should've been you instead.

But you insisted on going your own way and escaping Siracusa.

Ingrid

......

Antonio

You may be a Vulpo, but I personally think you're more of a Siracusan than anyone else.

I've never forgotten the first time I followed you on a mission. We were ambushed in an alley, and a blade scratched your face. There was so much blood I wanted to send you to the hospital...

But you said, our opponents think we're dead, so now is the best time to get them while their guard is lowered.

'You need to be fiercer, Perro.'

'Living in a Siracusan famiglia means living life on the edge. You may lose everything at any moment.'

'If you aren't prepared for this, then you better run back to Bolívar.'

You always did everything better than the rest of us. You were my role model.

So I don't care that you went on a trip and got married to a Higashinese man whom we've never met, or how you suddenly came back with Lisa in tow...

Don't get me wrong, I was fond of her, as well as papa and Bella... We gave her the best room and best teachers, we loved her as much as we loved you.

Papa often said the ragazzina would only make you stronger, instead of becoming your weak spot—

Ingrid

Enough, Anton. Too many words. Sei fastidioso.

I didn't come back to wax nostalgic with you. Just tell me who hurt Lisa.

Antonio

...You won't even wait until you see our father again?

Come back and help me out, Ingrid.

What happened with Lisa is something the famiglia owes you. I'll definitely help you.

Ingrid

I don't want anything to do with the family anymore. It's the best way forward for both sides.

Antonio

Listen to me, we took great pains to establish a firm foundation in Nuova Volsinii. A brand new city, a new set of laws. There are many things to attend to.

Papa's old, and there hasn't been any youths worth pinning his hopes on. You know what he's like. He's not willing to change, but he's much less willing to see the famiglia regress.

And then Bella's death dealt such a big blow to both him and I—

Ingrid

Bella's dead?

Antonio

Happened last year. You know she was never in the best of health.

I really need you with us, Ingrid... I think papa wants you home even more than I do.

Ingrid is silent. She merely casts a cold stare at the Perro before her.

Antonio

Come back to us, and I'll tell you the truth about Lisa's injury.

Ingrid

I see there's nothing else to discuss.

Grazie mille for separating me from Lavinia on your own accord, but it was not necessary.

I had my own plans in mind.

Ingrid waves her hand, and turns to leave.

Antonio

Ingrid, I knew you were back on your first day here.

The famiglia has never forgotten you.

Also... I saw the famiglia crest stashed away in your pocket. You're not as sure as you make yourself look.

The Venezias' doors are always open to you.

Ingrid

......

Well... You're already a true-blue Siracusan yourself.

Antonio

You honor me.

???

Wait, Ingrid. Got news you might be interested in.

Ingrid

I know you two. Saw you both next to Antonio the other day.

I believe I made myself clear with him earlier.

Capone

We know where Luchino de Montano is. We bagged him and brought him back to the Venezia residence in the city.

We can't take you to him, but we can tell you where exactly he is inside.

Ingrid

Why sell out your own employer?

And how do you know what Umberto asked me to do?

Capone

Uh... I don't know how to explain this properly!

Gambino

Wait, he ain't lying to you.

Minchia. Someone made us do this, okay? We don't know how you're linked to the tailor boy, we're just trying to survive!

Ingrid

Survive?

Explain everything clearly or you can kiss your lives goodbye.

Ingrid knows how to use her blade well. She knows when to take someone's life with it, and when to make people believe so with it.

Unfortunately, Capone and Gambino have no idea she's using it for the latter right now.

???

Che noia. I thought you were serious at first.

Capone

You goddamn pazza!

Lappland

He's got a sturdy neck, so you might have to put your strength into it.

Ingrid

...Lappland Saluzzo?

Lappland

Oh. You know me?

Ingrid

We met once.

You've grown up so much, but I remember that smile of yours.

Lappland

We've met?

I don't remember that.

Ingrid

Ten years ago, in Brunello. I was mediating a dispute between your Famiglia Saluzzo and the Morettis.

Your family was obviously on the losing side, and you were just a teenager then—the successor bearing Alberto's highest expectations. But what you really wanted to do...

Was to seize an opportunity to bury the famiglia six feet under.

Lappland

Haha. I was young and frivolous then.

People mature. Now all of Siracusa is my enemy.

Ingrid

......

You really are insane.

Lappland

Must be sarcasm with that smile on your face.

Ingrid

Why tell me this? Is there a conflict of interest between the Saluzzos and Venezias?

Lappland

Why would I care about the Saluzzos' fate?

Ingrid

—?

Lappland

The little tailor owes me two suits, is all. When you see him, do pass on the reminder.

It's rude to keep your clients waiting.

Ingrid

...I'll ask him about it.

Lappland

And just so you know: You're such a boring Siracusan, but quite amusing as a mother.

Ingrid

......

Lappland

I see even messenger work is an arduous task for you two.

Capone

If you want us to do stuff for you, let us tell the boss first at least. I don't want the Venezias after me.

Gambino

What else do you want from us, Lappland?

Lappland

Wow. I didn't think the both of you would be so willing to work for me.

Relax, I'm not interested in poaching men from the Perro.

Capone

—?!

Lappland

Just be good and stay by his side. Help him out when he needs it.

Of course, I'll reward you by divulging where the missing truck is, the one you have been looking for.

Gambino

...Just what are you up to?

Lappland

I'm making you both look good to Venezia Junior, of course.

Don't you deserve it?

Capone

Gambino. I got a feeling we're gonna end up fed to the fins for real this time.

Gambino

Yup.

2. After Operation

230 lines
Umberto

Signora Venezia, did you just say my child was taken away by Venezia wise guys?

Ingrid

My informant has no reason to lie to me.

Umberto

It's true Luchino went to the port area that night. I heard a car accident happened.

Ingrid

Yes, I was nearby as well.

I'm guessing the Venezias are involved, and if I'm not wrong, Luchino should have discovered something.

Umberto

*sigh*

Please leave, Signora. I have to close the shop early today.

Ingrid

You're going to find Venezia Junior yourself?

Umberto

......

Ingrid

Umberto, I don't know what you used to be like. But I'm sure your age has affected your abilities, even if you were chosen by Vargo back then.

A sickly old tailor might not even make it past Venezia Junior's doorstep.

Umberto

If Luchino really found out about something he shouldn't have, then he might be stuck at the Venezia estate for good.

I'm old and feeble, Signora Venezia. Even if this hadn't happened, my candle's burning out anyway.

If there's anything I can't let go right now, it's the boy.

He's my only relative, and I am his only relative too. He's still so young. Children always leave us with no other choice.

Ingrid

......

Umberto

Besides, I'm no stranger to the Venezias.

Ingrid

Hm?

Umberto

I didn't tell you this before—but I used to work for them before you did.

It's probably why Vargo chose me.

*sigh* Life goes in a circle, and now I'm going back to where I used to be.

Ingrid

I'll go with you.

Umberto

Signora... this has nothing to do with you at all.

I'm already very grateful you found a clue to his whereabouts, and came here just to let me know.

I know you had an unpleasant split with the Venezias because of what happened with Lisa, so if you go back just like that, you'll run into all sorts of trouble.

Ingrid

You need not worry. I'm doing this because of my agreement with Vargo. Before I find out what truly happened back then, I won't allow anything to happen to you.

Besides, I understand what sacrifices one would willingly make for the sake of a child.

Luchino

Is someone there? Can I leave now?

???

A child?

Venezia Sr.

Did you say something, ragazzino?

Luchino

......

Venezia Sr.

Afraid of me?

Luchino

May I go home, per favore?

Venezia Sr.

I'm afraid I just happen to be here as a guest, so I can't interfere in family matters. Why are they keeping you in here?

Luchino

I-I don't know, but if you can't let me go... could you at least contact Umberto de Montano of De Montano Tailor Shop for me?

Venezia Sr.

Umberto...

Luchino

He's my nonno. He'll get worried if I'm gone for too long... I have some medicine for him I got from the shop which he really needs, if I c-can't...

Venezia Sr.

You're worried about your nonno?

Luchino

Mhm.

Venezia Sr.

Follow me. The Venezias always treat their guests right.

I didn't think I'd meet a friend on this trip.

Lucky for me, I like it when it's lively.

Luchino

Do I just follow you...? But those people outside...

Venezia Sr.

They're also busy catering to me, their guest.

Luchino follows the old man close behind, and they don't run into anyone on their way.

Luchino

Wh-Who exactly are you, if you don't mind me asking?

Venezia Sr.

Stay close, boy. It's a big place, but we're almost there.

Earlier you said you wanted me to tell your nonno about a bunch of things, right?

Sorry, I'm old and my memory's spotty.

But I think you can tell him yourself.

Luchino

—?!

Venezia Sr.

Umberto, I envy you for having such a loving grandson.

Luchino

N-Nonno?

Luchino's head is full of questions—Has he interrupted De Montano's business? Was his nonno worried sick about him? How did he know to find him here?

Umberto only casts a glance at Luchino. The old tailor doesn't say a word.

Venezia Sr.

Have a seat.

Umberto

I'll decline. My legs aren't as good as they used to. Sitting down is easy, but getting up is quite difficult.

Venezia Sr.

Alright then.

You said Ingrid came with you... so where is she?

Umberto

She left after learning you were the one who found Luchino. She really trusts you.

Venezia Sr.

...Alright.

When did you move out of Montelupe? You left without even a word.

Umberto

I just thought there wasn't a need to do so.

Venezia Sr.

Time hasn't been kind to you. The ragazzino told me you're ill?

Umberto

It's not serious, though it's bothersome. My eyes and ears don't work so well anymore, my waist, legs, and shoulder joints are always hurting... it's thanks to my work.

Just elderly things. Even carefully maintained quality fabric will inevitably turn stiff and brittle.

Venezia Sr.

Take care of your nonno, boy. Don't leave any regrets.

Luchino

......

Umberto

I didn't expect to meet you here, and what's happened with the boy... has caused you trouble.

Venezia Sr.

Hardly. I came here for Carnevale, and happened to bump into your grandson here.

Luchino

Nonno, I—

Umberto

I know, Luchino. Let me handle this.

Venezia Sr.

Antonio should have acted in a more decent manner, and I've sent someone to find him so he can explain himself to you.

Antonio... A terribly common name in Siracusa. But right now, Luchino could only match it to a single face—

Antonio Venezia, the head of Venezia Trucking Co.

Luchino

...Signor Antonio?

Umberto

I thought this matter would be more troublesome than this, but since you've already stepped in—

Venezia Sr.

Umberto, you lack the patience of your youth.

Antonio has to explain himself to you, and once that's done, I can also rest easy.

Do you want to meet the owner of this place, boy?

Luchino

...Nonno?

Umberto

There's no way we can possibly refuse, is there?

Venezia Sr.

Just treat it as a favor to one of your regulars, vecchio amico.

Umberto

I was asked before to make a suit for you.

Why don't we make use of our time together here and measure you right now?

I hear it's a grand affair, with civilians wearing masks and costumes escorting giant parade cars around the city. I'm sure you'll be there, and need an outfit too.

I used to remember every regular client's measurements, but as you can see, time shows no mercy to us all. Everyone's changed a lot.

I've been relying on Luchino more and more to help me write down things I often forget about.

Venezia Sr.

Alright. We have some time to spare before Antonio arrives.

Umberto

Luchino, I'm afraid we won't be going back so soon. Can you wait a while longer?

Luchino

It's fine, Nonno! Can I help out somehow?

Umberto

Get me my toolbox.

Prepare a file with this gentleman's name on it.

Luchino

I'm sorry, signore, I never got your name...

Fabrizio Venezia.

The old man writes down his own name, and gives it to Luchino.

Luchino

......

Y-you're... But why did you say you were a guest...?

Umberto

Hush, Luchino. Just do as I say without a word from you, and do what we have to do.

Signor Fabrizio is but a client to us right now.

Would you allow this boy to serve you as my assistant, signore? He's been wanting to work on a major client.

Luchino

—!

Luchino was never allowed to assist his grandfather with important customers in any step of the process before.

But now, Umberto guides him every step of the way, and even encourages the boy to do it himself.

'You must show your clients respect and gratitude', he is told...

Everything goes smoothly and naturally, as if the kidnapping never happened and his nonno hadn't come here to rescue him.

Just working a regular job.

Venezia Sr.

His hands are as stable as yours. Will he become a 'tagliatore' like you?

Luchino

A 'tagliatore'?

Venezia Sr.

I see you've never told this child about your past, Umberto.

Umberto

......

Antonio

Ingrid, aren't you going in to see Papa?

Ingrid

So long as the Don is with them, Umberto and Lucchino won't be in any danger.

I just have to make sure they walk out of here safe and sound.

Antonio

You know that's not what I meant.

Ingrid

You're the one who he needs to see.

Involve an innocent child in famiglia affairs? I don't remember the old man ever doing something like this.

Antonio

He wasn't brought back here on my orders. But I won't deny it—I would have done this anyway if his presence truly poses a threat to the famiglia's interests.

Ingrid

The famiglia's interests? Or yours?

Antonio

Is there a difference between the two?

Ingrid

You've changed quite a lot, Antonio.

Antonio

No, you've been away from home for too long, Ingrid.

This is Siracusa's twenty-third nomadic city. A piece of uncultivated fertile land.

I've sown seeds here, so I'm obliged to ensure they mature for a ripe harvest. No matter the methods used.

Ingrid

......

Antonio

It's also why I've been urging you to come back to us. I know what you're capable of, and we need you here.

Ingrid

Anton, the Don won't like this.

Antonio

He'll be mad, of course.

He just summoned me inside, and I can guess he has a lecture in store.

But do you think he's angry because I got an innocent boy involved? No, he doesn't care at all.

He's just angry I wasn't stealthy enough, wasn't proper and 'decent' enough.

I will prove to him with actual results that the Venezias can establish two sets of order at the same time—one on the table and the other underneath.

But what we should prioritize is definitely not this so-called 'decency'.

Ingrid

Even if it hurts him, and those who trust you?

Antonio

......

I love him, I do. He gave me everything I have. I think this is the way I can repay him for that, no matter what it takes.

And you got one thing wrong, Ingrid. I've never changed.

Ingrid

...Never changed—

Is that so...?

Umberto

A 'tagliatore'...

De Montano Tailor Shop no longer offers that service today. This child doesn't need to know about it.

Venezia Sr.

Pity. I still remember how elegantly you would solve my many problems.

Montelupe's famiglie were all terrified of the elusive 'tagliatore'. One only had to write the target's name down on the order sheet, and he would be reported dead in the newspapers the next day.

Umberto

...It was all to repay your kindness.

You saved me when I was a young tailor about Luchino's age, and gave me a chance to live in Montelupe.

Venezia Sr.

You deserve a decent finale, no matter what.

Umberto

You've always been so good to me.

Luchino

......

Luchino is having a severe headache.

They are indeed, talking about his very own grandfather, but it doesn't seem to match up with the old man right before him.

Venezia Sr.

Right, what happened to his parents? Your son—Luca, right?

Umberto

Yes. Luca de Montano.

Parents? Luchino seems to have asked Umberto about them before, but the old man always dodged the question.

He had tried to read his grandfather's eyes, but the old man only focused on his work.

Umberto

Luca was a good boy. A wonderful, sensible child with a talent for tailoring and willingness to bear any hardship.

He was already a pro in his twenties, and the regulars were all fond of him. I had planned to hand over the shop to him.

Until one day, his body was discovered in a vehicle leaving the city early in the morning.

Luchino

...?!

Umberto

Next to him was a musical actress, with a little bit of fame in Montelupe, highly coveted by many mafiosi—

Luchino, your hands are shaking.

...Perhaps we should slow down?

Luchino

......

Umberto

Go fetch our fabric samples. I'll handle it from here.

Luchino

...A-Alright.

Umberto

...*sigh*

Venezia Sr.

You were a little bit cruel to the boy.

Umberto

My days are numbered, signore. I can't protect him forever.

Luca's death made me realize something.

Venezia Sr.

Hm?

Umberto

The blood on my hands can never be wiped clean no matter how many times or ways I try. The stench of it will only bring misfortune to me and my family.

But that boy still fantasized about serving the so-called 'somebodys'. It's my fault.

Be it Signor Antonio, you, or even other famiglie wise guys, Luchino will eventually run into mafiosi.

He has to know about it.

Venezia Sr.

You see Luca's death as punishment for your crimes?

Umberto

As a price I paid...

Raise your head, signore. To measure your neck circumference.

Nonno would sometimes stay at the workbench longer than usual, and his hands would tremble nonstop.

He teased Luchino on multiple occasions the shop would have to close down if Luchino couldn't learn the trade in time.

But now, his grandfather's hands are steadier than he has ever seen.

Luchino watches him pull out the measuring tape. He starts from Venezia Sr.'s shoulders, and then his arms, chest, waist, and legs.

But Luchino knows his nonno's attention has been on him the whole time.

Unfortunately, he is not yet ready to accept the truth.

Umberto

After losing Luca, I learned about Luchino's existence—Luca had him fostered at a farm out in the countryside.

And then I found out how Luca had met the actress through a costume order from the theater...

...How he hid a forbidden way of life he gradually built for themselves away from everyone, just to save me from worrying and avoid inciting more trouble…

...How he managed to leave a little speck of hope for themselves, and for me...

Luchino

......

Umberto

Luchino is all I have left from Luca, and my final wish is for him to live.

No matter what Signor Antonio or you have planned, I beg you—please don't involve him ever again.

Luchino

(Nonno...)

Luchino does not know how to react.

The truth of his parents' demise, his nonno's past, his own future... he drowns within his web of emotions.

Umberto

Please raise your arm.

Venezia Sr.

Sure.

Umberto

Signore, I do not ask anything of you.

I only have a selfish wish to give this child some time, to let him carefully observe how a tailor works.

How to measure, how to cut cloth, how to respectfully receive clients...

And how to stay away from a life he doesn't belong in.

Venezia Sr.

*sigh* Very well. I see you're set on parting from all your history.

No need to deliver the suit yourself once you're done. I'll get someone to take it from your sartoria.

Umberto, if you ever feel nostalgic and want to return to Montelupe, make sure to remember il vecchio here too.

Umberto

Of course.

Grazie mille, Signore.

Ingrid

So, you have no intentions of letting that ragazzino go...

Even if the Don's already agreed to do so.

Antonio

Ingrid, even if the kid swears he won't shoot his mouth off, there's no guarantee city hall won't hear about some ridiculous rumors from him.

Many famiglie have their eyes on us. I can't afford the risk.

Papa will understand.

Think about your family too, Ingrid.

Ingrid

......

A wolf asked me to fulfill an agreement we made, and I came back to this country for my daughter.

My anger has long ceased to burn for the famiglia.

I act only for my own sake now, Anton.

Antonio

...What a shame. Then I'm afraid there's no more room for any discussion.

Ingrid

You think they can hold me off?

Antonio

No, I just need to make sure that kid keeps his mouth shut.

Ingrid

Anton, answer this question.

When you bailed me out and said you knew who was the culprit behind Lisa's injury, were you telling the truth?

Antonio

...Absolutely. I've never lied to you, Ingrid.

Ingrid

After I sent Lisa away from Siracusa, I investigated the matter myself in secret, and although I found nothing...

I always had some suspicions I didn't want to admit was possible. Though, I don't think you'll speak any more on the subject, for now at least.

Antonio

...Forgive me, but I can't tell you anything right now.

Ingrid

No need. I'll find out eventually.

The blade falls just above Antonio's nose, but he retains his smile.

Antonio

Ingrid, you know there are people watching every move we make in this household.

Such indecent behavior from you.

Ingrid

...?

???

Ingrid, please lower your blade, for my sake.

Ingrid

...Don Venezia.

Venezia Sr.

Long time no see, child.