act20mini

We are businessmen, Signor Bellone. We are naturally driven by the pursuit of maximum profit.

It is normal for us to set aside our preferences when discussing a deal in our quest for the most beneficial result.

As your employee said, this is how Kazimierz works.

So, think about it, young man. Don't be in such a rush to refuse me.

Refuse? Did you think I would do that?

Leontuzzo arrives at Demetri's residence late at night.

The rain that lasted all day is now reduced to a faint drizzle, gradually slowing to a stop.

But his mood remains melancholic.

Security guards from city hall who are still at the estate lead him inside.

He thought Demetri would have come out to meet him, but he is mistaken.

Demetri is simply seated in a chair—a seat decided by old famiglia custom to be the don's—silently watching him.

A dim light over his head obscures his expression.

Leontuzzo suddenly realizes it has been a long time since he's read any expression from Demetri's face.

Here you are, after all.

...Yes. You asked me to come. I remember the gesture.

A glass for each of us? I can mix a ginger fizz with apple juice you like as a base.

Though it's hard to find traditionally pressed apple juice in Nuova Volsinii these days. I'm sure it's been a while since you've had any?

Fortunately, I found someone to help me acquire it.

I'm sure you didn't call me here to reminisce about the old days.

You can lower your guard.

When I arrived here, I think I spotted a Kazimierzian's car leaving.

The boss of Golden Prairie.

Czarek? What was he doing here?

He wants to work with Saluzzo Vino.

I agreed.

Why?!

Why? Is this not what you people at city hall want?

Bringing in foreign capital will help local businesses to thrive and evolve. This is how businesses here and even across Siracusa will gain access to a wider market.

Czarek was here as an agent of the K.G.C.C., and they offered generous terms. I had no reason to refuse.

...Kazimierzian businessmen aren't as nice as you might think.

You're worried for me.

You managed to gain the Saluzzos' assets with your particular methods, but this doesn't mean you will see the same results with the Kazimierzians.

We can only try and see.

Also, city hall will surely protect the interests of us local businesses, yes?

I know an amendment to the New Urban Management Act sits on your desk. Just missing your signature.

How do you...?

Just some of those so-called underhanded famiglia methods.

We should always seek all the intelligence we can to make the most beneficial decisions.

I believe I taught you this long ago when I was grooming you to be the don.

That amendment... is just a draft.

I might not even sign it.

You're hesitating, I know. You just can't make up your mind.

You fear the people will denounce you, that all your achievements will go to waste, that Nuova Volsinii will return to the old famiglia ways.

Should I not be afraid? It's too easy, going back to our familiar methods, while new sparks are so hard to start.

All the famiglie outside the city are watching our every move.

Give them one chance, and we'll be torn to shreds, never to recover.

But you have more to worry about than just the famiglie.

Besides the Kazimierzan and Columbian businessmen who exploit loopholes in the Act, there are also Leithanians trying to expand their influence in the city—

Did you know? I received some surprising news just before the competition.

Someone was dispatched here from the Leithanian border for the sole purpose of dispatching the exiled dissident Paola Memminger.

Leithanien's Eternal Grace forbids anyone from deviating from their Movement, even outside Leithanian territory.

And you used this to your advantage.

I didn't fan the flames, I simply let it be.

Fortunately, things turned out well, and you also have a chance to amend the Act.

Is this not what city hall has been waiting for, this whole time?

I believe Lavinia arranged that trial just for that.

I do intend to limit foreign capital here, but that does not mean—

Who else can you even rely on, if not us local businessmen?

Regardless of whether or not we have famiglia backgrounds, we are all at least complying with your city's rules.

We can act as your insurance.

Empty promises mean nothing to me.

I know you are skeptical of the famiglie.

But you should understand we started off as nothing but a band of whelps, powerless against the barrens and chaos of Siracusa.

We helped those around us, and hoped the day might come when we could win something in return, to improve our lives.

We Siracusans take care of our own. It is our tradition, and what I've always done.

So after the Don's death, after you left, I took the Bellones' reins.

Because I cannot let the famiglia lose their home.

Just as you cannot let the Siracusans lose ground to foreigners from Kazimierz, Leithanien, and Columbia.

Or am I wrong?

You will do great things, Leon.

One day you will actually be able to realize your dreams in Siracusa. I've always believed this.

I've heard this from you before... Metri.

I said back then you could be my right-hand man. The offer remains, even now, at city hall...

No, grazie. I really don't get along with Lavinia.

And, as you said before, there are things better suited for her, and others only I can handle.

Just like right now, some matters are for city hall to carry out, while others are better for us to do.

Your ideals alone cannot keep Nuova Volsinii alive. This city needs and must have the support of the old famiglie.

You sound so certain...

You met Signora Sicilia.

I'm sure you know well just how happy she is to meet young people with ideas.

Your established rules will keep the famiglie in Nuova Volsinii from running amok, while my ways will gather all the power and spirit of Siracusa.

This will become a new Guns and Order for this city, Leontuzzo.

As Leontuzzo leaves, Demetri extends a hand towards him.

A signal of cooperation. Leontuzzo hesitates for a moment before stretching out a hand himself.

They used to be close, no strangers to sharing hugs or laughter, but this formal handshake now is the first between them.

At the conclusion of their handshake, Demetri returns to his chair.

Then, just like Leontuzzo's father and every Siracusan don, he disappears into the darkness.

The rain is no more. The sky is surprisingly clear and tranquil.

That amendment... are you really okay with it, Lavinia?

We used to want for a Siracusa without even a trace of the famiglie.

I spent more than a decade under the Bellones' shadow, Leon.

I don't mind waiting a little longer.

Then the same goes for me.