act21side

Urgh...

Signor, are you alright?

Just dreaming.

That's why you shouldn't sleep on the sofa.

Where's the old man?

The Don went to the theater.

Are you going too?

Leontuzzo does not answer, only sinking deeper into the sofa.

Rossati, Giovanna.

That's right.

Cellinia, our original agreement was to ensure the Bellones come out on top.

But, I've changed my mind.

As long as you succeed, you don't owe us anything.

At that point, you're free to go.

This, I promise you as the Fang of Zaaro, il Signore dei Lupi.

From the time she returned to the residence at sunset, to the break of dawn the next day...

Listening to the falling rain, Texas wiped down her sword while reading the script that was handed to her—'La Morte di Texas.'

The story twists and turns, never straying far from what she's known.

She has a faint premonition.

But first, she needs to sharpen her sword.

Today, it may have to be a bit swifter than usual.

Tsk, tsk. The sun's still getting in my eyes, even though it's raining.

Prison food's not too bad. You should give it a try.

You're right about that. I've even given 'em a few suggestions before.

Now get in the car.

Can I sit this one out?

Does killing a single Columbian really deserve so much fanfare?

The Don says Cellinia's gonna be there too.

Oh?

What's the plan?

She'll pretend to be an actress, and once the performance starts, you'll improvise the rest.

Hmm... So what about my costume?

What the Don meant was—

You wait in the audience and play along.

Oh, right. Haha.

What an insensitive old jerk. So where's he gonna be? He's not trying to find a nice place to watch the show all by himself, is he?

The Don has other business. He's got a meeting.

A meeting?

Yeah, with a carwash worker.

Howdy, Sora. I just knew you'd be practicin' in Miss Caterina's studio.

I ain't gonna stop ya, but don'tha think you oughta head to the theater early? To do some makeup n' get ready n' whatnot?

Yeah, you have a point.

Exusiai's already off to buy breakfast. We got just enough time to meet her.

Okay.

Say... Didn't we say we'd set up a big ol' welcome for Exusiai's sister?

We did.

But now I'm not sure we'll have enough time for that.

Croissant, watch your step!

Huh? Wooooah!

Owwie...

Are you alright?

I'm fine, I'm fine. Just tripped on a little somethin'.

Dangit, I knocked over that stack of books. Lemme tidy 'em up.

Huh? A picture dropped outta somethin'.

Picture?

Wait... Huh?

What's wrong?

Lookie here!

It is a photograph from many years ago.

Sora can barely make out the background that should be of the wide and bustling streets of Columbia past.

In the center of the photograph stands a middle-aged man who wears a kind expression, but exudes an audacity not to be trifled with.

On his left and right sides stand a Lupo girl, and a Feline girl.

The girl on the left has beautiful blonde hair and sports a cheery expression, and even at a glance, one can immediately tell that she has a bubbly personality.

The girl on the right has black hair, her face betraying no emotions, making it difficult for one to guess the contents of her heart.

Look, this pitcher... ain't that... Texas, as a kid?

And standin' there with her... That's Caterina?!

And look on the back here...

Written on the backside of the photo: 'Giovanna and Cellinia, 1080.'

Giovanna... Is that gonna be Caterina's real name?

Giovanna... Giovanna Rossati.

How long has this carwash been open?

Five years.

Five years? Coincidentally, that's how long my guard tuskbeast has been missing.

If only I knew how he was doing these days.

The city's a pretty big place. There's always a way to survive.

It never made any sense to me before. I fed him plenty of meat, gave him a nice den. Why wasn't he happy?

Think he might've been vegetarian?

Maybe. Maybe it never knew how bad meat actually was until it tried a full-course meal.

It's better to not eat at all... than to eat something bad.

Oh?

Your car's done.

You're pretty good at your job.

Practice makes perfect.

Heh. You never fail to get it done just right.

But, Danbrown, nothing lasts forever.

It's time for you to change your tastes.

...I'll think about it.

Think carefully. Once you've figured it out, you're always welcome to come back.

Are you the backup bassist?

Yes.

Oh, um... Is that your natural hair color?

Yes.

That's special. Usually, you have to dye your hair to work as a bassist. I've heard only those with Famiglia Texas blood have that eye and hair color.

And, now that I'm seeing you up close, your eyebrows... look really similar to Salvadore's. Are you his bastard or something?

No, I have nothing to do with Texas.

All sorts of coincidences out there, huh?

Okay, take a seat over there. Your foundation's really good, so I should be able to get you squared away in no time.

Theater Box

Pardon me, are you satisfied with your seating?

Yes, I've got a fine view.