act21side

Otherwise...

We'll never be able to seize ultimate victory from the chaos that's about to ensue.

But, the young master, he—

I know many of you are still conflicted about this. I will assume full responsibility for whatever happens. When Leon eventually comes asking who to blame, I won't get any of you involved.

...*sigh*.

Cellinia, I need to send you to stay in Siracusa for a while.

You have to go.

The Columbian famiglie changed into opulent attire, took up residence in luxurious mansions, and stepped into the so-called upper class, thinking they had clearly delineated a boundary between them and Siracusa.

'Siracusa is barbaric, while we are not.' They spoke those words, thinking themselves superior to our homeland.

Your father's been captured by this line of thinking too.

As for you, I need you to see for yourself.

See the place we came from. See if we're any different from them.

...Who's there?

I've brought you some chocolate. Want some?

I see prison security in Siracusa is as shoddy as ever.

You know, they call this one impregnable, at least compared to other cities.

Texas lets out a tiny sigh, and takes a bite out of the chocolate in Lappland's hand.

It's her least favorite flavor.

Hah. And here I thought you'd be chasing me out instead.

That takes a lot more effort than just ignoring you.

So long as you don't get in my way, do whatever you want.

Aw, I'm almost moved to tears here, Texas. Even you're gradually figuring out how to get along with me.

I never get in other peoples' way. I'd much rather clear the fog for them, so they can better see where they're going.

How much do the Saluzzos know?

No more than you do.

The Bellones were pretty much a shoo-in to win, but to keep the Rossatis down, they even brought you back from Lungmen, as a precautionary measure of sorts.

But right at the critical moment, yesterday's assassination took place.

It's so blatant that people can't help but think it had to be intentional. Is the perpetrator even trying to stay hidden?

So what about you? Planning to sit in this cell reminiscing about every little thing that happened in Lungmen until that judge lets you go?

Weren't you in a hurry to get back there?

If you consider the wait as just another leg of the journey home, then I can be pretty patient.

But what if that judge is in danger?

Where is he? Has he woken up yet?

Good to see you here, Your Honor! We've already taken full control of the scene.

The suspect is still unconscious, but he was tied up and stuffed into a trash can over by the corner. We've already notified the hospital.

Who found him?

A group of actors from Compagnia dell'alba. They already left because they had a rehearsal to get to.

Compagnia dell'alba... Bernardo's people?

He really is cursed with bad luck.

Your Honor, the people murdered in the witness elimination case you reported last time were this person's accomplices, right?

Yes, but we couldn't find anything on them to identify them with.

Why would their leader show up here in such a sorry state then...?

Want me to try waking him up?

Please do.

*cough* *cough*... *cough* *cough*!

Stop struggling. We already have you restrained.

...Lavinia.

Do you understand the situation you're in? Who tied you up and dumped you here?

Do you really need to ask, judge?

Answer my question, murderer.

Heh. Maybe I can invoke Article 14 of the penal code to remain silent under informal investigations.

...You're pretty familiar with the law.

What, are you gonna use Article 132, the right of special dispensation, on me? Judge?

Just who are you?

Your average everyday murderer.

I, I remember now... I've seen you before.

Last night at the restaurant, no? You rescued that hapless clerk from il Ministero dei Lavori Pubblici.

It was three years ago, at a legal forum. Judge Bortolotti from the city of Sorrento gave a particularly outstanding speech.

Signor, I was deeply impressed by your report.

Well, I just kill people for a living now. It's an easy life. What you're talking about, I can barely even remember anymore.

This isn't who you are.

Stop acting so self-righteous, Lavinia. You really think you understand me? Just from a fantasy-filled report at a window-dressing legal forum?

You can't hide true passion. That's what you said back then.

Right, along with all the other naive, idealistic nonsense I rattled off. All young people are like that, thinking they can change the world all on their own.

I just happened to wake up sooner than you, Lavinia.

You said, 'we should all strive to find the common line that can protect anyone.'

Yes, here's an example: join a famiglia, listen to the boss, and kill anyone who gets in your way.

Judge Bortolotti, I can help you.

Hah! Help me?!

Oh, that's right. You have the great and powerful Bellones backing you.

Your honor and dignity will stay untarnished. You won't get chained down or beaten up for a moment of naivete. You won't come home to the sight of your house going up in smoke along with your family.

You don't know a damn thing, Judge Lavinia.

You have no idea how weighty the code you hold in your hand is, and how easily it can destroy your life.

And luckily for you, you'll never have a chance to find out.

Watch out, Lavinia!

What...?

We need to get out of here, now.

Texas?

They've sent a ton of people. Come with me.

Why is she here...?

It's T-Texas!

We've already lost a lot of our men!

Tch, we shouldn't have let Lavinia talk to that piece of trash for so long.

Forget it. After seeing her colleague fall to utter depravity, that woman's spirit is done for.

As long as we can snuff out Leon's childishness, it doesn't matter how we do it.

Call our people back. We're leaving.

They... They turned around and left!

He's already dead. Took an arrow straight through the heart.

Thank you. If not for you all, I'd have been the one to die here.

Close your eyes, murderer.

What's this...?

A notebook?

A Siracusan judge license. He was keeping it in his breast pocket.

Its corner has been clipped, and it's written here that the holder was disbarred three years ago for malfeasance.

Malfeasance, huh. Malfeasance.

Could they really not come up with a better excuse?

Are you alright?

I... think I should be asking you how you got out of prison.

Trade secret.

Fair enough. I don't have the energy to pursue that either right now.