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And to this day, that number has never changed.

Just like Siracusa's ironclad 'tradition.'

But finally, after so many years, our ever-immutable Siracusa is about to give birth to a new nomadic city.

A new nomadic city means new opportunities, new ambitions, and new hopes. You're exactly right, we are indeed at victory's doorstep.

Economy, traffic, and route planning. We and our friends have already been spreading our influence through every facet of Volsinii's new urban area.

When that area is formally built into a new city, we will have the right to lead the future of Siracusa. At least, that's what the more optimistic associates of the famiglia believe.

And do you consider yourself one of those optimists?

I very much hope I am.

That said, the old fellas over at Grey Hall haven't reached their final decision yet.

There's no future to look forward to until everyone there has formally let the chips fall.

Are we still looking forward to the same future, Leon?

...Of course.

Alright, it's about time for me to head off.

Before the banquet starts, I have to first pick up a certain... 'friend.'

This whole city is sopping wet.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

I was just looking around.

Celli... Signorina Texas, how do you feel about the way your hometown has changed?

These newfangled streets and alleys? That hardly counts as 'change.'

The way I see it, it's exactly the same as the day I left.

And... this outfit. I don't think it's a very good idea.

Consider it your very first gift from Famiglia Bellone. Hopefully, you'll find that our tailor has not besmirched the former glory of Famiglia Texas. Please, be at ease and accept it.

So if I'm not at ease, can I refuse?

Unfortunately, I'm afraid that is not an option.

Guess I'll have to find a way to ease up then.

So, what's my job here?

It's very simple - you'll join me at tonight's banquet, where I'll proudly announce in front of everyone that I, the son of Don Bellone, have enlisted a bodyguard who's inherited the Texas name.

Then, you'll kill all the overzealous, power-hungry idiots there, and we'll call it a day.

I'd actually be down for that.

Same. If only it were ever that easy.

Alright, Texas. In the two days I've left you in the city, I've been hard at work conditioning my mind.

I've been trying to tell myself that the Texas name is worth a whole lot more than the trouble you're going to bring.

That way, I can gradually come to terms with the terrifyingly dangerous situation I've been dealt.

The Texases are already dead.

Unfortunately, not everyone believes that.

Maybe you're the one misreading how much influence a ruined famiglia can have.

Maybe, but I'm not just talking about Famiglia Texas here. I'm also talking about you.

You once returned to Siracusa from Columbia, only to leave again.

The way I heard it, every famiglia involved in the 'liquidation' tried to kill you on your way out, but every last one of them failed.

They were all made to pay a heavy price, and it was all sparked by a single woman—you.

I just work for Penguin Logistics. I do deliveries.

If you've already made your assessment of how much you're worth to Siracusa today, then let me assure you that—

I know at least as much as you do.

First things first, Signorina. You must have some idea of what's going on in Volsinii, right?

...A new nomadic city.

Precisely.

And regardless of whether you acknowledge it or not, this plan is closely tied to your family name.

Or should I say... it was brought on by the fall of Famiglia Texas.

The collapse of the Texases dealt a mortal blow to the authority of Columbia's famiglie, and they had no choice but to return to Siracusa's embrace.

They brought back Columbian technology as the price for regaining our trust. Finally, Siracusa had acquired the ability to build a new city of its own.

However, the most pressing issue quickly became who would have the rights to own it, and the power struggle within Grey Hall began the moment the plan to build the city was completed five years ago.

Today, that power struggle is finally drawing to a close.

As one of the oldest famiglie, we, the Bellones, have the opportunity to seize victory.

Volsinii's backup core is already being retrofitted to serve as the core of the new city, and new plates are steadily being built.

In a year's time, perhaps even less, it will be completed.

And your mission... is to help Famiglia Bellone turn this opportunity into a decisive victory.

Sounds to me like what you needed was just a good enough hitman.

But when the hitman's name is Texas, that might just change everything.

Do you still remember the Rossati name?

Rossati...? Yeah, that rings a bell.

After the Texases were liquidated, the famiglie that had taken root in Columbia lived in constant fear of becoming the next target of Signora Sicilia's wrath.

That's when Famiglia Rossati took the initiative to approach her themselves. They were the ones who brought back the technology to develop nomadic cities.

For a brief moment, the Rossatis were poised to succeed the Texases, even managing to squeeze into one of the Twelve Seats of Grey Hall that no Texas had ever touched.

This seems like one of those boring stories that goes nowhere.

Boring, and brutal. Grey Hall has always been like that - open only to the winners.

And the boss of Famiglia Rossati stationed in this city, Signor Wallach, will not be content lapping up the scraps we Bellones leave behind.

And here I was thinking the dour mood around here was because of the rainy season.

I'll be frank with you: Volsinii has not been peaceful these last few months. A few of our friends have found themselves in various kinds of 'accidents.'

Along with them, the famiglie who still remain on the sidelines may end up changing their minds, and there's no guarantee that the famiglie that have already chosen their alliances won't betray them later.

When Signora Sicilia established Grey Hall, she laid down an ironclad rule: 'Do not kill.'

In other words, the famiglie have a lot of leeway to do whatever they want, short of killing one another.

Could've fooled me.

You are still standing in front of me, after all.

Hmph.

And so, you invited me back.

You don't need me to do anything in particular; I just have to get up on the stage you've prepared and announce that I've returned.

And that stage is tonight, correct?

Signorina Texas, are you aware...

...that the fall of the Texases has been adapted into one opera after another, performed across various major theaters?

In those stories, you, Cellinia Texas, are always portrayed as an ignorant child, helpless in the face of your family's collapse.

But right now, I can say for sure that you are anything but.

I truly want to know... What exactly did you experience during that 'liquidation'?

You've returned, Your Honor?

Yes. Is something going on?

Remember how Alessia said she recently met a pretty nice guy?

The one who runs the textile shop?

So you knew after all!

Yes, we've crossed paths a few times back when I was investigating a case. His famiglia...

Yes, Famiglia Gelli! Though they're not a particularly major famiglia, they still control all the textile businesses for a few streets down!

I heard they even have business dealings with some of the famiglie that make their way in and out of Grey Hall!

Yes, we know.

Alessia has been talking us up for ages. She said the guy's going to bring some of his siblings along so we can all have a good time together!

It's been so busy around here lately, I haven't had a chance to cut loose and unwind!

Oh, Your Honor, umm...

You... aren't going, right?

Right... I still have some work to do. Tell them I send my regards.

Okay! Will do!

Oh right, did you get a chance to look through those files?

Which files?

The mass disappearance on Via Como. Family of five. Remember?