act21side

The events unfolding in this city are not so simple.

Talk. Who sent you?

You don't need to know.

But she is not worried.

She understands Siracusa well, and knows that there is no end to these things.

She simply feels a twinge of emptiness, one that even she never expected to feel. Because—

No one will come to her aid in this fight.

And after it's over, no one will ask her if she's hurt, or drag her off to some party.

For her, this emptiness has long since been second nature.

So much so that even after leaving Lungmen for such a brief period of time, everything about that city already seems so distant and nostalgic.

'Out of my way.

Don't stop me from going back home.'

But Texas.

The more you want to go back, the more you'll have to cut your ties.

It'll just make you sink deeper and deeper.

What I want to know is, when you finally realize that you're completely covered in mud, what will you do then?

Good to see you again, Your Honor.

Oh, Danbrown, you're here. Looks like I'm in luck.

You washed your car just last week, didn't you?

Nothing I can do about it. After all, it's my job to be hated.

Don't worry, I'll get it nice and clean again for you.

Why don't you take a look around while you wait?

That's alright, I'll just wait here.

Your Honor, I heard that judges have it pretty good.

They drive fancy cars, show up on TV, and even the mayor has to be extra-polite around them.

After all, they represent Signora Sicilia's will.

I reckon I don't see any other judges like you, Signorina Lavinia, who get paint thrown on their car every other day.

You're probably right.

I don't know about the fancy cars or TV appearances, but I could sure use a membership card to your store right about now.

Sorry, our humble little shop doesn't offer VIP services.

You look like you're in a better mood than before though. Did that one famiglia stop giving you trouble?

All thanks to you, Your Honor.

I ran into them on the street yesterday, and they all steered clear of me.

Never thought there could be a judge as fair as you in Siracusa.

Fair, huh... They're just scared of the people behind me, that's all.

You say that, but even if you're backed by Famiglia Bellone, you still doled out punishment to a famiglia well-connected with the Bellones.

In Siracusa, Signora Sicilia is justice itself. I don't know how many of the judges representing the interests of her old famiglie actually bother upholding any <i>real</i> justice.

But deep down in my heart, I know you're the embodiment of justice.

That isn't actually a compliment.

Oh right, I almost forgot. You said earlier that you were having trouble sleeping. Did you go see a doctor?

I did. The doc said I didn't have anything wrong with me physically.

Just some mental stress.

Oh, is something troubling you?

Troubling me...? I wouldn't go that far.

Honestly, this job is basically just a way for me to kill time.

I'm not exactly rich, but I'm not desperate for cash either.

I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing, Your Honor. I just don't know.

How do you usually like to pass the time?

It's me.

What?! Carracci was...

I understand. I'll be right there.

Sorry, Danbrown. Let's chat some other time.

As for your question just now—

I'd recommend giving the theater a shot. I often head down to watch an opera if I have the time to spare.

Danbrown exits the store.

He watches as the judge he deeply respects drive off into the rain, quickly disappearing from sight.

'She's always so busy,' he thinks to himself, drying his rain-beaded gloves on his overalls.

But nothing she does will end up mattering, will it?

Or rather, the fact that she still holds onto hope is precisely the reason why she'll be disappointed again and again.

Things weren't this complicated in the good old days. He looks at the rain falling outside the store, and suddenly remembers an afternoon many years ago.

I hope it rains a little longer, so I won't have to sweep out the garbage in the morning.

Get down!

Eek—!

Damn... Thought you were a pampered little princeling, but turns out you're pretty tough to deal with.

Tch, they're no slouches. Stand back, Rubio!

I'm clearly the one they're after!

I, I know!

Eek!

Tch, there's more of 'em over there too!

Out of my way!

Slippery bastard.

What?! Isn't that Penguin Logistics'—

Hm?

Get down.

Ah, okay!

You dead, Gambino?

Like I'd kick the bucket so easily. Tch, never expected the real master to show up here.

Cut the crap.

The mission's botched. Let's split while we still can.

I think I remember those two...

*cough* *cough*, *cough* *cough*...

Is everyone... gone now?

You alright?

I... think so...

You're wounded. Don't move, it's easy to bleed out.

I've already called for backup. They'll be here soon.

I'll be fine, but how...

How many people would've known about today's banquet?

Are you suggesting...?

You're right. Such a large-scale, coordinated attack must've been planned for a while.

But my identity is public knowledge at this point, and it's not exactly hard to track me down.

In any case, I'm glad you arrived in time.

Carracci is dead.

What did you say?!

What?! You've gotta be shitting me...

Carracci is... dead?

A car bomb detonated right as he was walking by.

Carracci and three bodyguards near him died instantly.

Based on the wreckage at the scene, there was no point even taking him to the hospital.

I'm sorry.