act21side

Don Alberto... (*whispers*)

Hmm? Judge Lavinia, and Cellinia?

They want to see me and Bernardo?

What's the meaning of this, Bernardo?

They're not with me.

Oh?

The Saluzzos have never been anything but hospitable to our guests.

But, to those who are not guests—

You can deal with them according to the Saluzzo way.

Haha, alright then. You heard the man?

Yes, Don Alberto.

Bernardo, I know you enjoy chatting about plans, and the future.

But I like more practical topics, myself.

Because you know those like the back of your hand.

The people know the Saluzzos never place a bet lightly. But few remember that when a Saluzzo <i>does</i> place a bet, he doesn't let it go lightly either.

Heh.

Rubio, the rest is not meant for your ears.

I get it—

Segretario Rubio, do you have any interest in opera?

Oh... I sometimes go, when I have the time.

Perfect.

Take this.

This is... a ticket to 'La Morte di Texas' Act II?

Yes. If it sounds like something you'd be interested in, feel free to go check it out.

I told you, Bernardo. The time for pleasantries is over.

I'd also like to invite all Saluzzos and their associates to enjoy the show together.

What are you talking about?

It's time to go.

This is a private party.

And what if I told you I <i>must</i> see the dons today?

The Saluzzos have a particular way of showing hospitality to unwelcome guests.

I'm sorry, Cellinia.

This is what I'm here for, isn't it?

You dare pull your sword on a Saluzzo? Cellinia, last of the Texases, are you outta your mind?

Flip that one around.

To kill, not for the sake of killing, but for an honest and sincere hope—since her return to Siracusa, this is the fight that has felt the least empty to her.

That is what Texas thinks.

My theater manager informed me that Famiglia Rossati has reserved a VIP box for tomorrow night's show.

Oh?

Haha, staging a hit in a theater? Is that how the esteemed artistic director of Compagnia dell'alba operates?

It's just sprinkling the dressing of truth onto a play.

But, there is one thing I still have doubts about.

Giovanna has heavies from Columbia among her associates.

Especially her boss in this city, Wallach. I've heard rumors of his methods.

How are you sure we'll be able to bring her down together?

Don Alberto... (*whispers*)

Haha, sounds like fun.

Bernardo, the judge and that Texas... very much want to see us.

They've already wounded some of my soldiers.

They are both close friends of yours, Bellone. Care to explain?

The associates of Famiglia Saluzzo have always been known for their bloodlust and combativeness.

Alberto, if the Rossatis came to attack your home...

What do you think their chances would be?

Zilch. They wouldn't stand a chance.

Cellinia will be the blade that runs through the heart of Famiglia Rossati.

Oh?

Where Rossati soldiers can't go, Cellinia can.

So, what are you worried about? Can the Rossatis stop her?

I remember you.

I thought you totally gave up on this place, like you never even lived here.

My time with the Saluzzos wasn't so bad.

Then, you gotta know what it is you're doing.

I do.

Texas, you...

Looking at the unconscious mafiosi strewn around her, Lavinia can't help but be briefly lost for words.

Even with all this, Texas was still holding back. She thought she had seen it all in her time dealing with the famiglie, but this is still beyond her comprehension.

I'm glad I'm on your side.

Unfortunately, it looks like this is as far as we'll get.

Huh?

Leon?!

Lavinia... you shouldn't have come.

I have to ask Bernardo something, face-to-face.

The assassination of the boss of Famiglia Rossati has already been decided.

Saluzzo and Bellone will join forces.

That's the decision they made?

It was our decision.

Where is he?

Dinner just ended. My father is upstairs.

You can see him, but nothing will change.

Along the way, Lavinia keeps running over a million different things to say.

There are too many questions she wants to ask Bernardo.

She imagines the countless arguments she'd have with him, as well as their outcomes.

She thinks she has mustered enough anger.

However, when she steps through the door, the scene she encounters shakes her to the core.

Bernardo sits upright in a luxurious chair.

In his hand rests a legal codex adorned with thorns.

The very same as the one she holds in her hands.

He lowers his head and rubs the tome lightly with his palms, as if completely unaware—of the thorns digging into his hands, of the bright blood trickling down.

Her chaotic thoughts all freeze in this moment.

In the end, thousands of words condense into one—

Why?

The game is over, Lavinia.

That sentence alone is already enough for her.

Only a few moments of silence pass, but she is already sapped of all her strength.

Lavinia turns to leave and does not look back, frightened of the tears about to roll from her eyes.

Bernardo remains in place, uttering not a single word as a few drops of his blood dye the floor.