act21side

Excellent, excellent.

If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to call for me.

Let's head down.

You're not going to stay and watch?

You know I've never been a fan of this sort of stuff. How about I grab you a nice drink?

I'd like—

Brandy, I know.

Sorry I'm late!

No worries. Everyone's still getting ready.

Go ahead and take a seat. I'll do your makeup first.

Okay.

What's wrong? You don't look too well. Are you getting stage fright?

No, I'm fine.

Don't worry, Sora. You've been working so hard, everyone's gonna love you for sure!

I hope so.

Oh right, did you know...?

What's wrong?

Apparently, the bassist got sick and couldn't make it to the performance.

Huh? What are you going to do then?

It's no big deal. The director was able to find a stand-in. She's getting her makeup done in another dressing room right now.

A stand-in... Are you sure that's going to work?

Just trust the director's judgment, alright?

Speaking of the director, he didn't come tonight?

He just dropped by to give some direction before leaving again. I think he's meeting with a guest.

Important people are always so busy, huh?

But it's okay, Sora. You just need to play your part, that's all.

Yes.

Oh, if it isn't Judge Lavinia!

I haven't seen you here for a while. Have you come to watch tonight's opera?

No, I'm just passing by.

That's too bad. But, did you know we're putting on the highly-anticipated 'La Morte di Texas'? I'm sure you'll love it.

Sorry, I'm not in the mood.

That's alright then. I look forward to your next visit.

...Huh?

(Danbrown? What's HE doing here?)

(Did he really... take my advice and come to the theater to unwind?)

(But, today's performance is...)

Wait a second.

Oh, did you change your mind?

That's right.

One ticket please.

Theater Box

Don Bernardo, someone's here to see you.

Oh?

It's Rubio, Segretario di Sicurezza Alimentare.

Let him in.

Of course.

Don Bernardo—

You can just call me 'director' here.

Ah, yes, yes. It's an honor to be here, Director.

Take a seat, Signor Segretario.

Let's enjoy the show first, then we'll talk.

Signore e signori, thank you for being here tonight. You are about to see another spectacular performance brought to you by Compagnia dell'alba.

'La Morte di Texas,' Act II, written by Signorina Caterina.

Every Siracusan already knows the story of Salvadore, but how many truly know the details?

Signora Caterina, who has a deep understanding of Famiglia Texas, provides us with her frank yet intricate perspective.

Let us delve deeper into the life of Salvadore!

(Inhales deeply, then exhales.)

Break a leg, Sora!

Right, time to go!

Phew... Finally found them.

Attagirl, Sora scored us seats with a great view.

Great expectations for her, all around.

Excuse me, would you mind letting us through?

A Sankta girl... An unusual sight in Siracusa.

Ehh? You're a Sankta too?

I've been in Volsinii for a while, and this is the first time I've seen one of my people.

Hehe, looks like it's one good thing after another today.

Go right on by, child.

What's wrong?

That's weird... I don't sense any emotions from him. Is he a strayed Sankta?

But, he's unlike any of the other Sankta strays I've seen...

Well, whatever. By the way, am I the only one who thinks way too much of this crowd looks like mobsters?

I hear tell the head of the Rossati Family's here tonight.

Hey, isn't that what you were just talking about?

Yep. But let's just enjoy the show for now.

(Singing) In an era when chaos and opportunity came hand-in-hand; some were swallowed by the tides of the times where others found in it their promised land.

(Singing) Violence and wealth, power and order.

(Singing) Onto Columbian soil steps a Siracusan, bringing with him only scars, hardship, and ambition.

(Signing) And thus begins our tale. Ladies and gentlemen, come and bear witness, to whom this era truly belongs.

That voice...

I see how it is. You're here to bring her back, aren't you?

But do you really think that's going to happen?

Who the hell are you?

Signore e signori, let the show begin!

It really is you, Cellinia.

Huh...?

Texas?!

—Ehh?

For a brief moment, Texas shifts her eyes to one of the boxes.

She knows Bernardo is sitting there, gazing down upon everything.

She feels it in her heart.

Whether coincidence or some form of necessity, in this moment, Sora is both a danger and a safe haven.

Everything depends on her.

The movement in the auditorium and the faint sounds in the distance all prelude the start of the assassination.

She gestures to Sora for her to stay silent, then proceeds to pluck the strings in her hands.

A most wonderful performance has begun.