act21side

Yesterday's show wasn't good enough for you? Why would the theater put this on?

Come on, I rented this box.

I'd like to invite you to watch a truly worthy show today.

Make no mistake, signor. Today, you are one of the upper crust.

Come, we must sit in an orderly fashion. 'Sit upright,' with your backs against the seat. Do not prop your feet up on the table in front of you.

How does it feel?

Mighty uncomfortable.

No, this is how one ought to enjoy an opera. This is how they all enjoy their shows. Now, you're one of the upper crust! Everyone respects you!

Why don't you try putting your feet up?

Push everything off the table and set your feet up on it. Then, taste what they just brought out to you—a lump of still-bloody meat.

Now, how do you feel?

There's no way in hell I'd feel comfortable here.

Hm... You're exactly right. Then, how about we do whatever we want?

A duel scene just happens to be unfolding on the stage. The protagonist just picked up his dagger, bringing it down on his opponent.

Woah, what an incredible combination of lighting and sound effects! The foe has been downed!

Bravo!

Finally, something I can understand! Give me more of this!

Bring the wine! This is barely anything, and you aren't bringing out more yet?

There is a knock at the door, brief and gentle. The waiter outside will not step into the box without permission.

'Excuse me, signori... I apologize for interrupting, but...'

'We would be honored if you could please allow the patrons downstairs to quietly enjoy the show...'

The carwash worker looks over at the door to the box which has been opened just a crack, and walks over.

Why are you so scared to come in? Why are you talking to me from out there?

Nobody answers.

Just because I'm some random guy who happened to buy a ticket and book a seat in this high-class box?

On stage, the duel is about to come to an end, and applause bursts from the audience below.

None of the audience sitting in the rows below are complaining about the noise from above.

Ah... I get it.

Because I'm sitting here above the stage, none of you dare to challenge me.

Even if I am still 'me.' But, I'm not me anymore.

*hic*... Hahaha!

This is how you all are!

The friend sitting behind him does not lift his eyes to watch the performance on the stage, nor does he care about the mumbling of the carwash worker standing at the door.

He simply continues to knock down glass after glass of fine wine poured by the attendant next to him.

I get it now.

Here, the key to the box. I'm gonna head out, so make sure you take good care of him.

'Think carefully, then. Once you've figured it out, you're always welcome to come back.'

Oh, I'm already in the new city area.

It sure is clean here.

Doesn't look like Siracusa at all.

Can't even find a single shady little alley full of dead bodies.

He begins to turn back, weighing the wrench he always has with him in his hand.

Doesn't look like Siracusa at all.

You sure that's him?

You think I'm gonna forget a guy who met Saluzzo personally?

I got no idea who he is, but I can't let him leave here alive.

Go.

The carwash worker turns his head back sharply before the sound of the wind even reaches his ears, a face revealing a grin of exhilaration.

Ahh, this is how it should be.

You're back?

Didn't have any appetite for the new stuff, that's all.

At least this'll let me do something interesting.

So, what's my job this time?

Demetri closes the door. The thick wooden boundary separates him from the conversation between father and son.

Leon, the Don told me his plans. I'm sure he'll lay his ideals into you again.

That way, you'll get what it is we're doing here, and how weak and stupid what you're doing is.

When he told me everything, he really was the spitting image of what a don should be.

He was sitting on his couch with a glass of wine on the table in front of him, but it felt like he was seated on a throne.

That was the day I realized Siracusa has become too tame.

We never should've gotten comfortable under her rule, divvying up the spoils she lets us take under the rules she made.

The famiglie ought to bite, tear, fight, and steal for the largest slab of meat, and carve it up as they see fit.

That's what the Don taught me.

Don Bernardo, our men have been dispatched. But what about Leon...?

Is he still in the study?

Yes.

I'd like to ask you, how do you feel about what he's been doing lately?

Be honest with me.

Speaking as his soldier, I think Leontuzzo is becoming more indecisive. He's been influenced by that judge.

I know that he has his own ideals, and is looking for efficient ways to work with the changing times. But, it's clear to me that he's going soft.

And I'm not the only one in the famiglia who thinks like that. Though everyone will still carry out your son's orders, they're getting concerned.

Go on.

As his friend, I can say that Leon is a good fratello, someone I'd trust to have my back.

But, that doesn't mean what he's doing is okay.

As our future don, he of all people should know better.

We're there.

You're going to blend in with the civilians in the audience, don't make any noise in there. Then, the moment you see Giovanna walk out of the theater—

Demetri gestures with his hand.

Do the job the boss gave you.

Set the ambush here.

Any news about the drivers at the estate?

No, none of them heard anything about Leon's movements. They're all back at the estate on standby.

Leontuzzo won't be coming.

Do you think he's...?

I know you all have a lot of questions right now.

All I can say is, he's brought it upon himself. If he keeps hesitating, the don will deal with him.

Right now, we need to finish our preparations. Those are the orders we've been given.

Get the job done.

At a park, Demetri slouches into a long bench.

It's the first time he's had a moment's rest in the last few days.

Leon, the other day, I was thinking about the stuff you said to me.

Maybe... that wasn't so unfeasible after all.

If we were in any other famiglia besides Bellone, your hands might've actually been completely tied.

Haha... Now, what will become of this famiglia in Siracusa?

Leon, it's not that I can't understand your ideas.

Even I can envision the future you're talking about.

But, it's not a reality yet, right? Until it is, it's just a figment of your imagination.

The work we have to do right now is down-to-earth.

What you should concern yourself with right now is being the famiglia's heir.

If you're serious about this...

I'll tell the Don what I'm thinking.