act21side

Where am I...

Oh, you're finally awake.

This is... home?

Demetri, why are you here?

Lavinia brought you back.

According to the doctor, you passed out due to a combination of your injuries and fatigue.

Tch.

Want an apple?

Sure.

I knew you'd be hungry, so I already peeled it for you.

Where's Lavinia?

She left after delivering you to the guards.

You should know by now that she's always been reluctant to set foot inside this mansion.

Her coming here for your sake is already a miracle in itself.

Carracci's death is actually a bit of an issue.

And news of your injury is sure to get out.

In the eyes of the other famiglie, the Bellones have, in a heartbeat, gone from the clear frontrunner to a total mess, both inside and out.

Someone could show up at any moment to try to take a bite out of us.

Did we keep any of the assailants alive long enough to get them to talk?

Unfortunately, no.

And we couldn't find any leads on their bodies either.

I expected as much.

Any idea who could be behind this?

The Saluzzos always kept their cards close to their chests, biding their time. For them, this is a prime opportunity.

As for the Rossatis... They're probably victims too, since Wallach was with me when they attacked.

Still, Columbia's famiglie have never been a monolith.

True, there's always the possibility of infighting among them.

Besides, there are even more possibilities.

Tch, they sure found themselves a nice opening.

Mind pouring me some water?

You bastard, barking out even more orders than usual when you're lying in bed.

Did... you really just pour me a cup of boiling water?

Is it my fault your order wasn't specific enough?

Alright fine, I know this is how you express your dissatisfaction with me. What is it this time?

It's about the arrangement with Texas. I can't agree to it.

Lavinia is a righteous person who would never frame an innocent. She has her own ideas.

That's not what I meant. She was supposed to be your sword.

When the boss handed her over to you, that came with the assurance that she would not endanger the famiglia.

You should've forged her into a razor-sharp blade.

But now, she's behind bars under Lavinia's watch.

You seriously can't tell that she's looking out for our famiglia's interests?

I'll admit, holding onto Texas after today would only make things more precarious for you.

That her surname has appeared once more in Siracusa... draws far too much attention.

In that sense, you have a point. From Lavinia's perspective, it's safer to have Texas in hand.

But how is the rest of our famiglia supposed to see this?

They'll start to think that Leontuzzo, the next don of Famiglia Bellone, has gotten addicted to playing house on top of the tablecloth. That you've gone soft.

That not only do you not know how to swing a knife, you got it taken away from you.

The Bellones already lost the advantage. No matter who comes looking for trouble, we need to fight back tooth and nail.

Leon, the development of Volsinii's new district is more than the humdrum business of il Ministero dei Lavori Pubblici. It should be under Bellone control.

So that's what you really wanted to say to me.

I also have my own plans, Demetri.

Let's hear them, then.

Alright, fratello. You <i>are</i> my trusted advisor.

When I got attacked, I already had the feeling that things weren't adding up. And after hearing about Carracci's death, that became even more clear.

You just asked me who I suspected could be behind this.

I don't actually think it's a Saluzzo or a Rossati.

Why's that?

The hitmen knew me all too well.

They knew exactly how to hit our Famiglia with speed and precision, while targeting me at the same time.

So, what you're saying is—

I'm going to lock myself indoors for the next few days.

I need to recover from my wounds.

If people think we're fumbling in disarray, then let them think that.

Until the true enemy shows their tail.

So you let Lavinia take Texas on purpose.

That's right.

As for how she wants to play her hand, that's for her to decide.

In the meantime, there will no doubt be a slew of attacks on our famiglia.

Pay close attention to whoever's scheming behind the scenes.

...Understood.

So, was that a good enough answer for you?

Of course.

Since you have a clear plan in mind, naturally I'll help you put it into action.

You are, after all, the boss here.

That's what I want to hear.

Don't let me down, Demetri.

Hello, Wallach? It's me.

Leon, I heard you were injured. How are you doing?

I'm fine.

We need to talk about what happened earlier today.

I'd imagine... you probably have something to ask me too. About that name.

...'Texas.'

Volsinii Prison

So, you were held up at the time.

Who was holding you up?

An old acquaintance.

Awfully convenient for them to show up just then, don't you think?

You're pretty used to being in this kind of situation, aren't you?

Back in Lungmen, I'd sometimes let myself get interrogated like this.

Lungmen, huh...

Anyway, I'd have no reason to do anything like that.

That's what they all say.

To be honest, though, I don't think you could've been the perpetrator, Cellinia. I can't imagine it would've done you any good.

Also, Leon contacted me beforehand and gave me a few reasons why I should trust you.

So that's why you showed up at a venue where so many important figures were present. It was originally prepared as a stage for you by Famiglia Bellone.

However, given the current circumstances, our best option is for me to keep you here.

You're protecting Leontuzzo.

I'm protecting you as well, Texas.

Also... this may divert the attention of the other famiglie. They will be speculating what Bellone's next move will be after getting hit like this.

And those suspicions... might loosen some of the fetters around my ankles.