act21side

The most unremarkable Dipartimento di Sicurezza Alimentare...

And its popular but underappreciated segretario.

At this point, men like Carracci, who were propped up to maintain balance between the major famiglie, are no longer needed.

What you need is a puppet that is safe and useful.

Am I wrong?

Signor Segretario, a truly safe and useful puppet would never refer to himself as such.

I just happen to be a bit more self-aware than others.

Haha. And mightily self-aware you are.

You're right, Rubio. You <i>are</i> the best candidate to replace Carracci.

But, if you're willing to be so frank with me, I might as well share something with you.

I'm listening.

My associates killed Carracci.

You've got guts, and I like talking with men like you.

So I'm willing to give you a chance.

Turn around and leave this room, forget what you just said, and no harm will come to you.

Then, go back home and spend some time with your wife and daughter. Savor the last moments of peace in this city.

Doesn't that mean you'd need a puppet like me all the more?

Hm?

You're after this chaos. What's happening all around us.

You want to overturn the law laid down by Signora Sicilia. But you don't care if she rules, or if we go back to the old ways.

The conflict among famiglie never had anything to do with us commoners.

When something happens, we just wait to see the result.

It makes no difference to the commoners whether Signora Sicilia rules, or you do.

But, the winner will need someone to maintain the facade of order.

As the don of a famiglia, surely you understand this principle—

It isn't impossible for the commoners to survive without the famiglie, but the same cannot be said for the famiglie without the commoners.

You're telling me that you hold the real power?

No. I'm making a self-serving justification for the weak.

A good justification at that.

But it doesn't tell me what you're really after.

Power, Don Bernardo.

Since I was a kid, everyone's looked down on me, because I'm weak. And I look like, you know, this.

The oppression I felt from the people around me was more real than anything the famiglie ever did.

I've suffered that my entire life, waiting for this chance.

You tell me you're one who had Carracci killed? All I can think is: thank goodness I came at the right time.

You may not want to hear this, but if you're going up against Signora Sicilia, it's probably not going to go your way.

But who cares? Doesn't matter to me if you win or lose, in the end—

But power is something Signora Sicilia can't give me. It's gotta be you.

You're an honest man, Rubio. I like making friends with honest men.

Hm?

Don Bernardo... (*whispers*)

Give my order. Tell them, that's enough for today.

Of course.

What just happened?!

That room over there... started shaking?

Looks like she chose you.

Huh?

That earthquake is Giovanna's Arts.

Sounds like they had a falling out.

Look, Texas jumped out the window. Let's go after her!

Right!

Ahh, Texas. If, and I mean if, we were friends back then... could I have kept you in Siracusa?

Hah, fat chance, right?

We would've just slaughtered each other.

Lavinia, don't make me... kill you.

I've got a job to do.

Signorina Lavinia, I pray that you aren't born in Siracusa the next time around.

Just a second.

Who are you?

You're one of Saluzzo's hitmen, right? This operation... is over.

Don Bernardo's orders, just in.

Lavinia, you shouldn't have shown your face here.

That's not up to you.

You've interfered with a Saluzzo operation. That's going to ruin the relationship between our two famiglie.

Haha...

So, why don't you go beg Alberto's forgiveness with my head on a silver platter?

Wait, please. Signor Bernardo... I mean, Don...

I have a presumptuous request.

Hm?

I imagine Signor Leontuzzo will be very busy in the future. It'll unrealistic to expect him to help me the way he did Carracci.

I'd like to ask you for a new assistant.

The judge here would be a suitable pick.

That certainly is one option.

What are you two talking about?

Ah, how impertinent of me, carrying on this conversation without including the subject, Signorina Lavinia.

Don Bernardo has decided that I, Rubio, the humble ex-Segretario di Sicurezza Alimentare, shall take Carracci's place as the next Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici.

And I have to admit, I'm not too experienced with bureaucratic affairs.

So I hope that you, as someone with ample experience, will become my assistant.

(I wonder how Sora and the others are doing...)

What? Why... are you here?

When you get old, you start looking for a place to enjoy the rest of your days.

Found her! She's right over there!

Surround her!

Looks like you insist on getting in my way.

She's still worried about you, after what happened.

As for me, I'm old now, so I spend my days taking care of the youth. It's a hobby.

Stay a while and have a chat with your elder.

Next time.

<color=#000000>Texas, we'll protect you!</color>

Croissant?!

Ohoh, let's have a look-see, who's off fighting all by herself?

Why are you all here?

As far as I can tell, the Siracusan families always fight together. It's your culture.

And Penguin Logistics's culture iiiis—

To party hard?

In this case, it should be—

Don't be afraid to rumble, right?

You got it!

Seriously though, old man. You think you could let this one slide, a favor from one Sankta to another?

Get'cher head on straight, Exusiai.