act21side

Here's the pizza you ordered.

Grazie.

Is someone sitting here?

Yes.

Great, glad to join you.

I said the seat's taken.

You should go and continue your famiglia's work. Don't bother a commoner like me.

Lavinia...

I'm not blaming you, Leon.

I don't blame Bernardo either.

If there's anyone to blame, it would have to be me.

It's my fault I was born into this country and still cling to these fantasies in my heart. I have no reason to blame either of you.

I'm not trying to reason with you at a time like this.

I know full well that comforting words mean nothing right now.

Even though I'm a victim just like you, it's only natural that you see me as a perpetrator.

All I can tell you is... I still haven't given up.

That's all.

There are too many things going on in the city these days. Do keep an eye out, and stay safe. If you run into any problems, give me a call.

Segretario Rubio.

Are you free right now, Your Honor?

Folks on the street seem mighty jumpy.

What happened yesterday was a pretty big deal.

You really gonna go talk to that director?

Yes. There are some things I need to set straight with him, no matter what.

But—

It'll be fine. Keep doing what you need to do, Croissant.

I'll be there. Don't worry.

In that case, I'll be Croissant's bodyguard for the day!

Thanks. I appreciate it.

If things go south, you give us a holler.

Will do.

Croissant, you're thinking about the whole business with Texas again, aren't you?

Readin' me like a book, huh?

You can say that again.

I'm the same, after all.

I know what Sora is thinking. If Texas really wants to stay, she's going to respect her opinion.

And I agree with that.

But—

I still want my sister to meet my friends.

At least, if there's any way to get Texas out of Siracusa safely, you'd want to find it too, wouldn't you?

Yeah... Reckon I can't hide anything from you.

Probably couldn't hide it from those two either.

Just like we can understand what Sora is thinking, they understand what we're thinking.

But this is still Siracusa... and Texas is tanglin' with some of the biggest shots in the country. I got no clue what I'm even s'posta do.

Oh? I thought you would've already figured it out.

Huh?

Uhh... Speaking of big shots in the country, didn't we meet one of them yesterday?

Come in.

Welcome, Signorina Sora. Signorina Cellinia.

Why are you dragging Sora and the others into this?

Sora's resume coming across my desk was honestly a coincidence.

Of course, it could also be something of an inevitability.

After all, Compagnia dell'alba is a pretty well-known troupe in Siracusa.

But what most fans don't know is that the troupe's director is actually the don of Famiglia Bellone. That, of course, is a secret.

After all, I have handed the famiglia's business in this city to my son, and I'm no backseat driver.

Signorina Cellinia, Signorina Sora, I've been directing this troupe for six years.

I hope the two of you can at least believe that my pursuit and love of the arts has nothing to do with my business.

I too would like to see Signorina Sora shine dazzling-bright onstage, if I could, then let the two of you finish your heartwarming reunion.

But, you don't particularly care if she <i>does</i> get dragged in, do you?

Haha.

Drop the pretense, Bernardo.

No matter how you try to sugarcoat it, even if meeting Sora <i>was</i> just a coincidence, how could I expect you to care about her safety?

Enough jokes.

Lovely, Cellinia. This is the first time I've seen you angry since you got back to Siracusa.

Director, there's something I need to know.

By all means.

Is the agreement between the two of us still valid?

You're talking about—

That even if I found Texas, I'd stay with the troupe and continue performing.

Oh?

And here I thought you came to terminate our contract.

What I can do is totally insignificant in the face of the conflict between families.

It'll be too hard for Texas to protect us in all that chaos.

And I trust that you are a man of your word, at least.

So, to cut to the chase, I'm willing to stay here and be your hostage.

Your bravery never ceases to impress me, signorina.

But there's no need to be nervous.

I didn't call you here to castigate you. In fact, what happened at the theater was meant to be a healthy exchange of pleasantries with the Rossatis.

What you've accomplished has already surpassed my wildest dreams.

And so, I'd like to inform you—

That the contract between us is terminated.

You're free to go.

From now on, Cellinia is no longer under Famiglia Bellone's protection.

Is this bargaining chip enough to satisfy you, my friend?

Satisfy me?

You think I'd forget who brought her back in the first place?

All I want to know is, what was the point of this? From the very beginning?

You should thank my son.

He was the one who convinced me you were someone to cooperate with.

Leon? Hah, I see.

I've always been optimistic about Famiglia Rossati's development.

Cellinia was just the one who built the foundation for our cooperation today.

In other words, even if Leontuzzo didn't come to me, you would have.

Like father, like son. Touching.

Heh. I just hope my son can learn a thing or two from your drive.

Listen, Bernardo, other people might fall for your tricks.

But I won't.

Of course, Wallach. I did these things only to show you who really stands in your way.

Oh? Is my biggest obstacle not sitting right in front of me?

If you think you can get me to betray my donna, keep dreaming.