act38side

Why not wait and see?

The Venezias climbed to our current position in just three generations, and it was not because of the older generations sticking with their views.

We have Vulpos, Perros, and Lupos with no blood relations. It is precisely because we accept anyone with ideas with open arms that we are what we are today.

What I'm doing now is no different than what the old don did.

Hmph.

I came here just to enjoy the festival—but I'm happy you were the first person I saw.

But old men like us ultimately need to act with decency.

'Decency'. I see it's still a favorite in your dictionary.

That is why we Venezias have managed to stick together to this day.

The famiglia's decency frames what we should do or can't do. What say you, Alberto?

Anyone else and I would have called beastshit. But you—

I can only admit that it's 'truly valuable in Siracusa'.

Mind getting me some spaghetti bolognese?

You'd best open this noble wine now instead of bringing it back to Montelupe.

I'm craving some myself after seeing you enjoy your meal.

After all, I fear a chance for a leisurely meal like this will be quite rare in future.

Umberto never has to look at the clock when working.

He silently counts the number of times the sewing machine's needle bobbed up and down. This is his favorite way of counting time after bidding farewell to his past life.

But now, he dreads the sound of the needle.

The old man's eyes are puffy from his long excruciating day, but he forces himself to keep on sewing to keep it together.

Is that you, Luchino?

Signor Umberto?

Oh, it's you, Anna...

Yes, I'm here to collect the suit I ordered. I formally start at city hall tomorrow!

Ah, is Luchino out?

He... had something to do.

Wait here while I get your suit.

How is it?

It, it fits perfectly! Grazie mille!

No need, you paid me for this.

But you used an even better material for it...

You waited so long for city hall to get back to you, and worked hard for the position too. Of course you deserve a better suit.

Treat it as a greeting gift from us when we moved here. Neighbors should take care of each other.

We're so lucky to have you as our tailor, Signore.

Right, I know Luchino hates sitting around, and I wanted to give him this ticket to the Carnevale show contest rehearsals. It's a good seat.

Could you give it to him for me?

Haha, everyone knows you only want the best for the boy, but sometimes it's good to let him live a little.

He should enjoy his life sometimes, right?

...Grazie, I'll pass it on to him.

I gotta tell you, your boy has a keen eye.

When I was here last month queuing for measurements, he was excitedly telling me which customers were important government officials or famiglia guys.

He's so proud you're making clothes for those high-ups.

A clever boy indeed. But most of our customers—most people who look for a tailor are actually just regular civilians.

It's rare they get a reason to come here. A rare job opportunity, a beautiful wedding, or even a dignified funeral.

Everyone deserves the decency of tailoring, and we at Tailor de Montano hope to operate for a long time on this basis.

I admire you, Signor Umberto. I'm sure Luchino will be an excellent tailor in future with a great teacher like you.

'Luchino, hold onto my hand tight.'

'Do you want to live together with me from today onwards?'

The child had just barely turned three when Umberto found him in a farm with mud all over his face.

'Your eyes are like his... like my son.'

'You... cry...?'

The curious child extends his hand to wipe away the tears from Umberto's eyes, but leaves a filthy gray mark instead.

'What happened to your papa, Luchino, I won't allow it ever again—'

...You look haggard, signore. Need help?

Just age getting to me. Not getting enough rest lately.

Anna, tomorrow's your first day at work. Your brand new suit won't do all the work of impressing your colleagues. Have an early rest... Oh, feel free to get it ironed here anytime.

I... will close early today and get some rest.

Alright. Ciao, Signor Umberto. Find us anytime if you need anything.

Umberto holds the ticket in hand, and slumps before his sewing machine. He feels powerless.

After a brief silence, he dials a number.

I know there's no cause to contact you, but this is the only way I have left.

Luchino's been missing for a whole day. I can't go to the police, I'm afraid that the boy might have gotten himself mixed up in some mob matter—

If you're listening, I beg of you—Help me find him... He's the only thing this old man is concerned about... Please, Signora Venezia.

<p=2>November 6th, 1100 9:00 P.M.</>

Your Honor, Demetri is gone. Should we pack up as well?

Just hold on.

Your face is kinda red, did you drink too much...?

Tell the others to continue tracking the vehicle responsible for the accident while we continue investigating the suspects.

It'll be hard, pinning someone down this way...

Indeed. Demetri, Alberto, and a 'missing driver'... We have many suspects, but I think there are other ulterior motives behind this incident.

Ever since Nuova Volsinii was founded, there have been many eyes on us—

Like that customer who hasn't left yet.

Lavinia looks at a corner.

The winery lights are bright, but the wine racks cast a shadow in the corner, with a Vulpo sitting in the dark within.

Her bottle is already half gone, and she has been keeping her distance from everyone else the whole time. So much so that no one has noticed her blade blatantly left on the table.

So that's why you didn't call it a day yet...

Judge Lavinia, yes?

To be honest, your actions today—and your scatterbrained officers are giving me a headache.

I had planned to pry any interesting info from talkative drunkards here, but it turns out—

You're the only one left I can count on.

How do you know my name, and—

Why don't you have a seat first?

Sorry, I had no intentions to eavesdrop on your conversation earlier. But a judge and a famiglia don? A classic combination not to be missed.

The Vulpo points at her ridiculously large ears and gives a wry smile.

What can I say? I don't know if a good hearing really helps.

Ah, right. Ingrid—my name.

Now we're even.

You've been staring at my blade for a long time—just a prop. I can register it at city hall if needed.

I've been away from Siracusa for too long and haven't gotten used to the new rules yet.

...Ingrid.

I think you know very well these promising officers around us won't be much help.

Are they all under you? Does Nuova Volsinii have the police and judiciary together in the same unit?

We make do with what we have in these times. They're also serious about their work.

We'll gladly escort you over to city hall for identity registration, Signora Venezia.

Sure, but after I'm done with my business.

I won't take too long, Lavinia... today I'm just a visitor doing some visiting.

Ingrid sips a mouthful of wine, and lets Lavinia inspect her blade.

You're here for Carnevale?

For my daughter. She was hurt.

Oripathy. An accident.