act38side

Too bad the workers and police are pretty quick to act. I think the fire'll be put out quite soon.

They should be thanking that burst of heavy rain earlier, otherwise the fire might have already burned down Nuova Volsinii Port to cinders.

No matter how big the fire is, it doesn't change the fact that it's here in the city.

Leontuzzo and the others wanted to give the new city a brand new festival to help build a collective identity.

A car accident that left the Mayor in critical condition and a giant blaze breaking out at the logistics port just before Carnevale. That's enough to keep the civilians up awake at night.

Doesn't it feel like some kind of omen, a proclamation, or even a provocation?!

How much do you actually know, Lappland? What's your objective?

Tsk, tsk. You sound anxious—Why?

Wasn't Nuova Volsinii the proving grounds Signora Sicilia promised to the youths?

An experiment is bound to produce mixed results.

As the first witness on the scene, I can tell you for certain the Bellone pup's car crash was purely an accident.

You've been watching over him at the hospital, and his condition has already stabilized, right?

So what's causing your anxiety?

I look forward to your answer, Texas... at Carnevale.

No matter what you're planning...

I'll be keeping an eye on you for Lavinia.

Hahaha, then sit tight.

I have no interest in wasting my time with those officers.

H-How can that be?!

The parade float... got lit up on fire along with the goods—

Ugh—?!

Calm down, it's me. The police are on their way here, so stay out of their sight.

L-Lyudmila?

Where did you go the night before yesterday? No, wait. Why are you here?

I have more questions than you, Sommer.

Where did you go after the accident?

I-I went to find Eirene. She knocked me out cold and then locked me inside the warehouse—Well, a lot happened, and it was a hell of an escape.

*sigh* Come with me. Everyone's attention is focused on the float now. My smoke will cover our tracks, and no one'll spot us.

Why's there a burn spot on your jacket?

The fire... was y-your...

My doing.

The police would have discovered the truck and its contents if I hadn't done it there and then. It was the only way.

Enough, we'll talk when we're safe. Those officers—

W-Wait, Lyudmila. Someone just went by over there... Eirene?!

Who's the guy next to her?!

Eirene Lavazza, and Alberto Saluzzo. Could you both please kindly explain what brings you here just two hundred meters away from the fire?

I don't see a need to explain myself.

If you want my answer, have the judge bring the evidence and arrest warrant to me first.

I'll be waiting.

We'll get to it, Signor Saluzzo.

It's true we don't have any evidence to pin you as the culprit, but this doesn't mean you're completely unrelated to the case.

As for you, Signorina Eirene Lavazza.

The float burned nearly to nothing, but we managed to collect some fragments.

We'll send them for analysis later, but we're basically certain that the vehicle used for the float was a truck from your group.

As the head of the Truckers' Union, you'll have to come with us for our investigation.

...Signor Saluzzo.

Signorina Lavazza, our previous agreement still stands.

I believe you have no link to the matter, but do be careful about what you say once you leave this place.

Otherwise, even I won't be able to help you.

<p=2>November 8th, 1100 10:00 A.M.</>

Don't you find this place familiar, Texas?

But this time, the one standing in the defendant's dock is neither you or me...

What a shame.

Even if we take the judge's word that this case is suspected of endangering the city's public safety, there's no reason to let all of these people in here.

A trial for a truck driver, and the audience gallery seats are filled with made men from two famiglie with conflicting interests.

Hahaha. I'm liking Nuova Volsinii more and more, Texas.

But I have to say, this trial was put together more quickly than I thought.

Probably a special procedure. Carnevale is tomorrow, so it's understandable they'd want to settle the case ASAP.

Do you know this Eirene woman?

You don't have to probe me, Texas.

I only met this poor little driver once, but I can guess how she ended up here.

You mean, she's innocent?

I didn't say that.

Isn't this scene a regular occurrence in the swamp of Siracusa?

It swallows everyone up eventually. Not everyone can escape it like you did...

Either you get killed and silenced, or you hide within the mud and drag out a meaningless existence.

Texas, do you believe that Nuova Volsinii offers a third way of life?

Silence.

In accordance with the New Urban Management Act, the Nuova Volsinii criminal court will commence with the Nuova Volsinii Port Arson Public Prosecution Case, number 00278. Court is in session.

Defendant, please state your identity for the record.

Eirene Lavazza. Born in Sicilia, currently a member of the Truckers' Union and living in the Trucker Camp on Viale Alito, Zona Torino.

What did they mean our testimony would be invalid in court?

Does that mean we can only sit here and wait for the results of her trial?

I wanted to go even more than you do, Lyudmila. After all, it's because of me that Eirene...

But you heard about what happened at the police station, right? She didn't say anything... so we can't just barge in there ourselves.

She believes in the government and the courts, and thinks she can prove her innocence...

Do you believe that'll happen?

I believe in her.

Wait for me here, Sommer. I'll call the other guys to go with us. We should be standing by her side right now no matter what.

Sommer slumps over on the ground cradling his head, watching Lyudmila leave.

If he hadn't helped the Venezias transport their goods without telling Eirene, if that car accident hadn't happened, if he hadn't asked Eirene for help, if he had managed to break free from his chains earlier and make it to the port in time...

He's the reason why this incident happened, but now the one standing in court awaiting trial is his best friend, and his... daughter.

He gropes around in a pocket for a business card. He doesn't know who stuck it in the gaps of his campervan door.

The card only has an address on it—'Terza Zona Porto'.

Eirene, I know you outsmart me in most cases...

But this time, I know I can help you out for sure...

He stands up and leaves the campground alone.

Eirene Lavazza. Identity matches registered information.

The blaze at Zona Porto yesterday caused serious property damage, put the lives of dozens of workers at the port at risk, and gravely threatened the public safety of Nuova Volsinii.

Carnevale is right around the corner, and this incident will immeasurably affect public opinion.

The court has examined the evidence submitted by the police, and found that the great wolf parade float, the source of the fire, has obvious traces of arson.

The vehicle was from the Truckers' Union. The police reviewed the trucks' shift schedules and found out it was not deployed at that time, and should not have been in Porto Nuova Volsinii.

You, head of the Truckers' Union, also just happened to be at the scene of the crime—

Signorina Lavazza, you are our prime suspect. You have every right to defend yourself.

Your Honor, I'm happy to tell you everything I know.

Eirene calmly explains how yesterday's fire had no links to any one from the Truckers' Union.

But the judge's expression becomes even gloomier.

The judge can't help her, even if he wants to.

Of course. As long as the real culprit doesn't show up, her attempt to defend herself will be for naught.

*sigh* Woe, the poor lady! Don't you want to help her out, Texas?