act38side

Those two earlier... they were basically fighting over a territory.

The court hearing does not mean the matter has come to a close. It is only just beginning.

For a long time to come, the famiglie will become a thorn in the Truckers' Union's side, and she will have to struggle against these people to maintain their tacit, disgraceful understanding.

The truck gets farther and farther away from the court square. She looks at the lighter in her hand, and her fear suddenly dissipates somewhat.

It's not over yet, Alberto, Antonio...

When Sommer and I had just moved here from Volsinii, we really thought we left the famiglie.

...Heh. What a joke.

I'm sorry, Sommer. I'll never trust any of them ever again.

Such an interesting scene, like it came straight out of a film. Saluzzo and Venezia fellas, truck drivers, so many people surrounding that driver lady, they took up half the courthouse square...

They called it my coming-of-age ceremony, the first time I went into a courthouse. When I came out, there weren't many people greeting me.

Texas had it even worse, haha. She came to Siracusa as a guest, and accidentally got herself involved in a lawsuit. I was the only one who greeted her after.

Stop bringing up your boring pranks, Lappland.

Signorina Lappland, thank you for coming here and for the reminder. If there's nothing else, please leave the ward.

You're welcome, Just the least I could do.

Carnevale is tomorrow, dear judge. You still have a lot to do.

I was with Lappland the whole time since yesterday noon.

By the time we reached the port, the fire was already dying. She's not directly involved with it.

She spent the entire night after that just being a taxi driver. We went to the courthouse today, and then came here to the hospital...

Right now, I'm not sure what she's planning.

Are you still looking through the file, Lavinia?

Judging from its contents, there was no problem whatsoever with the hearing. But the feeling I'm getting is all too familiar for my liking...

They covered everything in the trial, and the testimony and evidence are stated in detail, but other than getting someone acquitted, it didn't find out any truths or solve any problems.

In Volsinii, and other places in Siracusa, most cases can only end up with a case file like this one.

I had thought such a trial would no longer exist here in Nuova Volsinii.

Lavinia...

You don't have to console me, Texas.

What concerns me more, is when did these people actually start to care about whether a civilian outside the famiglie is innocent or not?

What's more, before this hearing, Famiglia Venezia had a near perfect record in the city you couldn't easily find a reason for criticism, but this time Venezia Junior actually showed up.

From Demetri to Ingrid—I may spent the last two days chasing in the wrong direction.

What is certain, before this trial—or because of this trial, they are now on the same side.

Leon's car accident, the hit-and-run vehicle, and the port fire. These three obviously have a deeper connection...

The Saluzzos, the Venezias, and the Truckers' Union. What are these three forces hiding from us together?

Lavinia closes the file, running her hand over the court emblem, then the 'New Urban Management Act' on the cover.

After a moment, she raises her head.

Texas looks at her friend. She seemed somewhat gloomy and confused earlier, but she is definitely back to her old self now.

Carnevale is tomorrow, but Leon is still in a coma... I'm running out of time to figure out what kind of plans they have in store.

We can't let the situation worsen, let alone stay sitting fowls.

You mean...?

These people still think the New Urban Management Act is something they can use, but I shall show them it is the foundation of order in this city.

<p=2>November 8th, 1100 4:45 P.M.</>

Hey, you! You can't go in there!

Texas?

Bursting into my winery without reason does not seem like something you would do.

Of course.

Told you we'd come find you, Signor Alberto Saluzzo.

These are Saluzzo Vino's qualification documents submitted in the past months.

A group of employees have in the short span of two months, changed their positions in your company's registered profiles several times. First they were security personnel, then winemakers, then technical staff...

We have reason to suspect Saluzzo Vino is employing illegal methods to circumvent the standard background check procedure.

Please come with us to assist our investigation.

Didn't the constant changes happen because city hall keeps changing the requirements?

What's the big idea, digging up these old files so suddenly?

Don't waste your breath, these cops are obviously targeting us Saluzzos on purpose! Vaffanculo, we even paid so much in certification fees!

Anyway, don't let them take away the Don on our turf—

Stop. Don't get in the police's way.

If they're only suspecting Saluzzo Vino of circumventing background checks illegally, then it won't be difficult to resolve... we just need some time.

Listen to him.

Got it, Don Alberto.

This must have been the judge's idea.

What?

Of course, she's aware she can't do much with such a trivial offense, but she can at least keep me in jail for the next few days.

She must have gone to Venezia Junior or Eirene, otherwise you wouldn't be the one standing here right now.

I just happened to be free today.

Making such a swift decision with only just the little information she has. Decisive.

I still remember her looking so weak when she rushed to my place looking for Bernardo last year—she was a completely different person.

Telling me all this won't help. There's nothing to fear if you're truly innocent.

Of course, I'll go with you. I'll do my best to aid your investigation.

I said in court today I'm simply doing my duty as a citizen of the city.

Besides, Saluzzo Vino will not pause operations because of my temporary departure.

Demetri, I'm sure you must be familiar with our work here in Nuova Volsinii by now, yes?

Certainly, Don Alberto.

Take care of my wineries for now, manager of Saluzzo Vino.

Of course.

<p=2>November 8th, 1100 6:15 P.M.</>

You sent for me, Don Venezia?

Anton has a question for you.

Over here, Carle.

Antonio...

Any cars headed towards Sicilia recently?

Passenger routes are operating as usual. Though, most people are coming in here, and not out.

Good.

Go pack up your belongings. You should be able to make the last ride over.

Gotcha—

Uh, Huh? Antonio, what's the meaning of this?

Don't you have a fratello in Sicilia? You can't stay in Nuova Volsinii any longer, and can't go back to Montelupe either, so you should go to him.

Your negligence has caused us to lose a whole carload of 'tires'.

I gave you a chance. Just greet the don at the port, couldn't even manage that. That old Saluzzo stronzo even got to meet papa before you did.

Carle, I've already given you the most decent ending possible by letting you leave, alive. Take this—

A check from a bank, with a huge sum written on it.

The famiglia associate takes it, stunned. He sees his own name written on the upper left, already crossed out by Antonio himself.

Call it a settlement fee. Without the famiglia's protection, you'll need a lot of money.

I've been with the Venezias for more than a decade. I was following the Don before you even came in here, can't you just, for his sake—

D-Don Venezia—!

Employees who make mistakes must naturally be punished, yes?

Of course. You're the head of Venezia Trucking. You call the shots.

Anton... you didn't inform me about this in advance.

Please don't blame me for this.

The police were just here earlier. They wanted to inspect the vehicle factories and service stations under the Venezia name. They said it was just a routine inspection before Carnevale, but the official warrant said it was an impromptu check.

I also just received news that Alberto was suddenly temporarily detained for corporate qualification issues.

I have no doubt the trial this morning has upset our dear judge Lavinia. She's hoping to control a situation she knows nothing of this way.

The situation spiraled out of my control, so I had to deal with Carle like that. It'll be hard to convince the masses otherwise.