vigil

The shady undercurrents flow beneath the clamor of Carnevale. Yet Leontuzzo, in his coma, is unaware of any of this.

Leontuzzo has a dream.

In his dream, he recalls his long-forgotten past.

The central figure of this dream is neither his mentor and friend, Lavinia, nor his close companion Demetri, nor even his father, Bernardo.

It is not Carracci, who guided him with such a steady hand, nor is it Rubio, who startled the entire city with a single gunshot.

It is an old man.

An old man that Leontuzzo has buried in the deepest recesses of his memory.

Back then, the Grey Hall had just passed the resolution to construct a new nomadic city.

Back then, Lavinia had not yet arrived in Volsinii, and he, following his father's orders, took over the 'family business'.

Back then, Siracusa's rainy season was still a long one.

I hereby find Enzo... not guilty!

Not guilty?! He ripped out my sister's vocal chords! Julia is still in a coma!

There is no evidence directly implicating him.

Of course not! He destroyed the evidence!

And he assaulted me!

According to the witnesses' testimony, you were the one who provoked the conflict, and his actions should be considered self-defense.

However, Enzo has said he understands your anger and will not take action against you, either criminally or civilly, in this matter.

You mean, he forgives me?

You are Julia's brother, so you're my brother as well.

We need to maintain a good relationship, Ennio.

You, you bastardo! I never liked you from the start!

Julia insisted on being with you, so I reluctantly agreed.

And look what happened! You've made her a mute!

I already told you. That has nothing to do with me.

She fled back home!

As her boyfriend, I'm very upset about this myself.

Don't worry. After I bring her back to <i>our</i> home, I'll get some of my boys together and we'll go find the real culprit!

No. I won't let you take her away.

Signori, what is the meaning of this?

We're here for a pickup.

But court is still in session.

Then let's wrap it up quick.

We're here to take Julia home.

Well... in that case...

Wait.

Leontuzzo?! So the Bellone Underboss has made an appearance.

Regardless of the circumstances, Julia did flee back home.

She should be allowed to rest quietly until she wakes up.

Even if Enzo is her boyfriend, he should only be allowed to visit her.

I won't allow him to set foot in my home!

Ennio, don't get carried away.

If Signor Bellone hadn't spoken up, your pastry shop would be a pile of ashes by tomorrow!

You—

Ennio, please respect the court's ruling.

Yes... Your Honor.

Enzo, do you accept Signor Bellone's proposal?

The Bellone Underboss has spoken. Of course I accept.

After we're done here in court, I'll go to see her.

Well then, this concludes our proceedings here today.

Buongiorno, Signor Bellone.

Buongiorno, Judge Russo.

Lavinia misses you very much.

I have the letter she sent me. It seems she has a good relationship with Famiglia Bellone.

You are not satisfied with the outcome here in court today.

Enzo is behind this. Everyone can see that.

I know what you mean.

However, he has destroyed all the evidence.

Enzo has some complicated famiglia connections.

This is the most I can do, given the circumstances.

Lavinia tells me you are a man who does not tolerate injustice.

Times have changed, Signore.

People can change as well.

Now, if you don't mind, I shall take my leave.

I still have some matters to attend to. Ennio must be quite upset right now, and I need to go talk him through it.

As you wish.

Ever since the Grey Hall announced the construction of a new nomadic city, Volsinii has been in chaos.

As you've just seen, the courts stopped functioning a while ago.

Judge Russo is one of the few judges in Volsinii who's still got the balls to hold trial.

I know.

Then when do you plan to come back?

Don't you think it's odd for Enzo to be so public about searching for his girlfriend?

This isn't some 'lovers' quarrel'—it's clearly more than that.

He's very impatient.

Are you saying that Julia knows something she isn't supposed to know?

And he won't let it go.

Enzo is with Famiglia Stracci, and they've been causing trouble lately. You've been wanting to make a move against them, right?

Looks like Leon isn't planning on playing the righteous hero. Funny enough, I got some interesting news of my own.

Hmm?

There's an old folk legend among the civilians in Volsinii.

Over the years, many mafiosi who testified in court have met untimely deaths.

The civilians say it's 'divine punishment'.

Well, is it?

Hardly.

The deaths of these people, while somewhat peculiar, are nothing more than assassinations by rival famiglie.

There's no chance someone is pulling strings behind the scenes?

They would need a thorough understanding of all famiglia dynamics, as well as the ability to leave no trace of their existence.

I doubt such a person exists in Volsinii.

Perhaps you're right.

They're getting ready to make a move. We'll talk about this later.

Heh. I never expected the Bellone Underboss to show up there.

Whatever, as long as I can still see Julia.

What really happened between you two?

Nothing, just a misunderstanding. You should head back now. I'll go find Julia.

Tell the Don I'll explain it to him when I get back.

Good. Glad you understand it's on you to explain it to the boss.

*sigh*

Well, I better go to Julia before I see the Don...

You're ditching your wingman.... interesting.

After I see Julia, I'll need her to...

Hey! Outta my way!