vigil

Even if dragging all the famiglie into a war would somehow see them erase each other in the end, it does not necessarily mean that the people would choose a new way of life.

But beyond that, I saw a real opportunity in all this.

So, at the end of everything, I went to Signora Sicilia and asked to borrow a city from Siracusa.

'A city without famiglie.'

Another joke? Why would Signora Sicilia ever agree to that?

Because it wasn't actually a request. It was a challenge to Siracusa.

In Signora Sicilia's eyes, my father's methods violated her order, and she couldn't tolerate that.

But the method I chose... Though I don't want to put it this way, was something she found permissible. Otherwise, I wouldn't even be standing here speaking to all of you.

Leontuzzo looks in a certain direction, to where a Sankta priest is standing.

The blindfolded priest does not seem to be paying attention to the ongoing trial.

Alright. If what you say is true, then Signora Sicilia's order does make more sense...

Or I guess, this is the only explanation for why Signora Sicilia would've decided that.

If this really is true, Leontuzzo, then everything you're doing today is just for show.

Call this a trial? You might be standing here, this is all just announcing you as owner of the new city. Isn't that right?

No, this city does not belong to me.

The new city will have everything you'd expect it to, with one exception—famiglie.

You really think you can keep them out?

What a stupid question. It's just as if I asked you, has the boundary between famiglie and ordinary civilians ever been respected?

Famiglie are only willing to abide by Signora Sicilia's rules because she's strong enough to dominate them.

And this gentleman's agreement among famiglie only exists because they don't have what it takes to wipe each other out.

Of course you'll come to the city. I know that, obviously.

But this time, you'll see what it is you've always underestimated.

Of course, I will welcome any famiglie looking to bring change as partners in the new city.

I don't think there's any difference between 'a city without famiglie' and 'Siracusa without famiglie.' They're both crazy.

Do you say that because it's unrealistic, or because it's hard?

Because it's unrealistic, of course.

My father was definitely misguided, but I don't think either of these ideas are unrealistic.

You're just too used to letting your eyes decide what is and is not realistic.

The famiglia are deeply ingrained into this land. You can't hope to uproot them. Nobody can.

But famiglie can be changed, and they can become more civilized.

Even if they can't be wiped out, they should be changed into something else. And as long as that something else is what we want, then that's fine too.

And you really think you can make that work?

I might fail, but don't you think it's worth a shot?

The only thing you've won for yourself is a handout from Signora Sicilia.

The famiglia system still exists. Though it may appear shaky right now, it is by no means so easy to topple.

No matter if this business today is serious or just for show, it's only possible because you have Signora Sicilia's permission.

Is there actually any point to all of this?

Unfortunately, if things don't pan out the way I want them to, then I'm afraid we'll simply be replaced like a tablecloth.

Plus, I've never considered my success inevitable. That day, I was honestly ready to die.

But that doesn't mean I won't take an opportunity that presents itself, handout or not.

Maybe in some other place, given the same set of circumstances, someone in my position could've been a better person and turned down the handout.

But in Siracusa, at this very moment, if this is the only way to move things forward, then that is the pill I will swallow.

Would Ministro Rubio have done what he did, if there was another option?

Are you aware of the consequences?

No.

What we're doing is unprecedented. How am I supposed to guess what the consequences will be?

But, this is what I believe.

Lavinia, I owe an answer not only to all of Volsinii, but to you and everyone around you. Right?

After that day, we didn't get a chance to talk things through, and only had a vague idea of what the other was thinking.

Are we really walking down the same path?

Is the new city that I want the same as the one you want?

We don't really know how the other thinks, do we?

...I trust you.

If you trust me, that's all the more reason to pass judgment on me.

Not just for your sake, but for all the officials who've rallied around you because of Rubio.

Otherwise, what reason would they have to trust me, a man who was mafia royalty?

This isn't a burden you have to carry alone.

I ought to shoulder the responsibility with you.

No... I've finally come to understand the words you said to me, Lavinia.

Our world views are fundamentally different.

As the former heir to a famiglia, there's no way I can empathize with your perspectives and experiences.

What I have to suffer now... is just dealing with whatever's left over after unloading that identity.

Also, from a utilitarian perspective, the people trust you, and this is a real chance for you to lock in that image.

If you put it like that, I'm afraid a lot of people will see this trial as nothing more than a show.

Let them think that then. It doesn't matter.

Even if they do think it's a show, sometimes, the willingness to put on a show is already a gesture in its own right. Don't you think?

Anyway, Lavinia, that's what I think.

We haven't accomplished anything big just yet.

One day, we'll end up mistrusting each other.

One day, when we come to our senses, we might realize that we've been misguided all along.

But...

Leontuzzo Bellone, what is it that makes you stand here so resolutely?

You were born into a famiglia, yet now, you've become the famiglie's worst enemy. Why?

Why, huh... I ask myself the same question a lot.

Is it my idea of chasing efficiency?

Was I raised on ideals of justice?

Is it because of the actions of an admirable government official?

Is it a conclusion from a minor observation of changes in the famiglie?

Maybe all of the above.

If we put all these reasons together, we might be able to come up with an answer––

The time has come.

Maybe Carracci avoided assassination and became a successful Ministero dei Lavori Pubblici, working hard towards a similar goal.

Maybe Ministro Rubio chose to show restraint and continued to occupy his position, secretly winning people over with his lofty ideals and striving to bring change to Siracusa.

This wasn't some elaborate plan I've been hatching my whole life. It suddenly dawned on me at some point, and I only made it this far on luck.

If I die, there'll be someone who comes after me, and another man after that.

And none of this is a testament to how hard I work or how unique I am. It just means that––

The time has come for Siracusa to change.

One question after another is thrown at Leontuzzo, the entire court filled with voices interrogative and vitriolic.

He stands in the center of the courtroom, earnestly and tirelessly answering every question he deems worthwhile.

Slowly but surely, more and more people begin to think that this young man is actually quite thoughtful, and that––

He's serious.

In the end, the courtroom's entire atmosphere seems to cower before him.

All the jurors present, all the civilians watching, and all the people tuning in through various media.

Until now, my heart has been filled with uneasiness.

I borrowed this city from Signora Sicilia, but never saw it as something that belonged to me.

I borrowed this city from Signora Sicilia so we could work together to build something completely new, for all of you to work towards a Siracusa free from the famiglie.

Because I made that decision on everyone's behalf, I must also face everyone's judgment.

But, if you'll let me make a single grand statement–

At this moment, Siracusa doesn't have the right to judge me.

And so, I can only be judged... by all of you.