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The most unremarkable Dipartimento di Sicurezza Alimentare...

And its popular but underappreciated segretario.

At this point, men like Carracci, who were propped up to maintain balance between the major famiglie, are no longer needed.

What you need is a puppet that is safe and useful.

Am I wrong?

Signor Segretario, a truly safe and useful puppet would never refer to himself as such.

I just happen to be a bit more self-aware than others.

Haha. And mightily self-aware you are.

You're right, Rubio. You <i>are</i> the best candidate to replace Carracci.

But, if you're willing to be so frank with me, I might as well share something with you.

I'm listening.

My associates killed Carracci.

You've got guts, and I like talking with men like you.

So I'm willing to give you a chance.

Turn around and leave this room, forget what you just said, and no harm will come to you.

Then, go back home and spend some time with your wife and daughter. Savor the last moments of peace in this city.

Doesn't that mean you'd need a puppet like me all the more?

Hm?

You're after this chaos. What's happening all around us.

You want to overturn the law laid down by Signora Sicilia. But you don't care if she rules, or if we go back to the old ways.

The conflict among famiglie never had anything to do with us commoners.

When something happens, we just wait to see the result.

It makes no difference to the commoners whether Signora Sicilia rules, or you do.

But, the winner will need someone to maintain the facade of order.

As the don of a famiglia, surely you understand this principle—

It isn't impossible for the commoners to survive without the famiglie, but the same cannot be said for the famiglie without the commoners.

You're telling me that you hold the real power?

No. I'm making a self-serving justification for the weak.

A good justification at that.

But it doesn't tell me what you're really after.

Power, Don Bernardo.

Since I was a kid, everyone's looked down on me, because I'm weak. And I look like, you know, this.

The oppression I felt from the people around me was more real than anything the famiglie ever did.

I've suffered that my entire life, waiting for this chance.

You tell me you're one who had Carracci killed? All I can think is: thank goodness I came at the right time.

You may not want to hear this, but if you're going up against Signora Sicilia, it's probably not going to go your way.

But who cares? Doesn't matter to me if you win or lose, in the end—

But power is something Signora Sicilia can't give me. It's gotta be you.

You're an honest man, Rubio. I like making friends with honest men.

Hm?

Don Bernardo... (*whispers*)

Give my order. Tell them, that's enough for today.

Of course.

What just happened?!

That room over there... started shaking?

Looks like she chose you.

Huh?

That earthquake is Giovanna's Arts.

Sounds like they had a falling out.

Look, Texas jumped out the window. Let's go after her!

Right!

Ahh, Texas. If, and I mean if, we were friends back then... could I have kept you in Siracusa?

Hah, fat chance, right?

We would've just slaughtered each other.

Lavinia, don't make me... kill you.

I've got a job to do.

Signorina Lavinia, I pray that you aren't born in Siracusa the next time around.

Just a second.

Who are you?

You're one of Saluzzo's hitmen, right? This operation... is over.

Don Bernardo's orders, just in.

Lavinia, you shouldn't have shown your face here.

That's not up to you.

You've interfered with a Saluzzo operation. That's going to ruin the relationship between our two famiglie.

Haha...

So, why don't you go beg Alberto's forgiveness with my head on a silver platter?

Wait, please. Signor Bernardo... I mean, Don...

I have a presumptuous request.

Hm?

I imagine Signor Leontuzzo will be very busy in the future. It'll unrealistic to expect him to help me the way he did Carracci.

I'd like to ask you for a new assistant.

The judge here would be a suitable pick.

That certainly is one option.

What are you two talking about?

Ah, how impertinent of me, carrying on this conversation without including the subject, Signorina Lavinia.

Don Bernardo has decided that I, Rubio, the humble ex-Segretario di Sicurezza Alimentare, shall take Carracci's place as the next Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici.

And I have to admit, I'm not too experienced with bureaucratic affairs.

So I hope that you, as someone with ample experience, will become my assistant.

(I wonder how Sora and the others are doing...)

What? Why... are you here?

When you get old, you start looking for a place to enjoy the rest of your days.

Found her! She's right over there!

Surround her!

Looks like you insist on getting in my way.

She's still worried about you, after what happened.

As for me, I'm old now, so I spend my days taking care of the youth. It's a hobby.

Stay a while and have a chat with your elder.

Next time.

<color=#000000>Texas, we'll protect you!</color>

Croissant?!

Ohoh, let's have a look-see, who's off fighting all by herself?

Why are you all here?

As far as I can tell, the Siracusan families always fight together. It's your culture.

And Penguin Logistics's culture iiiis—

To party hard?

In this case, it should be—

Don't be afraid to rumble, right?

You got it!

Seriously though, old man. You think you could let this one slide, a favor from one Sankta to another?

Get'cher head on straight, Exusiai.

You do have a point.

Ahh, the rainy season in Siracusa is a long one. It didn't bother me when I was young, but now, the arthritis is such a hassle.

Children, striving for strength is fine, but remember to put your health and safety first.

Eh, yer pullin' my leg.

Thanks a bunch!

By the way, if I ever did want to talk with you, how could I find you?

If you're searching for redemption, I'm afraid there's nothing I can do for you.

But if you're searching for order, you will find me everywhere.

That's enough. Let's get out of here.

Woohoo!

Donna.

What's the situation?

The Bellones have retreated.

Good work.

Where's Cellinia?

Gone.

Gone?

She couldn't kill me, and I couldn't kill her.

Let's head back and prepare. The Bellones aren't going to let this go.

Right.

You've won, Leontuzzo.

Your original plan wasn't to win over Wallach, was it?

But wasn't that the best option, given the circumstances?

Can't deny that. *cough* *cough*

Alright, enough talk. Let's get you in the car.

Leon, you still haven't given up, have you?

Compared to what Lavinia has been through, this setback is nothing.

You're going to do great things.

Maybe one day, you might actually be able to realize your dreams in Siracusa.

And when that time comes, you'll be my right-hand man.

I don't get along with Lavinia.

There are some things better left to her, and others better left for you.

Haha, you cheeky bastard. You're already thinking about that kind of stuff?

Demetri... I'm still angry about what you and my father were plotting.

I don't understand why he insists on continuing, even now.

But, in the end, I'm still a part of this famiglia.

Safe landing!

*gasp*... *gasp*... It feels great to be back on our own turf.

Phew... Siracusans sure are a pain in the ass. I'm totally wiped.

You hanging in there, Sora?

Yes. But my dress got a little torn up.

Well, shoot. That one was awfully expensive, wasn't it?

Ahaha, we'll figure something out.

Alrighty, one bottle per person.

C'mon, knock it off with that stone face.

Just think of it this way: the three of us also happened to be on vacation here.

Then... what's with the show?

Oh... That's, umm... just a way to grow my career~

Plus, I thought it might make finding you a little easier.

I reckon it sure did, lookin' at the way things turned out.

Sure enough.

The atmosphere remains chilly for a while.

But finally, an unavoidable problem emerges.

Where do they go from here?

Texas does not have it in her to ask.

Tex...

Texas, I had an agreement with the director.

Hm?

Now that I've found you, I will stay here and complete my performance contract.

But—

I've spoken with the director a few times. It's a little scary, in retrospect, but I don't think he's the kind of man to hold our lives over you.

You have a point. If he wanted to do something like that, he would've locked us up a long time ago.

Okay, alright, let's quit the jawin'. You keep talkin' and I keep gettin' scareder n' scareder.

We really are here to see you. If it wasn't so dangerous out there, I'd like you to show us around.

Okay... When we're through all this, I'll give you a tour.

Anyways, let's celebrate this Penguin Logistics reunion in Siracusa!

Cheers!

The biggest thing—

Hm?

An unknown number...

I don't remember ever giving out this number...

Hello? Who am I speaking with...?

It seems you're safe and sound, Signorina Sora. That's a relief.

You know what happened with Texas, right?

Don't worry, Signorina.

Your Penguin Logistics friends must be enjoying a joyous reunion.

And I certainly don't want to interrupt that.

But I was just thinking you might have a lot of questions for me.

So, I'll be waiting for you at the theater tomorrow.

Right.