level_act38side_04_beg

<p=2>November 7th, 1100 8:30 A.M.</>

Judge Lavinia, the Vulpo was just sighted in this area.

She's a sharp one. Practically stays in a new place every day. We investigated every place she's been and only figured out her approximate location.

<i>Ingrid Venezia.</i>

Back in law school, my jurisprudence professor mentioned the name once, but it didn't even come to my mind last night.

She told us Siracusa's cruel and conflictive atmosphere stems not from the local races here, but originates from the land itself...

Her rationale for how a gentle Vulpo could turn into a 'Vulpo even more ruthless than a wolf' after coming to Siracusa—and our laws are to rein in this sort of inevitable evolution.

Ingrid has more than twenty criminal records spread out between five nomadic city courts, each one corresponding to a spike in the Venezias' influence in the area...

The famiglia has also always tried their best to keep her away from any revenge killings or court trials.

Rumor has it that Venezia senior even favored her more than his actual daughter.

But in 1094, Ingrid suddenly left the famiglia.

Left?

More accurately, she defected.

Venezia Trucking expanded their business to Terni then. Famiglia Tancredi was actively provoking the other side so they could plunder the local alloy deposits. The conflict intensified and eventually escalated into a gang war.

The two Grey Hall famiglie were practically locked in a cycle of violence, and they even tried to put a hit out on Venezia senior...

Ingrid went into a killing spree, taking down more than ten of the Tancredis' made men.

Strange thing is, when Signora Sicilia personally came down and the two famiglie finally managed to start negotiations... Ingrid ignored the don's order to stop and continued her slaughter.

I saw the records. The stuff she did... freaks me out even now.

Motive?

Unclear.

Anyway, Ingrid basically challenged Signora Sicilia's authority with her actions, but vanished without a trace after that...

The entire Famiglia Venezia was blamed for this, and they almost met the same fate as Famiglia Texas.

The young judge imagines the Vulpo taking lives in the city, along with the smile that never left her face while they were at the winery yesterday.

Judge?

A top killer from a famiglia, with many murder cases under her hands, suddenly appearing in Nuova Volsinii... right in time for Carnevale. We can't let her move as she pleases.

You mean...

The famiglie here have all passed their background checks. Every member and weapon is registered and strictly regulated...

Someone like Ingrid is likely to act as another person's blade, regardless of whether she knows it or not.

We need to capture her first at all costs.

Yes. But... this area is huge. We still haven't managed to nail down her exact location yet.

If the information about her and her daughter is accurate, I'm sure she's headed towards a certain place.

Lavinia looks toward an inconspicuous sign not far away from them—'Rhodes Island Branch Office'.

*sigh* The shop I often go to source materials is about to close for Carnevale.

We'll need to update our reserve count on the terminal in advance.

How's Vigil's doing? The landship dispatched a doctor to the hospital, but we haven't gotten any news since.

Dunno. The support mission this time has a high confidentiality level, and I don't have enough clearance to check his latest data.

I looked for Penance earlier, and she seems hesitant to share too much to us.

Let's trust our colleagues. We just need to complete our support logistical work.

Erm... There's a new notice on PRTS: 'Approved: Application to increase security level of Nuova Volsinii branch office', requested by...

Penance?

There's a Rhodes Island safehouse here too... I see these Rhodes Islanders are like tuskbeasts. Dig many hideouts for themselves.

*huff*... Don't attract any attention... Focus on recovering my strength—

*stomach groans*

Lunacub huddles between the ceiling and a ventilation duct, rubbing her empty belly with some frustration.

...I smell something sweet. Like honey.

No, I need to focus. Got to sharpen my arrows while time is on my side—

I can eat first? But Agnese, didn't you say I have to be patient while I'm out hunting—

My stomach can wait. I don't want you to lose.

Yup, I'll do everything else as you say, except for this. I don't want to let you down.

Lunacub hides in a corner, grabbing her bow and taking aim, almost instinctively.

(Not a wolf. It's the kind of smell that Agnese hates.)

My nose isn't sharp enough to tell which one you are.

But I know one of you is hiding in here.

You have ten seconds to leave this place. I'll wait for you outside.

Of course, it won't be hard for me to get around Rhodes Island employees to deal with you, but I'd rather not take the risk.

So do me a favor. I'm trying my best to avoid leaving a bad impression on Lisa's coworkers.

I guess there's no more room for discussion—

A timely response. Interesting.

I suggest everyone put their weapons down.

We've sealed the exits and activated all defense systems, so let's not make it any worse.

You set a trap for me?

Um... trap?

It's just our regular security system at work.

Rhodes Island truly does not disappoint.

I assure you we're just protecting our own assets, miss.

If the two of you could just wait a moment. The government will soon take things over from here.

(Agnese, any ideas to get out of here? Agnese? Agnese... where are you?)

We meet again, Ingrid.

An unregistered visitor using a deadly weapon inside the city and vandalizing assets belonging to a legitimate company.

This time, you <i>will</i> have to come with me for an investigation.

And her?

Ingrid points at the girl who is still warily observing the situation developing around her.

*sigh* We'll bring her along too.

Agnese needs me.

My hunt hasn't ended yet—

*stomach groans*

Everyone present turns to look at the source of the sound in unison.

We'll get some food for you.

Please, Signora Venezia. I don't wish to have the police act.

You want to protect her?

That is something for us to consider.

Alright, I'll come along. Only because you have my respect, Lavinia.

Judge Lavinia, we're done with their pre-registrations.

The rest of the process will be a breeze.

I said I'd cooperate, didn't I?

Leon told me about the game. You're in it too? Like her?

Lavinia looks at Lunacub.

Um, grazie mille for the honey biscuits.

Lunacub gobbles down her food as she keeps her eyes on everyone around her.

So can I leave already? I have important things to do.

I'm no Fang, Lavinia. I told you, I'm just a mother in search of justice for her daughter.

Hands off my bow!

Judge, shouldn't we take her in? What if—

Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.

Remember me, Lunacub? Don't be rash, the police have already locked down this area.

Stay by my side. It'll be good for all of us. You can trust me.

I only trust Agnese.

Bernardo trusted me too.

...He's dead.

But his heir still lives.

I-I want to ask Agnese about this. But she hasn't been replying me for a while.

Stay with me, and you won't have to worry about getting into trouble. You'll have more time to contact Agnese too.

Ingrid quietly watches Lavinia as she persuades Lunacub.

The girl covered with a wild scent is hesitating. Ingrid knows an opportunity approaches.

If Lavinia can get Agnese's Fang under control, that will save Ingrid a lot of trouble.

The other Fang in hiding will surely come to her.

If you notified me earlier, this misunderstanding we're having here could have been settled in a much more decent manner.

Long time no see, sorella.

Signor Antonio.

Salve, Judge Lavinia. I made my way here just to submit the required documents and company testimonials, to help Ingrid Venezia complete her identification registration.

You—

Leave this to me, sorella. We Venezias have always been happily cooperative with the government.

Your Honor, I know Ingrid's recent actions have violated a couple of rules of Nuova Volsinii, but I believe none of them are serious?

Let's see: not registering on entry, using personal weapons in public spaces... oh, and vandalizing legitimate company assets, yes?

...Yes.

Regarding the last item, Venezia Trucking will discuss compensation with the involved company as soon as we are able.

Signor Venezia, you can just tell me what you want.

Bail. I'd like to bring my sister back home, everyone misses her so much.

Wait, Antonio. I didn't want to drag the family in. There's no need for you to fight with city hall for me.

It's not just for you, sorella. It's for the famiglia too. You may have your own opinions, but papa and I still regard you as one of ours.

I want every Venezia to have a clean record in Nuova Volsinii.

Besides, there's no need to censor the word 'famiglia' here. Everyone knows it's the foundation of our very lives. Nuova Volsinii just wants a declaration from us.

Forgive me for my candidness, Judge Lavinia.

I understand, your company's enduring cooperative nature with us relies on both sides being honest with each other.

However, are you sure you want to stake the entire company's reputation to vouch for Ingrid, Signor Venezia?

Why not? It would have been the same with the old don.

Venezia Trucking will ensure the government that Ingrid Venezia will not step afoul of the law during her post-bail probation period.

If you find any clear evidence of her doing so, I will personally accompany her at court.

Lavinia's head hurts. The other party's request does comply perfectly with standard procedures.

Ingrid does have a right to be released on bail, but... it shouldn't happen now.

I can't refuse you, can I? You really excel at dealing with the government, Signore.

Because I know you are not the inflexible type.

After all, I can clearly tell you know our little friend here with the huge bow, and you have no problems with her actions either.

Andiamo, sorella.

Someone else will handle the formalities for you. I know why you're back in Siracusa, we can help you with Lisa's matter.

Venezia... are you involved as well?

—Aaaaahh!

What's wrong?

I-I just got bitten by a tuskbeast that came out of nowhere!

A tuskbeast?

Wait—where's Lunacub?

Isn't she right next to—

She suddenly freezes—there is only air.

Where did she go?

Your Honor, we just engaged with a very agile individual.

She was mumbling something about wilderness survival skills and an Agnese, we couldn't stop her... we sent some men to chase after her.

I got it.

To be honest, I thought we'd never get a chance to see each other again until the famiglia started considering an expansion in Higashi, sister.

Stop calling me that, Antonio. We were never that close, and I'm no longer part of the family.

Alright.

Judging from their attitude towards you, I see you'll be the next don.

You're looking more and more like the Don—not just your attitude, but your appearance as well.

Your ears and tail... Did you become more like Bella after your marriage, or have you gotten some work done?

Ingrid, why are you still like this...

You don't like it when people make fun of you, but you don't hold back when you're on the offensive.

Really now?

It's been a while, Ingrid. Papa and I missed you very much.

Mhm.

He took you in and raised you as his own. When I joined the famiglia you were the one he trusted the most. He loved you as much as his own daughter.

But the chap who fled here from Bolívar and became a hired thug to avoid starving to death? He didn't know a soul here, and could only tuck his tail and try his best.

Combat wise? Within the wolves, he wasn't any much stronger. So what could he possibly offer such a big famiglia in exchange for a place of his own?

Be it a Vulpo's compassion for a Perro, or the most reliable member of the famiglia doing it to appease her subordinates...

Basically, I wouldn't be standing here today if you hadn't helped me out.

You're over-thinking it.

The Don cares about many things, but decency will always top the list no matter what. He'll never let family members exclude or fight each other.

That wasn't my point, Ingrid.

Oh?

I <i>have</i> to become Venezia Junior. This is my way of repaying what you did.

Six years ago, the day we fought the Tancredis and it felt like it would never end—you were the one who pulled me out from the pile of corpses.

I didn't do it for you.

Lisa was only nine when she was hurt during the Tancredis' plot to assassinate the Don.

I don't care who orchestrated it. They should all perish.

...I know. I'm just admitting the fact that you saved my life.

Enough with the niceties. Both you and him have more important things to deal with.

When I had just arrived here, I was collecting information when I overheard some wise guys at the bar bragging about your achievements.

'Antonio went with Venezia Senior and asked to meet with Signora Sicilia, and then sat at the negotiation table alone. Even though the other party gave him a hard time, he still managed to save a factory in Terni for the Venezias.

Look at you now. Got what you wanted.

It should've been you instead.

But you insisted on going your own way and escaping Siracusa.

You may be a Vulpo, but I personally think you're more of a Siracusan than anyone else.

I've never forgotten the first time I followed you on a mission. We were ambushed in an alley, and a blade scratched your face. There was so much blood I wanted to send you to the hospital...

But you said, our opponents think we're dead, so now is the best time to get them while their guard is lowered.

'You need to be fiercer, Perro.'

'Living in a Siracusan famiglia means living life on the edge. You may lose everything at any moment.'

'If you aren't prepared for this, then you better run back to Bolívar.'

You always did everything better than the rest of us. You were my role model.

So I don't care that you went on a trip and got married to a Higashinese man whom we've never met, or how you suddenly came back with Lisa in tow...

Don't get me wrong, I was fond of her, as well as papa and Bella... We gave her the best room and best teachers, we loved her as much as we loved you.

Papa often said the ragazzina would only make you stronger, instead of becoming your weak spot—

Enough, Anton. Too many words. Sei fastidioso.

I didn't come back to wax nostalgic with you. Just tell me who hurt Lisa.

...You won't even wait until you see our father again?

Come back and help me out, Ingrid.

What happened with Lisa is something the famiglia owes you. I'll definitely help you.

I don't want anything to do with the family anymore. It's the best way forward for both sides.

Listen to me, we took great pains to establish a firm foundation in Nuova Volsinii. A brand new city, a new set of laws. There are many things to attend to.

Papa's old, and there hasn't been any youths worth pinning his hopes on. You know what he's like. He's not willing to change, but he's much less willing to see the famiglia regress.

And then Bella's death dealt such a big blow to both him and I—

Bella's dead?

Happened last year. You know she was never in the best of health.

I really need you with us, Ingrid... I think papa wants you home even more than I do.

Ingrid is silent. She merely casts a cold stare at the Perro before her.

Come back to us, and I'll tell you the truth about Lisa's injury.

I see there's nothing else to discuss.

Grazie mille for separating me from Lavinia on your own accord, but it was not necessary.

I had my own plans in mind.

Ingrid waves her hand, and turns to leave.

Ingrid, I knew you were back on your first day here.

The famiglia has never forgotten you.

Also... I saw the famiglia crest stashed away in your pocket. You're not as sure as you make yourself look.

The Venezias' doors are always open to you.

Well... You're already a true-blue Siracusan yourself.

You honor me.

Wait, Ingrid. Got news you might be interested in.

I know you two. Saw you both next to Antonio the other day.

I believe I made myself clear with him earlier.

We know where Luchino de Montano is. We bagged him and brought him back to the Venezia residence in the city.

We can't take you to him, but we can tell you where exactly he is inside.

Why sell out your own employer?

And how do you know what Umberto asked me to do?

Uh... I don't know how to explain this properly!

Wait, he ain't lying to you.

Minchia. Someone made us do this, okay? We don't know how you're linked to the tailor boy, we're just trying to survive!

Survive?

Explain everything clearly or you can kiss your lives goodbye.

Ingrid knows how to use her blade well. She knows when to take someone's life with it, and when to make people believe so with it.

Unfortunately, Capone and Gambino have no idea she's using it for the latter right now.

Che noia. I thought you were serious at first.

You goddamn pazza!

He's got a sturdy neck, so you might have to put your strength into it.

...Lappland Saluzzo?

Oh. You know me?

We met once.

You've grown up so much, but I remember that smile of yours.

We've met?

I don't remember that.

Ten years ago, in Brunello. I was mediating a dispute between your Famiglia Saluzzo and the Morettis.

Your family was obviously on the losing side, and you were just a teenager then—the successor bearing Alberto's highest expectations. But what you really wanted to do...

Was to seize an opportunity to bury the famiglia six feet under.

Haha. I was young and frivolous then.

People mature. Now all of Siracusa is my enemy.

You really <i>are</i> insane.

Must be sarcasm with that smile on your face.

Why tell me this? Is there a conflict of interest between the Saluzzos and Venezias?

Why would I care about the Saluzzos' fate?

The little tailor owes me two suits, is all. When you see him, do pass on the reminder.

It's rude to keep your clients waiting.

...I'll ask him about it.

And just so you know: You're such a boring Siracusan, but quite amusing as a mother.

I see even messenger work is an arduous task for you two.

If you want us to do stuff for you, let us tell the boss first at least. I don't want the Venezias after me.

What else do you want from us, Lappland?

Wow. I didn't think the both of you would be so willing to work for me.

Relax, I'm not interested in poaching men from the Perro.

Just be good and stay by his side. Help him out when he needs it.

Of course, I'll reward you by divulging where the missing truck is, the one you have been looking for.

...Just what are you up to?

I'm making you both look good to Venezia Junior, of course.

Don't you deserve it?

Gambino. I got a feeling we're gonna end up fed to the fins for real this time.

Yup.