story_vigil_2_1

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!

That's.... an Iberian outfit?

Guh—

Go to hell!

What is this, a mob hit? I better stop—

Stop!

But—

We're here to take him back alive.

Just leave him to me.

Alright...

It seems you guessed wrong, Demetri.

Ouch—

What happened to me...?

I remember I was going to look for Julia... in the park, when I was jumped by some weirdo in strange clothes... and then...

They knocked me out!

But where am I now? Did someone rescue me?

You will die here.

Who, who are you?

You're really gonna kill me?! I'm a Stracci!!

Famiglia Stracci?

You colluded with the Saluzzos to sell the Straccis' stockpile of Originium weapons.

Your boss is looking for you. I bet he wants to ask you about that, no?

Is Julia up yet?!

Poor Julia. She stumbled upon your business with the Saluzzos, so you tore out her vocal chords.

She was planning to rat me out.

I'm not out to kill her. I still love her.

You dare claim you love her?!

You're... Ennio?! Yes, you've gotta be Ennio!

I get it. You're upset, and you got a bunch of people together to 'scare' me, right? This is all some kinda show?

No. You will die here today.

Do you understand what you're saying here, pal?

Of course.

Your Honor, if you will.

You people are crazy. You're all nuts!

A judge has the power to convict, but not the right to personally take a life.

Moreover, based on what I just heard—there still seems to be some 'wiggle room' in regards to Enzo's sentence.

Am I right, Judge Russo?

Now's the chance—

No one said you could leave, Enzo.

Guh...

You never cease to surprise me, Signor Bellone.

The surprising one here is you, Your Honor.

You really had me fooled with your 'professionalism'.

I never suspected that, behind the scenes, you hold the law in complete disregard.

Your actions make you utterly unworthy to wear a robe and hold a gavel.

But, Leontuzzo, when have rulings against the Siracusan famiglie ever truly followed the law?

No one cares about the evidence.

No one cares about the outcomes.

I won't let this happen.

Say what you will, but I have seen these things countless times.

Moreover, if one crime isn't enough to warrant death, what about ten? Or a hundred?

Mafiosi love to talk of their opulent famiglie.

But how many civilians have bled for this opulence? How many skeletons are there in the closet?

Are these sins not worthy of capital punishment?

Following your logic, every mafioso should be killed.

Yes, and what of it?

Sorry...

But I can't let you kill him.

No one has the right to take another's life.

One judge who ignores the law... paves the way for a lawless future for countless others.

'The future'? Look around you, young Leontuzzo.

Siracusa has no future!

It does indeed. It's merely obscured by Signora Sicilia, the Dodici Famiglie, and this torrential rain.

Even if Lavinia had the ability to influence you, she could never shake your foundation—everything you've been exposed to as a Don's heir—

Systemic violence, deep-seated arrogance, and pretentious hypocrisy.

However, you, Signore, you seem to be different.

You genuinely believe in the existence of justice.

You, an heir to a famiglia, are standing here to uphold the dignity of the law.

Do you understand? This is—

Nothing less than the greatest insult to people like us.

Hmph, I'll have to retreat, with Enzo, for now.

Damnit! Where did he go?!

Sorry, Signor Bellone.

If I stay here, these guys are gonna kill me, but if I go back to the famiglia with you...the Don will kill me!

I don't wanna get killed.

Merda! That judge is off his rocker!

How dare you lay hands on a made man?!

If Leontuzzo hadn't stepped in, I would have been dead meat.

Alas, I must apologize to you, Signor Bellone.

I sincerely appreciate you saving me from that evil judge, but you already know about my betrayal.

Going back with you is no different than jumping off a bridge.

But then, what should I do?

Go hide with the Saluzzos?

They might not even think I'm worth their time... wait!

Ratting out Judge Russo would generate massive headlines!

Just think of it! A bunch of civilians killing mafiosi right under the dons' noses!

The balls on these pricks!

Come to think of it, there must have been some Saluzzos killed too.

I'm sure they'll wanna know about that!

Signor Bellone...

Calm down, Ennio.

I come not for revenge, nor to ask you about Judge Russo.

I just have one question for you.

Which is...?

Why do you trust Judge Russo?

You're a leader in your famiglia, and an honorable one at that. I can tell.

I want to trust you.

But you live in a different world from me.

Even if what you say is true, I will never see it play out, nor will my sister.

I know how the famiglie get their revenge. They send presents to your doorstep: a hand, a foot, maybe an ear or two.

If that is the only way justice is served, then at least...

I want to see it with my own eyes.

After our first meeting, Judge Russo took me to meet some people.

Those people... are just like me.

I'm going to go meet with them again now.

Can I come with you?

If you wish.

He follows Ennio to a restaurant, where people are already waiting.

Most of them wear a look of grief, and some have visible disabilities.

When they see Leontuzzo following Ennio, they do not react much. They simply move the tables aside, arrange the chairs into a circle, and begin taking their seats one after another. Ennio sits down with them.

Leontuzzo stands at the entrance, silently observing the entire scene.

Today, we gather to share our sorrows with our friends.

I'll go first.

My sister discovered that her boyfriend, a mafioso, was secretly smuggling goods with other famiglie, and as a result, her vocal cords were destroyed.

My daughter tried to take her own life on numerous occasions at home. I had to tie her down. Her abuser shows no signs of remorse. In fact they are still trying to take her away from me.

My little brother...

The victims share stories of terrible things that have happened to them or people around them.

Some people are angry, others are crying, and others are almost too pained to speak.

Yet, they console one another, like brothers and sisters.

Our dear friends and family, or even ourselves, have suffered injustice at the hands of the famiglie—some have died, some have been gravely injured, and others have been left with scars that will never heal.

We are hurt, we are enraged, but there is nothing we can do about it.

No. Judge Russo has given us hope!

That's right. In our moments of despair, it was Judge Russo who told us that we are NOT powerless.

Judge Russo told us that we should not lose faith in the law; what we should hate are the villains who trample on it.

Judge Russo told us that he would uphold the law and seek justice on our behalf.

Yes. Judge Russo will punish the villains for us!

Because the law must be just!

Because our anger is righteous.

Because the mafiosi should be punished for their sins!

It's me.

There is something that I think I should tell you.

The Saluzzos just sent a crew to the courthouse.

What?

According to our informant, it seems Enzo was spotted at a Saluzzo base.

Tsk.

You're going to the courthouse, yes?

Yes.

I knew it. I was afraid you'd act on impulse.

But, tell me why, Leon.

This involves the Saluzzos. It's no longer just your business.

You are the Underboss.

Yes, and I want to remain worthy of the title.

In that case, do whatever you think is best.

You wanted to speak with me, Your Honor?

Yes. The famiglie have been growing more and more ruthless these days.

I've decided to give the employees of the court a vacation.

R-Really?

Yes. Pass the message along. Everyone who is still at work can return home.

Alright...

Are there other matters to discuss?

Yes. Several.

Signor Bellone...

He looks at the old man standing before him. The old man is no longer as calm as when they first met, nor as passionate as he had been the night before.

The old man just looks... tired.

Don't you hate me?

Why would I hate you?

Famiglia Saluzzo is coming for you.

If only I hadn't let him get away—

If it wasn't this Enzo, it would have been the next Enzo.

His double-dealing is just more proof of this country's hopelessness.

I think we have all gotten used to it by now.

But you, Signore,

You could have enjoyed your victory in peace. Why are you taking the risk of coming to see me now?

I followed Ennio and saw a support group for victims of the famiglie.

I'm a victim too.

Sixty years of loyalty, and what did I get for it? A package at my doorstep... containing my wife's bloody hand.

That's when I became one of them.

But... from what I've seen...

You're just acting as their hitman.

To uphold the dignity of the law, and to ensure that those victims who have lost faith in the famiglie do not lose faith in the law—

You have made a wicked bargain with the victims, signed in blood.

You have far exceeded the bounds of the law.

I don't believe that everything happening now is what you originally intended.

Whether they coerced me or I raised my blade of my own accord, for their sake, it makes no difference here in Siracusa.

But you, Signore,

What are you planning to do?

Did you come here to see me repent...

Or to extend your hand in charity?

You old fool, I'm here to avenge the mafiosi you murdered!

Enzo, I'm impressed by your ability to adapt to your situation.

(hushed voice) Signor Bellone....?!

This has nothing to do with you, Signor Bellone.

I am here on behalf of Famiglia Saluzzo. I shall avenge the countless mafiosi that have died by this bastardo's wicked, bloody hands!

As for the misunderstandings between us, we shall discuss those later.

So, you've got the Saluzzos backing you now.

Y-yes. What of it?!

That's good then.

What are you doing?!

Demetri.

You called?

Tie them all up. Then go give my regards to the Saluzzos. Ask them to send someone a bit higher up the food chain.

At once.

What are you planning, Signor Bellone?

I will give you two options.

The first option is to reopen Enzo's case. This time, I'll be present, and so will associates of Famiglia Saluzzo.

I guarantee the trial will be safe.

The second option: leave this place.

Out of respect for the law, I will escort you to the city gates, but beyond that, we cannot guarantee your safety.

You are serious about this?

Of course.

I also guarantee that the judgment you issue will be carried out.

Then, obviously, I pick the first option.

Even if I were to die immediately after this trial, I would gladly choose this option.

You will not die. Otherwise, I wouldn't know how to explain all this to Lavinia.

You need to give her a message from me—

In the future, if and when she travels to Volsinii, the Bellones will protect her, as always.

Now, go prepare to reopen the case.

You never told me about this. My teacher never told me about this.

Back then, telling you would have only hurt you.

Judge Russo was planning to tell you, before his death.

But I told him I'd tell you when the time was right.

You picked a good time, indeed.

I know you were worried that when I woke up, I would be devastated by everything that happened during Carnevale.

But I sincerely mean it when I say—

I feel grateful, Lavinia.

You see, history repeats itself.

Back then, Volsinii was dangerous and chaotic.

Amid the fighting famiglie, no one cared about the lives of the ordinary people, and so Judge Russo became a blade of vengeance.

And now, although Nuova Volsinii has its flaws, the implementation of the 'New Urban Management Act' has been highly effective.

Admittedly, in areas we overlooked, Irene came close to making a foolish decision—

But that was merely a close call.

I'm relieved to hear you feel that way.

We all know that many things have changed.

All we need to do is try a little harder... that's all.