Liberi Reader

Grazie infinite, Signor Bellone!

I would've been at such a loss, had it not been for you and your famiglia.

Come now, Zio Elio. I didn't do anything.

Indeed, your name and presence were enough.

My landlord dropping by as you were visiting me was enough to make him reconsider collecting his rent on the spot.

After you left, he quickly agreed to give me two more weeks. That I'll figure out myself...

I don't understand, Zio Elio. Why are you...? What happened to your fruit stand?

Oh, that? Hah. Sold it long ago.

My little Emma had a fever this summer, and who would have thought it would leave her paralyzed?

Luckily, Demetri introduced me to a good doctor, said it was a serious yet common summer ailment for children, and she might lose her legs if it wasn't treated.

So I sold my fruit stand, and pooled cash from relatives to pay part of the doctor's fees. The rest is to be paid in installments.

She's out of the woods now, at least. She has a slight limp, but she's otherwise healthy. As for the rent and bills... I'll figure it out.

Your stand was on the corner... Metri and I bought oranges from you when we were little.

We've been neighbors for years. I could've lent you some money, and you wouldn't have had to—

No, no, Signor Bellone. It's a vast sum, I wouldn't dare accept such a favor from you.

Besides, your money wouldn't keep me afloat forever. I owe rent every week.

But now that I'm under Famiglia Bellone's protection... my landlord won't kick me out when I fail to pay; and even the bakery will sell me some food on credit.

But... you never wanted to join the Famiglia.

You always said there was no need for civilians to join or involve themselves in famiglie affairs—that the most important thing was to work hard and live your best life.

Ha! This old man was just naive.

A famiglia is more than fighting and killing. I finally understand that.

...

Don't worry, Signor Bellone. I may be old, but I know not to be ungrateful.

The Bellones have helped me, so if you ever need a favor in turn, just call me and I'll be there!

...

...You did this on purpose, didn't you? Metri.

I asked you the other day why I haven't seen his fruit stand, and you told me he went home for a relative's funeral.

You knew Emma was gravely ill.

And when you suddenly invited me here for pizza the other day... you knew Zio Elio would pass by and find me.

You handled it expertly, Leon.

Handled what? I played right into your hands, if I had known sooner—

—You couldn't have done anything about it anyway. You couldn't have possibly known what sort of hardship he would face. Your assistance would've been limited.

But at least I could've prevented him from joining the Famiglia against his wishes!

Only the Famiglia can help him now.

Is that so? I beg to differ. What did this facade cost him, and how long will it even last?

He should've had access to more work opportunities, while we—Siracusa—should guarantee them a livelihood through systemic measures. Relying on the famiglie won't address the root of the problem.

I hope the lesson you've learned from this is not charity or consideration for others, Leon.

You're the Underboss. Someday, you'll be the head of the Famiglia yourself.

A competent don knows offering timely help will earn you gratitude. They will owe you a favor, and repay their debt someday.

You sound so heartless, Metri. Why did you even bother introducing a doctor to Zio Elio, then?

Shouldn't you have let me do it, if you wanted me to learn to extract gratitude?

You didn't know how ill Emma really was, and you didn't know he would have no choice but to sell the fruit stand.

You just wanted to help him, and it had nothing to do with the Famiglia.

We... can only do as much as we can, no?

Besides, old Elio's oranges were always the best. He clearly knows how to pick his suppliers.

This is a trivial matter, compared to your available powers as the Mayor. Please, bring that murderous mafioso who ruined my Red Wine Championship to justice!

Signor Czarek, Demetri... Bellone's trial is this afternoon, but for now he remains only a suspect.

But who else could it have been? He sees me as a competitor and is not above dirty tricks.

I kept my wines safely stored in the cellar, and even arranged for professional security to guard them, only to somehow have them swapped with Saluzzo's!

The prime suspect was arrested at the party, yet only placed under house arrest.

And there have been plenty of people knocking on his door to visit, console, and even plot more nastiness!

The whole city thinks him innocent, while Saluzzo Vino is raking in record profits.

While I, poor old Radoslaw, have gained absolutely nothing after spending so much time and effort organizing an event here in the hopes of doing some business in this thriving new city!

As far as I know, The Red Wine has been publishing articles about this murder case, and this has brought a lot of attention to your event.

I understand you've already begun recruiting participants for your next Red Wine Championship, and there are even wine merchants from Columbia and Leithanien who have signaled an interest in participating.

Indeed, but I should be enjoying greater gains than just those. Now, I'm left trying to minimize my massive losses.

Signor Czarek, we pledge to run the city fairly, according to the New Urban Management Act, but our government will not serve the interests of a lone businessman.

Not you, or anyone else.

That so? I hear you grew up with that Bellone boy, and now he's even taken your family name.

I am no longer affiliated with Famiglia Bellone in any way.

But he's a member, no? Part of the purest Siracusan famiglia.

Even in his businessman costume, he's still most comfortable doing things mafia style.

...You need to present proper evidence before we can hold a formal trial.

Of course, we must follow due process. I am aware.

But my good Mayor, I pray you don't forget this—

Since the New Urban Management Act, many businessmen from Kazimierz, Leithanien, and Columbia have come here to trade.

And we, or at least the merchants under the K.G.C.C.'s banner, are only here in Nuova Volsinii and not in any other Siracusan city—because you have promised us the famiglie do not exist here.

You seem exhausted. Did that wine merchant tie you up in his affairs again? Or is it Demetri?

*Sigh*.

He's convinced we won't have a fair trial, and keeps bringing up his chamber of commerce to pressure me.

Saluzzo Vino has indeed established itself in Nuova Volsinii under Demetri's management.

But it remains a local enterprise, and it's hard to judge if it can compare with the commercial capabilities of Czarek's Golden Prairie.

I fear Czarek is hounding Demetri not just because they're business competitors, or for that Championship incident.

Metri... is merely an opportunity for Czarek and the chamber of commerce backing him.

Most local merchants here do have ties to the famiglie, big or small.

And if this background becomes valid grounds for accusations of wrongdoing, the local industry will come under pressure...

But we do need those foreign capitalists to trade here.

We have to learn their modern ways of trade, we need their capital and goods.

Even the way they compete with each other is something we need. It'll make our local businesses iterate and evolve to keep up.

I'm aware of all that.

But, Lavinia... our current situation is so far from what we originally envisioned...

Yes, we planned for a city without the famiglie, run with fairness and justice, not favoring any particular party.

But now Nuova Volsinii has become an open gate to Siracusa, completely defenseless, free for any outsiders to enter, no matter their motives.

The first group is of course, the Kazimierzians who exploit the loopholes in the New Urban Management Act.

The exclusive shelf display agreement that Czarek and his fellow merchants include in their contracts has severely affected local industry.

The various logistics contracts with high fines have also driven our local truckers into a corner...

Yes, Eirene has informed me of their situation. It seems like the K.G.C.C. is trying to undermine our AST.

Also, other departments have given feedback on how they've been showing signs of wanting to involve themselves in the energy and healthcare sectors as well.

According to last month's reports from city hall, many businesses in the service industry have shuttered, while the manufacturing industry is also struggling.

Foreign-backed companies and shops have set up here, and they prefer to employ those from their own countries, so it is likely the job pool for locals will only shrink.

Despite our best efforts, prices are still trending upwards...

Our people are not doing so well.

And it is the Kazimierzians and Columbians we must face, but also—

The Leithanians who have come from all across Siracusa, and even from their own country with all manner of motives.

Yes. And before them...

The fairness and justice we seek remain necessary—I still believe in this.

But if such a pursuit must be traded for the livelihood of our citizens, then those so-called virtues will only end up being superficial formalities.

You're right.

I've... been mulling over it. Remember when I mentioned we might have to amend the New Urban Management Act—

We've made a revision. Want a look?

Impose tariffs on foreign goods...

Prevent foreign businesses from establishing a monopoly on key sectors like transportation, finance, and energy, and allow some factions with former famiglia ties access to lower management roles...

Issue franchise permits to famiglia-controlled corporations...

Is... this not a bit overboard? I fear people may say we're regressing to the old Siracusan way, or that we're favoring the famiglie.

I did propose change, but these amendments are difficult to accept.

I understand your concerns, Leon.

I know you, of all people, hope to keep the famiglie out of this city.

But you still seek to counter foreign capitalists with famiglie power.

Leon, we all know Nuova Volsinii's government and our authority over the city were granted at Signora Sicilia's pleasure.

But in Siracusa, as it stands now, the only force capable of uniting everyone is still the famiglie.

But what we can do is limit and prevent the famiglie from growing their power, ensure they do not succumb to infighting, and most importantly, keep them from infringing on civilian interests.

It's not an easy decision to make. Truth be told, I think it's not the right time to submit this draft either.

Most citizens enjoy the employment opportunities brought in by foreign companies, as well as their cheap and trendy imported goods.

Even if the K.G.C.C.'s ways inconvenience them, compared to the trouble caused by the mob wars of the past...

They will not think it much of a problem.

I get what you're trying to say.

But just as Czarek and the K.G.C.C. want this chance to put Metri on trial, we also need an opportunity to convince ourselves and this entire city.

Yes, and this chance may well come soon.

In accordance with the New Urban Management Act, the Nuova Volsinii criminal court will commence with the trial of the defendant, Demetri Bellone, on charges of the murder of Paola Memminger, case number 01452. Court is now in session.

...

I call Tommaso Esposito to the witness stand.

Signor Esposito, is it true you are a manager for Saluzzo Vino, in charge of the company's logistics?

Yes.

Two weeks ago, one day before the Golden Prairie's Red Wine Championship, you called an individual by the name of Sam at the Agenzia per la Sicurezza dei Trasporti.

You asked him to deliver two bottles of Saluzzo wine to the event venue.

Yes. I was very busy, and completely forgot about sending some wines to the competition, although I fortunately remembered to do so, the day before.

*sigh* Suffering from success, as it were.

When this Sam was delivering the goods via motorcycle, he came upon a crashed truck driven by an AST colleague, one Gianni. Gianni was on a Golden Prairie job at the time.

Coincidentally, Gian just happened to be delivering goods specially prepared by Golden Prairie for the competition finals, and you just happened to be there as well.

The coincidence isn't that unusual. Just goes to show how everyone loves doing things last-minute.

As for me, I was making my way over to the event venue to ensure my boss's instructions were being carried out properly, so I tagged along.

At the scene of the accident, you helped Sam get Gian into the ambulance, and you helped handle the aftermath—

Notably, you took those Saluzzo wines and placed them into the Golden Prairie box meant for the competition.

The Golden Prairie guys said they'd find another driver, so I thought I'd save myself some trouble, since we were both delivering goods to the same destination.

But you took the Golden Prairie wines out of their box.

And so the wines that appeared to the judges under the Golden Prairie name were, in fact, from Saluzzo Vino.

That's their own carelessness!

They only had to look at the labels on the bottles to avoid that mistake. Am I wrong, Your Honor?

...No further questions.

I call Letizia Maroni to the witness stand.

Signora Maroni, you work at the Nuova Volsiniese Police Academy as a toxicology expert and forensic pathologist.

You were responsible for the autopsy of the victim, Paola Memminger, as well as the testing of the utensils and wine in the case.

Yes.

Please inform the court of your findings.

Yes, Your Honor.

The autopsy results show Paola Memminger died of cyanide poisoning.

Traces of cyanide were found on the wine glass she used, but not inside the Saluzzo wine bottle.

In other words, the murderer applied cyanide only to the glass, rather than the Saluzzo wine itself.

I can only say the current evidence supports that conclusion.

Calling Liesel Memminger to the witness stand.

Signorina Memminger, is it true you are a member of the Schwarzervorhang Orchestra, and the adopted daughter of the deceased Paola Memminger?

Yes.

On the day of the Red Wine Championship, you went to the cellar where all the competition wines were stored for an inspection.

Yes.

While you were there, you brushed past someone who was neither a security guard nor a member of any participating winery.

...Yes.

Did you see what this individual did in the cellar?

I... saw him picking up a glass. But at the time, I only thought it a random, strange occurrence.

No problems arose after he entered the cellar, so I assumed he was just a lost spectator.

If I had known... If I had known what he was doing, I would have stopped him, and Paola wouldn't have...

My condolences.

Did you get a clear look at his face?

...I only saw him for a moment. I saw his face, but couldn't make it out clearly.

Do you think you might recognize him?

No. He dressed very plainly. Thinking back, I believe he was maybe trying to trick the security guards, impersonating one of our orchestra members.

I don't know who he was, but there is one thing I do know... he was definitely no Perro or Lupo you'd typically find in Siracusa.

He had enormous Caprinae horns.

So Bellone didn't do it. I've been thinking it made no sense.

He already won the championship, after all. What would he get by killing the conductor?

But what if there's something else we still don't know?

Also, couldn't he have just simply hired a Caprinae to do the deed?

His men have sabotaged our wineries. He's been obviously after us, disrupting our perfectly legitimate business operations!

Silence! Order in the court!

I call Elio Fabri to the witness stand.

Signor Fabri, is it true you are an employee of Saluzzo Vino, and responsible for procuring grapes for the company's production line?

Yes, Your Honor.

Three weeks ago, you reached out to Verdi Winery to discuss procuring raw materials for Saluzzo Vino.

Even though Verdi Winery's business has been declining ever since the Kazimierzian wineries set up shop, they always have the most aromatic grapes.

Our company has a long-term cooperative agreement with Verdi to purchase any surplus materials their production lines cannot handle.

The discussion was just part of my regular job.

But during this meeting, you learned that Golden Prairie was about to buy out Verdi Winery.

...Yes.

And so you conspired with Niccolo, a Verdi employee, to sabotage the winery's production facilities.

Furthermore, you also sabotaged their water supply and drainage systems, causing Golden Prairie to incur substantial maintenance costs after their acquisition.

...Yes.

You must be aware that these actions constitute unfair competition, and violate the New Urban Management Act.

What was your motive? Did the owner of Saluzzo Vino, Demetri Bellone, compel you to do this?

Did he intend to disrupt Golden Prairie's business operations?

No one compelled me to do anything, Your Honor.

Everything I did was on my own conscience, out of my concern as a Nuova Volsiniese, as a Siracusan.

It's true Golden Prairie is a competitor of ours. And our rivalry means I know well the methods they use.

They dump their goods here for cheap, pressuring our local wineries into a smaller corner of the market, and then acquire them when they turn unsustainable.

But they don't run the businesses properly after buying them out, much less try to preserve their unique winemaking traditions.

They fire all the old staff to increase profit and efficiency, pretend to operate normally for a while, then shut it all down, leaving the vines to waste away.

Verdi's the fourth. Before them, it was Triptych, Passadi Hills, and Drizzle...

All those wineries suffered the same treatment.

That's how Kazimierz works.

They don't care about the effort we put into tending our grapes, nor for our lives and the memories carried by the unique astringency in our traditional wines.

All they want is to clear out their weaker competitors, one by one, until they monopolize all the shelves of every store.

And we'll ultimately lose any choice in the products we buy. When that happens, I doubt their prices will stay as low as they are now.

Well said. But that does not justify your use of illegal means.

I know.

I know what I've done won't stop the Kazimierzians from trampling all over our wine and other industries.

But I had to do something. I'll accept whatever punishment I deserve.

Your Honor, if you would allow me a few words.

...Speak.

I believe the testimonies you've heard from the witnesses you summoned are sufficient to prove I have no connection to the murder of Paola Memminger.

But Elio Fabri is indeed in my company's employ.

I did not compel him myself, and he did engage in activities deemed illegal by the New Urban Management Act, targeting Golden Prairie.

I believe his reasons for doing so are perfectly understandable, not just to me, but to every Nuova Volsiniese sitting in the gallery right now.

But a violation of the rules is a violation. I do not expect the court to make an exception for him.

Though, as his boss, I am willing to bear the punishment for his crime, be it a fine or a prison sentence.

Yes, we've confirmed with the team responsible for guarding the Bellone estate that Elio Fabri did not visit Demetri Bellone's residence following the murder of Paola Memminger.

We have not monitored any calls between them either.

...In other words, he just spoke of his own accord at the courthouse.

That seems to be the case, as far as we can tell.

The jury has yet to reach a verdict, so we can only continue to watch the Bellone estate and keep Signor Fabri in custody for now.

I'd like to speak with him in private.

By all means.

...Zio Elio.

I didn't know you were in Nuova Volsinii.

Oh? I thought Signor Mayor and Judge Lavinia would've come across my name while scrutinizing entry applications from Bellone associates.

I... didn't notice... but why are you still with them? I thought...

After Padre's death, Famiglia Bellone lost all the power it had. You should've left then—I know you never liked having to do things the mafioso way.

Leave? I lost my fruit stand, Emma's fever left her with a lifelong need for medication, and I've been struggling...

If Don Demetri hadn't invited me to join his winery and source grapes for him, I don't know how I would've survived!

Nuova Volsinii provides job opportunities for everyone with the will to shape a future with their own hands...

Is that so? Do you think small businesses can still survive, under the Kazimierzian merchants' heel?

But your acts of sabotage... the famiglie used to do the same.

The famiglie's ways of doing things... yes, they remind us, every citizen here, of our painful past.

I do admit it was a shameful act—but fortunately, Judge Lavinia allowed me an opportunity to speak the truth in court.

...Lavinia... was the one who arranged for you to be there?

Yes.

Sometimes, we have no choice but to only do as much as we can, no?

...

You asked me why I was still working for Don Demetri.

It is because he still adheres to the old famiglia creed—

A pack of whelps grouping up to help each other can keep all of us from being devoured by a bigger beast.

I heard your inauguration speech too. I could feel your passion.

You asked how our neighboring nations would view us? Would they see us as a new possibility?

But now, I believe they do. They see us as a new avenue, to exploit us for their own gain!

Yes, I work for the Don.

But is it the Bellone businesses I care for and want to protect?

No, it is our own industry! It is Don Demetri who gave us this opportunity to unite and stand against the great merchants!

...

Congratulations on your not guilty verdict, Signor Bellone!

Oh? I thought you, of all people, would be most eager to see me behind bars.

Just a misunderstanding!

The trial at court clearly proved your innocence, and the entire city knows of your magnanimity.

Let's put all the twists and turns that happened during the championship behind us. It is undeniable that your winery took the crown.

Saluzzo Vino now holds the title of number one winery in all Nuova Volsinii! Truly an enviable feat!

Thanks to you as well.

...Bah.

Surely you'll join the next iteration as well? Defending the crown would be a legendary achievement!

Perhaps.

But as you say, Saluzzo Vino is now the number one winery in the city—

So I'm afraid I no longer see the value in joining a so-called competition to increase the value of my products. Am I right?

...Fair enough. But Elio Fabri damaging a winery's water systems under the ownership of Golden Prairie surely impacts you somehow.

You said you'd pay his fine, or even serve his time. A noble gesture, but you don't necessarily have to follow through.

A trivial matter like that isn't worth a public prosecution in the first place. No one would've noticed the incident, had I not filed a lawsuit in the first place.

Signor Czarek, you can get straight to your point.

What is your goal here? I don't think it's just to repair our working relationship with a tiny favor.

Heh, I do appreciate frankness.

Regardless of our backgrounds, we are both businessmen now, are we not? So, Signor Bellone, I'd like to discuss a deal with you—

Let Golden Prairie invest in Saluzzo Vino. Our strong alliance will surely sweep the Siracusan markets.

And if, or when the time comes, our business empire will eventually expand beyond Siracusa and Kazimierz!

Oh, is that so?

Indeed! I know you currently do not lack for capital or production tech, and you have your reputation here.

But you must be aware of the Kazimierz General Chamber of Commerce behind me.

If we work together, our resources, like our comprehensive supply and logistic channels, and even the media channels we have ties with...

All of that will be available to you.

Surely a young, upstanding man like yourself doesn't want to stop at a single winery that doesn't even bear your name?

Have you never considered establishing a 'Bellone'—no, a 'Demetri' commercial empire?

...

Intriguing.

I didn't expect the trial's outcome to impact your company and judgement so much.

It did indeed leave its mark on my wine business, but Golden Prairie still retains its price advantage—

I'm thinking the K.G.C.C. was the impetus behind this effort to discuss a cooperative relationship.

...

We are businessmen, Signor Bellone. We are naturally driven by the pursuit of maximum profit.

It is normal for us to set aside our preferences when discussing a deal in our quest for the most beneficial result.

As your employee said, this is how Kazimierz works.

So, think about it, young man. Don't be in such a rush to refuse me.

Refuse? Did you think I would do that?

A glass for each of us? I can mix a ginger fizz with apple juice you like as a base.

Though it's hard to find traditionally pressed apple juice in Nuova Volsinii these days. I'm sure it's been a while since you've had any?

Fortunately, I found someone to help me acquire it.

I'm sure you didn't call me here to reminisce about the old days.

You can lower your guard.

When I arrived here, I think I spotted a Kazimierzian's car leaving.

The boss of Golden Prairie.

Czarek? What was he doing here?

He wants to work with Saluzzo Vino.

I agreed.

Why?!

Why? Is this not what you people at city hall want?

Bringing in foreign capital will help local businesses to thrive and evolve. This is how businesses here and even across Siracusa will gain access to a wider market.

Czarek was here as an agent of the K.G.C.C., and they offered generous terms. I had no reason to refuse.

...Kazimierzian businessmen aren't as nice as you might think.

You're worried for me.

You managed to gain the Saluzzos' assets with your particular methods, but this doesn't mean you will see the same results with the Kazimierzians.

We can only try and see.

Also, city hall will surely protect the interests of us local businesses, yes?

I know an amendment to the New Urban Management Act sits on your desk. Just missing your signature.

How do you...?

Just some of those so-called underhanded famiglia methods.

We should always seek all the intelligence we can to make the most beneficial decisions.

I believe I taught you this long ago when I was grooming you to be the don.

That amendment... is just a draft.

I might not even sign it.

You're hesitating, I know. You just can't make up your mind.

You fear the people will denounce you, that all your achievements will go to waste, that Nuova Volsinii will return to the old famiglia ways.

Should I not be afraid? It's too easy, going back to our familiar methods, while new sparks are so hard to start.

All the famiglie outside the city are watching our every move.

Give them one chance, and we'll be torn to shreds, never to recover.

But you have more to worry about than just the famiglie.

Besides the Kazimierzan and Columbian businessmen who exploit loopholes in the Act, there are also Leithanians trying to expand their influence in the city—

Did you know? I received some surprising news just before the competition.

Someone was dispatched here from the Leithanian border for the sole purpose of dispatching the exiled dissident Paola Memminger.

Leithanien's Eternal Grace forbids anyone from deviating from their Movement, even outside Leithanian territory.

And you used this to your advantage.

I didn't fan the flames, I simply let it be.

Fortunately, things turned out well, and you also have a chance to amend the Act.

Is this not what city hall has been waiting for, this whole time?

I believe Lavinia arranged that trial just for that.

I do intend to limit foreign capital here, but that does not mean—

Who else can you even rely on, if not us local businessmen?

Regardless of whether or not we have famiglia backgrounds, we are all at least complying with your city's rules.

We can act as your insurance.

...

Empty promises mean nothing to me.

I know you are skeptical of the famiglie.

But you should understand we started off as nothing but a band of whelps, powerless against the barrens and chaos of Siracusa.

We helped those around us, and hoped the day might come when we could win something in return, to improve our lives.

We Siracusans take care of our own. It is our tradition, and what I've always done.

So after the Don's death, after you left, I took the Bellones' reins.

Because I cannot let the famiglia lose their home.

Just as you cannot let the Siracusans lose ground to foreigners from Kazimierz, Leithanien, and Columbia.

Or am I wrong?

...

You will do great things, Leon.

One day you will actually be able to realize your dreams in Siracusa. I've always believed this.

I've heard this from you before... Metri.

I said back then you could be my right-hand man. The offer remains, even now, at city hall...

No, grazie. I really don't get along with Lavinia.

And, as you said before, there are things better suited for her, and others only I can handle.

Just like right now, some matters are for city hall to carry out, while others are better for us to do.

Your ideals alone cannot keep Nuova Volsinii alive. This city needs and must have the support of the old famiglie.

You sound so certain...

You met Signora Sicilia.

I'm sure you know well just how happy she is to meet young people with ideas.

...

Your established rules will keep the famiglie in Nuova Volsinii from running amok, while my ways will gather all the power and spirit of Siracusa.

This will become a new Guns and Order for this city, Leontuzzo.

That amendment... are you really okay with it, Lavinia?

We used to want for a Siracusa without even a trace of the famiglie.

I spent more than a decade under the Bellones' shadow, Leon.

I don't mind waiting a little longer.

Then the same goes for me.