Liberi Reader

Where am I...

Oh, you're finally awake.

This is... home?

Demetri, why are you here?

Lavinia brought you back.

According to the doctor, you passed out due to a combination of your injuries and fatigue.

......

Tch.

Want an apple?

Sure.

I knew you'd be hungry, so I already peeled it for you.

Where's Lavinia?

She left after delivering you to the guards.

You should know by now that she's always been reluctant to set foot inside this mansion.

Her coming here for your sake is already a miracle in itself.

......

Carracci's death is actually a bit of an issue.

And news of your injury is sure to get out.

In the eyes of the other famiglie, the Bellones have, in a heartbeat, gone from the clear frontrunner to a total mess, both inside and out.

Someone could show up at any moment to try to take a bite out of us.

Did we keep any of the assailants alive long enough to get them to talk?

Unfortunately, no.

And we couldn't find any leads on their bodies either.

I expected as much.

Any idea who could be behind this?

The Saluzzos always kept their cards close to their chests, biding their time. For them, this is a prime opportunity.

As for the Rossatis... They're probably victims too, since Wallach was with me when they attacked.

Still, Columbia's famiglie have never been a monolith.

True, there's always the possibility of infighting among them.

Besides, there are even more possibilities.

Tch, they sure found themselves a nice opening.

Mind pouring me some water?

You bastard, barking out even more orders than usual when you're lying in bed.

Did... you really just pour me a cup of boiling water?

Is it my fault your order wasn't specific enough?

Alright fine, I know this is how you express your dissatisfaction with me. What is it this time?

It's about the arrangement with Texas. I can't agree to it.

Lavinia is a righteous person who would never frame an innocent. She has her own ideas.

That's not what I meant. She was supposed to be your sword.

When the boss handed her over to you, that came with the assurance that she would not endanger the famiglia.

You should've forged her into a razor-sharp blade.

But now, she's behind bars under Lavinia's watch.

You seriously can't tell that she's looking out for our famiglia's interests?

I'll admit, holding onto Texas after today would only make things more precarious for you.

That her surname has appeared once more in Siracusa... draws far too much attention.

In that sense, you have a point. From Lavinia's perspective, it's safer to have Texas in hand.

But how is the rest of our famiglia supposed to see this?

They'll start to think that Leontuzzo, the next don of Famiglia Bellone, has gotten addicted to playing house on top of the tablecloth. That you've gone soft.

That not only do you not know how to swing a knife, you got it taken away from you.

The Bellones already lost the advantage. No matter who comes looking for trouble, we need to fight back tooth and nail.

Leon, the development of Volsinii's new district is more than the humdrum business of il Ministero dei Lavori Pubblici. It should be under Bellone control.

......

So that's what you really wanted to say to me.

I also have my own plans, Demetri.

Let's hear them, then.

......

Alright, fratello. You are my trusted advisor.

When I got attacked, I already had the feeling that things weren't adding up. And after hearing about Carracci's death, that became even more clear.

You just asked me who I suspected could be behind this.

I don't actually think it's a Saluzzo or a Rossati.

Why's that?

The hitmen knew me all too well.

They knew exactly how to hit our Famiglia with speed and precision, while targeting me at the same time.

So, what you're saying is—

I'm going to lock myself indoors for the next few days.

I need to recover from my wounds.

If people think we're fumbling in disarray, then let them think that.

Until the true enemy shows their tail.

So you let Lavinia take Texas on purpose.

That's right.

As for how she wants to play her hand, that's for her to decide.

In the meantime, there will no doubt be a slew of attacks on our famiglia.

Pay close attention to whoever's scheming behind the scenes.

...Understood.

So, was that a good enough answer for you?

Of course.

Since you have a clear plan in mind, naturally I'll help you put it into action.

You are, after all, the boss here.

That's what I want to hear.

Don't let me down, Demetri.

Hello, Wallach? It's me.

Leon, I heard you were injured. How are you doing?

I'm fine.

We need to talk about what happened earlier today.

I'd imagine... you probably have something to ask me too. About that name.

...'Texas.'

So, you were held up at the time.

Who was holding you up?

An old acquaintance.

Awfully convenient for them to show up just then, don't you think?

......

You're pretty used to being in this kind of situation, aren't you?

Back in Lungmen, I'd sometimes let myself get interrogated like this.

Lungmen, huh...

Anyway, I'd have no reason to do anything like that.

That's what they all say.

To be honest, though, I don't think you could've been the perpetrator, Cellinia. I can't imagine it would've done you any good.

Also, Leon contacted me beforehand and gave me a few reasons why I should trust you.

So that's why you showed up at a venue where so many important figures were present. It was originally prepared as a stage for you by Famiglia Bellone.

However, given the current circumstances, our best option is for me to keep you here.

You're protecting Leontuzzo.

I'm protecting you as well, Texas.

Also... this may divert the attention of the other famiglie. They will be speculating what Bellone's next move will be after getting hit like this.

And those suspicions... might loosen some of the fetters around my ankles.

Are you really a judge?

Why would you ask that?

You seem to know a lot about how the famiglie operate.

I am, in fact, a judge.

But to be good at this job in Siracusa, you need to know how the mafiosi keep themselves alive, even better than they do.

Even if I'd rather not know.

You misunderstood me. It's not at all surprising that a law enforcement official would know a thing or two about the people you're enforcing it on.

But what I meant was that judges like you didn't exist back in the old Siracusa.

......

Don't get the wrong idea, Cellinia Texas.

I didn't bring you here because of the so-called checks and balances among the famiglie. Outsiders may interpret my stance as such, but I couldn't care less.

You just arrived in this city, and you still don't understand how important Ministro Carracci really was.

He was an outstanding person. He could've made the new city under construction something far better.

It wasn't just another project to expand his business, either. He wanted to make it possible for the citizens to enjoy a new way of life.

But he's dead now.

And I will find his murderer and bring them to justice.

They think they can dispose of the people who refuse to bend the knee one after another, as if they were puppets.

But I will make them realize that they are not tossing away a broken doll. They are murdering living, flesh-and-blood people.

So, Carracci's death had nothing to do with you.

Right.

And you didn't find out who the murderer was.

Pretty much.

And the task I gave you, to investigate exactly why Bellone decided to bring back Texas? No leads there either?

You never miss a beat, my dear father.

And despite having accomplished nothing at all, you didn't even bother showing up when I called to convene a meeting.

The traffic is pretty bad this time of year.

Lappland, when I kicked you out of the house seven years ago, you lost your right to call yourself a Saluzzo. Do you understand what that means?

Of course I do. It means you won't show any mercy when you decide to dispose of a disobedient tool like me.

You've always been so self-aware, yet never have the slightest inclination to act accordingly.

Do you really need me to personally deliver a little warning to the poor little Judgie?

Why would I feel a need to warn her?

Now that the princeling pup is hiding behind closed doors, everybody's gonna think the sharp-tongued little Judgie is a Bellone puppet.

And with your personality, you aren't inclined to believe that the Bellones are as weak as they present.

So wouldn't it be common sense to use the judge's well-being to test the waters?

Seeing how you understand what to do, I want to see results.

Why naturally, I'd never disobey your orders. Assuming our interests align, that is.

My dearest father.

Salvadore! What are we to do now?!

Am I to thank you for freeing me from the clutches of my own blood relative? Am I to thank you for spilling blood so that the Infected workers may have full stomachs?

The man you killed was my father!

No, I do not need a list of his crimes. I should think I know them better than you. The scars on our bodies are proof of his cruelty. The deaths of those laborers were proof of his exploitation.

But still, despite it all!

Salvadore, I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart, for saving me and so many others.

But the stench of blood lingering about you grows stronger and stronger...

Let us be away from this place, Salvadore, just the two of us... Take me somewhere we will at last be able to find peace, alright?

It might already be too late.

Salvadore, it might already have been too late the day you first set foot in Columbia, from when you first sharpened your blade...

You say this was all destined? That it couldn't have been avoided?

I can't help but think... If I were in Vivienne's place, would I be able to forgive Salvadore?

Even if what he did could be forgiven, the grudge would follow the both of them for the rest of their lives.

Exactly right, signorina.

Huh?

That the two of them were able to get together in the end is, of course, artistic license.

In fact, the real Salvadore did not elope with Vivienne.

Also, despite the fact that Vivienne's father was indeed as callous as he was wealthy, he took good care of his family - particularly Vivienne, whom he doted on like a diamond in the palm of his hand.

Oh...

Very rarely is someone pure evil, don't you think?

Therefore, even if the perpetrator was someone you loved dearly, even if you were aware of your father's despicable acts, something like what he did is not so easily forgiven.

Signorina Vivienne ultimately chose to leave him and move to a new city, where she met someone who truly loved her and thus began a new life.

But, until her last breath, she never forgot the man named Salvadore.

So in a sense, this story can be seen as vicariously helping her dream come true.

Did you... know Ms Vivienne well?

Hmm... I suppose you could say that.

My name is Caterina. You're quite the lovely young actress.

Are you new here? I swing by frequently, but I've never seen your face before.

I am. My name is Sora, and I came from Lungmen.

Lungmen? How fascinating.

I've heard of many actors who went to Lungmen to develop their careers, but rarely the other way around.

Sometimes, there's value in bucking the trend.

Too true.

So Miss Caterina, do you know what happened to the actual Ms Vivienne?

Vivienne, huh... She never forgot Salvadore.

Maybe that's why her son chose a similar path— he became a wise guy, and gradually rose to become the don of a certain famiglia.

A famiglia that would eventually go on to clash against Salvadore himself.

Fortunately, Vivienne came forward and prevented the two rivals from becoming mortal enemies, and eventually they even became allies.

Wait, are you talking about the Rossati Family from the script?

That's right. Have you already read through the entire thing?

Yes... I also wanted to learn as much as I could about the Texas Family's history, for some personal reasons.

So what did you think of the story?

I... There are a few bits I can't make sense of.

Oh? For example?

For example, Salvadore's granddaughter...

Sora, the stylist wants you to take a look at the design of your costume!

Okay, I'll be right there!

Sorry, but I have to go.

I don't mind. We'll have another chance to talk.

Sora—

Take your time. We can always chat at our leisure some other day.

Okay, that's great!

Salvadore's granddaughter.

Heh.

You're wasting time at the theater again, boss.

How many times do I have to tell you, Wallach? It's not a waste of time.

You pushed most of your work onto me just so you could go write a shitty play? Is that what the boss of a famiglia should be doing? And you even gave yourself a pseudonym?

Do you have a problem with that?

Of course not. You are none other than Giovanna Rossati, our beloved Donna.

I know you're dissatisfied with me.

But—

Is there really anything in this city worth worrying over?

......

Before, no. But now, yes.

Carracci is dead.

Oh?

But Carracci was originally just a ordinary man, elevated by the famiglie to keep each other in check.

All his death proves is that Bellone was not capable enough, nothing more.

And someone greatly resembling Cellinia appeared at Leontuzzo's side.

......

Say that again?

Texas. Cellinia Texas.

Wallach, I don't recall you being the sort of man who liked to crack jokes.

And you should also know that I hate people who joke about Texas more than anything else.

So you can tell I'm not joking.

I have no idea how Bellone managed to find her, but she had those unmistakable eyes and hair.

Exactly like the one in your photo.

So she didn't die...

And she's with Leontuzzo now.

She would never have survived the liquidation if not for a certain famiglia protecting her.

...The logical conclusion is that Bellone saved her back then.

Looks like we're going to need to have a little chat.

Giovanna, this clearly is a trap—

Wallach.

...My apologies, boss.

It's not so much a 'trap' as an entire conspiracy.

Think bigger.

If they really were the ones who saved her back then, what good does it do me to drop by and express my gratitude?

Make preparations. 'Business discussions' are over. I'm paying Volsinii a visit.

Understood. I'll make the arrangements.

Alas, it seems that the new script will have to go on the backburner for a while.

......

Boss, I'm sure you're aware that Carracci's death presents an excellent opportunity for us.

But you still seem hung up on the Texas name.

If this keeps up, the Rossatis won't have a future.