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Urgh...
Signor, are you alright?
Just dreaming.
That's why you shouldn't sleep on the sofa.
Where's the old man?
The Don went to the theater.
......
Are you going too?
Leontuzzo does not answer, only sinking deeper into the sofa.
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Rossati, Giovanna.
That's right.
Cellinia, our original agreement was to ensure the Bellones come out on top.
But, I've changed my mind.
As long as you succeed, you don't owe us anything.
At that point, you're free to go.
This, I promise you as the Fang of Zaaro, il Signore dei Lupi.
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......
From the time she returned to the residence at sunset, to the break of dawn the next day...
Listening to the falling rain, Texas wiped down her sword while reading the script that was handed to her—'La Morte di Texas.'
The story twists and turns, never straying far from what she's known.
She has a faint premonition.
But first, she needs to sharpen her sword.
Today, it may have to be a bit swifter than usual.
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Tsk, tsk. The sun's still getting in my eyes, even though it's raining.
Prison food's not too bad. You should give it a try.
You're right about that. I've even given 'em a few suggestions before.
Now get in the car.
Can I sit this one out?
Does killing a single Columbian really deserve so much fanfare?
The Don says Cellinia's gonna be there too.
Oh?
What's the plan?
She'll pretend to be an actress, and once the performance starts, you'll improvise the rest.
Hmm... So what about my costume?
What the Don meant was—
You wait in the audience and play along.
Oh, right. Haha.
What an insensitive old jerk. So where's he gonna be? He's not trying to find a nice place to watch the show all by himself, is he?
The Don has other business. He's got a meeting.
A meeting?
Yeah, with a carwash worker.
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Howdy, Sora. I just knew you'd be practicin' in Miss Caterina's studio.
I ain't gonna stop ya, but don'tha think you oughta head to the theater early? To do some makeup n' get ready n' whatnot?
Yeah, you have a point.
Exusiai's already off to buy breakfast. We got just enough time to meet her.
Okay.
Say... Didn't we say we'd set up a big ol' welcome for Exusiai's sister?
We did.
But now I'm not sure we'll have enough time for that.
Croissant, watch your step!
Huh? Wooooah!
Owwie...
Are you alright?
I'm fine, I'm fine. Just tripped on a little somethin'.
Dangit, I knocked over that stack of books. Lemme tidy 'em up.
Huh? A picture dropped outta somethin'.
Picture?
Wait... Huh?
What's wrong?
Lookie here!
It is a photograph from many years ago.
Sora can barely make out the background that should be of the wide and bustling streets of Columbia past.
In the center of the photograph stands a middle-aged man who wears a kind expression, but exudes an audacity not to be trifled with.
On his left and right sides stand a Lupo girl, and a Feline girl.
The girl on the left has beautiful blonde hair and sports a cheery expression, and even at a glance, one can immediately tell that she has a bubbly personality.
The girl on the right has black hair, her face betraying no emotions, making it difficult for one to guess the contents of her heart.
Look, this pitcher... ain't that... Texas, as a kid?
And standin' there with her... That's Caterina?!
And look on the back here...
Written on the backside of the photo: 'Giovanna and Cellinia, 1080.'
Giovanna... Is that gonna be Caterina's real name?
Giovanna... Giovanna Rossati.
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How long has this carwash been open?
Five years.
Five years? Coincidentally, that's how long my guard tuskbeast has been missing.
If only I knew how he was doing these days.
The city's a pretty big place. There's always a way to survive.
It never made any sense to me before. I fed him plenty of meat, gave him a nice den. Why wasn't he happy?
Think he might've been vegetarian?
Maybe. Maybe it never knew how bad meat actually was until it tried a full-course meal.
It's better to not eat at all... than to eat something bad.
Oh?
Your car's done.
You're pretty good at your job.
Practice makes perfect.
Heh. You never fail to get it done just right.
But, Danbrown, nothing lasts forever.
It's time for you to change your tastes.
...I'll think about it.
Think carefully. Once you've figured it out, you're always welcome to come back.
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Are you the backup bassist?
Yes.
Oh, um... Is that your natural hair color?
Yes.
That's special. Usually, you have to dye your hair to work as a bassist. I've heard only those with Famiglia Texas blood have that eye and hair color.
And, now that I'm seeing you up close, your eyebrows... look really similar to Salvadore's. Are you his bastard or something?
No, I have nothing to do with Texas.
All sorts of coincidences out there, huh?
Okay, take a seat over there. Your foundation's really good, so I should be able to get you squared away in no time.
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Theater Box
Pardon me, are you satisfied with your seating?
Yes, I've got a fine view.
Excellent, excellent.
If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to call for me.
Let's head down.
You're not going to stay and watch?
You know I've never been a fan of this sort of stuff. How about I grab you a nice drink?
I'd like—
Brandy, I know.
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Sorry I'm late!
No worries. Everyone's still getting ready.
Go ahead and take a seat. I'll do your makeup first.
Okay.
What's wrong? You don't look too well. Are you getting stage fright?
No, I'm fine.
Don't worry, Sora. You've been working so hard, everyone's gonna love you for sure!
I hope so.
Oh right, did you know...?
What's wrong?
Apparently, the bassist got sick and couldn't make it to the performance.
Huh? What are you going to do then?
It's no big deal. The director was able to find a stand-in. She's getting her makeup done in another dressing room right now.
A stand-in... Are you sure that's going to work?
Just trust the director's judgment, alright?
Speaking of the director, he didn't come tonight?
He just dropped by to give some direction before leaving again. I think he's meeting with a guest.
Important people are always so busy, huh?
But it's okay, Sora. You just need to play your part, that's all.
Yes.
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......
Oh, if it isn't Judge Lavinia!
I haven't seen you here for a while. Have you come to watch tonight's opera?
No, I'm just passing by.
That's too bad. But, did you know we're putting on the highly-anticipated 'La Morte di Texas'? I'm sure you'll love it.
Sorry, I'm not in the mood.
That's alright then. I look forward to your next visit.
...Huh?
(Danbrown? What's HE doing here?)
(Did he really... take my advice and come to the theater to unwind?)
(But, today's performance is...)
......
Wait a second.
Oh, did you change your mind?
That's right.
One ticket please.
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Theater Box
Don Bernardo, someone's here to see you.
Oh?
It's Rubio, Segretario di Sicurezza Alimentare.
......
Let him in.
Of course.
Don Bernardo—
You can just call me 'director' here.
Ah, yes, yes. It's an honor to be here, Director.
Take a seat, Signor Segretario.
Let's enjoy the show first, then we'll talk.
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Signore e signori, thank you for being here tonight. You are about to see another spectacular performance brought to you by Compagnia dell'alba.
'La Morte di Texas,' Act II, written by Signorina Caterina.
Every Siracusan already knows the story of Salvadore, but how many truly know the details?
Signora Caterina, who has a deep understanding of Famiglia Texas, provides us with her frank yet intricate perspective.
Let us delve deeper into the life of Salvadore!
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Phew... Finally found them.
Attagirl, Sora scored us seats with a great view.
Great expectations for her, all around.
Excuse me, would you mind letting us through?
A Sankta girl... An unusual sight in Siracusa.
Ehh? You're a Sankta too?
I've been in Volsinii for a while, and this is the first time I've seen one of my people.
Hehe, looks like it's one good thing after another today.
Go right on by, child.
......
What's wrong?
That's weird... I don't sense any emotions from him. Is he a strayed Sankta?
But, he's unlike any of the other Sankta strays I've seen...
Well, whatever. By the way, am I the only one who thinks way too much of this crowd looks like mobsters?
I hear tell the head of the Rossati Family's here tonight.
Hey, isn't that what you were just talking about?
Yep. But let's just enjoy the show for now.
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That voice...
I see how it is. You're here to bring her back, aren't you?
But do you really think that's going to happen?
Who the hell are you?
Signore e signori, let the show begin!
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It really is you, Cellinia.
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—Ehh?
...?!
For a brief moment, Texas shifts her eyes to one of the boxes.
She knows Bernardo is sitting there, gazing down upon everything.
She feels it in her heart.
Whether coincidence or some form of necessity, in this moment, Sora is both a danger and a safe haven.
Everything depends on her.
The movement in the auditorium and the faint sounds in the distance all prelude the start of the assassination.
She gestures to Sora for her to stay silent, then proceeds to pluck the strings in her hands.
A most wonderful performance has begun.
