Liberi Reader

Signora Venezia, did you just say my child was taken away by Venezia wise guys?

My informant has no reason to lie to me.

It's true Luchino went to the port area that night. I heard a car accident happened.

Yes, I was nearby as well.

I'm guessing the Venezias are involved, and if I'm not wrong, Luchino should have discovered something.

*sigh*

Please leave, Signora. I have to close the shop early today.

You're going to find Venezia Junior yourself?

......

Umberto, I don't know what you used to be like. But I'm sure your age has affected your abilities, even if you were chosen by Vargo back then.

A sickly old tailor might not even make it past Venezia Junior's doorstep.

If Luchino really found out about something he shouldn't have, then he might be stuck at the Venezia estate for good.

I'm old and feeble, Signora Venezia. Even if this hadn't happened, my candle's burning out anyway.

If there's anything I can't let go right now, it's the boy.

He's my only relative, and I am his only relative too. He's still so young. Children always leave us with no other choice.

......

Besides, I'm no stranger to the Venezias.

Hm?

I didn't tell you this before—but I used to work for them before you did.

It's probably why Vargo chose me.

*sigh* Life goes in a circle, and now I'm going back to where I used to be.

I'll go with you.

Signora... this has nothing to do with you at all.

I'm already very grateful you found a clue to his whereabouts, and came here just to let me know.

I know you had an unpleasant split with the Venezias because of what happened with Lisa, so if you go back just like that, you'll run into all sorts of trouble.

You need not worry. I'm doing this because of my agreement with Vargo. Before I find out what truly happened back then, I won't allow anything to happen to you.

Besides, I understand what sacrifices one would willingly make for the sake of a child.

Is someone there? Can I leave now?

A child?

Did you say something, ragazzino?

......

Afraid of me?

May I go home, per favore?

I'm afraid I just happen to be here as a guest, so I can't interfere in family matters. Why are they keeping you in here?

I-I don't know, but if you can't let me go... could you at least contact Umberto de Montano of De Montano Tailor Shop for me?

Umberto...

He's my nonno. He'll get worried if I'm gone for too long... I have some medicine for him I got from the shop which he really needs, if I c-can't...

You're worried about your nonno?

Mhm.

Follow me. The Venezias always treat their guests right.

I didn't think I'd meet a friend on this trip.

Lucky for me, I like it when it's lively.

Do I just follow you...? But those people outside...

They're also busy catering to me, their guest.

Wh-Who exactly are you, if you don't mind me asking?

Stay close, boy. It's a big place, but we're almost there.

Earlier you said you wanted me to tell your nonno about a bunch of things, right?

Sorry, I'm old and my memory's spotty.

But I think you can tell him yourself.

—?!

Umberto, I envy you for having such a loving grandson.

N-Nonno?

Have a seat.

I'll decline. My legs aren't as good as they used to. Sitting down is easy, but getting up is quite difficult.

Alright then.

You said Ingrid came with you... so where is she?

She left after learning you were the one who found Luchino. She really trusts you.

...Alright.

When did you move out of Montelupe? You left without even a word.

I just thought there wasn't a need to do so.

Time hasn't been kind to you. The ragazzino told me you're ill?

It's not serious, though it's bothersome. My eyes and ears don't work so well anymore, my waist, legs, and shoulder joints are always hurting... it's thanks to my work.

Just elderly things. Even carefully maintained quality fabric will inevitably turn stiff and brittle.

Take care of your nonno, boy. Don't leave any regrets.

......

I didn't expect to meet you here, and what's happened with the boy... has caused you trouble.

Hardly. I came here for Carnevale, and happened to bump into your grandson here.

Nonno, I—

I know, Luchino. Let me handle this.

Antonio should have acted in a more decent manner, and I've sent someone to find him so he can explain himself to you.

...Signor Antonio?

I thought this matter would be more troublesome than this, but since you've already stepped in—

Umberto, you lack the patience of your youth.

Antonio has to explain himself to you, and once that's done, I can also rest easy.

Do you want to meet the owner of this place, boy?

...Nonno?

There's no way we can possibly refuse, is there?

Just treat it as a favor to one of your regulars, vecchio amico.

I was asked before to make a suit for you.

Why don't we make use of our time together here and measure you right now?

I hear it's a grand affair, with civilians wearing masks and costumes escorting giant parade cars around the city. I'm sure you'll be there, and need an outfit too.

I used to remember every regular client's measurements, but as you can see, time shows no mercy to us all. Everyone's changed a lot.

I've been relying on Luchino more and more to help me write down things I often forget about.

Alright. We have some time to spare before Antonio arrives.

Luchino, I'm afraid we won't be going back so soon. Can you wait a while longer?

It's fine, Nonno! Can I help out somehow?

Get me my toolbox.

Prepare a file with this gentleman's name on it.

I'm sorry, signore, I never got your name...

......

Y-you're... But why did you say you were a guest...?

Hush, Luchino. Just do as I say without a word from you, and do what we have to do.

Signor Fabrizio is but a client to us right now.

Would you allow this boy to serve you as my assistant, signore? He's been wanting to work on a major client.

—!

His hands are as stable as yours. Will he become a 'tagliatore' like you?

A 'tagliatore'?

I see you've never told this child about your past, Umberto.

......

Ingrid, aren't you going in to see Papa?

So long as the Don is with them, Umberto and Lucchino won't be in any danger.

I just have to make sure they walk out of here safe and sound.

You know that's not what I meant.

You're the one who he needs to see.

Involve an innocent child in famiglia affairs? I don't remember the old man ever doing something like this.

He wasn't brought back here on my orders. But I won't deny it—I would have done this anyway if his presence truly poses a threat to the famiglia's interests.

The famiglia's interests? Or yours?

Is there a difference between the two?

You've changed quite a lot, Antonio.

No, you've been away from home for too long, Ingrid.

This is Siracusa's twenty-third nomadic city. A piece of uncultivated fertile land.

I've sown seeds here, so I'm obliged to ensure they mature for a ripe harvest. No matter the methods used.

......

It's also why I've been urging you to come back to us. I know what you're capable of, and we need you here.

Anton, the Don won't like this.

He'll be mad, of course.

He just summoned me inside, and I can guess he has a lecture in store.

But do you think he's angry because I got an innocent boy involved? No, he doesn't care at all.

He's just angry I wasn't stealthy enough, wasn't proper and 'decent' enough.

I will prove to him with actual results that the Venezias can establish two sets of order at the same time—one on the table and the other underneath.

But what we should prioritize is definitely not this so-called 'decency'.

Even if it hurts him, and those who trust you?

......

I love him, I do. He gave me everything I have. I think this is the way I can repay him for that, no matter what it takes.

And you got one thing wrong, Ingrid. I've never changed.

...Never changed—

Is that so...?

A 'tagliatore'...

De Montano Tailor Shop no longer offers that service today. This child doesn't need to know about it.

Pity. I still remember how elegantly you would solve my many problems.

Montelupe's famiglie were all terrified of the elusive 'tagliatore'. One only had to write the target's name down on the order sheet, and he would be reported dead in the newspapers the next day.

...It was all to repay your kindness.

You saved me when I was a young tailor about Luchino's age, and gave me a chance to live in Montelupe.

You deserve a decent finale, no matter what.

You've always been so good to me.

......

Right, what happened to his parents? Your son—Luca, right?

Yes. Luca de Montano.

Luca was a good boy. A wonderful, sensible child with a talent for tailoring and willingness to bear any hardship.

He was already a pro in his twenties, and the regulars were all fond of him. I had planned to hand over the shop to him.

Until one day, his body was discovered in a vehicle leaving the city early in the morning.

...?!

Next to him was a musical actress, with a little bit of fame in Montelupe, highly coveted by many mafiosi—

Luchino, your hands are shaking.

...Perhaps we should slow down?

......

Go fetch our fabric samples. I'll handle it from here.

...A-Alright.

...*sigh*

You were a little bit cruel to the boy.

My days are numbered, signore. I can't protect him forever.

Luca's death made me realize something.

Hm?

The blood on my hands can never be wiped clean no matter how many times or ways I try. The stench of it will only bring misfortune to me and my family.

But that boy still fantasized about serving the so-called 'somebodys'. It's my fault.

Be it Signor Antonio, you, or even other famiglie wise guys, Luchino will eventually run into mafiosi.

He has to know about it.

You see Luca's death as punishment for your crimes?

As a price I paid...

Raise your head, signore. To measure your neck circumference.

So, you have no intentions of letting that ragazzino go...

Even if the Don's already agreed to do so.

Ingrid, even if the kid swears he won't shoot his mouth off, there's no guarantee city hall won't hear about some ridiculous rumors from him.

Many famiglie have their eyes on us. I can't afford the risk.

Papa will understand.

Think about your family too, Ingrid.

......

A wolf asked me to fulfill an agreement we made, and I came back to this country for my daughter.

My anger has long ceased to burn for the famiglia.

I act only for my own sake now, Anton.

...What a shame. Then I'm afraid there's no more room for any discussion.

You think they can hold me off?

No, I just need to make sure that kid keeps his mouth shut.

Anton, answer this question.

When you bailed me out and said you knew who was the culprit behind Lisa's injury, were you telling the truth?

...Absolutely. I've never lied to you, Ingrid.

After I sent Lisa away from Siracusa, I investigated the matter myself in secret, and although I found nothing...

I always had some suspicions I didn't want to admit was possible. Though, I don't think you'll speak any more on the subject, for now at least.

...Forgive me, but I can't tell you anything right now.

No need. I'll find out eventually.

Ingrid, you know there are people watching every move we make in this household.

Such indecent behavior from you.

...?

Ingrid, please lower your blade, for my sake.

...Don Venezia.

Long time no see, child.