Curtains Lifted

......

In other news: On November 5th, a traffic accident occurred on Quinta Strada in the port district late at night with one injury reported. The vehicle responsible escaped after crashing.

The police quickly got the scene under control, and restored order in the area. The incident did not have any serious consequences, so there is no need for our dear citizens to worry.

Presently, the police have established a special task force to investigate and identify the vehicle responsible, and the case should be closed within the next few days. Citizens who discover any relevant clues should contact the police as soon as possible...

Texas.

You're back.

Just a brief visit, I'll go back to court later.

How's Leon?

The doctor came here three times... only for routine check-ups though—at least his condition isn't getting worse, I suppose?

......

I'm guessing you had trouble dealing with that case yesterday?

The case was closed... in a way I didn't want, with a way I was powerless to stop.

Texas, I don't recall you having a habit of tuning into the afternoon news.

The situation isn't as optimistic as the news make it out to be, right?

We found some clues and locked onto some suspects, but we haven't made any other progress.

Who called the police that night?

The info we got was all fake. Hard to investigate.

Maybe I could help? I know quite a few people in the city, those from the famiglia...

Grazie, Texas... I know you've been keeping an eye on the whole thing.

Your mere presence in Volsinii was enough to strike a nerve in every influence in the city. Some were angry, while others got a wake-up call, and we managed to turn things around.

But a year has passed, and we're in Nuova Volsinii now. In a new city without the famiglie, the 'Last Texas' can't really do much.

In other words, the 'Last Texas' shouldn't be allowed to do much here.

...Yes.

Signorina Texas, there's a phone call at reception for you.

Me?

Who is this?

Haha. Need a ride, Texas?

I won't wait too long.

......

The sun was so strong the last two days. What's with the sudden heavy downpour?

You wouldn't be carrying an umbrella if you were really surprised.

......

Here, over here.

Haha, you got here quickly.

Da quanto tempo, Texas.

Lappland.

The weather got me thinking about our old home. The nights and rain in Volsinii.

Yeah. The weather here has always been great until today.

But you seem to have seen this rain coming, Texas.

I just prepare for the worst. We're still in Siracusa after all. Having just one rainy day after so many days of fine weather is pretty rare.

What exactly happened with that accident?

You mean the one with the Bellone wolf pup? Hahahaha. Surely you're not suspecting that I did it with my car right here?

I wouldn't be surprised if it was you.

You wouldn't be here right now if you had nothing to do with it.

...I do know a few things.

Willing to have a ride with me?

Hmph. Why not? I wouldn't be standing here otherwise.

You know, I thought you'd be nice and shade me from the rain with your umbrella.

You seem like you're enjoying the rain. Didn't want to spoil your fun.

Hahaha, that's the Texas I know.

Are you going to just stay on your car like that? In such a big rain with no spectators? Not tired?

Oh? Haven't you been watching me the whole time?

......

Get in the car, Texas. Our destination is quite far away, so it'll be quite a long drive.

Right, I prepared a gift for you in the passenger seat.

I saw the snacks... I don't have the appetite right now.

It's alright, it's not millefoglie this time.

I've long changed my tastes.

Though I know you're still obsessed with those old habits of yours.

Texas? Back so soon?

It's me.

...Demetri?

You shouldn't have clearance to come in here.

There's always a way. You can't prevent me from seeing Leon forever.

I brought some flowers. Hmm, is there a vase in here that might fit?

We used to have roses like this at the Bellone residence, remember?

......

Don't look at me like that, Lavinia.

The police have thoroughly investigated my travel itinerary on your orders for the past two days, every single detail.

But they found no clues linking me to that accident.

I'm not so stupid to think you'd commit a crime yourself.

My city hall colleagues told me how they recently received an entity ownership change application from Saluzzo Vino... Why are you collaborating with Alberto, Demetri?

Since this city—or I should say, you—have been so unwelcome, I had to figure out my own way to stay here.

Doesn't it comply with the city rules?

...Perfectly.

Then, wouldn't it be better if I stayed within your sights?

You've already deployed enough officers here to watch every step I take, any contact I make, every order I give.

I should be allowed a visit.

I was the one nursing Leon back to health whenever he was sick.

......

The Bellones won't give up trying to enter the city, Lavinia.

But in any case, there is no need or reason for me to hurt Leon.

......

I'll accept your flowers in his place.

But I'm sorry. As an officer of the law, I will not allow a potential suspect to meet the victim in private.

Leon's safety is closely tied to the city's.

No one can say where the chaos will come from next.

—This is what you wanted me to see?

I see the rain earlier wasn't heavy enough.

......

Would you believe me if I said I brought you here to extinguish the fire?

Lappland... how much do you know about this?

Suspecting me?

No. You would have chosen a more classical and conspicuous method.

You'd be standing in the fire right now at least, not next to me.

Haha, you know me so well.

Too bad the workers and police are pretty quick to act. I think the fire'll be put out quite soon.

They should be thanking that burst of heavy rain earlier, otherwise the fire might have already burned down Nuova Volsinii Port to cinders.

No matter how big the fire is, it doesn't change the fact that it's here in the city.

Leontuzzo and the others wanted to give the new city a brand new festival to help build a collective identity.

A car accident that left the Mayor in critical condition and a giant blaze breaking out at the logistics port just before Carnevale. That's enough to keep the civilians up awake at night.

Doesn't it feel like some kind of omen, a proclamation, or even a provocation?!

How much do you actually know, Lappland? What's your objective?

Tsk, tsk. You sound anxious—Why?

Wasn't Nuova Volsinii the proving grounds Signora Sicilia promised to the youths?

An experiment is bound to produce mixed results.

As the first witness on the scene, I can tell you for certain the Bellone pup's car crash was purely an accident.

You've been watching over him at the hospital, and his condition has already stabilized, right?

So what's causing your anxiety?

......

I look forward to your answer, Texas... at Carnevale.

No matter what you're planning...

I'll be keeping an eye on you for Lavinia.

Hahaha, then sit tight.

I have no interest in wasting my time with those officers.

H-How can that be?!

The parade float... got lit up on fire along with the goods—

Ugh—?!

Calm down, it's me. The police are on their way here, so stay out of their sight.

L-Lyudmila?

Where did you go the night before yesterday? No, wait. Why are you here?

I have more questions than you, Sommer.

Where did you go after the accident?

I-I went to find Eirene. She knocked me out cold and then locked me inside the warehouse—Well, a lot happened, and it was a hell of an escape.

*sigh* Come with me. Everyone's attention is focused on the float now. My smoke will cover our tracks, and no one'll spot us.

Why's there a burn spot on your jacket?

The fire... was y-your...

My doing.

The police would have discovered the truck and its contents if I hadn't done it there and then. It was the only way.

......

Enough, we'll talk when we're safe. Those officers—

W-Wait, Lyudmila. Someone just went by over there... Eirene?!

Who's the guy next to her?!

Eirene Lavazza, and Alberto Saluzzo. Could you both please kindly explain what brings you here just two hundred meters away from the fire?

I don't see a need to explain myself.

If you want my answer, have the judge bring the evidence and arrest warrant to me first.

I'll be waiting.

We'll get to it, Signor Saluzzo.

It's true we don't have any evidence to pin you as the culprit, but this doesn't mean you're completely unrelated to the case.

As for you, Signorina Eirene Lavazza.

The float burned nearly to nothing, but we managed to collect some fragments.

We'll send them for analysis later, but we're basically certain that the vehicle used for the float was a truck from your group.

As the head of the Truckers' Union, you'll have to come with us for our investigation.

...Signor Saluzzo.

Signorina Lavazza, our previous agreement still stands.

I believe you have no link to the matter, but do be careful about what you say once you leave this place.

Otherwise, even I won't be able to help you.

Don't you find this place familiar, Texas?

But this time, the one standing in the defendant's dock is neither you or me...

What a shame.

Even if we take the judge's word that this case is suspected of endangering the city's public safety, there's no reason to let all of these people in here.

A trial for a truck driver, and the audience gallery seats are filled with made men from two famiglie with conflicting interests.

Hahaha. I'm liking Nuova Volsinii more and more, Texas.

But I have to say, this trial was put together more quickly than I thought.

Probably a special procedure. Carnevale is tomorrow, so it's understandable they'd want to settle the case ASAP.

Do you know this Eirene woman?

You don't have to probe me, Texas.

I only met this poor little driver once, but I can guess how she ended up here.

You mean, she's innocent?

I didn't say that.

Isn't this scene a regular occurrence in the swamp of Siracusa?

It swallows everyone up eventually. Not everyone can escape it like you did...

Either you get killed and silenced, or you hide within the mud and drag out a meaningless existence.

Texas, do you believe that Nuova Volsinii offers a third way of life?

Silence.

In accordance with the New Urban Management Act, the Nuova Volsinii criminal court will commence with the Nuova Volsinii Port Arson Public Prosecution Case, number 00278. Court is in session.

Defendant, please state your identity for the record.

Eirene Lavazza. Born in Sicilia, currently a member of the Truckers' Union and living in the Trucker Camp on Viale Alito, Zona Torino.

What did they mean our testimony would be invalid in court?

Does that mean we can only sit here and wait for the results of her trial?

I wanted to go even more than you do, Lyudmila. After all, it's because of me that Eirene...

But you heard about what happened at the police station, right? She didn't say anything... so we can't just barge in there ourselves.

She believes in the government and the courts, and thinks she can prove her innocence...

Do you believe that'll happen?

......

I believe in her.

......

Wait for me here, Sommer. I'll call the other guys to go with us. We should be standing by her side right now no matter what.

......

Eirene, I know you outsmart me in most cases...

But this time, I know I can help you out for sure...

Eirene Lavazza. Identity matches registered information.

The blaze at Zona Porto yesterday caused serious property damage, put the lives of dozens of workers at the port at risk, and gravely threatened the public safety of Nuova Volsinii.

Carnevale is right around the corner, and this incident will immeasurably affect public opinion.

The court has examined the evidence submitted by the police, and found that the great wolf parade float, the source of the fire, has obvious traces of arson.

The vehicle was from the Truckers' Union. The police reviewed the trucks' shift schedules and found out it was not deployed at that time, and should not have been in Porto Nuova Volsinii.

You, head of the Truckers' Union, also just happened to be at the scene of the crime—

Signorina Lavazza, you are our prime suspect. You have every right to defend yourself.

Your Honor, I'm happy to tell you everything I know.

The judge can't help her, even if he wants to.

Of course. As long as the real culprit doesn't show up, her attempt to defend herself will be for naught.

*sigh* Woe, the poor lady! Don't you want to help her out, Texas?

You could stand up and vouch for her, etcetera. The court might be lenient on her if it's you.

I know what you're thinking, Lappland.

Nuova Volsinii's laws absolutely cannot be trampled upon or scorned like that. They strove to make these rules a reality.

Then I fear you can only sit back and watch everything unfold, or...

I could care less for your boring rules. Want me to help you out?

......

*ahem* Please hold on. The court has just received a supplementary list of new witnesses who would like to provide testimony.

Uh... A-Alberto Saluzzo?

What's wrong, Your Honor? As a legal citizen who has completed his identity registration in total compliance with the New Urban Management Act, surely my testimony will be valid in court?

O-Of course. Please proceed to state your testimony for the record.

Signor Saluzzo, are you intending to provide evidence to the court to prove that Eirene was indeed related to the fire?

......

(Ciao.)

Texas, my dear father is watching us. Stop being so reserved and wave along.

Signore? Signor Saluzzo? Please continue with your testimony.

Hmph.

I was there as well, and I can attest that Signorina Lavazza did not start the fire.

Terza Zona... should be here...

Sommer?

The boss made us wait here for you.

Come. He wants to see you.

Are you from the Venezias? Or the Saluzzos? Or the Medicis...?

Tch.

This'll help Eirene, right?

Right up ahead.

The container in that corner. Just open the door and go in.

......

Alright.

......

I guarantee you my testimony is absolutely true. As I said earlier, she was with me the whole time from yesterday before noon until the fire happened at the port.

Two Saluzzo Vino vineyards will soon welcome our first harvest. I hope the Truckers' Union will allocate a fleet to help transport our fresh grapes.

This is why we were at the port to check things out. My employees can vouch for us as well.

(Sounds of agreement)

In other words, Signorina Lavazza has a strong alibi.

(Claps) Magnifico.

......

My astute padre has tied the Truckers' Union to the Saluzzos.

That poor driver will have to do his bidding in future.

I don't think it'll end just like that.

The truck came from your union. We checked the shipping schedule and it wasn't slated with any arrangements for the last two days. So why did it show up at the port and become one of the floats?

Signorina Lavazza, even if you truly did not start the fire, as the head of your union it is your responsibility to explain the illegal usage of this car.

......

I can testify for Signorina Lavazza on that point.

Signor Venezia?

Your Honor, please take a look at the customs declaration form in the supplementary evidence you received earlier. The truck was transporting tires for Venezia Trucking.

This is it. Go in.

He's waiting.

......

So, who on Terra is helping me... and Eirene?

Enough questions, vecchio.

Go in and you'll find out at once.

You want to help that driver, and so do we. That's all you need to know.

......

Can you guarantee—

Signor Venezia, I'm sure you're clear what your statement means, right?

Signor Saluzzo claims he submitted testimony out of his responsibility as a citizen, but this incident actually involves Venezia Trucking.

The demand for our vehicles here has spiked in the last two months because of Carnevale, and we had to order an impromptu shipment of automotive consumables from the other cities.

This newly-arrived batch of goods has already cleared custom, and the Truckers' Union was helping us do a last-mile delivery. It was an impromptu request, which is why they haven't updated this job to their schedule.

Signorina Lavazza, do correct me if I got anything wrong.

You're right, we do have the paper trail, if needed.

As for why that truck was found at the port amongst the parade floats, we don't know who did it yet, so I implore the police to continue their investigation.

Though at least, the Truckers' Union did not use their truck illegally, and Signorina Lavazza was merely a bit negligent in this whole affair.

We'll verify the information.

Oh, the poor driver's pretty lucky. We're so close to the end of the tunnel.

The pivotal testimonies from my father and Venezia Junior are enough to clear Eirene of suspicion. Nothing will happen to her.

But the suspect has now become an outsider.

Eirene's the actual person involved, but she can't even get a word in. The courtroom's turned into an exclusive stage for the Venezias and Saluzzos.

These two factions are clearly fighting under the table, but they seem to have a tacit understanding once they're in court.

Everyone knows that's how the mafia works.

They want to claim complete innocence, and seize the Truckers' Union for themselves at the same time.

Of course. After all, we haven't found the actual person who started the fire.

Unless... they'll never find the person ever again.

Hahaha, the famiglie never consider what the persons involved are willing to offer when they want something in return.

...I have to contact Lavinia.

......

...Nobody's here?

Terza Zona... He should be here...

Blyat! How am I supposed to find him in such a huge place?

So? Where are you going on vacation after Carnevale?

Volsinii? The old-school musical theaters are all there. I'm planning to go to the more sophisticated establishments.

I rather go to Terni. I hear the clubs there have male Perro striptease dancers from Bolívar.

Tsk. You better tuck your tail in if you do, Saluzzo.

Hah. Want me to recommend you some ticket vendors in Volsinii?

You're a pretty good guy, and get work done quick. If you can't get along with the Venezias, come find me and I'll introduce you to some guys.

I'll pass. Want a smoke?

Heh, this lighter's pretty easy to use.