Seated before Felix was one of the legendary figures known only to the outcast Sankta. One was "Clip" Cliff, far away in Columbia. The other was Father Agenir, the man who had brought "Guns and Order" into Siracusa.
They were legends. Each had built their own legacy, using their lives as a warning and a guide for those Sankta who had stepped away from the fold, showing them what kind of path lay ahead.
Felix had known that a trip to Siracusa would inevitably bring him face to face with Father Agenir. What he had not expected was for the meeting to happen so directly and so soon.
"Father Agenir, do you have any guidance to offer me?"
Felix sat down on the sofa beside him. There was no direct conflict of interest between them, though that might change once he began negotiations with Signora Sicily. In his own plans, part of his influence would eventually flow into Siracusa, much as it had in Lungmen. As long as he acted within the boundaries Signora Sicily allowed, peaceful coexistence should be possible.
"Heh, 'guidance' would be too strong a word," Father Agenir said with a soft chuckle. "This meeting is purely my own initiative. I simply wanted to see what an outstanding successor of Laterano looks like."
"You flatter me."
"Do you think I'm speaking against my conscience?"
Father Agenir smiled and continued, "I can sense the doubt in your heart, the confusion, and a hint of wariness."
Which was precisely why conversations and probing between Sankta were the most tedious thing imaginable.
"Can you sense hostility from me?"
Felix shook his head. He truly could not, and that was the main reason he was willing to sit down and talk.
"Outcast Sankta are, at their core, people who wish to see the world," Father Agenir said, shifting the topic. His voice remained steady. "It cannot be denied that most Sankta step onto this land with curiosity at first. But as their footsteps carry them across its many corners, their hearts inevitably begin to change."
"King of Liberation, what was your original reason for stepping onto this land?"
At the question, Felix recalled how he had only wanted to keep living in this world. To grow stronger, to make money along the way, to meet like-minded companions. If they could move forward together in the future, that would be more than enough.
Father Agenir sensed the answer in Felix's heart and smiled. "To become stronger, hm? There is always the feeling that something is chasing you, young man. I only hope that this is my misunderstanding."
"After seeing this land for myself, it was my dissatisfaction with the status quo that led me to where I am today."
"How coincidental. In truth, I am the same."
Father Agenir slowly rose to his feet, still smiling. "From this day forward, among the legends of the outcast Sankta, alongside 'Clip' Cliff and 'Guns and Order,' there will be another."
"King of Liberation, Pioneer, Felix Lanshem. Your name will spread to every corner of this land, becoming a goal for Sankta to pursue."
This was recognition from a legend, the affirmation of passing the torch to the next generation.
"I wish you success in your negotiations."
Once Father Agenir departed, Felix let out a quiet breath of relief. He had no desire to play mind games with other Sankta. Now he finally understood why the Sankta of Laterano were synonymous with innocence. In front of a Sankta, scheming and calculation were meaningless. Whatever lay in one's heart would be laid bare. Perhaps that was why Laterano had been able to remain so pure for so long.
He knew that Father Agenir would not appear at his negotiations with Signora Sicily. Otherwise, there would be no point in talking at all. With his bottom lines and intentions laid bare, stepping onto the negotiation table would be no different from placing himself on the chopping block.
Clearly, the man understood this as well and chose to avoid any suspicion of impropriety.
Yelena led her Yeti Squad away to conduct reconnaissance. Within Siracusa, the infected were still subject to discrimination, but it was not as extreme as in Ursus, where the infected were treated as less than garbage. Here, they could move freely within the cities, a far looser situation than Lungmen's strict control.
Ingrid was still wearing her uniform. She seemed to have just finished a handover with the family members. The dark, murderous edge in her expression vanished the moment she turned around, and she quickly approached Felix.
"Mr. Felix, the Bocca al Lupo is ready."
Felix nodded and stood. After only a brief rest, he once again boarded the luxury sedan.
Grey Hall was one of the most important seats of power in Siracusa. Today was clearly a significant day. Members of the Bocca al Lupo stood guard both inside and outside, fully armed and on high alert.
Such treatment made it obvious that Signora Sicily understood Felix was not merely the leader of Tomorrow's Development. She also knew he was the Liberation King of Kazdel. He had learned from Father Agenir that this information had already reached her. In truth, it was no great secret among many of the world's leaders. It was simply kept from the public to avoid panic and reckless speculation.
More importantly, no one dared to speak of it openly. If the information turned out to be false and Laterano discovered that the rumor had originated from them, the reckoning afterward would be unbearable. Pretending ignorance was far safer.
Felix met Signora Sicily. The woman whose name alone inspired fear did not resemble the decisive, iron-willed magnate he had imagined. She dressed with sharp efficiency, and compared to fussing over attire, she seemed far more concerned with substance.
"King of Liberation, Your Highness. I am pleased that you accepted my invitation."
"When I first left Laterano, I stayed in Siracusa for quite some time. I was very fond of its customs and people back then. It was just that I could not afford to stop and truly take in the scenery around me. Thank you for the invitation, Signora Sicily."
They shook hands and exchanged smiles. If a third party were to carefully examine the depths of their eyes, all they would find was reason and composure.
"Please."
Signora Sicily gestured. Felix and Ingrid followed, while the members of the Bocca al Lupo naturally took up positions behind them, sealing off the entrance to Grey Hall.
Grey Hall was no different from a government complex, except that it had been cleared out for the day. Signora Sicily led them to a luxurious conference room on the upper floor. Walking at her side were several Lupo men and women in suits, likely her most trusted aides, much like Loughshinny and the others beside Felix.
"Ingrid of the Venezia Family. I have indeed heard rumors about you."
Only before taking her seat did Signora Sicily turn her attention to Ingrid, smiling as she addressed her. In truth, she had noticed Ingrid long before. Waiting until now was simply a matter of courtesy toward Felix.
After all, when leaders are speaking, abruptly turning to scrutinize the other party's subordinate would be poor manners.
"They must have been unflattering rumors," Ingrid said with a bow. "It is an honor to meet you."
The respect she offered was no less sincere.
"Heh. You wouldn't see such a scene within the Venezia Family. One must go farther to witness it."
Signora Sicily smiled. After sitting down, Felix understood her intent. She was subtly pushing someone into his hands. Ingrid was not formally one of his operators, and Signora Sicily had clearly noticed that. Her words were a veiled suggestion for Ingrid to abandon her current path. What future was there in following a single family? It would be better to follow Tomorrow's Development across the land. That was plainly her meaning.
Silently accruing a small debt, Felix smiled. "Signora Sicily, may I ask why you invited me here?"
"You mentioned earlier that you once lived in Siracusa for a time. In your eyes, what problems does Siracusa have?"
She went straight to the point, posing a question that would shape the rest of the conversation. It carried the faint scent of a trap. Praise or criticism alike could easily fall into her rhetorical snare.
After a moment's thought, Felix decided to speak plainly.
"When I was in Siracusa years ago, I observed that families ruled supreme. They hold absolute authority over the mobile cities, governing and administering them. Each mobile city is effectively its own nation."
Signora Sicily smiled. "Your Highness, I invited you here to hear your honest thoughts."
Felix interlaced his fingers. "Family rule may be Siracusa's tradition, but it cannot be its future. The power of the families inevitably breeds internal strife, and in external wars, a lack of unity could easily turn a minor flaw into a catastrophic collapse."
"Of course, these are merely my personal views. When it comes to Siracusa, you hold absolute authority and a far more complete vision. There is no need to concern yourself with my crude opinions."
Signora Sicily chuckled softly. "Your Highness is indeed forthright. The issue you've raised is precisely the lingering condition Siracusa has been unable to shed."
She extended her hand toward Felix. "I want to change this reality. Your Highness, are you interested in joining the game?"
Felix revealed a faint smile. Perhaps this was how she had once invited Father Agenir as well. There was a distinct, compelling charisma in Signora Sicily's words, one that made it difficult not to be swayed.
"What are you planning?"
"Siracusa's future."
Lady Sicily smiled, pressing her lips together as she spoke. "The old order will be replaced by a new reality. We must move forward. Siracusa has to keep pace with the times."
"Lady Sicily, let us speak frankly."
"I want to build a brand-new mobile city."
___
The meeting lasted several hours. After enjoying a lavish Siracusan meal, Felix and Ingrid returned to their hotel in a luxury car.
Ingrid glanced at the pensive Felix. "Mr. Felix, are you planning to take part in Lady Sicily's project?"
"I'm only stepping into the game," Felix replied. "The one at the helm is Lady Sicily. And don't you think it's interesting?"
He smiled at her. "A brand-new mobile city will be the perfect bait. As spectators, aren't we most eager to see the families smash their heads against each other over who gets to own it?"
Ingrid pressed her lips together. She was no fool. Although Lady Sicily had not laid everything bare, Ingrid could already guess what she intended to scheme. She also understood that, for Siracusa, families had once been symbols of unity and identity. But as the times advanced, the families, too, needed to change.
As for Lady Sicily's implicit invitation, Ingrid decided she would think it over before making a decision.
The corner of Felix's mouth lifted slightly. A new mobile city would inevitably draw the covetous gazes of every family. When that time came, he would merely act as a bystander, providing financial support for the city. No matter who ultimately claimed ownership, his investments in Siracusa would yield even greater returns.
If he wanted to make things even more exciting, it would not be impossible for Felix to establish a Lanshem family and join the struggle himself. But on second thought, that would be absurd. Given his status, stepping into the arena to play games with these families would only cheapen his standing.
Back at the hotel, Ingrid returned to her room to rest. Yelena led the Yeti Squad members in their report, and from other mobile cities came good news from Mountain as well. They had just signed an order with a family. Felix had already probed Lady Sicily's attitude on this matter, and she had said nothing.
It was clear that Lady Sicily did not care if one family grew dominant. Before that could happen, the family in question would likely be eliminated under one pretext or another.
This was also why the Saluzzo family, after purchasing handguns from Felix, had kept a low profile. They did not want to become the first to stand out. No one wanted to be the target of everyone else's arrows.
Lady Sicily's plan to construct a new mobile city was meant to force these families into the open, compelling them to display their strength. Faced with immense profit, no one was willing to give way, not even to the highest authority.
The next day, under heavy protection, Felix and Ingrid went to a theater. Siracusa was famous for its operas and films, and the one they watched was titled Seven Heroes in Blood. He was not the only viewer. Many senior members of various families were also present.
The arrival of the Venus had made these families alert. After making inquiries, they quickly deduced the identity of the man before them.
Like sharks that had caught the scent of blood, they swarmed in, wearing ingratiating smiles as they tried to present the best side of their families before this Sankta who held both military power and advanced technology. Some young women from the families offered bold smiles, carefully displaying their looks and figures without crossing the line. They were soon forced back by Ingrid, whose cold expression left no room for argument.
He met many members of different families, including native Siracusan families and those that had returned from Columbia after the Texas family incident.
Even among the families, there were distinctions of status. Felix could clearly see the disdain the local Siracusan families held for those from Columbia. The Rossati family was among them.
Cellinia had once spoken to him afterward about the few happy moments of her childhood, and one of the surnames she mentioned was Rossati.
"Your Highness, I am Giovanna Rossati, head of the Rossati family. I hope to receive your guidance."
Felix shook her hand. To lead a family back from Columbia to Siracusa and secure a foothold there was no small feat. Her capabilities were indeed noteworthy.