Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 576 - 350: Laying All the Cards on the Table
"The place you're talking about, is it Texas?"
Lavinia's eyes flashed with a hint of longing but quickly faded: "Having Porter is enough. Rather than going to Texas, I'd prefer to stay in Turin and do my best to make this world a little better."
She paused slightly, somewhat regretful: "Just from your description, I can tell Texas is a good place, wild but full of life. It's different here; it's like a tomb sealed for a hundred years, filled with decay."
Click.
Losa struck a match and lit a cigarette: "No, actually it's another world."
"Another world?"
Losa took a deep breath and continued: "Nia, have you heard of Yesterday's Giant Ship?"
"That Tower of Babel which traverses the river of time?"
"Yes, it truly exists."
Lavinia was somewhat incredulous: "What you're saying is true?"
"What do you think?"
She took a deep breath, seemingly digesting this explosive news casually mentioned by Losa, and after a while, said: "How many secrets are you still hiding?"
Losa showed a hint of guilt on his face: "Sorry, there may still be some, but at the right time, I'll tell you everything."
"I need to... think about it for a while."
After Lavinia finished speaking, she was silent for a moment and suddenly asked: "Losa, are you helping me so I would leave with you?"
"Sort of, but not entirely. Nia, you're a very good girl, honest, kind, and principled. I felt from the very beginning when I heard about you that you didn't belong here."
"Thank you..."
She tried to smile: "Thinking about it now, Ms. Jeanne's disappearance probably also has something to do with the Tower of Babel, right?"
"Yes."
"Honestly, I feel quite honored."
Losa whispered: "Just don't blame me for my initial impure motives in approaching you."
Lavinia shook her head: "It's much more genuine than wanting me to bear you little wolves, Losa. Although we've known each other for a short time, you really are a reliable friend. I'll consider your proposal."
"Alright, let's return to Turin first. I have to report this matter to the miss. She probably won't object, but likely won't be able to offer much help either."
Valentina's discontent with the Yakxi Family wasn't a secret, which was also a reason why many conservatives of Saluzzo were reluctant to let her take over the family, as it might bring them to the brink of disaster.
Back then in Basilicata, the remaining forces on the Southern Apennine Peninsula were not weak at all, at least comparable to the Sassari Family's level of power. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to continue controlling that territory.
But overnight, they were devoured by a pack of wolves, leaving nothing behind.
All of Basilicata's industries were taken over by small vassal families originally subordinate to Basilicata, which could be considered an alternative pledge of allegiance.
The Sassari Family was nothing.
But behind the Sassari Family stood the Yakxi Family.
This was also why many of the upper-tier Wolf Race were increasingly dissatisfied with the Yakxi Family. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺
We originally agreed to jointly govern the Two Sicilies, but now a dog from the Yakxi Family is stepping on us, the upper-tier Wolf Race. Who's really superior here?
But the Yakxi Family has its reasons; see, as long as you follow me, even the positions of the upper-tier Wolf Race, which have barely changed from ancient times to the present, aren't immutable.
The more arrogant they are, the more small families will stand behind the Yakxi Family. Vassals who should belong to other upper-tier Wolf Races will become tools for the Yakxi Family to control the entire Apennine Peninsula.
It's not about who is right or wrong.
At least, Losa agrees with the Yakxi Family's idea to unify all Wolf Races.
A scattered mess, as fragmented as the Holy Roman Empire's Apennines, is doomed to have no future.
Afternoon.
Losa returned to the mansion in Turin, covered in dust from his travels.
Valentina had not left and was silently meditating in the courtyard, holding a wooden sword.
"Miss."
"Went out with the little girl from the Bologna Family first thing in the morning?"
"Yes."
"Forget it, I'm too lazy to manage you."
"There's something..."
"Speak up."
Losa no longer hesitated, and he poured out everything about Lavinia.
"This little girl really is... lovely."
Valentina's expression was somewhat complicated: "I didn't expect, from the Bologna Family known for their merchant lineage, full of the smell of copper, could come such a brave girl."
"Though her mentor really is unreliable."
"I think, perhaps her mentor intended to use Lavinia's family background to stir up an internal strife among the Wolf Race."
"He probably thought even on his deathbed, let these damned wolf cubs fight it out, fight until they're battered and bleeding, fight until they're in chaos. It would be best if France or the Habsburg Emperor intervened to end this chaos."
Valentina sneered.
"Alright, since you've decided to help this time, you should know you must participate as an individual, and technically, you're not allowed to use even a single silver coin of family resources. But who's to say, the Sassari Family is so detestable."
"Go, do what you must. If the opportunity arises, I assure you, Saluzzo will be the straw that breaks the camel's back."
Losa smiled and responded: "I understand."
Valentina's meaning was clear: if anything goes wrong with the Sassari Family, she would be the first to hit them when they're down, but only if Losa and Lavinia can make it happen.
"Losa, before you leave, shall I teach you a move?"
"What?"
"The family's secret technique, Throat Choking Hand."
"Ah... that, thank you, Miss, but I already know it."
"Damn it, how much stuff do you have hidden?"
Losa felt a bit ashamed: "Sorry, Miss, I didn't mean to conceal anything."
"Alright, we're family, so it's too formal to say such things. Anyway, go on with peace of mind, fully exert your strength. You're my person, and henceforth, don't hide your strength anymore; make a name for yourself."
Losa teased: "Like, Bloodhand Butcher, Milan Ripper, Frenzied Wolf in the Rainy Night?"
Honestly, he really thought the nicknames of the Wolf Race big shots were corny, extremely corny.
"The last Ripper died in Texas. If you're good enough, it's not impossible to claim that name."
"I'd rather not, sounds terrible."
Losa waved his hand: "I'm off, Miss."
"Go, come back alive."
...
"You're leaving now?"
"Yes."
"I thought we'd team up for a long time."
"Don't worry, I'll come back alive."
Losa sighed. Having Elmer with him wasn't necessarily a good thing. He'd eventually leave, and it wouldn't be too far off.
The weather was terrible.
