Make Our Family Great Again – Chapter 93

Antonio Gelaba’s appearance.

When he arrived, the chaotic party venue became even more chaotic.

Many stopped what they were doing and gathered to catch a glimpse of Gelaba.

The black musician who abandoned his performance, the couples engaged in intimate affairs, and even the little person who had been shaking a certain doll just moments ago.

“…Was Gelaba this famous?”

“No, he only became that famous relatively recently.”

In response to my question, Russo informed me that a recent film featuring him had been a huge success. Quite the opposite of how this city had turned into a mess.

“Antonio! I’ve been trying to reach you all week! Call me!”

“Gelaba! Show us your pants!”

Businessmen and fanatics alike.

“Mr. Gelaba, is the premiere schedule still in place?”

“Yeah, I’m good with it.”

And even staff from the film company.

Everyone was so eager to talk to Gelaba that it was palpable. Meanwhile, Russo looked at Gelaba and asked me.

“What do you think, Godfather? Should I call Gelaba over here?”

“No, there’s no need for that. Let’s just let everyone bother him.”

Russo seemed a bit disappointed by my answer. But there wasn’t much to discuss even if I did meet Gelaba.

Maybe just asking about Hagen’s well-being?

Well, I could use Gelaba later to target the film industry union or for extortion within the industry.

However, right now, revenge for my father and rebuilding the organization took priority.

“Want some drinks?”

“I’ll have a Ricky.”

Ricky, the name of a cocktail based on gin.

As I quickly responded to Darius Russo’s question, Damar asked the same to my two wives.

“One with absinthe in Kina Lily.”

“I’ll have what the Godfather is having.”

“….”

When Felicita replied, Elena briefly looked at her.

It sounded like my wife was giving a model answer, but I wondered if it was really necessary.

To be honest, my taste wasn’t particularly refined. It hadn’t always been this way, but still.

Before long, members of the Russo Family brought us the drinks we each wanted. They were either vampires or dwarves.

“….”

“I haven’t done anything wrong. Aren’t they all a bit too tense?”

I casually remarked as soon as those members left the room.

“No matter how small someone is, the Godfather is still the Godfather, I suppose. Just being there makes everyone tremble in fear.”

“Russo, let’s avoid calling them small, okay?”

“Ahem, big.”

As the drinks flowed, my mood brightened.

So I didn’t take offense at Russo’s comment, but Elena wouldn’t let it slide.

In that moment, the mansion’s lights suddenly went out.

“…What’s going on?”

I looked around to see if something was happening. But Russo said it was all part of the act.

“Act?”

Thud! Suddenly, lights started shining only in the center of the mansion.

A man, presumably from the film company, shouted at the participants.

“Behold the rose of the East, shining bright! Introducing ‘Lady Mei Kwan’!”

The spotlight that had been on the staff immediately moved to another person. The one who stood out alone in this vast space was… an Asian woman.

“….”

Dressed like a gentleman with hair cut short like a man.

“Are there Asian actresses too?”

“Mei Kwan. The first Asian actress in this country.”

“Western country? Eastern country?”

“Isn’t it obvious from just the name that she’s from the Western country?”

In this world, the East comprises several nations. But among them, the most famous are the Western and Eastern nations.

The Western nation is a continent, while the Eastern nation is an island. It felt a lot like matching to the China and Japan of the world I lived in.

“Welcome to the circus!”

While Russo and I were talking, she shouted energetically.

With her voice, a big band composed of black musicians and mixed races began their splendid performance again. The spotlight still only focused on her.

“From now on, this is where you’ll be exhibited! No need to be nervous; you can’t even blink on your own now. You never really had a chance to live properly, did you? Now, you’re just playing the role of a monkey in a cage ♪

Welcome to the circus!

A place full of all kinds of beasts and monsters. Each beast is armed in its own way. Just do as you’re told ♪

Don’t think about sleeping; it’s always noisy! We’ll be smashing your sanity piece by piece! While you crumble, we’ll laugh like crazy ♪”

Lady Mei Kwan’s fierce yet restrained movements.

Brought to life by the vibrant music of the big band.

And ultimately, the lyrics deliver an absence of dreams or hope.

This bizarre harmony captivated the audience’s attention.

“Keep this in mind! You have to pay attention to every word I say now. Every single word has to be entertaining! ♪

With dazzling lights, wonderful cameras, welcome to your life!

You have to give your best for us. While you grow, we won’t forget. Instead, we’ll be right there with you through all your growth ♪

It means there’s someone here to be with you. Isn’t that wonderful news? We’ll be smashing your sanity piece by piece ♪

Welcome to the circus!”

As soon as her song ended, the music stopped.

The lights returned, and she blended back in with the participants as if nothing had happened.

“So, what do you think? Impressive, right?”

“I’m feeling a bit jealous.”

“Luke.”

“No, I didn’t mean it that way; it’s just rare to see an Asian here.”

“Looks like you still want to own something unique?”

In response to Elena’s remark, I hurriedly defended myself. Felicita, who was next to me, also brought up my peculiar collection habit.

“Ah, that’s too bad. Mei Kwan plans to leave this country soon.”

“Oh really?”

That meant the fierce song I just heard might be Lady Mei Kwan’s last performance for me.

It seemed like a song targeting film industry personnel, particularly actors.

“So Russo, where’s that Asian woman going after she leaves this country?”

“I heard she’s going across the sea to Tyrenia.”

Russo mentioned that she was both an actress and a subtitle creator for silent films.

*

Thinking about it, the concept of sound films had only appeared relatively recently in this world.

Since silent films couldn’t capture actors’ voices, subtitles were inserted in between scenes to convey dialogue.

But now that sound films had emerged in this country, her job of creating subtitles for silent films had essentially become obsolete.

“So can’t she just focus on being an actress instead of subtitles?”

“Godfather, you know one but not the other, huh? This country is too restrictive for an Asian to work in.”

“Like the Raze regulations?”

“As expected of Marinelli’s daughter.”

Russo reacted as if Felicita’s remark was spot on.

According to them, this country had numerous film censorship regulations. One of the censors under the Raze regulations prohibits physical contact between actors of different races and ethnicities during filming.

If such things weren’t included, it would be unreasonable. I was quite familiar with this sense of pervasive social discrimination based on race and ethnicity.

While we were engaged in various discussions, the musicians’ splendid performances echoed throughout the room.

“One more Ricky.”

“One more Ricky over here!”

As soon as I spoke, Damar repeated my words louder.

Before long, a member of the organization brought the drink I wanted, but in that moment, something tapped my leg.

When I looked down… it was Felicita’s tail.

Felicita pointed her tail toward the two separate directions of the transparent space where what’s outside could be seen.

The commonality in those different directions was the presence of a group of people and their respective focal figures.

On one side was Arta Russo, Russo’s son, and on the other was Vesus Russo, Russo’s brother.

Seeing that they were forming a group like that instead of enjoying this wonderful gathering with the Boss and Godfather, I began to understand something.

Their relationship must not be great if they couldn’t even enjoy themselves at a place they should normally savor.

Well, family feuds were a tradition within the Russo Family, so it wasn’t particularly surprising.

“Come to think of it, it’s been said that many actors have fallen due to the arrival of sound films.”

I deliberately threw a line that would catch Russo’s interest.

I was trying to hide the fact that Felicita and I had spotted Arta and Vesus. But Russo bit the bait.

“There are always those who can’t adapt to change. That’s the charm of a transitional period, isn’t it?”

Transition, huh? It wasn’t just limited to the film industry.

The underworld of Hebili was also going through a transition, with new Five Families emerging in place of the old ones.

“And we’re in no position to judge others, aren’t we? Right, Godfather?”

“What?”

“The many actors who couldn’t adapt to sound films have one thing in common. They tried to hold onto their true selves in a rapidly changing world.”

“What does that have to do with us?”

“Your father. The late Godfather was the same.”

“….”

“Brother!”

Elena quietly set her glass down.

Damar, sensing the dangerous atmosphere, called out, and Russo observed our reactions.

“Always listen to the end. Lately, I’ve been hearing about the fall of those actors. It’s because while everyone else is changing themselves to survive, those guys are stuck in their ways. That’s why I like them. The former Godfather was the same. If he had been a coward, he would have celebrated his victory alone in the darkness.”

“…So what’s your point?”

“Without suppressing their pride or true nature, they made a noble exit. There’s a dignity in that, I suppose. Isn’t it splendid?”

….

What should I say? Darius Russo was clearly drunk.

His younger brother Damar, with an uneasy expression, was busy checking on Elena and me, while Darius was still rambling on.

Considering that Darius was among those who had fallen victim to my father, it seemed like a generous assessment.

“I still think it’s a rather inappropriate subject given the mood. At an enjoyable gathering like this.”

Felicita took the opportunity and interrupted the conversation. Both Damar and I added our words in support of Felicita’s opinion.

Russo merely shrugged his shoulders.

Meanwhile, as time passed, Russo and Damar seemed increasingly interested in checking the time. A decidedly suspicious demeanor.

“What’s going on? Are you hiding a killer or something?”

“Not a chance! Considering the size of the guy we’ve got prepared, a killer just wouldn’t fit the bill.”

“Brother.”

Damar whispered something to Darius. Then he exited the room.

Elena and I kept a close eye on Damar’s actions. He wouldn’t seriously… do something foolish, would he?

Just then, the mansion’s massive door swung wide open.

I thought it was another new arrival.

“…What now?”

A gigantic elephant made its entrance, led by its trainers into the mansion.

“AAAHHHH!!!”

In this chaotic mansion, the floor was nearly like a battlefield, and a couple engaged in an affair screamed in shock at the sudden appearance of the elephant.

“Alright, the party is just getting started, so let the Godfather and Godmother enjoy to their heart’s content!”

Should I ride the elephant? No, wait. What kind of crazy thought is that?

…Looking back, I guess I had indeed drunk a bit too much.