Lombardy, Fort of Verona

Al Pacino still couldn't believe his ears, because he didn't expect to see his big man actually the young Archduke Franz.

When the former was invited into the hall, his legs were so fluttering that he could barely take a step, and when the waiter next to him asked him for tea or coffee, he paused for a long time before squeaking in answer.

The waiter did not show any contempt or contempt, but the Sicilian was still terrified, he was nothing more than an outsider forced by life and not even recognized by his compatriots.

The young nobleman in front of him is very likely to be the most powerful person in the country in the future, and the difference in origin and status between the two can be described as worlds apart.

But Archduke Franz didn't keep him waiting long.

"Hello, Mr. Corleone."

To be honest, Franz was a little surprised when he first heard the name, isn't this the surname of the "godfather"?

But now that the year is counted, the person in front of me may be the great-great-great-great-grandfather of the godfather.

"Hello, Your Royal Highness the Honorable Grand Duke Franz. I am truly flattered by your invitation. ”

As he spoke, Al Pacino Corleone's hands trembled with excitement, and it was evident that his words were indeed sincere.

In fact, Al Pacino was the spokesman for the Sicilian Brotherhood in Lombardy, but it was just a non-governmental organization that was not recognized by the government.

The biggest official he had ever seen before was the chief of police in a district of Milan, or the port authority, and the so-called big men were nothing more than a bunch of worms in front of the young man in front of him.

In Corleone's mind, his Sicilian brothers were better and more capable than the northern Italians, and they were hired at a lower price.

But it is not uncommon for outsiders like them from the so-called "backwoods" to be ostracized, whipped, beaten and falsely accused, and even the hard-earned money they have worked so hard for is often withheld by their miserly bosses.

All of this boils down to one sentence, they have no backers. Brotherhood gangsters can "reason" with unscrupulous businessmen and black-hearted factory owners.

But government officials and military officers do not "reason" with them, they only take the trouble to repeat the so-called "evidence" and "contract".

Al Pacino, who has tasted the warmth and coldness of the world, as well as the wind, frost, snow and rain, is like a mirror in his heart at this time, and the big man in front of him is undoubtedly the ladder he climbs up.

As long as you do a good job and make achievements, not only can you soar, but the brothers of your own brotherhood can also become real Austrians.

Thinking of this, he spoke: "Your Highness, I know who was involved in the plot of the rebellion, although not all, but as long as I give me a little time, I will definitely figure it out for you." I swear to God. ”

"You seem to be a little excited, so let's have a drink and calm down first."

As he spoke, Franz shook his head, apparently not knowing that this was not his primary concern.

Al Pacino was a little puzzled, after all, he felt that he had just taken out his biggest chip.

He could be said to have done his homework for today's rare opportunity, especially the evidence of Vera Ivar, who had been looking for an opportunity to bring down the vampire at the banquet last time, but was interrupted by the father of the young archduke in front of him.

And now Franz Joseph seemed to have a completely indifferent expression on his face, which made Al Pacino have to think quickly.

The latter knew that he must have some indispensable value for the former, so he was invited to the audience. And Al Pacino wanted to know what valuable information he could provide.

In fact, Franz did not fully believe the so-called intelligence and evidence of this Sicilian, because he, like those officials, was in competition with the locals, so the authenticity and accuracy of what he provided could not be guaranteed at all.

Seeing that the other party was thinking so hard, Franz spoke.

"I've heard about your deeds and admire your courage. It's just that you're a little too impulsive, and if it weren't for my father last time, no one in charge would tolerate such an offense from you. ”

Although the young Grand Duke's tone was flat, it still sounded like thunder in Al Pacino's ears.

After all, there is no lack of warning in this sentence, and the latter is not a fool, and he can be heard by the people who can mix up the brotherhood from a dock worker. After all, airplanes don't have brains, and they can only be old boys for the rest of their lives.

"Your words make me feel terrified, I don't know what I can do for you?"

Franz: "I know you have a lot of courage and courage, and you are unhappy with the bad situation in Northern Italy.

I am also well aware of what happened to you and those who came after you, and I know even more about what the magistrates did. But some things are not so simple, the more people are in high positions, the less they can act as they want."

Al Pacino cautiously: "Then you want me to help you kill all those villains?" ”

Franz: "No, if lynching is used, then am I not like them?" But I hope you will continue to do justice, the Empire needs people like you. ”

These words made Al Pacino a little confused, there is no need to lynch, so isn't it good to let the police do it directly? What are you looking for him as a gangster?

Franz didn't want to do it either, but the bureaucracy in Northern Italy was in turmoil, and if it continued to expand its power, it might make a fuss.

Al Pacino asked tentatively, "So what should I do?" ”

Franz: "I need to be able to secure the lives of new immigrants, so that they can settle down and be free from bullying. In addition, I will entrust you with some of the construction of the fortress. ”

Al Pacino replied with some embarrassment: "But I don't have any funds at all"

Franz smiled awkwardly: "It doesn't matter, I didn't make it clear, I will pay your salary every month, you don't have to worry about this."

But there is something I need you to do, and that is to make sure that there is no anti-Austrian group among the immigrants.

Of course, if there are other civil society groups that intend to do this, you can also write to me.

In addition, if any officials, nobles, or businessmen have such intentions, you can also report them to me as long as you have sufficient evidence. I'll deal with these things at my discretion, but keep in mind that don't get personal grudges in the mix. Otherwise, I would be disappointed. ”

In fact, the final result of the conversation was similar to what Al Pacino expected, but the process made him feel very uncomfortable, but perhaps the big man did have more concerns, and even "doing good" seemed so cumbersome.

"Believe me, Your Royal Highness, I won't let you down! I thank you on behalf of my Sicilian compatriots, and for all the newcomers, you are really"

Franz waved his hand, and the words of praise were already ringing in their ears.

"Later, someone will bring you specific documents and contracts, and if there is nothing special, I will miss it first."

Franz left the living room, and then let out a long sigh.

Hopefully, this "godfather" will do his job well, attract a little more firepower for the empire, and buy a little more time for this troubled country.

(End of chapter)