Author's Note: Well boys and girls, you may be wondering how in such a short amount of time I was able to write so much. Well, the answer is simple. Like any good Capitalist, I understand that finding more effective ways of doing things is for the best. And so, I came up with an ingenious new strategy of how to write my story. Since I first started this story, I've been writing the chapters on my phone. Now I use my laptop, much faster!
However, while I'm happy with my story it seems as though someone has a differing opinion! And from a Diakko obsessed man no less!
"Ehhhhh. The more I read this the more I find myself thinking on just how much Diana belongs with Akko, and not wish fulfillment gary stu like OC's. Sorry, but I didn't really like this. The writing is decent at least, but this premise is not my cup of tea."
Yes of course, because as everyone knows, I just love to beat up and try to harm little kids who have a different opinion! Truly, nothing makes me happier than writing a story for over a year, and only beginning to have romance! That's a real sign of a self insert, Gary Sue, Mary Sue, wish fulfillment, yaoi!
Oh and, before you lynch this man for his blasphemy against Papa Roman, just know that some people loves me.
"This is a very well-written chapter ! I have to congratulate you for working so hard! Plus, I'm looking forward to the dinner with Theodore's family."
"waw... thats creativity"
Also, I think I need to quit my story now, because someone just predicted this entire arc!
"PLOT TWIST:romana gets revenge on diana by blocking her balcony view which forces diana to jump of it and ted hangs himself because he never got to climax with diana and feliciano takes his place in luna nova were hanna and barbera seduce him."
I think he hacked into my summary list.
Now, before we finally start this chapter, I'll send an update for the polls.
First place we have Diana with six votes, second place we have Ursula with four, and then Akko, Sucy, and Fem Beef Mc Whatnow are all tied with one vote.
And if you don't know already, be sure to check out ThouthineaThoth on Deviantart. This great man is making some fine fanarts of this fanfic.
In the mirror, I delicately comb my blonde hair.
This is just one of many steps I've taken to prepare myself for the dinner.
Even though I've been to many formal dinners in the past, this one in particular has some sort of meaning to me.
Despite the coldness I've been exposed to by a few members of the Sempronia household, I have to remember that they did invite me in to stay. This decision was not just made on any day, but during Christmas Break, a time of family at that!
Out of the entire family, only two have shown a questionable side to them. The most obvious being Theodore's older sister, Romana. I'm not quite sure what has caused her to express such emotions, but like it or not, I'll be living underneath the same roof as her. It would be best if I at least tried to get along with her.
The same logic can be applied to Theodore's grandpa, Roma. While my only encounter with that man was apathetically brief, it was only that, a brief encounter. I'm sure there's more to him than I've already been exposed to. Tonight will surely be an opportunity for that matter.
Theodore's parents both seem relatively good, nothing to complain about with those two.
Then there's Feliciano. He's a little overwhelming, but he does seem to love his brother, and the two of us can at least get along decently.
Overall, I predict that this dinner may help myself come into better understandings with the Sempronias. I'm sure that I'll return to bed more well rounded than before.
A knocking suddenly comes from my chamber door.
"Dinner will be starting shortly." I hear a familiar voice call out.
It's Theodore's mom.
"I'll be out momentarily." I chime to the door.
I take a few more sweeps of the comb, my hair finally reaching my liking.
I return the comb back to my table, moving towards the door.
Before I exit, I stop, taking one last look in the mirror.
For dinner, I abandoned the clothing that I was previously wearing when Theodore introduced me to Anchovy, preferring a simple light blue dress. A small belt is fastened around my waist, securing the dress to myself. Additionally, the sleeves are non existing, my bare shoulders exposed. My freshly combed hair drapes down my neck, a rather soft look to it. Overall, I believe that I'm looking quite elegant tonight.
But, I wonder what Theodore thinks?
I have to admit, while deciding my wardrobe I couldn't help but wonder that very question. I pondered dressing in green, as I remember he did tell me a while ago that he was fond of that color. While I sadly did not bring a green dress with me, I do recall Theodore and I, right before Luna Nova's Witch Parade, having that moment where the two of us simply stared absentmindedly into each other's eyes. I'm sure wearing a dress that matches the the color of my eyes will please him to some degree.
As I open my chamber door, I'm met with Theodore's older brother.
"Ciao Diana, you're looking so lovely!" He cheerfully greets me.
I give a brief smile at him, saying
"Hello Feliciano, good to see you again. Will you be participating in tonight's dinner?"
"Of course, of course! After all, I heard mama made pasta! I can't wait! I love pasta!"
One of the hallway doors swings open. Romana walks out, her hair unkempt, and eyes glassy, obviously sleeping just a few moments ago.
"Will ya keep your screaming down? I'm trying to get in a little sleep before dinner."
As she notices me, Romana instantly sprouts to life, fiercely pointing at me.
"Hey there Hottie Patottie, I got a little surprise for you!"
I can only imagine what she means. Best case scenario, she's attempting to rekindle our relationship with an apology gift.
"What is it?" I ask her.
She squints her eyes at me, malicious joy curving into a thin smirk
"I have created a secret weapon for such singular purpose and stealthiness that you will be helpless to its powers."
She reaches into her pocket, pulling out some hairy object, sort of looking like a caterpillar.
Holding it out for me to see, it slightly covers her face.
"Mustache." Romana proudly declares.
She suddenly breaks out into mocking laughter, sneering
"Ah ha ha ho ho! You look so very stupid, with your big bushy mustache! Like some hipster at a highschool party! Ha ha ha!"
As she continues her laughter, I can't help but notice a flaw in her grand strategy.
"You do realize that it looks like that your wearing the mustache from where I'm standing?" I ask her.
Immediately after hearing my question, Romana tosses her fake mustache aside.
Her face becomes physically constrained by embarrassment as she covers her face, sobbing
"Turn your head! No! Don't look! I'm so ugly!".
Seeing his sister in such pain, Feliciano walks over to her, cautiously saying
"Don't cry Romana. Diana doesn't care about your mustache, she's really a nice guy, trust me."
He smiles as he begins to recount examples, some that I have no idea the origin of.
"She's really helpful when it's to her advantage and she certainly knows how to keep things organized. Plus, she's strong, and pretty, and whiter than any of us! And that has got to count for something in this day and age, at least for keeping liquor stores out of your neighborhood. Also, British people sound real funny! And laughing is good for the heart!"
Hearing such statements, Romana tiredly looks at her younger brother, a tinge of desperation in her tear stained eyes.
"Feliciano…" She whispers.
A few snifles later, and she continues.
"Just once, would you say nice things about me like that?"
Visibly not being able to conjure kind words to her, he takes a few steps back, leaving Romana on her own, much to her horror.
"I hate you so much!" She cries before quickly retreating back into her room, slamming the door.
"Where are you going Romana?" He innocently asks her.
Well, that was surely an interesting encounter with her. I'm sure that that didn't help our relationship at all.
As if nothing happened, Feliciano turns back to me, a bright smile on his face.
"Let's go to dinner. It's almost ready!"
"What about Romana?" I ask him, pointing at her possibly locked door.
"She just needs a little time to cool off. Romana wouldn't miss dinner."
He then takes off like a child, gleefully running down the hall.
"Come on, I can already smell the pasta!" He cries out joyfully.
The grown man continues to charge down the hall, his arms raised in the simulation of an airplane.
How is Theodore related to him?
I continue to walk down the hallway, eventually making my way to the dining room.
There seems to be three people already present at the table.
At closest to me is Theodore's father, and his mother. The man sits at one of the heads of the table, while his wife seems to be just finishing laying out the food.
On the table is an assortment of breads, fruits, vegetables, wines, and pastas. In the center, as if some edible cornucopia, a platter of lasagna proudly sits.
At the farthest head of the table sits grandpa Roma. He seems to be detached from the rest as he stares at some of the paintings that line the walls, visible boredom on his face.
Theodore's mother is the first to notice me.
"My, that's a beautiful dress." She compliments, taking a seat next to her husband.
I smile at this.
"Why, thank you. Is Theodore here?" I ask them.
"He must still be getting ready." His father claims.
I nod at their answering.
Well, while I wait I may as well take a seat.
I do just that, noticing all the cutlery in front of me.
An assortment of knives, forks, and spoons greet me, all neatly wrapped up with a silk napkin. The silverware are all placed on a finely polished plate, it looks to be made of china. A crystal wine glass sits besides the plate, ready to be used.
Remembering what Theodore said yesterday, I take a glance at Roma.
As my friend previously stated, that man does indeed have silverware made from actual silver.
I hear footsteps coming from the hallway I just entered from.
Hoping that it's Theodore, I turn around.
Sadly, I am only met with his sister, herself now looking more representable.
Perhaps this may be a good opportunity for the two of us to hopefully come together. Like I stated earlier, I'm going to have to send two weeks with her, us getting along will definitely be a positive.
"I saved you a seat next to me." I tell her, pointing at the empty chair in question.
Romana face visibly contorts to a look that contains both puzzlement and disgust.
"Ah, thanks a million! Next time, why not just stab me in the chest with a spatula?!" She demands.
Before I can even form any sort of answer, continues her past course, taking a seat at the far end of the table, next to Roma.
Well, I believe I can say that that attempt was a major failure. Perhaps I should give up now, and just focus on my vacation.
Once again, the sounds of footsteps are heard from the hallway behind me.
Well, only Theodore and his brother aren't present.
I just hope this time it truly is my friend.
I turn around once again, seeing that it is them both.
I pay my attention to Theodore.
"Ah there you are. I was hoping you'd make your appearance soon." I greet him, a light smile on my face.
In response, he flashes a smile at me, before addressing the entire room.
"Sorry we're late. Feliciano had problems tying his shoes."
"Again?" Romana groans.
"Hey, it wasn't my fault! The leather laces are too rough for my hands!" Feliciano defensively cries, more embarrassed than angry.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah!" His sister sarcastically grunts. "We all know that you just don't know how to tie your shoes!"
As Feliciano opens his mouth, his father intervenes.
"Be that as it may, at least we're all here now."
Theodore nods to his father, taking a seat next to me.
As my friend is about to say something, perhaps a greeting, Feliciano quickly takes the other seat besides me.
"Hello, pretty woman!" He warmly greets me, wildly flailing his hand in a wave.
I'm now sandwiched between the Italian brothers.
Seeing that his sons have both taken their seats, Mr. Sempronia turns his attention to Roma, asking
"So father, may we begin?"
Theodore's grandpa gives an absent minded nod in response.
With his approval, the whole dinner table stirs to life.
All hands turn to motion, as every plate of food becomes passed around the table. Over this time, my previously empty plate is filled with an assortment of bread rolls, several different soups, and varieties of fruits. It sort of reminds me of an ant colony, everyone knows their part, and carries it out with no mistakes. All plates are passed without a loss in stride.
As the pasta plate is eventually passed to Feliciano, his eyes widen, and if my eyes aren't fooling me, I believe I see a drip of drool running down his chin.
He looks at me, a huge smile on his face.
"Hey, this feeling inside of me...you'll listen to me, won't you?"
Well, this is a rather strange question to ask me.
"Why wouldn't I?" I ponder to him.
"To my huge…"
Huge what?
"Huge…"
I'm starting to feel a bit uncomfortable.
"Love…"
I mentally give a sigh of relief, happy that his next word wasn't the one I feared.
"For pasta!"
For some unknown reason, Feliciano puts one hand flat against his chest, and another outstretched to the sky, and begins to sing.
"I love pasta, you see-"
"Don't start that again." A sudden voice commands, annoyance deep seated.
All of us turn to the direction of the complaint, at the back end of the table, where Romana and Roma are.
Well, that voice was quite certainly masculine. It belonged to Roma.
The elder man continues to silently stare at Feliciano, an oppressive stare that diwindles his happy demenior to nothing more than a quivering mess.
Once satisfied by his own grandson's discomfort, Roma casually takes a sip of his wine, as if nothing happened.
An uneasy silence follows shortly.
I admit, sometimes I can be rather annoyed by Feliciano and his antics. However, to simply subdue one's own grandson with such a glare would make even a child cry.
However, I have to remember, this was an act that was carried out to simply keep the peace.
I understand that this is dinner, and should be treated as such. And I also do understand the behaviors of Theodore's brother.
"So Romana, how was work today?" Mr. Sempronia asks, attempting to ward off this veil of quiet.
As if all is forgotten, Romana makes a wild smirk at me.
"Hey, Diana! We were able to harvest a hell of a lot of tomatoes again this year, jackass!"
This was stated as if I was supposed to be jealous, or perhaps maybe even be impressed by her feat.
I notice that her plate contains no bread or soups, only pasta and whole tomatoes.
I suppose she must really them. Well, at least I can take comfort in the fact that she tried to pelt me with tomatoes yesterday not because I'm a witch, but because they were just convenient to her.
This may be a good opportunity to try to at least show some kindness to Romana. If I can pierce just a little bit, maybe I can expose her heart to friendship. It would definitely make this vacation all the more easier.
Honestly, the only reason I'm doing this is because she's Theodore's sister.
I force out a fake smile, saying
"I'm happy to hear that. I wish you the best of luck on your next harvest."
Romana frowns at my refusal to show anger, muttering to herself as she bites into her food.
I turn my attention back to Feliciano, wondering if he's still in his depressed state from before.
Thankfully, it seems as the sad thoughts have passed, as he happily tears through his pasta, albeit rather uncouthly.
Strange, he seems to be absolutely sawing away at his food, as if in his own little world. Here, nothing can harm Feliciano, as he continues to eat till his heart's content.
A sudden but curious thought flashes through my mind. It is a thought that can easily be wrong, but also isn't based off of nothing.
I heard that many people when faced with uncomfortable situations will resort to gorging themselves with food in order to alleviate the pain. The furious craving that I see before me did not happen until after Roma made his grandson feel discomfort and fright with nothing more than a could be the situation that is occuring at the moment.
However, I am no fool when it comes to the desires of Feliciano. This could just be the result of his own love for pasta, and not any external factors.
But still...
I don't know why, but I just get a disturbed feeling whenever I think about Roma. It seems as though that man is on a different wavelength than the rest of us. Even in the sea of abnormal behavior demonstrated by the rest of the Sempronias, his stands out. It's not for what he said, or how he acted, but the lack of the two previously mentioned.
I've only ever heard him utter one sentence, and it was directed at me. Although his message was to welcome me to the house, it was the absence of emotion that destroyed whatever point he was trying to get passed me.
However, I cannot rule out the fact that I have only been here for one day. That length of time would limit my opportunities to engage in discourse with Roma. Besides, due to his advanced age, the elder may very well be on a much broader sleep schedule than I. I can also not rule out what Theodore said about him. He has only described Roma as a great man, stating only words of kindness.
Oh for goodness sakes, I'm just not sure what to feel. The three, Romana, Roma, and Feliciano are definitely quite odd when it comes to family relations. All three have personalities that vary greatly from each other. All three have flaws, and all three have alibis to justify such impressions left on me. Well, everyone but Romana. I'm still not sure what has caused her to be so hostile to me.
"So son, how was your time with your friend?" His father asks, referring to Anchovy.
A thin smile grows on Theodore's face, as he recounts the past events.
"It was very nice. I hope to see her again at least one more time before Diana and I return to Luna Nova."
His mother looks at me.
"How did you two get along?" She asks.
"I feel as though it went well." I answer back "I agree with Theodore, seeing her again before our departure wouldn't be a bad idea."
She nods, satisfied by my conclusion.
As Feliciano continues to consume his meal, a splotch of pasta grease lands on my blue dress, staining it.
As if death himself has come for Feliciano, the Italian quickly stands up, his whole body shaking in fear as his eyes begin to water. He folds his hands together, as if praying for me to end an intense pain that I caused.
"Oh no, I'm sorry! It was an accident, an accident, an accident!"
The whole table stops eating, all eyes on Feliciano.
"Please don't shoot me! I'm too young to die, and what if I don't die, but am just mortally wounded, and forced to lie there in misery in a pool of my own blood?! Please, I'll do anything...well I mean within reason! I don't want to diiiiiiie!"
He begins to quiver, collapsing to the ground, holding back his tears as he continues.
"I mean seriously, I'm a virgin. Where do you think they get virgin olive oil from? We're as pathetic enough as it it. I apologize for the food spilling, and the singing from earlier."
I rub a hand through my hair, feeling both annoyed and slightly embarrassed.
I'm not sure whether to feel pity or irritation for the man.
He is showing such emotion, such fear, and regret that the whole world would happily donate all its wealth if it would only break the depression latching him down. However, all of these intense feelings are caused by an arbitrary action, the accidental spilling of food. While sure the stain annoys me, it's something too small to fuss about.
"Just calm down please." "I forgive you, just get off your knees.
"You forgive me?!" He questions, his whole demeanor changing to that of joy as he jumps back up. "What a fantastico turn of events! Especially for this poor pizza and pasta lover! You had me completely fooled, I thought you'd be completely mean and scary!"
Judging at the responses, or lack thereof, from the rest of his family, I can only guess that these sudden and possibly violent fits of emotion must be typical of Feliciano. Maybe it would be best and follow the lead of the rest of the Sempronias and just ignore it.
Changing the conversation, I turn to the father.
"This is a beautiful house, Mr. Sempronia. How did it come into your possession?"
"It's been in our family for many years." He answers, glancing at Roma. "How long was it?"
"Since 1922." He responds.
"It's beautiful, none the less" I comment, gazing around the room as I talk. "Full of art and marble statues. Why, it seems that all the decor would be more expensive than the house."
Mr. Sempronia smiles at my complements.
"Thank you, it's certainly taken time for us to gather all of these items."
"I'm just curious about something." I point out.
This is something that I haven't given much thought to so far, but has still been in the back of my mind.
"What is it?" Mr. Sempronia asks.
"Not to be rude, but I haven't noticed a single staff member since I arrived here. Have all the maids left for Christmas?"
"We don't have any." Roma cuts in.
There's that notorious penny pinching I've heard so much about.
"Do you have any form of staff?" I ask, hoping that i'm not overstepping my boundaries with such a question.
"No maids, no cooks, no gardeners, nothing. Romana is the only one who has a job. I don't know why she would make such a decision. We have enough in our treasury to support our living style for decades to come."
I raise an eyebrow, a bit surprised by this answer.
Why would a man so concerned about money be so against his family participating in the workforce?
"Besides Romana, none of you have jobs?" I ask.
"Why should we exert ourselves when we could simply live off of our savings?" Roma simply asks, his tone filled with a sort of annoyance, as if talking to a child who just asked a redundant question with an obvious answer.
I brush this slight deride to the side, bringing up a valid point.
"Theodore has informed me of a portion of your family history. Power and leadership were hallmarks of your ancestor's occupations. I'm sure crowds of loyal followers would rally behind a descendant of Rome if he were to run for office."
Roma smirks at my contemplation, the only smile I've seen him bear thus far.
"A Sempronia hasn't held a political office since 1945."
That's quite an interesting date in Italian history, not to mention an interesting date in world history.
"Why is tha-"
"Well, I believe I've satisfied my hunger!" Mr. Sempronia suddenly interrupts , patting his stomach with satisfaction.
I glance at his place, noticing that only half of what was on it is gone.
"What about you honey?" He asks his wife.
She follows his lead, nervously saying
"Yes, the food was quite good. But I don't think I could eat another bite."
He smiles at her, replying with
"You surely made a filling meal. But I'm afraid all of these carbohydrates and fattening foods have made me sleepy. I believe bedtime is upon us."
Mr. Sempronia glances at Roma,
"Don't you agree father?"
The two, father and son, stare at each other. While Mr. Sempronia expresses a look of irritation, as if angered by what his father had just said, Roma just stares back at his son, a mix of slight confusion but overwhelming amusement on his face.
Finally, the old man gives into Theodore's father, saying
"Fine."
Upon hearing the final decision from the head of the Sempronia household, Feliciano loses the past positive emotions, breaking down into another teary mess on the floor.
"Whaaat?! No! The food was just made! If finish now, then all the pasta will go to the fridge, and leftovers put in the microwave aren't as good as fresh food! It gets all wet and soggy!"
Not wanting to deal with the antics of his son, Mr. Sempronia sighs, instead turning to his daughter.
"Romana, can you take your little brother to his room? I don't think he'll leave on his own."
Hearing the request from her father, Romana lets out an annoyed sigh, leaning back into her seat.
After a brief moment of contemplation, she looks back at her father.
"Fine, just let me take a few tomatoes to my room. I'd like a midnight snack, and I'm too lazy to walk around at night."
I sit alone in my room, wondering what the nature of that past event could be.
It all happened so fast, too fast for any proper responses or objections to be made, by either Theodore or I. Within mere moments, the lights were turned off, and we were all practically escorted out and to our rooms. The sheer suddenness of this action was definitely contradictory to the regular calmness of the house.
The nature and cause of the interruption is also taken into question. The action of disposing of us was only carried out once I delved further into the topic provided by Roma. Once I tried to probe more information, Mr. Sempronia was quick to end our conversation. It was rather abrupt, and dare I say, out of character. It wasn't just anything that could've commenced such a scene to take place.
It was only when I asked further into the Sempronia history, asking about the date of 1945, and why that was the year that the family seized engaging in the workforce.
It does provide me with great wonder, ponding why this date would give the outcome claimed by Roma, and why the mention of this act was brought down by Mr. Sempronia.
I lay down into my bed, trying to brush these thoughts from my mind.
I have to remember, I'm a guest in this house, and should treat myself was such. It would be rude and improper of me to delve to deep in their history, it's clearing something that's too personal for an outsider to know about.
I don't know, perhaps I'm reading too much into this. After all, I've already identified Roma, Romana, and Feliciano as people not displaying the normality of traits, especially when compared to Theodore. It seems as though Mr. Sempronia may not fall too far from this deduction, he is afterall the father of Romana and Feliciano. It's only natural that their behaviors would align themselves.
But then again, even if these statements about the psychology of the four previously stated were to be true, I have to remember that Mr. Sempronia is an adult, and not in his 20s like his two eldest children. If something were to shake his so much so that it would end a dinner that his wife worked hard for, then the cause of his behavior must be something serious. Perhaps there is something to that date after all. 1945 was a significant date in Italian, European, and world history as a whole. It was the downfall of The Axis Powers, the death of the fourth German Empire, the death of the Italian dictator Mussolini…
As far as I'm concerned, the Sempronia family has been based in Italy since the beginning of Rome itself. So, it's safe to say that they were still in Italy during the second world war, and thus 1945. Italy was in a state of chaos back then, being divided by both the Axis and the Allies.
Ugh! Why am I thinking so much about this?! It was just an abrupt ending of dinner, nothing more.
But, perhaps it was everything more. As soon as I asked Roma what the Sempronias were doing at around that time, I was censored by his own son.
Although I would ask Theodore of this, the likelihood of him being asleep right now is high. I wouldn't want to disturb him, especially on a matter that might not even be as big as I think.
I think about another way to learn of their history, my mind flashes to my arrival yesterday.
Theodore had given me a house tour, and as such showed me the family library. He did say it contained much information about the Sempronias.
It wouldn't be that hard, everyone would be asleep at this moment. I could just slip in, read a few documents concerning their history, and return to my bedroom before anyone would be the wiser.
While I hate to engage myself in this form of espionage, if I'm living in this house for another two weeks, I'd at least like to have closure. I prefer to be well informed about the family I'm staying with, and all I know about it so far are the boasts that Theodore would give. Come to think of it, I don't think I've heard him say a single negative sentence about his family or their history.
Finally coming to a decision, a leave my bed, walking towards the door, knowing what I have to do.
In the dead of night, I stand in front of the door that I've been searching for, the door to the library.
It wasn't too hard to find it again, and I came across no obstacles, and did not hear a sound of another human. I must've been right, everyone is asleep.
With no more thoughts on the matter, and my mind made up, I slowly push open the door.
I visibly cringe as the door makes the iconic creaking noise, the sound echoing throughout the still house.
I enter the room, and quickly close the door, ensuring that any passerbyers would be unaware of the intrusion.
With a flick of a switch, the whole room lights up, allowing all of its content to be visible.
Since my first visit to this room was brief and lacked of meaning, I wasn't given the opportunity to really embrace the library.
It's a rather small room, perhaps extending no more than twenty feet at its longest side. However, what little space the room offers is most certainly taken advantage of.
The three walls in front of me are completely filled by bookshelves, with no blank space, every since inch of the shelf taken up by books. The books themselves range from various ages, some appearing to be relatively new, while others bear the notorious yellow pages, discolored by time.
Multiple banners and flags, also of various ages, fly proudly in the small room. Some flags I recognise, like the classical red SPQR flag of ancient Rome.
In the center of the room lies a small couch, perhaps allowing no more than three people at at time. A crystal table sits in front of it, allowing whatever readers to enter someplace to put their unread books.
I ponder on where I should even begin.
Most personal documents from ancient Rome would've been destroyed by time, creating holes in the history. However, thanks to archaeology, these holes can be filled, creating a more fluent timeline.
So, a search of any textbooks should start, followed by personal documents once the timeline allows it.
I cast my eyes at the shelves, noticing that most of the older artifacts and books are placed on one shelf, while the newer ones are segregated to a different one. The whole library must be arranged in historical order.
Well, this should make the search easier than I previously thought.
Picking up a book that looks relatively old, I read the title.
'A Brief Summary of The Sempronian History of Ancient Rome and The Medieval Ages'
The book was written by someone called Gaius Sempronia.
I don't recognize that name, but given the yellowing of the pages, I can only guess that he's no longer with us.
I take a seat at the couch, opening the book to the table of contents, analysing my options.
Theodore has already informed enough about the Sempronias of Ancient Rome, but he has told little about their exploits in the medieval era. That would be a good place to start.
'After Rome died, all of Italy was victimized by the barbarians of the north. The Roman Empire, which had lasted over a thousand years, had finally fallen. Death and misfortune had come to the people of Italy, and the remaining Romans were in no better situation. A plague of killings and purges would engulf Rome, enacted by the barbarians as a form of punishment for our defeat. The Sempronias, who were minor imperial officials at the time, fled to nearby Tuscany, abandoning Rome it escape the madness. It would be centuries before the family would return. However, while most people only view the Sempronian name as faint and minor, such as those of Leo or Flavian dynasty, the family that once held power in The Roman Republic would continue to hold it, but in just a different way.
Serfdom, the idea of bounding peasants and other lesser peoples to the land, had grown quite popular in The Medieval Period. By the end of the fifth century, the Sempronias were one of the largest serf holders in Europe, generating great wealth for the family.
This system had lasted for a great deal of time. The title of Lord Paramount would be passed down for many generations. The system of Sempronian Serfdom would last from the fall of Rome, all the way up to the late 14th century. During this time, the level of universal serf treatment has risen, creating discontent within those held by the Sempronias. However, the Sempronias, accustomed to the great wealth generated by this early form of slavery, refused to give into the demands of their serfs. When they were pressured, the Sempronias slaughtered every serf in their holding, fleeing up north once again.
With their great deal of money, they were able to settle down in Florence, the situation between the existing city states making the Sempronia's slaughter meaning nothing to the different land.
It was here that the family engaged in a new but potentially powerful trade, banking. Using their wealth obtained by Serfdom, a new line of Sempronian banks began to pop up all throughout Florence, catching the attention of another banking clan in the city. This would begin a sort of feud between the Sempronias and the House of Medici. Not much has been recorded between this time, but after a combination of bad investments and the pressures of the Sempronias, the Medici family fell, allowing the victors to maintain a monopoly of the Florentian banks.
It would only be six decades later that the unification of Italy would begin to rest well in the hearts of many Italians countrywide. An Italian nationalist, Giuseppe Garibaldi, would lead an expedition that was bent on the unification of Italy, and a return of greatness to the Italian people. The Sempronias were a major financer of this crusade, providing money that they had collected from their banking monopoly. With this great deal of monetary aid, and the might of the Italian people, it wasn't long until the peninsula was finally united, shifting the balance of power within Europe as a whole, and greatly adding prestige to the tainted image of the Sempronias.'
I put the book down on the table, as the contents become too much to bear.
What sort of history is this?! Why, it seems as though the ink of the book itself was formed by the very blood of all those serfs they slaughtered.
Truly a repugnant and despicable action, enacted all because of wanted freedoms. And not to mention the downfall of the Medici. I can see that it was simply a fight over supremacy, and it was going one way or the other. But, I do recall my own history consumptions, and I remember that the Medicis became irrelevant after they fell, never to be heard from again with no more influence in their previous crafts. They fell almost as suddenly as they rose, and now I see why.
I can understand now why Theodore wouldn't want to have this dark side of his family history exposed. If I knew these facts before I met him, I believe I would be rather biased, especially after all the boasting and bragging that he does.
However, I do not blame people for what their ancestors did. What was done in The Middle Ages was done with no say from Theodore, Romana, Feliciano, or even Roma. I cannot give blame to those who weren't even alive then.
Even with all of this new information, I still don't know what happened in 1945, or why Mr. Sempronia was so quick to hide it. If it was something even worse than what was previously read, or of a lesser severity remains to be found.
It is here tonight that I shall uncover these secrets. None shall know about this, as I will slip out as soon as this information is made kno-
These thoughts are cut off, as I hear the familiar sound of the twisting of a door knob.
I can only sit, exposed out in the open, as the door swings open, revealing Roma.
He seems rather surprised to see me, one of his grey eyebrows raised slightly.
He continues to stand in the doorway, the both of us staring at each other.
Finally, he cracks a grimace, slowly muttering
"Hello...little girl."
I take a gulp, unease being felt, and coldness in the room.
"Roma...I...thought you'd be in bed by now." I say, trying to conceal my worry.
"I was going to catch up on some reading. Seems as though you've done the same."
He glances at the table, seeing the book placed on it.
"A Brief Summary of The Sempronian History of Ancient Rome and The Medieval Ages? A fine book, made by my father."
"Your father was Gaius Sempronia?" I ask, trying to stir the conversation away to something else.
No answer comes, as Roma closes the door, walking over towards me.
I flinch as he picks up the book, examining where I left off.
"A fine time in our history, much wealth and power was gained." He proudly comments, setting the book back down.
"Much wealth and power at the expense of others." I remind him.
He lets out a light sigh at this, before strongly asking
"So what?"
I'm taken aback by his lack of empathy.
Sure, these events happened so long ago, but to not feel even a tinge of remorse for what your ancestors carried out?
"So, I assume you're here to learn about what made my son so discouraged. Would I be right?" He asks me.
Now it's his intuition that surprises me.
"H-How did you know?" I ask.
"Why else would you be here?"
I lower my head, knowing that he just caught me in the act of research.
And worst of all, he didn't even have to get it out of me. He knew my reasons the moment he saw me.
But, maybe this could be a good thing. I would no longer need to read through these books, hoping that I've found the right one. Even though this library is expertly organized, with the sheer lack of materials to go through, it might take me hours.
Afterall, if I tell him the truth, perhaps he will inform me himself.
"You're right, I want to know what happened, why your son was so quick to dispel our conversation. I wish to know why the year of 1945 could cause your family to no longer participate in politics."
Roma takes a deep breath through his nose.
"Well, I wasn't expecting to give a history lesson when I came here tonight." He gives a brief smirk. "But alright, I'll tell you everything."
He turns his back to me, approaching one of the bookshelves.
"Afterall, I can see at this point you're not going to stop until you get answers. And with my plans, it's for the best that you'll be well informed."
Plans? What does he mean?
Roma turns back around, now facing me.
"The time after the unification of Italy was rather uneventful, even during the first world war, not much activity took place. My father and the rest of the family escaped the draft by buying their way out of conscription. We survived the war with no problems."
"However, our good fortune seemed to die there, as the great depression began to ravage the whole world. Italy, a country that had been promised much land for their participation in the war, received none. Creating a large resentment for the democratic countries of the Entente. The country of Italy, once home of the greatest empire of all time, was no descending into a state of anarchy."
"In 1919, a man by the name of Benito Mussolini began to congregate a large amount of the population to his side. It wasn't hard to see why. He had a dream, a dream that aligned with the hearts and minds of the people of Italy, and more importantly the Sempronias. His dream was to build a new Roman empire. It would see Italy expand all across the coastline, turning the Mediterranean into 'Mare Nostrum', our sea."
I am of course informed of the man Mussolini, as well as his ideology. I wonder how he will play a part in the history of the Sempronias.
"A few years later, when his support grew even more powerful, he began a march on Rome, funded by the Sempronias." Roma continues, now browsing through a shelf.
After a moment of scanning, he grabs a picture frame, hanging it to me.
It's a picture of Mussolini, standing at the center of a crowd of blackshirts. He stares at the camera, his hands at his hips. It appears to be taken in a street, perhaps during the march on Rome.
"My father is the one standing to the right of him." Roma informs me.
I put the picture down on the table, not wanting to see someone who could potentially look like Theodore.
"The march was a success, and Mussolini became the Prime Minister of Italy. As a reward for their contributions, the Sempronias were given seven out of twenty-eight seats in The Grand Council of Fascism, as well as this very manor that the two of us are standing in. We now had reclaimed ourselves as a source of political power throughout Italy and the world."
"Five years later, I was born, born into a country that had been revived under nationalism. All was well, Italy began to shake off the damages of the depression, the Sempronias were back in a position of power, and we were even gaining a great deal of money from it. It was from a new form of trade that had only recently became an opportunity to seize, especially in the militaristic state that we lived in."
"What do you mean?" I ask him.
He smirks at me, saying
"We Sempronias may descend from a proud race, but we're also businessmen. Since the banks had now become a subject of the state, we often found our profits going into the hands of Mussolini to rebuild the armed forces, and not to us. However, a new form of money making was just around the corner, something that would make us even more money than banking and serfdom ever could. In 1930, my father had bought the entire Carcano company, that is the company making most of the arms of the Italian military." He explains.
"Now, Mussolini had to pay us for the use of our rifles. With our duce's rapid military spending, it was only a matter of time before our family vault reached past twenty billion lira."
"There was just one problem. Eventually, as the military acquired more and more of our guns, the demand began to decrease as there was less of a need. The Italian armed forces had been rebuilt. Why would Mussolini continue to purchase more if he did not need any?"
Before I'm given a chance to answer, Roma continues.
"And that's where our political power came handy. After much coaxing from both our family and other members of The Grand Council of Fascism, we are able to convince Mussolini to declare war on Ethiopia in 1935."
"In public eyes, the war justification was a restoration of Italian honor and pride after losing to Ethiopia once in the past. However, behind closed doors, it was all about money. War profiteering was now our income source, and it was one that was very bountiful."
I can't help but visibly shrink back in disgust at this statement. Once again, Roma was just a child at the time of the war, no older than eight. However, I can't help acknowledge the amount of bravado that he puts into every word. He's proud of it, and not remorseful in the slightest. I wish I hadn't heard that.
More so, I wish I could block him out, as he continues.
"This is the very same attitude that would also apply to the involvement of Italy during the second world war. During this time, national pride meant little to the Sempronias, as long as we were getting paid."
"I don't think I need to go over this war. You should be well informed about it enough. All you need to know it that Italy was one of the losers, but our family also gained much money. But, all of this exploitation would eventually catch up to us."
"The treaty that ended World War Two might've brought Democracy to Europe, but it also contained a hidden claus. It restrictions any family members of those in the grand fascist council from holding any government positions, including the Sempronias. Moreso, we had to pay back all the money we achieved through war profiteering. But just like any challenged group, we evolved to fit our surroundings."
"We were back to square one, and I found myself engaging in a common trade that ruled our Fascist days, war profiteering. Unfortunately, there aren't any world wars for me to profit off of, but I don't need to look far. A quick business trip or two to the lesser parts of the world normally proves sufficient."
I raise an eyebrow at his description.
"And which are the lesser parts of the world?" I ask.
"Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, The Middle East." He responds. "Basically any part of the world that's in political chaos."
Lots of gains and reasons can go into distributing weapons to other nations. It could be that Roma is trying to spread his own political agenda.
"And which side do you support?" I ask.
"The highest bidder." He simply says.
I visibly stiffen at such a claim made with so little compassion.
"To profit off of the misfortunes of others is awfully sick." I comment.
He sighs at this, now taking a seat next to me.
I note that his eyes are green, the same color as Theodore's.
"Let me tell you something. I've been all over the world, and the bottom line is money is money. Euros, dollars, pounds, it's all the same thing. There's no such thing as 'dirty money'. For example, about a year ago, I had come into contact with a group of Libyan rebels, trying to come into possession of a considerable amount of firearms. We shook hands, and the deal was made. A few weeks after that, the Battle of Sirte took place, and the dictator Gaddafi was found dead. Could that be connected? Perhaps. Is it for certain? No. But what is certain is that I walked away with a large sum of money. I walked away with power. Mussolini once said that blood alone turns the wheels of history, but he was wrong. It might've been like that hundreds of years ago, when people were killing each other with clubs and swords, but in the modern world it's money. What do I need an army for, if I can just buy the throne?"
Emotionally exhausted, I bend down, putting my face in my hands.
This was even worse than I thought. I had come here seeking only one piece of information, but now I've just been subjected to hundreds of years of bloodletting. The amount of deaths that must've been caused due to this family's greed must be staggering. The Serfs, the war profiteering of wars, and now even this recent transaction? What more have the Sempronias done that hasn't already been explained? I'm sure I would find out if I asked, Roma having great pride in these horrible histories, but I don't think I could bear it.
Who knows, could Roma be planning another trip to distribute his weapons of war? Has he already done it before my coming? Is he going to do it during this vacation? A time of peace and family love?!
How could Theodore be related to this family?
I had my thoughts about him, but now I'm absolutely certain. Roma is a monster! A true reaper of death, and a capitalizer on agony! Nothing will be able to satisfy his thirst for further wealth and power, not even if he wrung out the world's supply of blood!
Even talking to him right now turns my stomach. His very presents sends chills down my spine, more so than the cold of winter itself.
"Don't feel too down." He says, a gentle tone clearly faked. "War profiteering has gone down nowadays. I can perhaps get in a deal or two every month, not nearly as much as we used to."
I look up to him in question.
His face turns cold again as he relives his current situation.
"However, this has created a problem with the Sempronias. Our treasury is growing empty, and my patience in thinning. I feared that the Sempronias may finally come to an end."
He brief silence, before he continues with a smirk on his face.
"And that's where you come in, my little friend."
At this point, any plans he has for me can surely not be good.
"W-What do you mean? How could I help you?" I ask.
He frowns.
"Don't play dumb, I'd recognize your features in a crowd. You're a Cavendish, there's no doubt about that."
I sink down, as if being called a Cavendish was some kind of insult. Everywhere I go, at least one or two people have heard of my family, and I'm thrown into the spotlight. I wish that here maybe I could just pass by as his grandson's friend from school, and not a member of an important family.
"And as a Cavendish…" He continues. "...you come from a distinct family of witches and wizards, powerful witches and wizards.
"What are you getting at?" I ask.
"I will approve an arranged marriage between you and my grandson, Theodore."
This sudden sentence strikes me hard, as if a blow to the face. It was something unexpected and lingers with you well after the hit was carried out.
My face turns a deep red, as I begin to swelter with anger.
"W-What?!" I cry, jumping out of the couch, not even wanting to be on the same furniture as this man.
"It's not so hard once you put your mind to it." He explains. "It was a very common practice way back when. Your family is staunchly traditionalist, right? I'm sure they'd be enthused that you're marrying a man with such a rich family history."
At this point, I lose my self control, my normally calm demeanor being replaced with rage.
"You're a despicable old man! How dare you demand such a thing from me?! Have you no decency?!"
He bears a grin, as if enjoying the flames he just lit beneath me.
"Can't you see? Open your eyes. You were born for this!"
I squeeze my eyes together, balling up my hands into fists as I attempt to hold myself together.
After a few heavy breaths, I announce bitterly
"I'm going to bed."
I make my way to the door, storming out of the room as I hear him mutter
"Good night."