Chapter 9 – Father's Wishes
Disclaimer: Katekyo Hitman Reborn is owned by Akira Amano. I'm just a dweeb that writes for fun.
Somewhere in Valle d'Aosta, high up in the mountains, stood Castello di Chevalier, a 14th century mansion owned by the Chevalier Family, a branch family from the main Chiavarone Family*. The current head of the Chevalier Family is Lucio Chiavarone-Chevalier, the youngest son to the late head** of Chiavarone Family. He took over the Chevalier Family after he married his cousin and the only heir to the Chevalier Family, Antoinette Chevalier, following the events of the Chiavarone Birthday Wipeout***.
The Chevalier Family acts as the lawyer, the doctor and whatnot for the rest of the Chiavarone Families, its support was like that of the backbone of the family. It was because of this fact, they had always been the only ones trusted by the main family to look after everything during the main head's absence. The Chevaliers had shown the utmost respect, loyalty and undying love for the family, adding together their willingness to risk everything for the family.
The Chevalier Family had always been the supporting family for the whole Chiavarone Family, especially the main family. Acting as their advisor, the head of Chevalier Family usually takes over the family, in cases where the main head is not available, which was the case right now. Presently, the Chiavarones have no leader, only Lucio, the acting-leader.
All matters of the family were regulated by the Chevalier Family. Even so, not all was pleased of the current situation. With internal strife and whatnot, the family was separated into three factions; the Livius-Chiavarone faction, the Chevalier-Chiavarone faction and the Chiavarone-Only faction.
The Livius-Chiavarone faction was those who wants the family power for their own and is led by Neid Livius of the Livius Family. The Chevalier-Chiavarone faction was those who believe in Lucio and his ability to lead the family. This faction consists of several close families to Chevalier Family. Last but not least, the Chiavarone-Only faction. This faction consists of the old families, people whose beliefs were on the bloodline**** and loyalty to the late Head.
Lucio considered himself a part of the Chiavarone-Only faction. He was truly loyal to the late Head and believe that the only person illegible to succeed as the head was his sister's only daughter.
At the Chevalier Household, Lucio could be found at all times in his study. His handsome features seem to flatter his age. He had lightly tanned skin, disheveled blond hair and blue orbs. Those were one of the many things that continued to make women swoon over him, despite being in his mid-thirties already.
In his study was the sweet scent of spring. He sat behind his desk, engrossed with his work. His table was filled with a lot of important documents. Shelving runs round the study and there were also famous paintings hung on the wall. There were also built-in cabinets filled with books; law books, science books and others. Latin motto was inlaid round the frieze.
At one corner, right beside of the window, stood a full-length portrait of two young women of extraordinary beauty, clamped to an upright easel. One of them had blonde hair and another of black, possibly the portrait of his beloved wife and sister. They were smiling so happily that anyone who had seen the portrait would feel as excited.
The room remained silent while Lucio was eaten away by his work. A knock on the door broke the silence. The doorknob turned and a young boy in his teens entered. He looked like a younger version of Lucio; only, the boy was much more innocent and timid.
"Father," the younger boy called out nervously. Lucio looked at the boy for a second before returning his work. The boy approached his father anxiously. It was only after his father put down his pen and look at him that the boy seemed relaxed.
Lucio let out a sigh, "Bad news?"
"I-I'm sorry, Father… K-Kuneo's men have been sighted in Varia's territory. For them to move all the way from P-Piedmont, something must be going on. I think that that person is finally on the move. "
"…So, what you are trying to say is that there's something big going on, and that it'll affect not only the mafia but also the family? And you think that he's behind all this?"
"Father, it's true! Our men spotted Kuneo with a pocket watch! Several other mafia bosses were spotted with similar pocket watches. There was even something about 'orders from that person' and 'cleansing their sins'!"
Lucio stiffened in alarm. "Pocket watch… He never changes…" He then stroked his chin, in deep thoughts and spoke again, "If it's him, why is he targeting the Vongola, or the Varia to be exact? The ones he has bad blood with is the Chiavarones. Luce, what do you think?"
"It was like they were watching the Varia, Father. So they can report to him… about… if…."
"I see… What about the successor's whereabouts?"
Luce's face darkened. "It only makes sense if he was searching for the Lady. And that the Varia Family knows where she is. B-but… we still haven't the slightest clue where she is."
"…Find her before he does," Lucio patted his son's head. "Widen the search scope. Check on Varia. And the Vongola. Make haste."
"I understand," Luce nodded hesitantly and made his way to the door.
"Son, make sure none knows of what we said today. None of the Lady and none of him. Who knows what my cousin would do if he knew. Keep away of the Livius' dogs. If they knew the true reason of the Lady's absence, they will… they will…"
"Do not worry, Father. We will get the Lady back," Luce reassured his father and left the study.
Lucio let out another sigh. "Milady, wherever you are, I had hoped you are doing well. You always had the tendency to get in trouble, so stay safe."
He got up from his seat and walked towards the portrait. He touched the image of his wife on the portrait. Like what happened to his parents, he lost both his wife and his sister to murder. A bitter smile appeared on his face.
Anna, I missed you. I wish you were here. Things have been getting out of hand here, everyone's asking for the Lady. Especially her father, but you and I know that it was not because he was worried. Because I wanted her away from him, I allowed her to stay with that woman but I didn't know she would be taken away from her family for seven… no… eight long years. Father's legacy would be reduced to nothing if the true bloodline does not return. It wouldn't be long till the family would be consumed by envy and greed.
I won't allow them to tarnish Father's legacy! But, what can I do? I can hardly put the family back together. The Lady could… until then, would you please look after Lady together with her mother in Heaven?
Lady Mireille, please be safe.
Note : * refers to Mireille's Family, not Dino's. ** refers to Mireille's Grandfather who was murdered years before the Chiavarone Assassination Incident, in the incident called the Chiavarone Birthday Wipeout. *** refers to the assassination of most of the main family members in the main house during the late head's eightieth birthday. **** refers to those who carries the bloodline of the late head, Sara Chiavarone (deceased) and Mireille Chiavarone.
A/N : This left my proofreader in confusion. I was planning to insert some bits relating to Mireille side of the family, but judging from my proofreader's response, perhaps, some things are better left unknown? I don't know but these characters would appear soon so I thought it would be appropriate to introduce them earlier. What's yet to be introduced is Lucio's two other sons. Well, I hope this did not bore you.