Rome is the largest city in Italy. It is the country's capital and also its most populated city. Rome is world-famous for its historical architecture, ancient civilization, and tourist attractions.
And it is in this very city that Richard built his empire.
Here, he ruled like a king.
— Bloodhound (The Blood-Thirsty Hunter) —
Those terrifying words were engraved in huge letters on the mansion's nameplate.
And just like its name, the people living there were equally frightening.
It was the mansion of Richard Kayanat—the gangster and crime lord.
Like its owner, the mansion was luxurious and shrouded in mystery.
Passing through the enormous iron gates, one would first see a long shadow-covered driveway lined with towering cypress trees on both sides.
The structure resembled a modern fortress.
Massive stone walls wrapped in darkness, huge windows, and gigantic dragon statues perched on the corners of the roof.
Inside, gleaming marble floors reflected the light. Golden-carved staircases spiraled upward, while strange and famous paintings adorned the walls.
In one corner of the living room sat an expensive cigarette case beside antique weapons—silent witnesses to the cruelty that had unfolded within these walls.
Every corner of the mansion radiated controlled order.
Luxury and fear seemed to walk hand in hand.
From the outside, no one could guess that behind the beauty of this palace lived a man whose smile concealed terrifying power.
Hundreds of guards stood stationed like hunting birds.
Yet an eerie atmosphere lingered everywhere.
There wasn't a single settlement within miles of the mansion.
The title of Boss was also known as Capomandamento, Capocrimine, Representative, Don, or Godfather.
The highest position in a crime family was known as "The Father."
The legendary gangster who once shook all of Italy—
Vincenzo Cassano.
The father of gangster Richard Kayanat.
Although age had left its marks upon him, neither his influence nor his mental strength had weakened.
The skin on his face sagged with age, yet the old fire still burned brightly within his eyes.
Those eyes resembled dark abysses filled with countless stories and secrets.
His hair had turned white, but every wrinkle and line on his face reflected years of experience and struggle.
The Father sat calmly with a lit cigarette in his hand.
His deep eyes seemed to contain the story of an entire city.
He spoke very little.
But whenever he did, everyone listened.
His power wasn't merely physical.
He knew how to control people psychologically.
He wasn't just the leader of the underworld.
He was the city's hidden ruler.
Richard sat on the sofa beside him.
His fists were clenched tightly.
There was no visible anger on his sharp face.
Only irritation.
The toxic smoke from the Father's cigarette drifted toward Richard.
Yet Richard's expression remained completely unchanged.
The atmosphere was tense.
Despite the presence of more than twenty maids inside the enormous mansion, not a single sound could be heard.
Silence ruled everywhere.
Several moments passed.
It felt like a competition between patience and silence.
Eventually, however, the Father surrendered first.
"Rid."
Without changing his posture, Richard replied,
"Don't call me that. I told you, Father."
The Father laughed loudly.
His wrinkled face stretched into a smile.
"Only I have the right to call you by that name. I know the secret behind it. Besides, I like calling you that."
Richard kept staring at the floor.
"Richard was the name you chose for me."
"More than any name, you're my son."
A faint smile appeared on Richard's face.
As always, it was mysterious and barely visible.
"Father, if there's nothing else, I'm leaving. I have work to do."
"I called you here because I do have something to say."
Richard sat back down.
"What is it?"
The Father spoke directly.
"Do you need a woman?"
A slight crease formed on Richard's forehead.
His eyes slowly rose to meet the Father's.
"What do you mean?"
"Tell me how many women you want. I'll line up the most beautiful women in the world for you. Just stay away from that girl."
Richard was about to respond.
At that moment, Lucas suddenly appeared behind him.
After greeting the Father, Lucas leaned close and whispered something into Richard's ear.
Immediately, a crooked smile appeared on Richard's lips.
The beast inside him awakened.
His twisted mind surged with excitement.
So... the little bird willingly entered the cage.
Richard stood up instantly.
Mystery danced at the edge of his smile.
In a husky voice, he said,
"I'm afraid that's a private matter. So back off."
Without waiting for a response, he walked away.
The Father silently watched him leave through the gap in his glasses.
He himself was a disaster.
A man immersed in sins and destruction.
And he knew exactly which pieces to move and when to move them in every game.
Meanwhile...
"Eat."
Ibrat turned her face away.
Nyaso stood before her with his hands on his waist.
Letting out a tired sigh, he finally knelt down on one knee in front of her.
He pushed the food tray closer.
Still, Ibrat didn't move.
She simply kept crying silently.
After that incident, no male guard had entered the room again.
Nyaso had strictly forbidden it.
Female maids brought food three times a day.
But every meal returned untouched.
For some reason, Ibrat's tears were affecting Nyaso deeply.
An invisible pain gripped his heart.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying?"
"A dark-skinned woman always falls in love with a handsome man. A man who is as unreachable as the moon."
Nyaso groaned in frustration.
"Not this again. How many times do I have to explain?"
Suddenly, Ibrat shouted through her tears.
All her pain, frustration, and suffering burst out at once.
"Kill me! At least death will give me peace. I can't bear this pain anymore. I'm burning in the fire of your love. Every breath feels like fire. Every moment hurts worse than death. Please free me from this torment. Save me."