The group chatted and laughed as they sat in the car, quickly arriving at the Dantonio family's castle on the outskirts of Rome. This castle, with its long history, symbolized the Dantonio family's status in Italy and their position as a titan in the underworld's high table.
Especially after Gianna was confirmed as the next head of the family and became pregnant with the next generation, her choice of partner being the infamous underworld figure, "Night Demon" John Wick, the family shook off its previous decline and flourished once again.
Gianna made no attempt to hide anything from her younger sister, Alexis, who was also in the car. As the car turned onto a private road leading directly to the castle, Gianna openly expressed her gratitude to Castle.
If it weren't for this guy convincing John to call her and then flying from New York to Marseille to meet her, she might have fallen into the trap set by her foolish brother. Would she be enjoying such family bliss now, expecting her own child?
By thwarting Santino's schemes, Gianna's father officially confirmed her as the next head of the family. John's presence as her partner caused all the forces eager to exploit the family's internal strife due to her father's illness and the succession battle with Santino to back down. John's reputation as a legendary hitman was enough to intimidate many factions. All this was thanks to Castle's suggestion for John to go to France and meet her. How could Gianna not be grateful?
This is why Gianna has always paid close attention to Castle. Ever since he helped her win over John, everything in her life had gone smoothly. She became the family's heir, was expecting John's child, and saw her lifelong dream of becoming a mother come true. John's presence also deterred those who might have taken advantage of the family's internal instability.
Thus, Gianna always supported Castle. From initially giving him a large amount of "Lion's Fury" coins when he needed them, to later, upon discovering his talent in drone design, facilitating her family's acquisition of production rights from an Italian aircraft manufacturing company they controlled. Her actions were driven by her gratitude.
Recently, the production rights for the drone, granted to support Castle, turned out to be a profitable move. Last month, the European Union's Military Committee officially informed the family's aircraft company that they would be purchasing the latest drones to be deployed across EU military forces. Gianna now regarded Castle as her lucky star.
This was the main reason why, when she learned Castle would be bringing Alexis to Rome during her school break, Gianna sent a convoy to pick them up directly from the airstrip.
After some light conversation, Castle's car stopped at the front gates of the Dantonio family's castle. To Castle's surprise, the once sickly Don Dantonio, who had been frail just months ago, now stood proudly at the entrance. Perhaps the resolution of the succession battle between his son and daughter, combined with Gianna's pregnancy, which promised a new generation for the family, had rejuvenated the old patriarch.
Castle was slightly taken aback to see Gianna's father at the entrance, but he quickly realized that his own father, Sean, must have told Don Dantonio about his true identity. Otherwise, there was no reason for the family patriarch to personally greet someone of Castle's rank.
Despite the close relationship between Castle, John, and Gianna, this gesture from Don Dantonio represented the entire family, carrying a weight far beyond simple friendship.
Castle approached the elder with respect, bowing in the manner of a junior to the head of the Dantonio family. Only after paying his respects did he allow Alexis to warmly greet the old man.
As Castle had expected, after Alexis greeted him, Don Dantonio wasted no time explaining, "You know your father will be arriving in Rome tonight, right? To be honest, I was quite excited when I heard he would be visiting."
"Your father has always had a fearsome reputation within the high table, though he has kept a low profile. If he hadn't suddenly revealed his connection to you, I wouldn't have known you were his son."
"Welcome, young man, to the Dantonio family. Even if we set aside your father's relationship, you are still one of our most honored guests."
Castle understood the subtext behind Don Dantonio's words. His gratitude was evident. Castle had unintentionally helped mend the rift between Gianna and Santino, easing tensions in their battle for the family's leadership. With John's support, Santino was prevented from causing further trouble with his blood oath mark, and the family avoided a direct conflict between brother and sister. This not only preserved the Dantonio family's strength but also allowed Don Dantonio's original plan of letting his children compete for leadership to falter without costing the family dearly.
Gianna's pregnancy also gave the old patriarch a renewed desire to live, hoping to see the next generation of his family. Sometimes, mental strength really does have a mysterious effect.
Don Dantonio's energy and vitality now, compared to his frail state just months before, could be attributed to the harmony within his family. With Santino no longer vying for leadership, Gianna capturing John's heart, and the family having hope for the future, he had every reason to keep going.
These cumulative events amounted to a significant debt of gratitude, which is why the head of the Dantonio family stood at his castle gates to personally greet Castle and his daughter, a gesture entirely without precedent for someone of Castle's standing.
After a pleasant exchange, the group entered the castle. Following a brief chat, Don Dantonio left to allow Gianna time with her guests. Though deeply appreciative of Castle, he wouldn't linger long with someone of Castle's generation.
Once Don Dantonio left, Gianna took the curious Alexis on a tour of the historic castle, leaving Castle and John alone in the grand hall to catch up.
With only Castle and John left, Castle relaxed, leisurely recounting his recent exploits. He smugly detailed how he had managed to oust a vice president and bring down a senator, much to John's astonishment.
John, who had been in Rome with Gianna for some time, was shocked. He hadn't expected Castle to escalate his actions instead of slowing down, now even crossing paths with the vice president! John was left incredulous—this guy had really gone that far?
Seeing the typically stoic John Wick with his jaw hanging in disbelief filled Castle with a deep sense of satisfaction. In his previous life, Castle had always thought John's cold, indifferent demeanor was cool, with his disregard for both his life and others' as long as he had a gun in hand. But since arriving in this world, blending so many films together and becoming friends with John, Castle had been curious to see what it would take to truly surprise him.
It seemed his recent escapades had done the trick.
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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