SYNOPSIS

The word “mafia” was taken from the Sicilian adjective mafiusu. In the 19th century, this term was used to describe an ambiguous, arrogant, fearless person; but also to refer to someone who is entrepreneurial, proud, courageous, daring, who was recognized for his own merits, qualities or talents, and, above all, for the supremacy of blood.

Meanings aside, it was in mid-1865, in Sicily, that the term “mafia” was first used to describe a criminal association with ramifications in the local government.

There are those who argue that these organizations have medieval origins, that their members were farmers and small landowners who came together to defend their goods from feudal lords; and some argue that the mafia emerged from the union of peasants in order to protect their lands from foreign invasions.

Regardless of the origin, it is certain that “mafia” is used to designate a criminal organization that uses unscrupulous means to defend its assets and, mainly, its people; and those requesting protection are required to pay taxes under pain of harsh reprisals.

Although the word "mafia" is derived from a Sicilian adjective, the term is not exclusive to Sicily. Italy is the country of origin of the various mafia organizations, the best known being the Cosa Nostra, which are the Sicilian buggiardos, the Camorra de Napoli, the Ndrangheta of Calabria, and the bloodthirsty Società Foggiana.

But it is in Vennidt, the birthplace of the most feared families of the mafia, that the Titolari di Segreti, the most dangerous organization in the country, are found because of the secrets they hold.

Anyone can wield a weapon and impose themselves on the other by force, but only those who know what everyone is trying to hide are able to make their knees voluntarily bend.

Secrets are capable of shaking kingdoms, destroying riches and turning loved figures into hated people overnight. Monarchs, nobles, members of the high clergy, politicians from around the world, CEO’s, all have something to hide and are able to pay any price so that their darkest secrets do not see the light.

Of course, with power comes danger too, as many want to get their hands on it. That is why Titolari di Segreti - Keepers of Secrets - are so feared and dangerous; it is your duty to keep secrets safe, and those who stand in your way do not survive to tell the story.

My name is my legacy. I'm Ricardo Venni, the heir to the mafia.

They killed my father before I was even born, and shortly afterwards my mother died to save me. With no choices for not knowing who murdered them, my grandfather sent me to another continent with my godparents, Jullius and Genna.

Raised under fear, I received a new name and was forced to live a new identity until I can return and give my parents' executioner the same choice: death. But first I need to find out who he is before I have nothing left to fight for.

I am no longer Ricardo Venni, my name is now Riccardo Gouveia, and I built my empire not unlike my origin, without weapons and without drugs, just the good old political game.

I prefer to make a politician or a banker wet his pants just by hearing my name, than to keep a poor guy in jail for cocaine or other drugs.

It is easy to have them in my hands; they want a life of perks, with lavish parties, quality sex and gambling, and I offer it for the trifle of their souls.

I don't get involved in corruption, exchanging electoral favors or shady politics, and I never let myself be seen in the company of this class of bandits.

After all, I have them and not the other way around. Judges, policemen, politicians and businessmen are kept chained in their own greed, and guess who holds the ropes? Myself.

For that reason I have many enemies, and when they are known I make them regret their bad choices. But I don't need to get my hands dirty so much, because I have someone to do it for me.

My mother taught me the value of blood, and the mafia the motto: "one life for another life"; then, if you mess with the family, hell will turn against you.

My father would be ashamed of me because I became exactly the person he wanted to prevent me from being. But I had no choice, his killer is still on the loose and if I fail he wins, and I can't let him win.

I get up to take my name in this war, I was shaped for revenge, and Venni blood will be avenged. I am the avenging angel, and I have a coin to prove my legacy.

Custodiet ipsos custodes,

Sanguinem intus no fuori *

But regardless of the result, I already lost.

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* Blood inside, not outside