Old Gods, Rapid-Fire Guns, and Prohibition

Chapter 114 [A Laughable Future]

The tide beat against the foundation of the ancient castle, and the rock layers that had been eroded for who knows how many years, under the impact of the waves, made a roaring sound like musical instrument.

In Winter in February, the ice has not yet melted, but the waves already carry the warmth of spring, rolling wildly in the sea.

Sandro stood by the window, listening quietly to the sounds of the coming spring.

He loved this kind of movement.

Or perhaps he loves the sea.

It’s a pity that some people can no longer hear the sound of spring.

Clay.

Ernest Kreinger.

To be honest, Sandro couldn't remember how many years he had known him.

Thirty years, or twenty-eight years?

When we first met, he was a warm-hearted man who always looked like he was laughing.

It seems like he doesn't care about anything.

At the same time, he is also a restless person. He does not want to be stuck in the old family surname, even though his best friend is the heir of a family.

He disdains to gain anything by relying on these old relationships. A man should achieve everything with his own fists.

These were his confident words back then.

So he took the hand Sandro offered.

And they did.

They have many things: family, name, power, strength.

The man back then got everything with his fists.

Then he encountered the biggest problem in his life.

Is it friendship, friendship, or greater power and strength?

On the night Alberto was attacked, Sandro also had a conversation with Clay.

"Sandro, I beg you to protect the Pauletta family."

"You know I can't do this. It's not in the family's best interest."

"Just think of it as me begging you. I've never begged you in all these years."

"What are you begging for? The time you saved me?"

Many years ago, when Sandro first set foot on the coast of Winster, he was penniless, sick, and almost died in the black mud.

It was Clay who extended his hand.

Clay didn't say anything, which was considered as his agreement.

Sandro said, "You know that for me, friendship is the least valuable thing, but your friendship is an exception. So don't always talk about that friendship, because apart from that friendship, there is nothing left between us. I won't accept it this time."

Sandro helped Clay that time.

But this time, this time is different.

Still in this study where I can hear the rhythmic sound of the spring tide.

Sandro looked at Clay and held out his hand.

Just like before, he invited Clay to create a new family and a new future together.

But this time, Clay didn't take the hand.

He just smiled and said, "Sandro, I think you should accept that kindness. I'm going to save Vincent."

Sandro didn't retract his hand. He said, "Clay, you've done enough for the Poletta family. You don't owe them anything. You need to understand your position. You are the second in command of the Conti family. You must put the family first."

"So I voluntarily give up everything I have in the Conte family. I withdraw from the family. From today on, I have no relationship with the Conte family. I will also go back and tell everyone. You don't have to worry about anyone gossiping."

"Is this your choice?"

Clay tilted his head, as if to say, what else?
"If I tell you to stay, we'll soon get more than just Winston and the Conte family. That's something you can't even imagine. All you have to do is ignore it..."

"Sandro, Sandro," Clay interrupted. "You misunderstood. You've always misunderstood me. Remember what I told you all those years ago? I don't care about family or power. I do all this just to prove to those who look down on me that I, Ernest Crane, can do it without them. If possible, I don't want to be a member of the Mafia. I'd rather be a cowboy out West, settling scores, drinking, picking up girls, playing roulette, and dying in a duel or in some woman's bed. That's the life I want to live..."

At this point, Clay seemed a little tired and sat down in front of Sandro again.

He took out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep puff.

"Actually, I got tired a long time ago. If it weren't for you, Sandro, you're my friend. I don't want to see you shoulder all the responsibilities alone. I would have left long ago."

"You can do it now." Sandro still didn't let go of his hand.

"Alberto is also my friend and even more so my brother. I promised him that I would take care of his children. I can't leave."

Clay placed the cigarette between Sandro's fingers.

"That's all, Sandro. Tell me everything."

He has stood up.

Sandro finally withdrew his hand. He hadn't smoked in years, but he took a puff of the cigarette.

"You're going to die, Clay."

"I was ready to die." Clay still smiled.

"The child of the Pauletta family will also die. There is no point in doing all this." Sandro took another deep breath, and the smoke had covered his face.

Clay's smile grew even brighter. "Sandro, do you remember what I told you back then?"

"I'm a nobody, and you're a nobody, but if the two of us combined can't do it, no one in the whole of Winchester can do it." (Note 1)

"This sentence still holds true today. I believe in Ethan and believe he can do it."

That’s the end of the story.

The study door opened and closed.

Sandro held the cigarette in his hand and let it burn to the end.

In the end, all he saw was Clay's smile.

Just like before.

What Ethan saw now was also Clay's smile.

Even in the coffin, he was already dead.

His body was covered with scars, his skin was almost burned, but he still had a smile on his face.

It was like he was telling Ethan with that smile.

You see, I said I would find Vincent, and now I have found him, right?

Even if it means death.

Ethan had already thoroughly examined Clay's body. Just as Shadow had said, he was a man who was difficult to look at directly, and was glaringly terrifying.

Clay was completely burned by the light that was like a small sun.

There is no doubt at this point.

Vincent is indeed in Casar's hands.

Clay traded his life for information.

At the same time, it was also Sandro's fatal blow.

How do you make a decision?

Ethan.

Sandro looked at the sea where the spring tide was just beginning to appear and gently knocked on the glass window.

Can you really do it?
Ethan personally helped Clay put on the most fitting and respectable clothes, buttoning them up for him one by one.

Smile, Clay.

I will help you prove that laughter can lead to success.

Note 1: This sentence is from The Legend of Life Hunter by Jiubadao