Construction Ahead, Beware of Slippery Roads

As the sun rose again the next day, Sicily maintained its usual rhythm of life.

Slight changes might have included Marlena climbing into bed with a wealthy merchant, the magistrate's unexpected car accident, or the presence of strippers in the Navy camp. These gossip-worthy events provided the townspeople with topics for idle chatter.

As long as the Allies didn't launch large-scale bombings and the air raid sirens remained silent, Taormina was always peaceful.

The morning light shone down on the small town, tracing its path from the sea.

Luke jumped out of a jeep and returned to the "Peashooter" inn.

He hadn't slept all night, yet he was still full of energy.

"Have Alessandro's men keep a close watch and don't let any trouble stir up!"

Luke instructed before entering.

Dugan, who had accompanied him, nodded vigorously, indicating he understood.

At this critical juncture, no one could afford to make a mistake.

After a night of handling and cleanup, the Navy camp was completely under the control of the Howling Commandos.

From the highest commander, Colonel Bernano, down to the low-ranking new sailor recruits, all had been captured.

According to Alessandro's report after cross-referencing the list and counting the numbers, there were over five hundred people, including officers of various ranks and new sailor recruits.

A portion of them had inhaled too much fear gas, causing mental disorders and rendering them completely incapable of action.

Another portion had attempted to resist and were eliminated by the Mafia who rushed into the camp behind them.

In any case, only about four hundred and twenty people survived and became prisoners.

They were all imprisoned, held in batches in the barracks and warehouses, guarded by Alessandro and the Mafia from other families.

Manelli sent a message through the camp's only remaining radio transmitter, stating that the Navy vessels needed maintenance and would not be participating in patrols or defense for one to two days.

During this period, no one would discover that the Navy camp here had fallen into the hands of the Allied Nations.

It was like darkness under a lamp.

No one could have imagined that a daring secret team had infiltrated the heartland of the Axis Powers, preparing to deliver a fatal blow.

As for whether the prisoners in the Navy camp would cause any trouble?

Luke was not worried about that. As long as the Italian Navy soldiers were consistently provided with food, they would be more obedient than trained animals.

Throughout World War II, the Italian army had strength, but they were unwilling to fight. Their fighting will was extremely low, and they basically wanted to flee whenever they encountered troops from other countries, even when they had a numerical advantage.

The most amusing incident was when the Italian army encountered the British army. The former intended to surrender directly, as was their custom.

However, the latter seemed to have grown tired of such bloodless victories. They not only refused the Italian surrender but also executed two liaison officers.

This angered the Italian officers, who rallied their soldiers to counterattack, beating the confident British army soundly.

It could be said that this battle was the most glorious moment for the Italians.

"If I were the Fuhrer, I would probably feel despair. What kind of teammates are these!"

Luke shook off the extraneous thoughts and returned to his room at the inn.

"Good morning! Mr. Corleone."

Marlena, exuding charm, sat at the dining table. She looked as if she had just bathed, her wavy black hair tied back. Her beige silk pajamas with lace trim couldn't hide her proud figure.

Looking down, her long, straight legs, clad in slippers on the carpet, added an alluring aura.

She was truly the most beautiful woman in Sicily. Even her casual attire was enough to drive many men wild.

Luke calmly shifted his gaze and sat down at the table.

"Is this for me? I'm a bit hungry."

Seeing the seafood pasta on the table, he took it without hesitation.

Slurp! Slurp!

After a ravenous meal, Luke looked up at the dazed Marlena and asked, "Is something wrong?"

"I've only had one bite,"

Marlena said softly.

She no longer held the same wariness towards Luke.

Instead, she relaxed and no longer maintained a reserved demeanor.

As for the reason behind this change, Marlena herself couldn't explain it.

"I'm truly sorry, I was busy all night,"

Luke said insincerely.

"By the way, you can call me Luke. Corleone is just a fictional identity. I've already sent your father to Palermo. Sicily's best hospital is there, and it's excellent for treatment and recovery."

"Thank you, Corleone... Luke!"

Marlena, who had been looking worried, broke into a joyful smile.

She cupped a warm glass of milk in her hands, her voice filled with gratitude.

Considering the "accidental car crash" the Magistrate encountered, and then the proper arrangements his father received.

Marlena felt a genuine sense of relief. These days spent at the inn had been the most relaxed period of her life.

She no longer had to worry about men's covetous thoughts or women's malicious curses.

"Don't be so polite. By the way, I'll probably be leaving Sicily tomorrow. Cosa will escort you home then."

Luke said, as if speaking casually.

"Don't worry, Marlena, no one in town will bully you anymore. I've already spoken to Cosa."

The smile that had appeared on Marlena's face froze.

"Is that so... I wish you a safe journey."

The beautiful woman said with great difficulty.

Marlena didn't say anything more and quickly got up to return to her room.

Watching the graceful figure hurry away, Luke's lips curved upwards as he waited for nightfall.

The afterglow of dusk gradually sank into the sea.

Marlena did not leave her bedroom until dinner time.

Luke simply packed his belongings. Tomorrow, he would no longer be Vito Corleone, but Captain Steiner from Berlin, a recipient of the Iron Cross.

The hour hand on the wall slid past midnight. Luke, still awake, heard movement from the adjacent room.

He cautiously pushed open the door and stood at the entrance to the secondary bedroom.

His breathing grew rapid, and his heartbeat was exceptionally clear.

Lying on the bed, Luke, through his super hearing, could almost transform the information received in his mind into dynamic images.

"You've been standing there for so long, aren't you going to come in?"

Just as Marlena hesitated and prepared to turn away, the door was pulled open.

Luke, wearing a bathrobe, asked in a teasing tone.

In the dimly lit living room, only the bright moonlight filtering in from outside the window was visible.

"If you're here to see me off, it seems a bit early."

Luke took a step forward, almost brushing against Marlena.

The latter tilted her head back, her delicate body trembling, a blush spreading across her beautiful face.

It was just like the fiery clouds at dusk over Sicily!

"Actually, I thought you wouldn't come."

Luke made a bold move, hooking Marlena's chin with his finger.

"If I hadn't come, what would you have done?"

Marlena tried to avoid Luke's aggressive gaze but failed.

"Then I would have come to you. Marlena, I'm not the upright Mr. Corleone you imagine. I have a strong possessiveness; I like to take what I desire! I'm more like a villain than the Mafia, and I covet your beauty more than the men in this town!"

Luke's finger glided over Marlena's red lips, and his other arm wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her forcefully closer.

Mmph!

To Luke's confession, Marlena surprisingly showed no aversion. She wanted to say something more, but her full red lips were sealed.

The night outside grew deeper.

ps: Thanks to [Chichi Chichi Chichi Huo Chen] for the 200-point reward, [Please Call Me Crazy 5] for the 100-point reward, and [Zhulong 1] for the 100-point reward~

ps2: Well, it really went off the rails. (;′⌒`)