IL DIAVOLO

Chapter 2

Melissa

"Ne, Onne-sama, isn't this uniform too big?" I asked, examining myself in the mirror. My blouse hung loosely, and the skirt barely reached my knees. It was no surprise, given that the uniform belonged to Onne-sama. Her generous figure meant the fit was less than perfect for me. My own height was also a few inches shorter, exacerbating the ill fit.

"Yeah, it kinda is, but that's the only uniform we've got, Mel," Onne-sama replied from the doorway.

"Hey Mel," she called out, her voice filled with a mix of amusement and impatience. "I'm heading down now, okay?"

"H-hai!" I answered quickly. Onne-sama exited, leaving me alone with my reflection. I sighed and took another look at the mirror, mulling over the situation.

"Hmmm, I guess I can fix this a little..." I murmured, determined to make the best of it.

A little while later, I glanced at my reflection and smiled with satisfaction. I had managed to transform the ill-fitting uniform into something that suited me better. I'd swapped the skirt for my black shorts and tied the green tie around my hips into a stylish knot. I wore a black tube top to cover my chest and adjusted the blouse, tying it in front to avoid the loose fit. On my left leg, I wore a knee-high sock, while a thigh-high sock adorned my right leg. A strap on my left thigh held my knives and pistol securely. Completing the look were brown ankle boots that gave me a few extra inches in height. I let my hair fall loose, its movement swaying with each step. I gave one last approving glance at the mirror before heading out.

Debito

"A party again? For what?" I asked, my tone tinged with irritation.

"Ojou-san said it was to welcome a new member of the Arcana Famiglia," Luca replied, his expression nonchalant.

"Is this new member really that important?" I queried.

"I guess so... Oujou-san mentioned it's a girl," Luca said.

"A girl!?" I exclaimed. Without another word, I grabbed my perfume and doused myself in it. "Debito, what are you doing?" Luca asked, puzzled.

"Getting ready for the party, of course," I said with a grin.

Upon arriving at the mansion, I saw the usual crowd. Nova and Liberta were engaged in their typical bickering. Pace was at the food table, indulging in his usual feast. Luca was serving Bambina. Suddenly, Papa's deep voice resonated through the room.

"I have gathered you all here tonight for a very special reason. I want to introduce you to the newest member of the Arcana Famiglia: my second daughter, Melissa!"

"What!?"

"Second daughter!?"

The crowd buzzed with confusion. I had never heard of Papa having a second daughter. A moment later, a girl descended the stairs beside Papa and Mama. She had long black hair and bright green eyes, her presence commanding attention.

"I am Melissa, second daughter of Papa and holder of Il Diavolo: The Devil. It's a pleasure to meet you all," she announced. The crowd erupted in cheers as she gracefully made her way down the stairs.

Luca

S-she's back... I approached her slowly, feeling the sweat form on my brow. When she turned and smiled at me, I could barely contain my nerves. "Luca," she greeted warmly.

"Ouj—" I began, but was interrupted as a tall man with black hair appeared beside her.

"L-leo!?" I stuttered, surprised.

"Nice to see you again, Luca," Leo said with a smile.

"Ne, Luca, remember what I told you to call me?" Melissa asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"M-mel," I said hesitantly.

"That's right!" Melissa confirmed with a cheerful nod. "You've really changed, Mel."

"Yeah, I still remember when you used to be so chubby that instead of running around, you'd just roll," Leo added with a laugh. I chuckled at his comment, but Melissa's swift kick to his shin made me stop.

"Hmp, call me fat again and I'll bury you alive," Melissa warned, her tone half-serious, half-playful. "You've changed, Mel."

"Huh? Really? How so?" she asked, tilting her head with curiosity.

"I remember how much of a crybaby you were back then..." I said, though her glare made me quickly add, "Ah! But now you're an independent woman!"

"Good!" she exclaimed, clearly pleased.

"Mel, let me introduce you to the others," I offered.

"That would be nice. Thanks, Luca!" she replied with a bright smile, ready to meet her new family.