For the remainder of the meeting, they discussed various operations within their territory: casino revenues, distribution channels for stolen and smuggled goods, profits from loan sharking and underground finance, and the status of their "cooperation" with local police. Pharos listened most of the time, occasionally raising questions or giving instructions. He understood well that as heir to the Cesare family, his every decision was being evaluated, not only by these caporegimes, but also by his father, and by those watchful elders within the family.

And no one could say for certain whether these caporegimes and elders currently evaluating his performance might become the next conspirators.

＊

Around noon, with Romo accompanying him, Pharos met with the intermediary from Milan for an important discussion on cargo transportation involving one of the Silver Flame Society's primary arms import routes.

"The Geneva route has been compromised. For at least the next three months, we'll need a new channel." The intermediary's expression was guarded; this matter had been troubling him so much he'd developed mouth ulcers.

Romo looked toward Pharos, awaiting instructions. As the intelligence expert and strategist, he had already prepared several alternative plans, but the final decision rested with Pharos.

"Tell our people in Switzerland to pause for two weeks, then switch to the Marseille sea route. It costs more, but it's safer." Pharos delivered his decision.

Romo silently approved. This was exactly what he considered the optimal choice. Though young, Pharos possessed precise judgment when it came to family business.

After the meeting concluded, Pharos and Romo traveled together by car to a restaurant for lunch. They arrived at a traditional Neapolitan eatery with old-fashioned, rustic decor and authentically delicious food. More importantly, the owner was a loyal member of the Silver Flame Society, and behind the restaurant was a secluded private room, ideal for continuing confidential business discussions during meals.

"How's the background check on the British Walker coming along?" Pharos speared a piece of Acqua Pazza from his deep dish.

Romo's rank permitted him to dine at the same table as the young Don. He wiped the corner of his mouth. "On the surface, he's the director of an auction house in Colchester. In reality, he's one of the main operators of the Essex black market, specializing in high-value artworks and rare items. He's been handling quite a few Beyonder-related items lately."

The fork in Pharos's hand paused momentarily. "Beyonder items? Is he a Beyonder himself?"

"No, but many of his clients are. His primary purpose for this trip is to promote a special mineral powder that reportedly can affect light refraction." Romo took a small sip of sparkling water.

Pharos considered briefly. "An interesting effect. Tell Flora to attend my meeting with Walker this afternoon."

Flora was one of Pharos's trusted lieutenants, a formidable combatant possessing the Occult Ability known as "Swift Surge." She might be interested in the Beyonder items Walker was dealing.

Once Pharos finished his Acqua Pazza, Romo presented a delicate small box. "Young Don, this is what you previously asked me to find."

Pharos opened the box. Inside lay an antique metal pendant, irregular and oval-shaped, engraved with intricate runes. He held the pendant in his hand and examined it carefully.

"Thank you." He placed the pendant in his suit's inner pocket with satisfaction.

Romo was accustomed to Pharos's expressions of gratitude. Unlike other high-ranking members of the family, Pharos never hesitated to thank and acknowledge his subordinates. This was why, even though his management style differed drastically from his father's, he still managed to win the loyalty of so many.

＊

At two in the afternoon, Pharos arrived at the family's ancestral estate in Avellino. This ancient manor sat atop the hilly highlands between Taurasi and Montemiletto, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. It effectively controlled the surrounding wine and construction industries, masking its true identity as mafia headquarters.

The interior of the estate was lavishly and elegantly decorated, forming a stark contrast to the modern style of Pharos's apartment. He walked through the corridor as servants respectfully bowed their heads in greeting. To them, Pharos was not only the future leader of the family, but also the most powerful figure among the younger generation.

Vittorio Cesare was waiting in his office. Even approaching sixty, the elder Cesare still maintained an upright posture and a commanding presence. He sat behind a massive walnut desk, several documents spread before him.

"Father." Pharos stood ramrod straight, his voice calm.

Vittorio raised his head, his sharp gaze falling on his son. "Pharos, sit."

Pharos sat in the chair across from the desk. Between father and son existed a peculiar tension, neither hostile nor intimate, but rather a complex relationship of supervision and succession.

"The Delano family has overstepped recently." Vittorio got straight to the point.

"I've heard. They appear to be backing the independent Cassio gang currently operating in Casoria."

"Not only that, they're also trying to interfere with our Beyonder market in the Province of Salerno. Here's a record of their recent activities." Vittorio pushed a document toward Pharos.

Pharos quickly scanned the document, his brow gradually furrowing. The Delano family was a mid-sized mafia in southern Italy, not strong enough to directly confront the Silver Flame Society, but capable of causing trouble. If they really were starting to interfere with the Beyonder market, the situation would become even more complicated.

"How do you intend to handle this?" Pharos asked.

Vittorio's gaze was deep and cold, exuding the typical authority of a godfather. "Teach them a lesson. Not enough to start an all-out war, but enough to make them understand the cost. I want you to handle this."

Pharos's expression shifted slightly. This was an important task, and also a test of his abilities.

"How much freedom will I have?"

"As you see fit. But remember, we don't need unnecessary trouble. One strike that hits the mark, make them retreat to their own territory."

"Understood. I'll take care of it." Pharos nodded solemnly.

Vittorio casually reminded him of a few additional points, then his tone became more serious, his expression turning somewhat subtle. "There's one more thing—regarding your associations in Naples over the past year."

Pharos's expression remained unchanged, but inwardly he became alert. He knew what his father was referring to, or more precisely, whom. Perhaps this was the real purpose behind his father wanting to see him.

"That young man who runs the food truck... I've recently come across some interesting information." There was a hint of emotion in Vittorio's tone that Pharos could not decipher.

Pharos remained silent, waiting for his father to continue.

Vittorio paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully. "Do you know who his father is?"

The question caught Pharos slightly off guard. Discussions among mafia leadership were often filled with artistic subtlety and veiled techniques. He hadn't expected his father to be so direct.

"I do." He replied briefly.

"You're also aware that nearly seven years ago, I met with Lleuad on the outskirts of Paris to discuss the Silver Flame Society's business expansion in southern France." Vittorio leaned forward, his hands clasped on the desk.

Pharos silently nodded once more. As the heir holding real power, he naturally knew about this matter.