<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold">The Vatican, Rome, Italy, 1896</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Reluctant</span> would be the perfect word to describe Francesca Romano. Among other words that would be less than proper when directed to a lady. If that was really what Francesca was. Nevertheless, the lady who answered to the name of Francesca Romano knew her duties and used to abide by them most of the time. Having to work for the Roman Catholic Church was not something Francesca could honestly say she enjoyed. She did not trust the institution blindly, and some of her interests would not go down very well with the Cardinal.<br/><br/>Yet, a job is a job. A mission given is a mission fulfilled. No matter how you feel. A little tardiness would not kill anyone. <span style="font-style: italic">Literally</span>.<br/><br/>It would not be very long, this time. As usual, Francesca had been wandering around. Always going here or there, living in hotel rooms and meeting somewhat strange friends. Even though her place of residence was Rome, the restless lady could be found almost anywhere but in there. The letter summoning her to Rome had reached Francesca in Paris, and she had made her way back as fast as possible.<br/><br/>Even though she knew she was being waited for, and that the Cardinal was probably very impatient, Francesca's pace was not rapid, and her expression - or lack thereof - was the same as usual as she approached the two men. Why she allowed herself to be stuck with Maximilien was a question in her mind, but things were how they were, and there was no way to change them. And maybe - just maybe - Francesca would not accept another partner to do the Church's dirty work.<br/><br/>As the lady finally reached the two men, she nodded to Maximilien. "Max dear", was the greeting, with a slightly humorous intonation. The one given to the Cardinal sounded more serious. "Cardinal. I apologize if I have kept you waiting". Francesca's hands fixed the usual black attire. Under her skirts, there was a pretty useful arsenal, but for now, she was as harmless as possible. "What is required of us, if I may ask?"</div>