— I’ve already looted everything there is to loot. — Matthias playfully tapped his fingers on his skull with his free hand. — Hear that? It’s empty. So, this trick won’t work on me. — Having “defended” himself from the onslaught of Gulveig and Kalentia, Matthias turned his attention to Iwein. — Well, go on, tell me.
— B... Bella Bambina.
— What?
— This pistol’s personal name is Bella Bambina.
— Okay, let’s say that’s true. But how did it get that name? I won’t believe you until I hear the story behind it, and I’m not convinced you didn’t just make it up.
Iwein sighed heavily and slumped his shoulders.
— Back when I commissioned this weapon, I was very upset with the goddess of love, Arteria, and I wrote a short song in her “honor,” which I later used as inspiration when naming this pistol.
— Oh, that’s interesting! What’s the song? Come on, sing it. — Iwein’s gaze expressed a range of negative emotions, but Matthias persisted. — Don’t be shy, sing it, and I’ll give you your toy back right away. I swear by Arteria!
— ... Fine. — Gathering his courage, the man began to sing.
Arteria, amore mio!
Mi manca il respiro.
Mia bella bambina.
Facciamo la pecora!
— Uh... — Matthias raised an eyebrow. — I didn’t understand anything, but you sing well. What’s the song about?
— Matthias, I think our guest has already fulfilled all your requests, so asking him for anything more would be excessive on your part. — Victor finally intervened, a barely suppressed smile on his face. — Besides, our young friends shouldn’t know what the song is about.
A few moments later, Matthias returns the weapon to a somewhat embarrassed Iwein.
— Sorry, buddy, I couldn’t help myself. Okay, you can go now.