Wanderlust [Stardust Crusader]

Chapter 2

"You know, Mr. Joestar, if you want to invest in medical research in Rome, you might want to consider taking out a legal instrument known as a 'trust,'" you advised, your tone thoughtful as you glanced at Joseph.

"A trust?" Joseph queried, intrigued by the legal concept.

"Yes, it's a legal arrangement where you entrust your assets to a trustee, who then manages them on behalf of designated beneficiaries,"

"Since you're not a citizen there, setting up a trust can provide you with certain advantages and protections."

Joseph nodded, absorbing the information. "Interesting. And what about expanding my investments to other countries?"

"Well, one strategy could be to establish multiple branches of your medical research facilities in different countries. This way, you can leverage the expertise and resources of researchers worldwide, ensuring that your projects benefit from diverse perspectives and collaboration."

As you continued your discussion, Kakyoin, who had been trailing behind you, couldn't help but interject. "Excuse me, [Name], but how do you know so much about this?"

You shrugged casually, a hint of pride in your response. "I've been accompanying my father to his business dealings since I was young. Our family specializes in law, and I've been trained in legal matters from an early age. I studied business law and management, among other subjects."

You continued conversing with the two of them about the business transaction, but the discussion was abruptly halted when a man in his thirties, dressed in formal apparel, unexpectedly bawled his eyes out upon seeing you.

"Dios mío! I was so worried that you left in the limousine. Madam would be furious if she finds out about your disappearance!" Mattias exclaimed, his hands wringing in distress.

"Could you please stop shaking me, Mattias!" you sputtered, feeling dizzy. He halted abruptly, realizing your pale face was on the verge of vomiting, and started apologizing profusely. His attention then shifted to the individuals with whom you were conversing.

"Il mio nome è Mattias Berlusconi, the trusted butler of the [Surname] and Zeppeli lineage. I ask forgiveness if ever they caused trouble!" Mattia bowed down in utmost respect to the two men standing beside you, yet they simply waved off the apology, indicating a lenient disposition towards any inconvenience.

"He didn't, no worries," Joseph reassured the butler, attempting to convey that there was no need for concern over something trivial. However, despite their insistence, Mattia continued bending down awkwardly, foreheads almost reaching the floor. You intervened, pulling Mattia up short, especially as the crowd's attention turned towards the peculiar scene involving the three of you.

"He?"

"You were mistaken, Mr. Joestar; I am not a boy," you said with amusement. He was flabbergasted by your revelation, even dramatically stepping back a few inches.

"I may not look like one, but yes, I am," you chuckled as he continued to express his shock. The surprise eventually mellowed out, and he started questioning your outfit. You explained that you were mimicking not only your grandfather's personality but also his taste in clothing. He snickered and poked fun at you for having an awful role model in terms of fashion.

"Ah, I remember dressing as a female before," Joseph reminisced, a nostalgic twinkle in his eyes. "I looked attractive in a dress, mind you! A little sway in the hips and a bottle of tequila would sweep a man off his feet! How nostalgic."

You stared at him dumbfounded, never having heard an old guy gushing about his scheme to allure his fellow men. You already had the idea that it must have flunked the first time he came out into view. After all, who would even believe a large man wearing a skirt and possessing a baritone voice? Nevertheless, you smiled at his childlike persona.

"Apologies if I disturbed your discussion, but your grandmother wants to talk with you and Signore Joestar," Mattia said in a hurry, his voice slightly breathless as he delivered the urgent message.

You trudged over him, feeling hesitant. With a trembling hand, you grabbed hold of the phone and uttered a nervous 'hello' on the other line.

"Explain yourself, pronto," the voice demanded, adding a layer of pressure to the already tense situation.

Your grandmother, [Name] [Surname], had retained her maiden name, a detail that remained unchanged over the years. At the tender age of five, you stumbled upon the revelation of the third meritorious Zeppeli, your grandfather. Despite your persistent in asking questions regarding your grandfather, she wouldn't confide, responding only with a cold, guarded gaze.

The Zeppeli surname was exclusively bestowed upon their child in memory of the late lover. Your father mentioned that your grandfather had pleaded that if they had a female child, she would bear that name, but since he was a male, it was passed down to you. Despite never meeting his father, your dad found solace in fulfilling his wishes through his own child.

"Oh no," you turned around and saw the eldest Joestar sweating profusely at the hotel counter. It seemed like he was being blamed for your shenanigans. You couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt; after all, you did bring up his name to your grandmother, secretly hoping to see him in person and listen to his stories about their adventures together.

"What did my nonna say, Tio?" you asked anxiously, fearing she might send your personal bodyguard to force you to return immediately.

"She only told me that I'll send you back home when things escalate badly, whether you like it or not." You heaved a sigh of relief and began dancing in circles to celebrate.

"And your butler should be present everywhere you go." In cue, Berlusconi appeared on your side, holding a cup of strawberry-flavored ice cream, which you happily received.