The Roses and The Lilies

𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 4- 𝐴𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒

[Image above is of part of the English home]
"Welcome- or rather, benvenuta," Ophichius said, opening the doors dramatically.
Leo raised an eyebrow in polite surprise.
"Ophichius?" She guessed.
He nodded, offering a hand. "Lovely to meet you Leo," he gave her a grin.
"Same to you," she shook his hand.
"Come in everyone, out of the cold. We'll have our meeting in the lounge if that's okay," he added, backing away so the Italians could enter the house.
"Thank you," Pisces smiled, shrugging off her jacket.
Ophichius gave her a curt nod in response and moved into the hallway. "This way," he pointed to a set of doors.
"Excuse me, where can I go? I'm not part of the business," Taurus piped up.
"Cancer can show you around," he offered.
"Okay," Taurus nodded.
"Wait here and she'll find you. The rest of you, follow me,"

"Taurus?" A small white haired woman appeared from one of the many doors, startling the man.
"Oh my-," Taurus clutched his chest in shock.
"Oh shit sorry are you okay? Did I cause some heart problem? Oh god can you even understand me- do you want me to get a nurse or-,"
"I'm fine," he interrupted, chuckling as she flushed. "Sorry. I'm Cancer," she offered a hand.
"Taurus,"
"Want to go on a walk?" She offered.
"Sure. We don't know how long they're gonna be in there so," he shrugged.
"Then follow me!" Cancer grinned and started to walk toward the front door. "The gardens are beautiful so, I'll show you them first if you don't mind,"
"Of course! I love gardens,"
"Great!" Cancer tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "This way,"
Taurus followed her out of the mansion and into the greenery surrounding the home.

"So. Do you have any offers for this... agreement Leo?" Ophichius leaned forward and propped his head up with his hands.
"We don't trust each other," the Italian said. "That much is obvious. But we want to think we can trust you english,"
Ophichius raised a polite eyebrow.
"We want an alliance with you. We need to reach a middle ground. How will we know that we can trust you?"
"I ask you the same question," Ophichius said.
"If I may,"
The Italians and English turned to who had spoken. Virgo.
He didn't seem fazed at the attention.
"Perhaps... we can make a bond between two of us? A marriage alliance-,"
"A marriage alliance could show we can trust you and you can trust us," Mini interrupted.
Virgo narrowed his eyes at her and nodded. He did not like being interrupted.
"That's a good suggestion. But who?" Scorpio asked.
"I suggest not Leo or I. We need to run these businesses after all," Ophichius said coolly.
"I agree," Leo nodded.
"Who's your underboss?" Pisces offered.
"I'm married," Scorpio said immediately.
"What about you Capricorn?" Pisces turned to him.
He shrugged in response.
"I can't believe I'm saying this but... I can do it," Aquarius piped up.
Sagittarius turned to her so fast his neck clicked.
"Ow," he grumbled, rubbing it as Ophichius stared at Aquarius.
"You sure Aqua?"
"Can's married, Mini's well... mini. I'm the only other choice. Unless you prefer guys," she turned to Capricorn.
"I don't mind," he said emotionlessly.
"Do we have an agreement?" Leo questioned.
"I... I think so. We can show you to your rooms," Ophichius offered a hand.
Leo shook it.
"Let's get this in writing first,"
"Agreed,"

Chapter translations (google translate)
Benvenuta- welcome