A cynic just the same. There are many in Ezio's social circle, of course, but a new one always presents new challenges: the contours of their doubt, the seeds planted deep within them.

"The villa is a safe shelter in times of war, and when Monteriggioni fell, we evacuated the people through here," Ezio replies, amiably. "But it could have served better uses."

He beckons Kovacs to follow him into the adjoining room, a bedroom with a two-person table set up with chairs. The room is much warmer than the white marble foyer, with plush bedding and ornately carved furniture, but it is pristine and untouched, the curtains drawn.