Romeo
Seiyuu / Dub
Summary
Originally named Giorgio in the source novel Die schwarzen Brüder, Romeo was raised in Sonogno, a small Swiss village near the Italian border, by his loving parents, Roberto and Jessica. His family included his twin brothers, Carlo and Pietro, his grandmother Maria, and a pet ermine named Piccolo. As a child, Romeo spent his days ringing church bells, fishing with friends, and assisting his father in the cornfield, always helping others without regard for himself. A severe drought devastated Sonogno, ruining livelihoods including Romeo's. Luini, known as the God of Death, arrived seeking boys to sell as chimney sweeps in Milan. After Luini burned the family’s remaining cornfield and injured Roberto, causing blindness, Romeo’s family could not afford medical care. To save his father, the eleven-year-old Romeo signed a contract with Luini, allowing Dr. Baregi to treat Roberto. Romeo then departed for Milan, where he met Alfredo, who saved him from false theft accusations. The two bonded instantly and were sold to separate bosses; Romeo was purchased by Marchelo Rossi. Before parting, they swore eternal friendship. Romeo endured mistreatment from the Rossi family and bullying by the Wolf Pack gang in Milan. He was soon reunited with Alfredo, who proposed forming a fraternity to support chimney sweeps. They formed the Black Brothers, electing Alfredo as their first leader. The group defeated the Wolf Pack in battles at San Babila Church and Sempione Park. Romeo achieved a major triumph by learning to read and write through Professor Casella, transforming from illiterate to an avid reader like Alfredo. When Alfredo died of tuberculosis, Romeo fell into deep depression but recovered thanks to support from the Black Brothers and Alfredo’s sister, Bianca. Romeo succeeded Alfredo as leader, organizing a successful fundraiser for Alfredo’s funeral. Upon completing his contract in spring, Romeo returned joyfully to his family in Sonogno.
