The entire structure of the Mafia had core members with code names. The smaller the number in the code, the greater the power and higher the status they had within the Mafia.
Underneath these core members with code names were a large number of peripheral members. Although they were considered members of the Mafia, they could not access the absolute upper echelons of the organization.
The way they served the Mafia was through orders passed down from core members with larger code numbers.
This also meant that each core Mafia member with a code name would generally have several subordinates of varying numbers.
These subordinates not only maintained their power but also provided better security for the completion of assassination missions assigned to them from above.
In early June 1914, Archduke Ferdinand's special train departed from Vienna to Bosnia.
As the journey began, there was a small hitch; the train car axle box overheated, which angered Archduke Ferdinand and caused him to criticize, "This is certainly a great start for this trip!"
Moreover, it was already summer in the Northern Hemisphere at the time, and the weather was extremely hot along the way, causing some discomfort to Archduke Ferdinand's body.
However, the good news was that Archduke Ferdinand received a warm welcome all the way, which could make up for some of the unfavorable situations encountered earlier.
After successfully completing his official tasks, including inspecting the military, Archduke Ferdinand, in high spirits, headed to Sarajevo.
Sarajevo is an ancient city in the Balkan Region, winding through canyons with a clear small river flowing through the city area. The bridge spanning the river connecting the north and south sides was also the center of Sarajevo's downtown area.
At this point, Archduke Ferdinand's motorcade had smoothly covered half the route. When it arrived at the bridge in the city center, a young man suddenly sprang out and threw a bomb at Archduke Ferdinand's car.
The driver, seeing the danger, hurriedly accelerated, causing the bomb to fall on the canvas tent above the car and bounce to one side.
Boom!
With a huge explosion, the car behind Archduke Ferdinand's became the unintended victim, suffering a direct frontal impact from the bomb. The car, out of control due to the loss of the driver, crashed straight into the bridge pier, with casualties inside the car unknown.
The surrounding police and gendarmes were immediately in a frenzy, trying to catch the assassin and protect Archduke Ferdinand.
At this moment, someone also took the opportunity to suggest temporarily canceling the day's visit plan, waiting until everything could be guaranteed safe again.
However, Archduke Ferdinand at this time was quite calm, disdainfully mocking, "This guy must be crazy. Come on, gentlemen, proceed as planned."
There was no choice, as Archduke Ferdinand was the highest-ranking person on the scene, and his word was final.
Afterwards, the journey to City Hall went very smoothly, causing the security forces to breathe a sigh of relief.
At the welcome ceremony in City Hall, while the mayor was giving a welcoming speech, Archduke Ferdinand, impatient, interrupted the mayor's words, saying, "Dammit, enough, enough! I have traveled far and wide to visit you, and you welcomed me with bombs!"
Archduke Ferdinand's outburst made the well-intentioned mayor tremble all over, and his speech became stammering and stuttering.
Fortunately, Archduke Ferdinand did not intend to hold anyone responsible for the time being, allowing the welcome ceremony to proceed smoothly.