Niccolo della Zucca

Niccolo della Zucca is a man with the humblest of origins.

Left on the door-step of the Santa Walburga Orphanage on the outskirts of Milan, his life was never going to be easy and to this day he remains the simplest of men. Initially unpopular with the other children due to his sinfully glib tongue, Niccolo nonetheless eventually won them round thanks to his close friendship with Sister Maria Teresa. Indeed, the young man was rapidly identified as the perfect candidate for the clerical life due to his tireless devotion to the moral well-being of his fellow students, by ensuring they adhere strictly to the morals instilled by Sister Maria Teresa's teachings. Such was the regard in which his fellow students held him that many insisted upon holding a celebration in Niccolo's honour the day he left the orphanage.

Upon leaving Santa Walburga's, Niccolo attempted to track down his real mother and father, hoping for them to be nobles whose love had been forbidden, or perhaps members of a merchant dynasty who would be overcome with joy at the return of their kidnapped son. However, after considerable investigation, Niccolo discovered that he was the product of the indiscrete and sinful liaison between a tavern wench and the junior partner of della Zucca Brothers Dung Haulage.

Despite this set-back, Niccolo was eventually recognised by his father and granted a stipend on the understanding that he immediately leave Milan in order to answer his calling in Rome. Though this sadly would keep Niccolo from his rightful position at his father's side, della Zucca was quite fervent in his faith that Rome was the right place for young Niccolo.

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