The article delves into the early 1920s in Italy, shortly after the March on Rome in October 1922, focusing on the meeting between Ardengo Soffici and Benito Mussolini. At this time, Mussolini was not yet the dictator of Italy but held significant power as prime minister. Soffici, known for his fascist sympathies, had previously authored a novel that many viewed as emblematic of fascist ideals, drawing parallels to cultural icons like Don Quixote. The relationship between Soffici and Mussolini illustrates the blurred lines between intellectual support for fascism and opposition to political corruption during a chaotic period in Italy's history.