The Propaganda Department Minister and the Finance Department Minister engaged in a heated verbal battle. One side stressed that good publicity required generous spending; the other insisted that such a high publicity budget was impossible, or the financial situation would inevitably become dire.
In the end, Strange made the final decision. "Increase the Propaganda Department's budget. Give them whatever they ask for. But I want to see results, understood?"
The Propaganda Department Minister nodded vigorously. "I absolutely won't disappoint you. Within three days, publicity for the environmental protection campaign will spread throughout the universe. Everyone will know about it, and they'll even be able to recite our environmental policies."
Strange nodded in satisfaction. The Finance Department Minister, however, looked as though he wanted to say something but held back. When the morning meeting ended and Strange returned to his office, the Finance Department Minister trotted eagerly along behind him.
"Sorcerer Supreme, forgive my bluntness. Although I don't come from a financial background, I can at least read a report. The Interstellar Council's financial situation is far from optimistic..."
Knock, knock!
"Come in!"
Schiller entered again, carrying a stack of reports. He was a little surprised to see the Finance Department Minister there, then said, "Oh, Minister, I was just about to look for you. Have you seen the Interstellar News Network?"
"Doctor Schiller, I've long heard of your reputation." The minister rose and awkwardly extended a hand to shake Schiller's. Handshakes were not part of his species' etiquette, but he had seen on the Interstellar Internet that humans shook hands upon first meeting. Schiller stepped forward, shook his hand, and said, "I didn't expect to meet a Letaian here. How is your emperor? And Princess Highness?"
"Princess Highness is much better, thanks to your guidance. She finally dumped that damned