Who would play the Witch King? A film exposing Leithania's hidden dangers / Who would give Ebenholz special training? The real Witch King?

"Yes, it already is." Chen Qi nodded, and under the somewhat surprised yet unsurprised gazes of everyone present, Chen Qi quickly changed the subject and said:

"But... it all depends on whether the two empresses dare to let me film."

"Hehe, Director Chen Qi, it seems you're underestimating the open-mindedness of Leithania."

At that moment, the white-haired empress smiled gently. Although Chen Qi couldn't see her face through the special gauze, he could still hear her rather captivating voice as she said:

"Unlike other Victoria countries, Leithania was one of the first nations to develop art. The development of art inherently requires bold imagination and creation. Without an inclusive and appreciative heart, Leithania's art would not have developed to its current state."

"We have also heard of your great name and have read your work, 'Yes, Prime Minister.'" At this moment, the black-haired empress spoke softly, her voice slightly hoarse, which she tried her best to conceal, saying:

"We know you are bold, but now we need you to demonstrate your courage. Those who lack resolve cannot face the remnants of the Witch King."

"Therefore, Director Chen Qi, please feel free to speak your mind. Even if you want to criticize our rule, the politics of Leithania, or create a Leithania version of 'Yes, Prime Minister,' that's fine too. We will allow it."

"--No, I do have to criticize Leithania's current affairs, but this time I've chosen to criticize Leithania's main character, which the two empresses might not like."

Having obtained permission, Chen Qi was finally ready to share his film's subject matter with everyone. However, upon hearing this, the crowd immediately sensed something was amiss, and Chen Qi:

"The movie is called 'The Witch King Is Back'."

"The Witch King Is Back?!" XN

However, Chen Qi's mere mention of the film's title triggered a chain reaction within the tower. The mere mention of the film's name sent shivers down the spines of the Twin Empresses, and even Earl Hyacinth felt a sense of dread...

The Witch King —a title that no one in Leithania ever utter, one that instilled fear in them—was a taboo subject in Leithania. Every Leithania who lived through that era and possessed a sound mind would dread this title.

That was an era of prosperity for Leithania, but also an era that plunged Leithania into a nightmare. A monarch feared even by his own people—one can only imagine how the people of Leithania would react when his title was mentioned, or even when they heard that he had actually returned.

"... Director Chen Qi, what is the background of this film?" the Twin Empresses asked, her voice slightly hoarse. Chen Qi answered truthfully:

"The setting is present-day Leithania. According to my storyline, the two queens joined forces to defeat the Witch King. When the Witch King fell from the tower, he unexpectedly traveled to Leithania twenty years in the future."

"During this phase, he gradually came to understand and adapt to the era he lived in. With no confidants left and no one believing that the Witch King would be resurrected, the Witch King, severely injured and temporarily unable to unleash Originium Arts, began to be seen as an actor playing the Witch King, and gradually became a star."

"The Witch King has become a star?"

However, just by listening to Chen Qi recount the general outline of the script for "The Witch King Is Back," the Twin Empresses, Kal'tsit, and the others felt that the script was quite absurd.

It's important to understand that the Witch King was a figure despised and feared by everyone in Leithania. Although, as time went by, many young people gradually became dissatisfied with the reason why Leithania was no longer as glorious as it once was and began to admire the Witch King, these people were not going to amount to anything.

As for impersonating the Witch King, that's an even greater crime in Leithania! Anyone who promotes the Witch King, or any experiments or creations related to Witch King, will be labeled a "remnant of the Witch King" and punished according to the law; in serious cases, they can even be executed.

Therefore, when the Twin Empresses heard Chen Qi say that the "Witch King" in the movie had become a star, they all thought it was impossible.

"Director Chen Qi, it's not that we doubt your idea; it truly is unprecedented... But I think we should be more worried that your film production might not be able to proceed."

"In Leithania, if anyone were to impersonate the 'Witch King,' the people of Leithania would utterly defeat him. The people of Leithania despise the Witch King and even hate him; this is what we have been doing for the past twenty years."

"This is none of the Empress's concern." Chen Qi smiled slightly. He already had a general understanding of Leithania's current situation, and he felt that he only needed to observe Leithania's situation further.

"If the two empresses agree, I plan to begin writing and revising the script. Also, I need two actors to play the main characters in my film, and I'd like to borrow them from the two empresses."

"... Director Chen Qi, are you perhaps referring to Earl Urtica (Ebenholz) and that child named Kreide?"

"Exactly."

As soon as Chen Qi finished speaking, he immediately mentioned two people who were currently of paramount importance to Leithania, since these two were truly the ones who might bring the Witch King back!

However, after careful consideration, the two empresses realized there was nothing they couldn't lend, since Chen Qi's crew had far more formidable security than theirs. Especially after his recent performance in "Kung Fu Hustle," Chen Qi's displayed strength even made the two empresses wonder if he could rival the Witch King...

Unless Chen Qi is a remnant of the Witch King and deliberately caused the Witch King to appear, but this possibility is extremely slim, after thinking for a while, the Twin Empresses spoke up again:

"Since Director Chen Qi wants to use it, then we, representing Leithania, will certainly do our utmost to help... even if this is unprecedented, the first movie with the Witch King as the protagonist, it's still the same."

"We believe that with Director Chen Qi's character and integrity, he would never put our Leithania in danger. We will have someone explain the situations we need to avoid, and then we will hand over full authority to Director Chen Qi."

"Thank you." Chen Qi was also a little surprised that his request for the person went so smoothly this time. However, Chen Qi immediately remembered something and turned to ask the Twin Empresses:

"Then the next issue is the filming location. Where in Leithania are the remnants of the Witch King most rampant?"

"... There are several Mobile City, and if I had to choose, Vyseheim would be the most prominent. The remnants of the Witch King have always had a strong voice, and Earl Gertrude, who governs that region, also seems to have been colluding with the remnants of the Witch King."

"And there's Urtica, the Witch King's homeland, where the voices of the Witch King's remnants have never disappeared."

"Then let's choose that place." Chen Qi nodded immediately and quickly selected their filming location. A place where the remnants of the Witch King were rampant and wouldn't react too strongly to cosplaying the Witch King was perfect for Chen Qi and his group to film.

The subsequent filming was then quite simple. To achieve better results, Chen Qi planned to maximize the reactions of the common people upon the return of the Witch King! To pursue realism, he would use an invisible cameraman and some roadside interviews to allow the common people of Leithania to express their inner desires, and then select the best ones to include in the film.

This part will take up a significant portion of the film "The Witch King Is Back." This film, which appears to be a comedy but is actually chilling and thought-provoking, will showcase Chen Qi's charm.

Chapter 245: The Choice of the Witch King? A Film Revealing Leithania's Hidden Dangers

"Filming a movie about the Witch King? And they're planning to cast me as the Witch King?"

After Chen Qi explained the subject matter of the film he wanted to shoot and the people he needed to use to the Twin Empresses, Chen Qi received permission to meet the two prospective lead actors for the film, Ebenholz and Kreide.

Just like their names suggest, Ebenholz was dressed in what appeared to be a modified military uniform, while Kreide Knight was in a rather casual white suit.

The two also had completely different temperaments. When Chen Qi and his group found them through Earl Hyacinth and invited them to participate in a movie, and told them about the roles they would be playing, Ebenholz's first reaction was to frown, while Kreide's first reaction was to accept it gladly.

"Why not? We've been in the tower for a while now. Although the food is delicious and the blankets are warm, there's only one room, just Ebenholz two of us, and it seems like we've already talked enough."

"Ah, I didn't mean you were boring, Ebenholz." Kreide suddenly realized that her words had been somewhat ambiguous and quickly said to Ebenholz, "I just thought we should all go out and get some fresh air."

"... Kreide, I think you might not have heard what Director Chen Qi just said." Ebenholz looked at Kreide, who seemed to have already agreed, knowing he was someone who never refused a request, but he didn't want to go at all!

"Director Chen Qi gave you the lead role, but he's casting me as the Witch King!"

"How could anyone on this land dare to play the Witch King? No, I should say, would anyone on this land even dare to play the Witch King? I still don't understand why anyone would miss the Witch King. Has Mu Qiang completely lost his mind?"

"Director Chen Qi, although I invited you to resolve the crisis in a moment of desperation when I thought we were about to be imprisoned, I never said that I was willing to play a role in your film."

"Oh? Why?" Chen Qi asked curiously, and Ebenholz, seeing that Chen Qi seemed not to understand, remained silent for a moment before speaking:

"... If it's music, I can say I know a little bit, but acting, I've never tried it before."

"That's alright." Before Chen Qi even speak, Talulah, who had come with him, promptly added:

"In Chen Qi's previous works, almost every actor he hired had no acting experience, yet our works still swept various awards, including the 'Best Performance Award.' You don't need to worry about acting experience."

"... Do I really have to say it out loud?" Ebenholz, feeling exasperated by Talulah's lack of understanding, realized that no one understood her subtle way of speaking, and finally revealed her true thoughts, saying:

"I don't want to play the Witch King. On one hand, I feel that in the current situation in Leithania, if I were to play the Witch King, I would be beaten to a pulp by the people, which would cause great panic."

"Furthermore... I dislike the Witch King, I despise him. I'm sorry, I can't say too much, but I absolutely do not want to portray a character like the Witch King, and I don't even want to watch any works related to him."

"Director Chen Qi, I still have great respect for you. Many of your works have profound significance. You dare to think, write, and direct; you are a very free person. Normally, if I received an invitation from you, I would definitely not refuse."

"But this time... I can't accept the subject matter of this movie. I won't even mention the fact that the Witch King traveled to the present and became a star, but to have the Witch King criticize the present-day Leithania? What right does such a wicked person have to judge the present-day Leithania?"

"I think this is encouraging the remnants of the Witch King. Although I am not a zealous person, I am also a Leithania, and I have suffered at the hands of the Witch King's remnants. I do not want to speak out for the Witch King."

"Your values are very sound, I like that." Chen Qi wasn't annoyed at all by Ebenholz's criticism; on the contrary, he admired Ebenholz's values, his ability to make correct judgments, and his knowledge of what should never be idolized and what shouldn't be tried to whitewash.

Chen Qi did not intend to whitewash the Witch King. Rather, the film "Look Who's Back" did not intend to whitewash this demon. He simply filmed the conditions of the Germany people at that time and exposed and criticized some of the phenomena of the time. At the end, he made a chilling metaphor.

This isn't about whitewashing; it's simply presenting the facts. If Chen Qi wants to persuade Ebenholz to play the Witch King, he must explain to him that the film they're currently making is the better option for Leithania.

"However, looking at it from another angle, Ebenholz, if what I'm doing now is to boost the morale of the Witch King's remnants, would the Twin Empresses really allow me to film?"

"--Do you still need to care about other people's feelings?" Ebenholz, on the other hand, looked at Chen Qi, the most feared figure in the entire Terra, with a strange expression and said, "If the Queen doesn't agree, can they stop you from making the film?"

"Obviously not."

Chen Qi sat down in a nearby seat, and Kreide thoughtfully handed Chen Qi a cup of coffee. After thanking him, Chen Qi continued speaking to Ebenholz:

"But I reported my plan to the Twin Empresses, and they did not object. This is enough to show that they accept my plan, rather than that I forced them to accept it."

"Moreover, I've been pondering why there are still remnants of the Witch King —among them, of course, are some fanatics who worship the Witch King's power or art, but why are there still more and more people in Leithania who yearn for the Witch King?"

"... Because they're idiots?" Ebenholz was equally blunt, his words carrying a hint of sarcasm he himself was unaware of. Chen Qi smiled and shook his head, saying:

"No, I always feel that the reason people miss the past is because they feel they are not doing as well as they used to."

"Of course, some of these are just simple followers, because they haven't experienced that 'past' era. However, I think that the growing voices of the Witch King's remnants in Leithania today, even spreading to the common people, already speaks volumes—Under the rule of the Twin Empresses, Leithania is indeed declining."

"Especially after the failed expedition to Victoria." Kreide nodded, naturally aware of the reasons for Leithania's current situation, and asked curiously:

"Director Chen Qi... did you actually want to use the image of the Witch King to allow the common people of Leithania to express their innermost thoughts?"

"Smart." Chen Qi nodded in agreement with Kreide's statement, and then added:

"My idea is not just to let the common people speak their minds, but more importantly, in the presence of the Witch King, as a representative of Leithania's dark past, his words often have a different effect, inspiring a subconscious awe in the people. This is enough to make the common people say more things they dare not say."

"Whether the remnants of the Witch King will disappear, I don't know, but I know how to prevent Witch King numbers from increasing—that is, to keep the people content with their current lives."

"Without their supporters, those remnants of the Witch King are destined to engage in petty schemes in clandestine places. The only way to stop this group from expanding is to confront Leithania's problems directly, and only the Twin Empresses can change all of this."

"Their choices will affect everyone in Leithania, and our film simply uses the image of the Witch King to force them to confront these issues, nothing more."

"... So, this movie uses the image of the Witch King to illustrate the problem, ultimately having the Twin Empresses solve it?" Ebenholz roughly understood Chen Qi's meaning and asked with a hint of hesitation. Chen Qi nodded and said helplessly:

"Otherwise what? Do you think that making 'Yes, Prime Minister' will make Victoria prosperous? Ultimately, it is the leaders who decide the fate of a country. My work is at most a catalyst."

"Besides, I think our movie might attract a lot of real remnants of the Witch King. I can then give the Twin Empresses a heads-up and have their spies keep a close watch. Maybe we can use a sting operation to uncover and take down more of the Witch King's strongholds."

After all, Ebenholz is the first person in Leithania to dare to play the role of the Witch King. For more than twenty years since the Witch King was defeated, this title has been a taboo in Leithania. The Twin Empresses are using this method to try to make the people forget the existence of the "Witch King".

However, neither the Witch King nor Adolf can be forgotten. Chen Qi believes that there is only one way for people to prevent them and their supporters from returning: to confront their own problems and fill the lives of the people with hope.

By then, even if some people still remember them, no one will think of supporting them anymore. There is only one way for Leithania to eradicate the possibility of the Witch King's remnants repeating their mistakes.

"... If it's really as you said, Director Chen Qi, then I can give it a try."

After some thought, and with encouragement from Kreide, Ebenholz reluctantly accepted Chen Qi's invitation, saying with an embarrassed expression:

"The Queen has confiscated all our musical instruments and forbids us from buying or using them through any other means. I think having something to do now is a good option."

"Trust me, you won't regret it."

Seeing that he had already tackled the toughest challenges, Chen Qi shook hands with Ebenholz and Kreide. He knew that when the two agreed to act, Chen Qi's success rate in getting them into the crew was already 50%.

"Then let's get back to the ship without delay. I need Rob Rata to do your makeup, especially Ebenholz. I need you to look exactly like the Witch King. After the audition, we'll head to Vyseheim."

"Where is Count Vyseheim Earl Gertrude?" Ebenholz and Kreide were also somewhat taken aback. They had been brought back from there by the people of "The Empress's Voice," and they never expected to have to go back there now.

Chen Qi assumed they were worried about the threat posed by the remnants of the Witch King there, and immediately said:

"Don't worry, we have bodyguards—Mr. Młynar, may I trouble you?"

"... Can."

This time, Młynar, who had come with Chen Qi, was also unusually accompanied by him as a bodyguard, as she was used to inquiring about the whereabouts of her brother and sister-in-law wherever she went.

Clearly, Młynar had obtained some intelligence and felt that her brother and sister-in-law were very likely in Leithania. Chen Qi noticed this, and it was one of the rewards Chen Qi planned to demand from the Twin Empresses after the deed was done.

So the remaining task is to see if Ebenholz and Kreide can handle the two most important main roles. Chen Qi remembered that the two seemed to have the blood of the Witch King, but having the blood of the Witch King and being able to play the role of the Witch King well are two different things, especially since Ebenholz is still young and doesn't seem to have any imposing presence.

"Perhaps I need to find a professional to teach the Ebenholz how to express a sense of oppression and a superior aura?"

Chen Qi quickly thought of someone whose temperament was similar to the "Witch King," and who was also a ruler of a country. Perhaps he could invite him to help hone Ebenholz's aura?

Chapter 246: The Selected Person for Special Training of the Ebenholz, the True Witch King?

A week later, on Chen Qi's ship, Chen Qi welcomed a long-awaited guest. With a tremor of armor, Theresis and the Bloodborne Archon reappeared before Chen Qi and his party, and Chen Qi immediately went to greet them.

"Theresis, and Bloodborne Archon, thank you for actually coming."

"You're too kind, Chen Qi. The Sarkaz would never refuse an invitation from a friend." Theresis also shook hands with Chen Qi. The Bloodborne Archon bowed to Chen Qi in the manner of Bloodfiend, showing even more respect than the last time they met.

Clearly, the still-popular movie "Kung Fu Hustle" and Chen Qi, who showcased his strength in the film, have made the Bloodborne Archon feel threatened in terms of power. Facing Chen Qi, a figure who inspires fear in terms of talent, publicity, and even strength, the Bloodborne Archon has shown him the same respect.

He was a Sarkaz supremacist, but that didn't mean he was a fool and therefore looked down on other races. On the contrary, the Bloodborne Archon was the one who most wanted Chen Qi to become a true Sarkaz, but now, he had to give up that idea... after all, he didn't want to face the power of the Buddha's Palm.

Theresis didn't think too much about it. He knew very well that the relationship of protection between Chen Qi and the Sarkaz seemed to have been reversed. The Sarkaz was no longer just one of the forces supporting Chen Qi, but had become a "bridge" through which they had established relations with other countries.

So, Theresis's current idea is to make good use of Chen Qi's network of connections to buy more time and resources for Sarkaz to restore its kingdom. Therefore, his choice is to maintain a good relationship with Chen Qi as much as possible.

Therefore, when Chen Qi extended an invitation to him and tentatively asked if he could personally come and provide guidance, Theresis immediately handed over all matters to his private secretary Manfred, and headed straight for Chen Qi's ship with the Bloodborne Archon.

"Then let's not delay. Chen Qi, where is that actor codenamed Ebenholz, the one I need to coach on acting?"

"They've arrived."

As Chen Qi finished speaking, the three of them turned their gazes in the same direction. At that moment, everyone heard footsteps accompanied by what sounded like the tapping of many ornaments, and a rather burly figure slowly appeared.

As expected, Ebenholz was already dressed as the Witch King, just as instructed. He wore an extremely loose, black robe adorned with blood-red accents, paired with a mask that completely covered his face, making it almost impossible to tell whether he was male or female.

What's most eye-catching are his black and red ram horns, the crimson color seemingly flowing subtly. When Ebenholz emerged with almost no skin showing, Theresis and the Bloodborne Archon were stunned for a moment before they realized what was happening.

"So that's how it is, you're actually impersonating the Witch King?" The Bloodborne Archon immediately saw through Ebenholz's disguise as the Witch King. Ebenholz was slightly taken aback, then asked the two newly arrived Sarkaz in a sullen tone:

"... How did you figure that out? I think Miss Rob Rata's makeup skills have made me look exactly like the Witch King in the photos and paintings."