The Witch King's Next Move: Listening to the People / Leithanians More at Ease with the Witch King? Inspiration for the Bloodborne Archon

"Twin sisters, emperors, Gaul remnants—these despicable traitors!"

"Those remnants who still believe in me are led by a few wet rags and fat chickens! No, they don't even qualify as remnants; they lack any political acumen whatsoever, they're just a bunch of pathetic worms surviving in the dark sewers and corners!"

"And the only one that still holds a sliver of hope... is this strange 'Green Party.' Post-war industrialization, the Artificial Infected, has destroyed the land, the air, the soil, and the people. Now, this party wants to protect the land of Leithania."

"However, it's pointless to halt the training of Artificial Infected Warlocks based on just a few incidents of Infected Warlock explosions! That would be cutting off our own backbone! We need a large number of Infected squads!"

Ebenholz slowly put down the magazines in his hands. After reading them, the first reaction of the Witch King he portrayed was to say angrily about the country that had rapidly declined since his death:

"... Bolívar still exists, and he's even independent. We started the war to colonize this land, but we didn't even achieve our goal."

"Now that our expedition to Victoria has failed, and we've been forced to sign those humiliating treaties and cede territory, then there's no point in us winning the Battle of the Four Emperors!"

Every word Ebenholz utters, every line of dialogue, can be seen as a direct attack on the Twin Empresses' sore spots. Whether it's the Black-haired Princess's voice, the disadvantages of the Battle of the Four Emperors to divide Gaul after the Witch King's death, or the failure of the expedition, one humiliating event after another is brought to the forefront again by the Witch King, whom he portrays.

"... I think the two empresses definitely won't like this movie." Even a good person like Kreide could tell from Ebenholz's current behavior that such sarcasm would not be acceptable to the Twin Empresses, especially since it contained many criticisms of their reign.

Especially in these critical cases, the failures are laid bare and widely known.

"That does seem like... the Witch King's reaction." The Bloodborne Archon smiled at this, his eyes fixed on Ebenholz on the screen. He increasingly felt that Ebenholz's aura was moving closer to that of the Witch King he knew.

"I'm really curious... If you were really alive, what would you do? You're not just a madman, you're also a politician. How would you change this country when you're temporarily unable to use your power?"

Chapter 250: The Witch King's Next Move, Listening to the People's Voices

"Director Chen Qi, I don't quite understand why the Witch King thinks the 'Green Party' has a better chance? I don't have any fondness for that group."

After a day of filming, the scene at the newsstand with Ebenholz and Kreide came to an end. Ebenholz, who played the Witch King, went to the dry cleaners to clean his tattered and smelly clothes, which he had worn after his defeat in the duel with the Twin Empresses.

Then, he borrowed a set of casual clothes that were completely out of character for him and came out. During this time, he met the protagonist played by Kreide. He had previously discovered the figure of the Witch King through his own recordings after leaving the company, and he vaguely felt that this actor could help him get out of his predicament, make an influential work, and return to work at the television station.

To this end, Kreide borrowed money and a car from his mother in the movie and found the Witch King played by Ebenholz. This also means that the scenes of Chen Qi and his group interviewing people all over Leithania are about to begin.

However, before setting off, Ebenholz, one of the main characters, suddenly asked Chen Qi a question. Chen Qi, curious, countered with a question of his Ebenholz:

"Then let me ask you, Ebenholz, why do you think the Green Party of Leithania is no good? Their slogans are about protecting the environment, democracy, and peace!"

"--That was the peace they thought it was." Although Ebenholz had lived as an experimental subject with Kreide for a long time, he was still somewhat involved in politics because he was given the nominal title of "Earl Urtica".

Many nobles and gentry who had been stripped of their titles and lands for colluding with the remnants of the Witch King had come to him because of Ebenholz's identity as "Earl Urtica," so he was aware of these people, as well as the "Green Party" of Leithania.

"The Green Party is mostly composed of Gaul nobles who colluded with the rulers of Leithania during the Gaul, as well as nobles like myself who were merely figureheads. These relatively weaker groups formed the party."

"I've had contact with them before, but I think they're just a group trying to gain their own interests, attempting to win over vulnerable groups and occupy the moral high ground. They seem to be trying to win over Infected and civilians who have lost too many lives in the war, but in reality, they're just draining the value from these vulnerable groups. Every time they open their mouths, they reek of money."

When Ebenholz mentioned the "Green Party" of Leithania, he showed a look of utter disgust, making no attempt to hide his aversion, and then asked:

Why would the Witch King think the Green Party have any hope? These people are truly beyond redemption.

"--It's a very simple principle. As descendants of the Witch King, in politics, you must strive to gain any power you can, and win over any factions you can to strengthen your voice."

At that moment, before Chen Qi could even speak, the Bloodborne Archon's figure quietly appeared behind him. But before Ebenholz could turn around in surprise, the Bloodborne Archon was already in front of him again, displaying his racial advantages.

"If you don't occupy the moral high ground, someone else will. It's like how those who should be in power will be deprived of it by those who shouldn't. The so-called 'Green Party' is just such a group of people."

"That reminds me of the character FrostNova played when Director Chen Qi was filming 'Yes, Prime Minister' in Londinium. Was she also a representative of the Green Party?"

"That one doesn't count. The one FrostNova plays isn't high enough to be called a 'Green Party,' at most she's just a kind of egoist." Chen Qi smiled and replied to the Bloodborne Archon's words.

"The Green Party is made up of a bunch of people like that."

"... Truly disgusting." Ebenholz reiterated his opinion once again. The Bloodborne Archon, seeing the utter disgust on Ebenholz's face, laughed:

"You still have a lot to learn, descendants of the Witch King. You'll understand why the Witch King wanted to leverage the Green Party's power in the movie; he simply wanted to expand his influence and regain his position as the ruler."

"For this reason, he is willing to cooperate with any party that can help him, which is why he says the Green Party has hope."

"--Moreover, isn't it somewhat darkly humorous that someone like the Witch King would choose to be supported by a party that is known to be a bunch of bastards?"

The Bloodborne Archon chuckled lightly, then feigned profundity and left, leaving Ebenholz standing alone, lost in thought. Meanwhile, Chen Qi, having finished his conversation, instructed Saria to pilot the ship towards a city in northern Leithania.

As Chen Qi and his group set off, Rhodes Island tacitly chose to follow. Kal'tsit was somewhat worried that Chen Qi's filming process might cause a great deal of unrest, so Rhodes Island was ready to follow at any time to provide medical support in case of any riots.

However, at the same time, the Twin Empresses issued their orders immediately after Chen Qi and his group temporarily left.

"Order all members of 'Empress's Voice' stationed in various Mobile City to closely monitor the actions of Chen Qi's crew. If any unusual activity is discovered by the remnants of the Witch King, follow the clues and eradicate all their gathering places!"

"Furthermore, orders have been issued to the city defense forces, local nobles, and officials of each Mobile City, as Chen Qi will likely interview them. These orders should be given to them to be cautious and discreet when they speak."

Chen Qi had told the Twin Empresses that the film was meant to satirize the current state of Leithania, so they thought that Chen Qi would do something similar to "Yes, Prime Minister," interviewing officials and nobles to expose some of Leithania's problems.

The Twin Empresses were somewhat worried... The movie "The Witch King Is Back" would cause even greater turmoil in Leithania, so they intended to warn these officials not to follow Humphrey and Bernard's example, and to be careful...

However, the Twin Empresses were unaware that Chen Qi had never intended to engage in dialogue with the so-called officials and nobles from the very beginning. In fact, most of the interviews for the drama "The Witch King Is Back" were with ordinary people whom they could not pay attention to.

These ordinary citizens may not have a deep understanding of politics, but the issues they raise are the best reflection of the current situation in Leithania.

In northern Leithania, the roles played by Kreide and Ebenholz were also filmed in this desolate wilderness. Kreide, who plays Sawatzki, wanted to create buzz by using the actor playing the Witch King, but in the process, he exposed his complete lack of skill in creating buzz.

The Witch King, played by Ebenholz, also had many complaints during this process, saying:

"Those who are experiencing a creative crisis always give some strange advice."

"Sawatzki wanted to make a film called 'The Witch King in the Wilderness' or 'The Witch King in the Desert,' and preferably he would be dressed as a scavenger."

"... My propaganda minister will die with his eyes wide open in disbelief."

Clearly, the Witch King, played by Ebenholz, didn't think highly of Kreide. The two returned to the hotel, where Kreide quickly noticed the Witch King had covered the hotel's television screen with his robes and immediately asked:

Is there something wrong with the TV?

"--That's a television?"

However, Ebenholz, who had just come out of the restroom, stared in surprise as Kreide turned on the television in front of him. It seemed like the first time he had ever seen such a thin and lightweight television. After touching the screen, he couldn't help but exclaim:

"I've only been gone for twenty years, and people have already developed television to this extent?"

"What I mean is, of course there was television in my time. I tried to bring it to the front lines to add entertainment for the soldiers, but back then televisions were bulky and not very common. Now, it's amazing that almost every household has one?"

The Witch King, played by Ebenholz, was astonished by the changes that had occurred in just twenty years, and remarked with great emotion:

"What advanced technology! What a brilliant way to promote it—but why is it a cooking show?"

Soon, Ebenholz frowned greatly at the program playing on the television. It was the first time the Witch King had seen a television set, which was now common in every household, and he immediately thought that this method of propaganda was very effective.

However, he was greatly disappointed that Leithania's show was so boring, and he said at the time:

"There must be something more interesting about this land than cooking, right?"

"Would you like to watch a replay of 'Yes, Prime Minister'? Obviously, not yet." Kreide loosened his tie, lay down on the bed, his legs, covered in white socks, raised, and answered casually.

The Witch King, played by Ebenholz, was very dissatisfied. He changed several channels, but the content was all meaningless programs—variety shows, food, pets, and the world's most boring drama praising the government. All of this gradually made the Witch King, played by Ebenholz, feel angry.

He was furious, furious that such a good propaganda tool had been wasted on these pointless programs! If he were to use it, he could definitely use this kind of propaganda to make all of Leithania loyal to him!

"Luckily, the propaganda minister didn't see this!"

"You'd want to use the most vicious Originium Arts to kill these trash!"

However, after denouncing all of this, the Witch King, faced with these boring programs, quickly determined the theme of the television film he wanted to shoot: "Politics"!

By focusing all the topics on current events and sensitive issues that the public cares about, and allowing people to say what they dare not say, the Witch King believes that such programs will be the ones that get people's attention immediately.

"... the dominant relationship within this two-person team seems to be beginning to change."

Meanwhile, on Rhodes Island, not far away, Kal'tsit and Amiya, now with Chen Qi's permission and able to watch the filming process, have also made their judgments on the performance of the Witch King played by Ebenholz. Amiya's first concern was that the Witch King, who was originally to be filmed by Kreide, has now decided the subject matter that Kreide will film.

"That's the Witch King's characteristic; he can never be controlled by anyone, but you'll be controlled by him without even realizing it." Kal'tsit clearly understood the Witch King, and as she gazed at the theme decided by the Ebenholz on the screen, she sighed and said:

"It seems the Twin Empresses' reminder was useless... Should we listen to the voices of the Leithania people...?"

"Now, whether or not Leithania can be saved depends on whether the Twin Empresses are willing to make better changes after all this."

Chapter 251: The Leithania, More Affectionate Towards the Witch King? Inspiration from the Bloodborne Archon

Having found their entry point, Ebenholz and Kreide immediately began filming ordinary people about sensitive and political topics, as planned. All filming would be done by Vina and Eureka, and the people Ebenholz and Kreide interviewed would be completely random.

Therefore, none of the nobles and officials whom the Twin Empresses had arranged to be "sharply criticized" by Ebenholz and Kreide were selected.

Chen Qi gave the two of them maximum freedom to film, allowing them to interview whomever they wanted. So, Ebenholz planned to first find some ordinary people to test whether his Witch King disguise would have any effect on the common people of Leithania, and whether he could really get them to express what they wouldn't normally dare to say, just as Chen Qi had said.

"This is an exclusive interview program, 'What You Want to Say to the Witch King.'"

Inside a hot dog stand, after Kreide and Ebenholz each bought a hot dog and ate it, Ebenholz promptly interviewed the stand's only employee. When the two clearly sensed the employee's interest in Ebenholz's Witch King costume, Ebenholz immediately seized the opportunity to say:

"If the Witch King were currently ruling Leithania, what would you like to say to Witch King about the current situation in Leithania? What would you hope to change?"

"The voices of the people that the Twin Empresses could not hear, you can now speak to the Witch King face to face—that is, to me. So speak freely, whatever you say, I will not mind. I have returned to listen to the voices of the people."

Ebenholz is now also playing the role of the Witch King, almost completely forgetting his original identity. However, just as he expected, when he saw the Witch King's attire, and even when the actor playing him claimed to be the Witch King, the shop assistant's expression actually relaxed, even though he clearly knew it was all fake.

It was as if the man in front of her, dressed in the clothes of Witch King, could truly give her confidence, as if as long as he was there, the people of Leithania could speak freely.

"You did the right thing—the biggest issue I want to address is wages."

The shop assistant readily agreed to the interview, but seemed embarrassed to mention his meager "salary" in front of the Witch King. He even chuckled at himself, but still said:

"If we ask for a raise, Your Witch King, would you agree?"

"--If you feel that your current rewards do not match your labor, then of course I will." After some thought, the Witch King, played by Ebenholz, essentially made a blank check, only to find that his answer seemed to have an even better effect than expected.

Could it be... this is the effect of this outfit? Faced with the shop assistant who had started talking, Ebenholz continued to chat with him, while Kreide, the "protagonist," simply watched the scene with a smile, occasionally passing the decorative microphone back and forth between the two of them.

Because it's an interview, both Vina and Eureka can now appear and record the entire interview process—of course, in the context of a movie, that would be the footage shot by the Kreide camera in the film.

"Do you think your voices can change the minds of the emperors?" As the conversation deepened, Ebenholz asked.

"Or to put it another way, do you think your decision can bring about so-called democracy?"

"--To be honest, Witch King Highness, I don't think so." With an encouraging look from Kreide beside her, the female shop assistant, facing Ebenholz dressed as the Witch King, answered without hesitation:

"I didn't vote based on principles. I believe the election was fraudulent because nothing changed."

"Witch King Highness, I come from Urtica (the Witch King's homeland)." The shopkeeper then told Ebenholz and the others about her current situation, "Because of this, we only get forks wherever we need something."

"The problem is that when you were in power, all the Leithania supported you, but only we, who were born in Urtica, have always been regarded as remnants of the Witch King because we were born on the same land as you."

After discussing China, the shop assistant talked to Ebenholz about her views on foreigners. She said that these former Gaul, as well as foreigners who fled from all over the world, had taken over their living space. Ebenholz also said:

"But none of you dare to speak up?"

"Let me tell you why we can't say it, Your Majesty the Witch King —otherwise you'll be a xenophobe." The shop assistant was now talking more and more, and the Witch King, whom she should have been in awe of, had become the only person she could confide her grievances to.

As a native of Leithania and having never experienced persecution by the Witch King, she subconsciously believed that the Witch King, the monarch who once made Leithania proud and powerful, would truly stand up for them.

"But those unruly foreign kids are really annoying. They play noisy music and disrespect our country's art. And when I intervene, their parents threaten me with 'hostility towards foreigners.'"

"--Yes, I will handle these issues."

Ebenholz nodded, and Vina and Eureka, standing beside him, recorded everything. Kreide also recorded all the points—this was Vina's request. This knowledge was extremely important for Vina, who wanted to "return like lightning," and public opinion was also a crucial asset for her future return to Victoria.

Just as Ebenholz and the others were about to leave, the female shop assistant stared at Ebenholz, or rather, at the Witch King, and after a long while, she asked him:

Can I take a picture with you?

"... sure."

Ebenholz was a little surprised by the female shop assistant's small request, but then he thought that she knew he wasn't the real Witch King, so it was quite normal for her to make such a request.

Moreover, this first interview is enough to prove what Ebenholz was thinking—perhaps, appearing before the people of Leithania in his current attire would indeed allow them to speak more freely.

However, their interviews were now being observed by the people of Rhodes Island and on the ships, and many internal issues concerning Leithania were already exposed during this first interview.

"Just like Victoria back then, many problems have actually been brewing for a long time." The Bloodborne Archon nodded silently at all this, a look of interest on his lips as he said:

"The Victoria were even more arrogant than the Leithania, and Leithania had indeed once stood at the pinnacle of this land—the existence of the Witch King gave them the confidence to be arrogant. But the moment that confidence was taken away, they could no longer be trampled on as before."

"The citizens of every nation that declines from its peak suffer from this problem: they idolize the strong, seeking only the respect they crave."

The Sarkaz race will face the same problem in the future. The Bloodborne Archon remembered this and even took out his notebook to write it down.

The Sarkaz are still in a weak position, and the restoration of Kazdel will take a long time. If the Bloodfiend Demons' position cannot be challenged in the future, the Bloodborne Archon will have to do something to gain the support of the Sarkaz.

The Bloodborne Archon was well aware of the Bloodfiend clan's reputation. To be honest, even among the Sarkaz, some of the Bloodfiend clan's actions made their own kind uncomfortable... And the Bloodborne Archon also sensed this. Currently, Theresis is uniting the power of the Sarkaz clan, including the kings of the Royal Court, and he is trying his best to win them over!

However, the Bloodborne Archon also foresaw that in the future, Theresis would surely eliminate all the kings of the Royal Court whom he described as "conservative."

Especially regarding the Bloodfiend clan, he had always suspected that Theresis would replace him in the Royal Court. This was why the Bloodborne Archon chose to stay on Chen Qi's ship temporarily; he now represented the future status of the Bloodfiend clan, and whether they could continue to hold their current position after Kazdel's restoration.

Now, the Bloodborne Archon seems to have found a way to resolve this worry—by relying on the strength of his race!

Yes, strength and admiration for the strong are human nature. The strong can protect the weak and bring them dignity and honor. And coincidentally, the Bloodfiend clan is one of the most powerful clans in the Sarkaz.