Directing in the Ark, Success If Not Banned

And now, just a script, just a play, had the three powerful Sarkaz roaring with laughter—what joke could be that funny? The Confessor and the guards were all suspicious.

However, how could they know? In truth, looking at the three of them, one would find that despite their differing duties and interests, their greatest commonality was that they were all skilled in politics.

And what could make the three of them laugh together was undoubtedly a political joke, namely the script for "Yes, Prime Minister" that Chen Qi had given them.

Theresis and Manfred, while not knowledgeable about entertainment, were very clear about politics. However, due to the lack of information sharing unique to Terra, where there was the internet but no satellites, and each mobile city basically only had shared network information within its own region, the political systems of each country were basically only known to its own people.

But this did not hinder them from laughing uncontrollably at Chen Qi's satire of the unwritten rules of Victoria's political system. The content of just the first episode had these three veterans of the political arena roaring with laughter.

"I have to admit, Director, you are a talented jester. If you were to perform at court, I would surely hear the decaying laughter of some old friends."

After a week of rehearsals, Bloodborne Archon's opinion of Chen Qi had changed dramatically. He had to admit that Chen Qi, who could combine politics, government, satire, and drama, was a born "jester."

"And also a political expert. I recall you had never been to Victoria before, until this time when you accepted the Regent's invitation."

"In just a few days, you've actually figured out Victoria's political system? And even found so many loopholes to satirize?"

Bloodborne Archon said this, gazing at Chen Qi with a half-smile, and after a long while, he said faintly:

"Should I say it's a pity you chose to be a director? If you had chosen to be a politician, your future would undoubtedly be boundless."

"—You flatter me, Bloodborne Archon. I am merely a director and screenwriter. My talents are limited. Politics and such should not be manipulated by someone like me."

Chen Qi felt a slight interest in Bloodborne Archon's tone upon hearing this, but he had no desire to be targeted by someone as unpredictable as Bloodborne Archon. Moreover, Chen Qi was speaking the truth.

What did he know about politics? While it's true that those who understand economics aren't necessarily economists, his level, which wasn't even qualified to be a keyboard warrior, shouldn't be brought out. The people in front of him were all veterans of the political arena.

Chen Qi quickly changed the subject, saying, "Well then, please go get your makeup done. Since you are playing Victorian officials, for the sake of the people of Londinium, please age yourselves a bit and hide your Sarkaz horns."

"Rob Rata! I'm entrusting the makeup for the three of you to you!"

Rob Rata: "Coming! Director Chen Qi! I promise to transform the three Sarkaz into Aslans (a royal lineage of Victoria, prototype lion) that even locals won't be able to spot the flaws in!"

Soon, Rob Rata, the chief makeup artist who had been specially invited from Columbia by Madam Sicily during the filming of "The Godfather," chose to continue working with Chen Qi's crew after "The Godfather" wrapped.

According to Rob Rata, she had grown tired of unchallenging work, and Chen Qi's crew, with both the success of their films and the challenge of the work, gave her no reason not to stay.

"No, no, no, just make General Manfred and Bloodborne Archon into Aslans. As for the Regent, make him into a Feline."

Chen Qi had to oversee the details. According to the setting, Hark was a commoner Prime Minister who worked in the media industry before entering politics. Therefore, he should not have Aslan blood, and could only be a Feline, the most populous race in Victoria.

While Rob Rata was doing their makeup, Talulah pulled Chen Qi aside and asked with some unease:

"Chen Qi, are we really going to film this for them? For these... Sarkaz who have come to Londinium wanting to seize power?"

"Aren't we helping the Sarkaz do evil (a Terra version of 'helping a tyrant')? If we film a TV series that benefits them, won't the Victorians despise us?"

"What else can we do? The blood contract has been signed, and they haven't breached it. They've even been quite cooperative so far. If we back out now, won't we be unable to protect everyone in the crew?" Chen Qi shook his head upon hearing this. Of course, he knew that cooperating with Theresia was dangerous, but from the moment Manfred approached them, the crew had no room to refuse.

Theresia needed their TV series for "public opinion warfare." Such a goal had already left Chen Qi and everyone in the Integrated Cultural Troupe with no retreat. They had identified them as potential allies.

Furthermore, the forces at Theresia's disposal left Chen Qi and the others with no room to resist. Although Talulah and Patriot's strength was enough to let everyone in the crew walk sideways across the continent, they were utterly helpless against beings who commanded the power of an entire nation.

Of course, Chen Qi was not one to sit idly by. He simply didn't have enough reputation points yet to know how to change the current situation... Once "Yes, Prime Minister" was finished filming and he had gained enough reputation points, he would see if he could lead everyone out of this predicament.

"Let's wait and see. Theresia doesn't seem like someone who breaks their word... but we can't let everyone fall into danger because of our own reasons."

"I will lead everyone to leave Londinium safely. Believe me, Talulah."

Chen Qi also patted Talulah's shoulder. After a brief silence, Talulah nodded solemnly and said:

"I will protect you, Chen Qi. I will protect all of you."

"Mm, but before that, let's focus on filming."

Chen Qi was also very pleased. Talulah trusted him more and more now because Chen Qi himself had repeatedly created miracles and changed everything by relying on his knowledge of the plot and the system's assistance. What was most important for Chen Qi now was to first obtain enough reputation points to create miracles.

[Host's Current Mission: Your movie has been a great success, so why not try to expand into other areas? Movies must be made, and TV series must also be made. Only then can it be considered complete.]

[Mission Rewards: Reputation points corresponding to the host's TV series influence, Any Item Redemption Voucher X1, Oripathy Cure X1 (cannot completely cure Oripathy, but can achieve a slight cure. 5 doses can reduce severe infection to mild infection.)]

[Hint: TV series reputation points are settled once per episode's influence. Upon completion of a TV series, remaining rewards can be claimed.]

——Chen Qi already had some plans for this mission objective. He wanted to gain enough reputation points, and after obtaining the Oripathy Cure, he intended to give it to Rhodes Island.

One cure wouldn't change much; it could only alleviate immediate needs. But if this were given to Rhodes Island as a condition for everyone in the Integrated Cultural Troupe to use, then the threat of Oripathy to everyone would be removed.

Of course, all of this was predicated on Chen Qi obtaining enough reputation points for everyone to escape danger... but Chen Qi wasn't worried about that. It wasn't just his confidence in "Yes, Prime Minister," but also his certainty that Theresia, upon receiving this TV series, would heavily promote it in Londinium, and even Victoria.

The foundation of public opinion warfare was to cast a wide net. Theresia couldn't possibly not understand this principle. Therefore, after "Yes, Prime Minister" aired, Theresia would absolutely be unable to tolerate the public opinion effect brought about by this TV series and would promote it extensively!

Then, Chen Qi's reputation would be even greater than what he received when "The Godfather" aired in Syracuse! And it would be settled one episode at a time! With only two episodes airing per week!

At this rate, it was enough to maximize his profits. Chen Qi's eyes gleamed slightly, as if he saw more and more reputation points flowing in.

"Everyone get ready! Are the actors in position?"

"All actors are in position, Director!"

"Good, then, 'Yes, Prime Minister' Episode 1, Scene 1, prepare—Action!"

As Chen Qi's voice fell, soon, with the ghost photography team and equipment disappearing into the environment, Theresia, Bloodborne Archon, and Manfred, who had finished their makeup, shed their armor and changed into decent suits. Coupled with their determined and confident aura, which remained even though they were made to look older, everyone felt an "elite" aura radiating from them.

And this was the first effect Chen Qi wanted to achieve. No matter how the three lead actors messed around in the play, they had to constantly exude the demeanor befitting elites. Elites, even when messing around, should never resemble clowns, even in comedy!

And the contrast that occurred with elites was what would most easily elicit laughter. The conflict and humor in the first episode stemmed from the contrast brought about by Prime Minister Hark...

Chapter Thirty-One: Victoria Can Only Withstand Ursus's Attack for 72 Hours?

In the first episode of "Yes, Prime Minister," Chen Qi made numerous revisions and additions to integrate the script's background into the continent of Terra. This was because the original "Yes, Prime Minister" was a new work launched on the momentum of "Yes, Minister," and if Chen Qi were to directly film "Yes, Prime Minister" now, he would need to clarify much of the preamble and historical context.

Chen Qi chose an era where everything was just right: Gaul had not yet fallen; Iberia had not encountered the crisis of the "Great Silence"; Ursus, under the leadership of its new emperor, had embarked on a grand industrialization and military strengthening path, engaging in wars with many surrounding countries and rapidly developing its national strength.

Victoria, too, was in a state that "looked like its peak." Victoria's proud Steam Knights had not been destroyed. It was an era of seemingly perfect balance, as all countries were strong, and their respective strengths formed a precise "balance," creating an era akin to a "cold war."

And this was precisely what Chen Qi wanted. During this period, all countries were in a state of prosperity, but "adversity breeds talent, while prosperity breeds complacency." Victoria, having been strong for a long time, had also developed many hidden dangers and "parasites" amidst the gradually stabilizing situation.

Against this backdrop, Theresis, playing "Jim Hark," was a choice pushed forward by all parties after losing out to two "splinter party" candidates in Victoria's party disputes—a choice that all parties disliked, a "puppet prime minister" who could be manipulated.

However, Hark himself was clearly self-important. Given that he could become prime minister at his current age, he could indeed be considered "young and promising." Therefore, he wanted to do his best to achieve something during his tenure as prime minister, even to guide a reform.

One of the first things a prime minister would do was inspect national defense. A Victorian officer, playing a Duke of Victoria, specifically introduced a public secret to the new prime minister—the "Steam Knight trigger button."

"Once your order is confirmed, the base will dispatch an underground arsenal to send four Steam Knights to the designated battlefield."

Theresis, playing Hark, heard that Victoria had nearly a hundred Steam Knights for the defense of Gaul, Iberia, and Ursus. He felt that this number was already sufficient, but he soon learned from the Duke that it was not.

"Compared to the thousands of 'Emperor's Blades' and ten army corps that Ursus is preparing to use when they conquer us, it's not many," the Duke said.

"Once we develop new Steam Knights, our firepower will greatly increase."

However, Theresis soon learned that Victoria's army could not withstand an attack from the Ursus army corps for 72 hours, and he himself only had 12 hours to decide whether to activate the Steam Knights and engage in a war that would gamble with the nation's fate with Ursus. He had been worried ever since.

As for why there was such a large gap between Victoria's army corps and the Ursus army corps... the Duke's answer was:

"For twenty years, politicians have always said they couldn't afford the army."

"The army is too expensive, Prime Minister." At this moment, Humphrey, played by the Bloodborne Archon, also chimed in. He did not want the Prime Minister to develop a sense of crisis due to the Duke's words, and he added opportunely:

"A Steam Knight is much cheaper."

However, Hark returned to Number 10, still worried about this matter, and was absent-minded when his private secretary, Bernard, asked him questions.

"So, how long do you think this meeting should be?"

"...72 hours."

"Understood." Manfred, playing the private secretary Bernard, immediately looked up at Theresis in surprise and asked tentatively, "Uh... it's just a commissioner for the Tara region. Isn't 72 hours a bit too generous?"

"I'm just thinking about how long we can hold out against the Ursus people," Theresis said frankly, revealing his thoughts. Facing his loyal private secretary, he could speak his mind freely.

"If we can persuade friendly neighboring countries to strengthen their armies..."

"I don't think that will change anything," Manfred said, putting away his pen. Facing Theresis's questioning gaze, Manfred introduced the current situation "as if listing his family jewels":

"The mages of Leithania drink medicated beverages before battles; they don't even know which side they are on."

"During the last Leithanian military exercise, the Leithanian Mage Corps went 'picnicking' in the forest with the female soldiers of the 'Golden Law Guard'."

"...What about the armies of other friendly countries?" Theresis was somewhat speechless but still held out hope that other allies could be reliable. However, Manfred's words shattered his last illusion:

"They're fine—at least on weekdays."

"Weekdays?" Theresis found the word somewhat incomprehensible.

"Yes, the armies of Laterano and Bolivar go home on weekends," Manfred said calmly, stating something absurd yet true. This was clearly common knowledge.

"...So, when Ursus invades us, we should hope their invasion happens between Monday and Friday?"

Theresis was somewhat amused to the point of anger. Theresis's portrayal of this scene was very natural. Even with a week's preparation, every time he rehearsed this scene, Theresis felt it was incredibly absurd, infuriating, yet also amusing.

Weekends? This word was utterly foreign to any Sarkaz. Whether it was the Sarkaz mercenaries struggling to survive under constant threat to their lives, or the Sarkaz soldiers who had experienced the battlefield, they had never had the concept of "weekends."

The revival of Kazdel was in sight. Both Theresis and Theresia were in complete agreement on this issue: Sarkaz absolutely had no days off. The revival of Kazdel was the most important thing, and they would rebuild the destroyed cities from the ruins.

Therefore, Sarkaz soldiers and mercenaries almost never had the concept of rest days. And during the rehearsal of this scene, Theresis, Manfred, and the Bloodborne Archon all laughed heartily—this was the first time they hadn't broken character from laughter.

Even so, upon closer inspection, Theresis and Manfred's scene still showed a slight inability to control their laughter, but fortunately, both of them were the stoic type, so they could manage these minor emotions.

What they didn't know was that their performance wasn't just being watched by the camera crew who had immersed themselves in the environment; in two rooms further away, this scene was also being broadcast.

These two rooms represented different characters. One room was for the representative figure of the Sarkaz army chosen by Manfred at Chen Qi's request, and the other was for some politicians and civil servants from Londinium chosen by the Bloodborne Archon.

Facing this live broadcast, the people in the two soundproofed rooms burst into uproarious laughter. In the room with the Sarkaz mercenaries, many Sarkaz said with great mirth:

"An army that will be swept away by the Ursus legions in 72 hours? This is the powerful nation of Victoria? I'm dying of laughter!"

"Are they even worse than our Sarkaz mercenaries? No wonder Londinium is now controlled by us, hahahahaha!"

"The army also needs holidays? Does that mean if we attack their country on Saturdays and Sundays, no one will come out to stop us? Hahahaha!"

The Sarkaz roared with laughter. They were veterans who had lived by the sword, Sarkaz who had grown up amidst war. They could openly mock the weakness of Victoria and other countries' armies—after all, many of them had fought against the Ursus army corps and knew how formidable they were, yet even they wouldn't be unable to hold out for 72 hours.

Compared to the Sarkaz, the politicians and civil servants of Londinium in the other room laughed even louder at this scene, because they knew that all of this seemingly absurd reality was true...

"Yes, that's right! Those Leithanian mages really do take drugs! Hahaha! They even put drugs in their drinks, and now they're even artificially creating infected ones!"

A politician who knew the inside story roared with laughter, but the situation was similar for the other civil servants and politicians.

"Laterano and Bolivar do go home every weekend. Sigh, I remember there were similar proposals before, right? Vetoed by our Prime Minister?"

"Because then the soldiers would be considered civil servants, and only civil servants and parliamentarians have days off, hahahahaha!"

"Can't afford it, can't afford it. So many soldiers as civil servants, Victoria can't afford them!"

However, regardless of whether they were civil servants, politicians, or Sarkaz, all their laughter at this moment was captured by the recording equipment in the rooms and sent to the backstage.

In the backstage, Chen Qi and Talulah listened to everyone's chatter. Talulah asked with some confusion, "Chen Qi... are we really going to keep the laughter in the TV show?"

"Won't that make the audience find it inexplicable? Before, no TV show has ever incorporated laughter into the drama."

"Trust me, Talulah, laughter is contagious." Chen Qi certainly had his own reasoning for this—this kind of "canned laughter" exclusive to Western comedies was frequently imitated later on, naturally showing its merit.

"This background laughter is a bit like applause, it's a hint to the audience that 'they should laugh.' Moreover, our plot is already funny enough, we're not forcing these people to laugh."

If it were some evening gala, Chen Qi figured even if he forced them to laugh, they probably wouldn't be able to.

"...I hope you're right." Talulah was still a bit worried about this, but Chen Qi's bold attempts had always succeeded. Much of her knowledge was learned from Chen Qi.

But even Talulah, who was closest to Chen Qi, occasionally couldn't keep up with his thought process. However, Talulah was always trying, trying to understand Chen Qi's mind, even if it seemed difficult for her.

However, the scene continued. After hearing this absurd news, Theresis couldn't help but ask:

"Do many people know about these things?"

"Since we all know, the Ursus people must know." Manfred's reply was still calm, as if it were natural.

"Holy Steed Castle (the capital of Ursus) usually receives news related to Victoria faster than our 10 Austerity Street."

Manfred's words, without anyone noticing, made the laughter in the two rooms even more unrestrained, because they all understood the subtext behind it.

This meant that Victoria had already been infiltrated by Ursus spies to the point of being riddled with holes! However, even Victoria's officials had to admit that this was information known even to their own people.

Although no one had yet considered why the screenwriter of this TV show would know these things... but even if they did, faced with the current situation, they would only think it was due to some insider being threatened by the Sarkaz and thus revealing a lot of internal affairs.

So... who would care about that? Just laugh. Victoria hadn't had such a funny comedy in a long time, and they weren't even allowed to have a laugh?

Come on, let the music play, let the dancing continue.

Chapter Thirty-Two: Theresis: Steam Knights are Useless?

"So we have to rely on the Steam Knights?" Regarding this absurd yet true news, Hark, played by Theresis, drew a conclusion. It seemed their most reliable defense was only the Steam Knights they were proud of.