Chapter Thirty-Six: Theresis: Director Chen Qi's Mind Is Worth an Army of a Thousand! / Chapter Thirty-Seven: Vina: What Kind of Person Would Slander Victoria Like This?

"Bernard, how is our Prime Minister doing as First Lord of the Treasury?"

"—He's already snoring away."

As Bernard's answer came from the television, a burst of laughter rang out at just the right moment. It was the first time Old Bill had heard laughter coming from a TV, but after a moment of surprise, he quickly got used to it.

"Bernard, we have a problem." On the television, Humphrey, played by the Bloodborne Archon, said the same.

Manfred: "Who does?"

Bloodborne Archon: "You, me, and all of Victoria. The key is the Prime Minister's blasted new defense ideas—no more new Steam Knights, conscription, all rubbish!"

"Ah... the grand plan." Manfred understood what the Bloodborne Archon meant, and the Bloodborne Archon replied irritably, "That's what he calls it."

But Manfred was clearly loyal to Theresis, so he defended his Prime Minister. "But if it can save money and lower unemployment..."

"—Bernard, what is the purpose of our Defense Policy?" The Bloodborne Archon suddenly changed the subject and asked this question.

"Defending Victoria?" Manfred answered instinctively.

"No, Bernard—it is to make people believe Victoria is being defended."

The Bloodborne Archon's sudden, forceful declaration triggered another wave of laughter. This time, it was not just the voices on the television laughing; Old Bill and his wife were laughing too.

"...To make the Ursus believe it?"

"Not the Ursus, the Victorians!" the Bloodborne Archon immediately corrected him, speaking with utter seriousness and conviction:

"The Ursus know we can't."

The Bloodborne Archon's righteous tone, paired with such shameless words that damaged the government's credibility, had the effect of bluntly exposing truths everyone already knew, provoking uproarious laughter.

At that moment, Old Bill and his wife, who had watched it who knew how many times already, laughed without restraint. Old Bill let out a long-lost, hearty laugh—because the government of his own country was being mocked.

"HAHAHAHA! Exactly, exactly! Every Victorian knows they aren't protected, or Londinium wouldn't have been so easily taken over by these demons!"

Old Bill vented the pent-up dissatisfaction he had felt for so long through laughter. Beside him, his wife wore a smug expression as she asked:

"Well? Isn't this TV drama good?"

"—It is. As long as it makes fun of that garbage government of ours, I'll watch it."

"Still... won't a TV drama that mocks the government like this get banned?"

"...Forget it. It's already airing, so let's just enjoy it while we can."

Old Bill nodded. The long-awaited laughter had improved his mood considerably. From then on, Londinium had one more devoted fan of "Yes, Prime Minister."

And scenes like this were playing out in household after household across Londinium, where the Sarkaz now controlled all information. For a time, nearly every family with a television watched this novel TV drama together. Several families even gathered in the same place, just to watch a show that dared to openly satirize the Victorian government.

Meanwhile, in Londinium's sewers, the groups now calling themselves the "Londinium Citizens' Self-Rescue Army" were hiding in a dim basement.

But that day, they were not discussing strikes or riots. Nearly every member present was gathered around their only television, watching "Yes, Prime Minister."

"...Alda, do you think this is Theresis's scheme?"

At that moment, everyone's gaze was focused on a white-haired Feline woman. She radiated the distinctive charm of a mature woman. Clearly, she was the leader of the Self-Rescue Army.

As the daughter of a duke and a noble by birth, Alda remained silent as she watched everything shown in "Yes, Prime Minister." She did not laugh. Instead, her expression was grave, because as a duke's daughter, she could sense just how great an impact this TV drama would have on Londinium.

The Sarkaz had taken over Londinium's defenses and all communications. The residents here had already been utterly disappointed in the Victorian government. At a time like this, a TV drama disguised as a comedy but actually mocking the Victorian government's inaction and mistakes would surely erode Londinium's last shred of trust in Victoria bit by bit.

But what made Alda even angrier was—this TV drama was not even wrong! These really were the Victorian government's problems and flaws!

Of course, if this were peacetime, Alda would have enjoyed this TV drama. But now, it would undoubtedly pour another bucket of cold water over the already-low morale of the Self-Rescue Army. She insisted:

"This is obviously the Regent's scheme. He wants to use the baseless accusations in this TV drama to slander Victoria!"

"Victorian profanity! It must be Theresis!"

This time, Alda was truly getting anxious. Though she was a duke's daughter, someone who would not lose her composure no matter the circumstances, this time she was distressed over a TV drama.

Because she could feel the power of this public opinion... quietly lowering their chances of victory. Once this TV drama kept airing... would Londinium's residents still support the Self-Rescue Army?

The more Alda thought about it, the more alarmed she became, and the more she resented Theresis—as well as the person who had made this TV drama!

She had better not find that person! Otherwise, she would give that bastard who made this TV drama a smashing blow right to the head!

Theresis: Director Chen Qi's Mind Was Worth a Thousand Armies!

"Yes, Prime Minister" had become a hit.

In Londinium, where the Sarkaz legions had taken over communications and city defenses, Theresis had cut off nearly all channels through which news could leave the city. Under such circumstances, "Yes, Prime Minister" had suddenly broken through Londinium's dull television landscape and become the city's most widely known and beloved TV drama!

Though only two episodes had aired, "Yes, Prime Minister" had clearly earned unanimous praise from Londinium's residents, who lacked entertainment and had long been suppressing their emotions.

Moreover, Theresis had recognized the drama's potential. Now that he controlled all information dissemination in Londinium, the first two episodes of "Yes, Prime Minister" were rerun once every two hours throughout the week, ensuring that every television in Londinium would play them whenever it was idle and every resident would see them.

Chen Qi was immensely grateful for Theresis's "generous" assistance—under Theresis's support, Chen Qi's reputation points were soaring.

After only two episodes, they were nearly half of what "The Godfather" had earned during its Syracuse premiere. Furthermore, according to the system's calculations, TV dramas settled reputation points episode by episode.

In other words, Chen Qi's reputation points were rising while Theresis promoted the show throughout Londinium. Every episode of his TV drama could be watched by all of Londinium's residents, several times over.

Chen Qi did not even need to promote it himself. Theresis was spreading it through his monopoly over information. And that was not all—Chen Qi had heard that Theresis intended to have every Sarkaz officer of commander-of-a-thousand rank and above in Londinium watch "Yes, Prime Minister."

It could be said that Theresis's plan perfectly matched Chen Qi's system requirement: "the attention of influential figures"!

Though a single Sarkaz commander-of-a-thousand might not provide much reputation, they were the elite Sarkaz throughout Londinium watching his TV drama. And whenever a new episode aired, he would receive such a steady stream of reputation...

—Chen Qi suddenly felt as though he had his own army of paid promoters. He finally understood how those directors who loved making terrible films must have felt.

"Yan profanity, no wonder those directors and screenwriters keep producing garbage. This feeling of making money no matter what you shoot..."

Chen Qi stared at his constantly rising reputation points, unable to help being somewhat dumbfounded. He had thought that the reputation earned by "The Godfather," with all of Syracuse supporting it, had already been a peak. After all, with such a masterpiece and such rare support, it would be difficult to achieve that level again.

Yet unexpectedly, the support "Yes, Prime Minister" had received in Londinium was no less than what he had received in Syracuse—if anything, it was already showing signs of surpassing it.

At that moment, Chen Qi opened the system and looked through Londinium residents' comments on the first two episodes of "Yes, Prime Minister." As expected, he found praise from Londinium's long-suppressed residents.

"I never thought I'd laugh while watching a political drama. I don't understand some parts, but it's seriously hilarious."

"This TV drama really dares to curse them! Thumbs up!"

"'Defense Policy is not meant to defend Victoria. It is meant to make Victorians believe they are being defended.' Can you really say that? #Funny#"

"Bang bang bang! Open up! Londinium City Defense Force! Oh, they're already controlled by demons? Never mind, then."

"I'm dying. My dad works at the Londinium Parliament, and he says the civil servants in this show are exactly like the ones he knows. They're all like this."

"Replying to the comment above: What a coincidence. My dad is a ministerial secretary in Parliament, and he says the politicians in this show are exactly like the ones he knows too. He nearly laughed himself sick watching it today."

"Why do only two episodes air per week? I'm living for this TV drama now. Do I have to keep rewatching these two episodes until next week? Don't do this to me!"

"Update faster! This is absolutely a masterpiece! As long as it doesn't get banned, I'll keep watching!"

Comments like these from Londinium residents made Chen Qi grin from ear to ear. The facts proved that even on this land, as long as politics was involved, politicians' methods and character were all pretty much the same. Everyone's impression of politicians was remarkably similar too.

That was why masterpieces were masterpieces. Forget twenty years later—even in another world, he only needed to make a few slight adjustments for it to fit perfectly. He could practically bring it over and use it as-is.

"Director Chen Qi, regarding the TV drama 'Yes, Prime Minister,' I must congratulate you on your tremendous success."

Theresis even met with Chen Qi specifically for this matter. The Regent, who had always ruled Kazdel and all Sarkaz through iron-blooded policies, wore a long-lost smile as he spoke to Chen Qi with unusual warmth:

"This TV drama has set a precedent. Before this, no work had ever dared to expose a government's darkness and flaws. Under my rule, we have set this precedent—and achieved great success."

Of course, from now on, Theresis would become Terra's founding father of "public opinion warfare." Chen Qi understood perfectly why Theresis was so pleased, but he still replied modestly:

"It would be best if I can be of help to Your Highness the Regent. At least I have not failed Your Highness's expectations."

"I think very highly of you, Director Chen Qi. Your mind is worth a thousand Wendigoes and a legion made up of ten thousand Pegasi." Theresis smiled faintly. The royal guards and Confessarius beside him were all stunned by the intimacy their Regent displayed—they had never seen Theresis value anyone so highly.

Not even Manfred, whom he had personally trained, had ever received such warmth from Theresis. Yet Chen Qi had merely made a successful show and received such lavish praise from the Regent... it had to be said, it was rather envy-inducing.

Theresis even felt that this was not enough. He stepped down from his elevated position, walked over to Chen Qi, and actually placed a hand on Chen Qi's shoulder as he said softly:

"Now, I do not merely intend for 'Yes, Prime Minister' to air in Londinium. I intend to have this TV drama officially authorized through Londinium and broadcast across all of Victoria."

"—Your Highness the Regent, aren't you afraid that people in Victoria's other mobile cities will notice that something is wrong with Londinium?" Chen Qi raised his brows, somewhat startled by Theresis's boldness. This man had sealed off all news from Londinium precisely to prevent leaks and avoid being surrounded and attacked, had he not?

Yet faced with Chen Qi's concern, Theresis merely smiled. "We naturally have ways to handle such trivial matters... Previously, there was simply no need, so we sealed off the news to prevent accidents."

"But now, we have a 'work' that can spread through Victoria. With mind-controlling Originium Arts, we can ensure that those people will not make mistakes."

"Besides, Londinium is Victoria's capital. If there is no news from it for too long, people will grow suspicious. So, with Londinium's authorization, we can push this TV drama to every part of Victoria."

Well, he had forgotten that the Sarkaz each possessed absurdly powerful Originium Arts. With a few people capable of mind control, spreading "Yes, Prime Minister" without risk was not surprising.

Still, Chen Qi did not believe Theresis could accomplish his so-called public opinion warfare with "Yes, Prime Minister" alone. After all, the original show had been made by people mocking themselves. Though it exposed plenty of secrets, it had caused almost no upheaval in its own country.

A country would not collapse because of a self-critical TV drama. Londinium simply had internal and external troubles at the moment, so the effect was better. As for Victoria's other mobile cities... people would laugh, then go back to knowing nothing.

"In that case, I thank Your Highness the Regent for your favor."

Theresis was expanding "Yes, Prime Minister" on such a grand scale because he believed he had tasted the benefits of public opinion warfare. Then Chen Qi would let him provide free promotion and send this TV drama across all of Victoria!

That way, Chen Qi would not lack reputation points. He could earn Oripathy suppressants and also accumulate the reputation points needed to support everyone's future escape. A win-win situation! He won twice!

"Additionally, I hope that in your future scripts, Director Chen Qi, you can reveal more sharp issues concerning Victoria."

But Theresis's plans did not end there. He had even greater expectations for Chen Qi. Through Chen Qi's perceptive eyes, he hoped to continuously expose Victoria's mistakes and flaws, then use them for Kazdel's future revival, patching its weaknesses and filling its gaps.

What Theresis did not know was that most of the problems Victoria encountered in the script of "Yes, Prime Minister"... were not problems Kazdel possessed. So there was little use in him watching it.

"Then, I have already written the scripts for Episodes Three and Four. If it is convenient for Your Highness the Regent, you can begin preparing for next week's filming."

Chen Qi took the opportunity to hand Theresis the scripts he had prepared long ago. Theresis's eyes brightened slightly as he immediately flipped through them, then asked, "What issues do they concern?"

"Episode Four is mainly about the Prime Minister's comeback, while Episode Three contains a major topic—'banning the Originium industry.'"

"I believe that for Victoria, this topic should stir the interest of most Victorians. It is also sharp enough." Chen Qi explained with a smile. Theresis smiled faintly in response.

"Very good. Once we are ready, we will begin filming immediately. I can hardly wait for these four episodes to spread throughout Victoria through Londinium Television."

Vina: What Kind of Person Would Smear Victoria This Much?

Several days later, aboard the landship known as Rhodes Island, Amiya—the fourteen-year-old Cautus girl who led Rhodes Island—was accompanied by a golden-haired Aslan girl carrying a long-handled warhammer.

"Miss Vina, this is the interior of Rhodes Island. If there is anything you do not understand or find uncomfortable, please feel free to bring it up."

Though Amiya was still young, with the help of Kal'tsit, one of Rhodes Island's veteran operators, she had already begun to carry herself like a leader. But this was not the time for her to demonstrate such bearing. She was merely serving as a guide, helping a new operator familiarize herself with Rhodes Island.

Moreover, the Miss Vina beside Amiya was no ordinary person. No one would have imagined that Vina, dressed like a street thug, was actually the legitimate heir to Victoria's throne.

"...My codename is 'King of Promotion' now. I am no longer Victoria's heir."

Vina shook her head. Doctor Kal'tsit had personally questioned her and ultimately confirmed her identity. But clearly, her current situation was not optimistic. Theresis controlled all of Londinium, and as crown princess, escaping danger amid the chaos had already been incredibly difficult for Vina.

Vina had gathered a small group called the Glasgow Gang. With their help, she had escaped from Londinium... Now that she had fled Londinium, she had no power and no army. Fortunately, she and her group had encountered Rhodes Island, giving them a place to rest for the time being.

Vina wanted to rely on Rhodes Island's strength to help her return to Londinium. However, she also knew Rhodes Island was not her army. For now, she intended to rest and recover for a while, then seek Rhodes Island's help once she found an opportunity.

"I am already immensely grateful that Rhodes Island is willing to provide shelter for me and my people. We intend to rest properly for a while."

"After some time, please assign me any missions you see fit, Amiya. Do not treat me as a crown princess. Just use me like an ordinary operator."

Vina understood the principles of relying on others. She needed to perform well first and earn everyone's support before convincing Rhodes Island to help her retake the throne—at present, Rhodes Island was her only support, and she had to make the most of it.

Amiya understood why Vina was being so humble. She smiled with the warmth of a Sarkaz and said softly:

"I understand. Then, Miss Vina, please consider Rhodes Island your second home."

"Once you have settled down on Rhodes Island, if there are missions suitable for everyone, we will notify you immediately."

Just as Amiya was soothing the newly arrived Vina's emotions, a red-and-white figure suddenly came running from afar, shouting as she ran:

"Amiya! Amiya! Come quickly! Great Director Nian has thought of another brilliant idea! Hurry up and approve this application!"

A woman who called herself Nian ran up to Amiya. Her white hair had red streaks, even her clothing followed the same style, and she had a pair of dragon-like horns and sunglasses. This time, even gentle Amiya could not help showing a troubled expression as she smiled helplessly.

"Miss Nian, if this concerns casting for your new work, please negotiate with the operators yourself. Rhodes Island cannot gather everyone solely for matters related to your film."

"What, is this because 'The Sicilian,' the new movie I made earlier, flopped? Even a great director like me, Director Nian, can have that happen sometimes, you know?"

Nian immediately understood from Amiya's troubled expression that her recent failed movie had made everyone on Rhodes Island question her reputation—though that had already happened during filming.

"Besides, I made back all the funding I spent, didn't I? Rhodes Island did not spend any money and even made a small profit! Doesn't that prove the skill of Great Director Nian?"

...She had copied the recent hit film in Lungmen, "The Godfather." Whether it was the filming style, lighting, or sets, the strong influence was obvious. But in the final plot, not only did the revenge fail, the protagonists were thrown from a building one after another by their own father when facing retaliation from the other family. Only Director Nian could make something like that.

Nian's defense was that her "artistic conception" was deeper than that of "The Godfather's" screenwriter. She felt that "The Godfather" portrayed and described the Mafia too glamorously, while she wanted to create a realistic and distinctive Mafia story.

Then, unsurprisingly, it flopped—the kind of flop that earned a 1.2 rating on Douban.