Theresia smiled faintly. Yet at this moment, no one could admire the stunning smile of this royal princess. She was simply happy that, in her loneliness, she had someone to talk to.
"Besides, I think my brother can handle things well on his own. He may need me, but not necessarily to do things for him right now. I think he will come to understand what the Sarkaz truly need."
"And the person who brought about such a change in him was you, Mr. Chen Qi. You accomplished something even I could not, something my brother, I, and so many Sarkaz failed to accomplish even with bloodshed."
"From this point onward, I will always regard you as my benefactor—not only me. All Sarkaz will regard you as one as well."
Theresia conveyed her gratitude and affection for Chen Qi through the phone. She had never imagined that after suddenly breaking free from death, the first thing she would see would not be shattered, scattered Sarkaz, but Sarkaz reunited under her "name" and her brother's efforts.
Although the Royal Court's attitude remained unclear, most Sarkaz had clearly united. What delighted Theresia even more was Theresis's change.
He was no longer single-mindedly gambling the Sarkaz's fate on a great war. Instead, he had begun considering how to seize power with less bloodshed. He was building, managing, and exploring a road the Sarkaz had never before set foot on.
Theresia felt that she could wait and see. Perhaps in the future, if she truly believed Theresis's path was feasible... she might really stand with her brother.
"But those are matters for the future. Right now, I only want to be an observer and gradually understand everything about this world."
As she typed that, Theresia smiled slightly and continued typing to Chen Qi. "It is just that not being able to speak during the day is rather lonely. Thankfully, Mr. Chen Qi, you gave me this phone, so now I have someone to confide in."
"I hope that no matter how far you go in the future, you can spare some time to keep me company and chat briefly late at night. Consider it a small request of mine. Would that be alright?"
"—Of course." Chen Qi's reply came without the slightest hesitation.
Chen Qi had to admit that he now somewhat understood why so many people followed Theresia in the story. This royal princess truly possessed a strange affinity—just reading her words through a phone screen made his heart race a little faster by reflex.
This was bad, really bad... Her Highness had far too much charm. No wonder W had spoken to her only a few times and immediately been willing to throw away her life for her.
Theresia's almost saintly, savior-like warmth was simply devastating to any Sarkaz who had witnessed hell and war. Anyone who had seen heaven would never want to return to hell.
That was probably Theresia's charm. Thinking that, Chen Qi inexplicably felt a little guilty. He instinctively glanced at Talulah, who had fallen asleep again after Koschei released his possession, then cautiously checked the Mini-map. Only after confirming that everything was fine did he relax somewhat.
"Then let us return to the main matter, Mr. Chen Qi. Is there anything you need my help with?"
Theresia clearly knew that Chen Qi had sought her out so urgently because he wanted her help. She was also happy to be useful, to repay Chen Qi for what he had done for her and all the Sarkaz.
With Theresia being so enthusiastic, Chen Qi thought for a while before deciding to tell her his concerns. After all, he had saved this royal princess, so surely she would not leak the matter to Theresis.
Soon, Chen Qi typed out the predicament he currently faced. After some time, Theresia understood what he meant and replied:
"I see. A genius like you, Mr. Chen Qi, does not wish to become involved in such an affair? You merely wish to protect yourself."
Chen Qi: "You probably think I'm weak, don't you?"
"—No. I think that is precious instead. You only wish to protect the people around you. You have already found what is most precious to you, and you want to protect it rather than become embroiled in change. I think that is wonderful."
From between Chen Qi's lines, Theresia could read the bond he shared with the Art Troupe, with Talulah, FrostNova, Patriot, and the others who had supported one another all the way. She could not help smiling as she said:
"Meeting Mr. Chen Qi was their good fortune. On this land that devours people, it is already rare enough to meet someone who can guide them onto the right path."
"However... Mr. Chen Qi, given your current situation, remaining in Londinium may be your best choice. Once you leave Londinium, your safety will likely be difficult to guarantee."
"After all, from what I know, the television dramas you have filmed have already stirred the nerves of many great powers. Even if everyone in the Art Troupe is exceptionally strong, it will be difficult for you to survive on Terra as things stand."
"That's exactly what troubles me." Chen Qi gave a bitter smile. In truth, he had already begun regretting agreeing to film Yes, Prime Minister for Theresis in exchange for an Oripathy suppressant. He knew that every episode he filmed now only deepened certain people's hatred for him, but what else could he do?
They were currently deep in Sarkaz territory. This was not a gap Chen Qi could make up for by wildly stacking combat power with reputation points. Theresis had at least two Royal Court-level powerhouses by his side, and he himself possessed terrifying combat strength.
Under such circumstances, forcing their way out was simply impossible. But if they left Londinium, who knew how many people outside wanted him dead?
During this time, merely looking at the system made Chen Qi's scalp tingle. The system showed that he had drawn the attention of various people, including Deep Pool's leader Ablana, the older sister of Tang San Shi whom he knew, as well as several familiar names from Rhodes Island—Kal'tsit, Amiya, and the rest...
But before Chen Qi could be pleased, he noticed that several of the names afterward were seriously alarming... Ursus nobles were one thing, but what the hell were the Grand Tutor and Emperor of Yan doing there?
He had only filmed Yes, Prime Minister. How had it spread from the west all the way to the east?
From that moment, Chen Qi knew he had underestimated things. Yan was manageable enough, but he truly could not afford to provoke Ursus. It was not that he could not defeat the Imperial Guard; it was that Chen Qi could not guarantee that no one in the Art Troupe would be killed or injured if they clashed.
But staying trapped in Londinium and working for Theresis for the rest of his life? Wouldn't that mean he had tacitly boarded this pirate ship and would henceforth build an enterprise alongside Theresis and the others? That was an enormous pit too! Especially since Chen Qi always felt that even if Theresis was reluctant to kill him, those lunatics from the Royal Court definitely wanted him dead.
When that time came, no one in the Art Troupe would be able to keep everyone safe. Chen Qi was caught between advancing and retreating. This was not something that could be solved by stacking combat power. They had to secure Theresis's support and leave Londinium openly under his escort.
Only then could they ensure a safe arrival at their next destination. At present, Chen Qi could only place all his hopes on Theresia and hope she could offer some advice.
"If that is the case, Mr. Chen Qi, I think that while becoming my brother's partner, you must also become his friend."
Theresia had now understood Chen Qi's thinking. Yet she did not find this difficult at all, merely replying gently:
"My brother is not completely cold-hearted. He has always cared deeply for the people he values. Although you have not known him for long, I believe he already values you greatly."
"If you want my brother's support and protection, you must become his friend. And not just an ordinary friend—you must become a valuable friend, one worthy of his investment."
"...What should I do?" Chen Qi was somewhat surprised. He had thought Theresia would tell him only to make Theresis see his value, like Mr. Wu in Yongzheng Dynasty, always holding something back to preserve his own life. He had never expected Theresia to tell him to appeal to Theresis's emotions.
But since Theresia judged it that way, Chen Qi was naturally willing to trust her. Seeing that Chen Qi did not doubt her words in the slightest, Theresia chuckled softly and typed:
"Of course, you must let my brother see your trust. Trust is the bridge between people."
"I believe your friends outside must be planning to rescue you, or people from other forces may be planning to take you away, threaten you, or tempt you into serving them."
"What you need to show is trust. My brother is a pragmatic man, but he is also someone who makes emotional decisions through reasonable means. As long as you steadily fulfill what he expects of you, my brother should let you go."
Yet although Theresia typed this, she also had a few plans of her own in her heart—a small bit of selfishness.
She did not want Chen Qi to leave like this and part ways with the Sarkaz, with her and her brother. She could tell that Chen Qi was actually much like her brother, using rational and realistic methods to achieve emotional goals.
Perhaps in the future, when the Sarkaz reintegrated into this land, she and her brother would need his help. Thinking this, Theresia finally made her decision, as well as... what she believed would help her brother.
Theresia's Little Schemes, and Her Thoughts on Whether Chen Qi Should Stay or Leave
"Theresia, you mean I should continue honoring the contract in the Blood Pact, finish filming this drama in peace, and then have Theresis let us go?"
Theresia: "Yes. There is no need to make it so complicated. Since my brother established the Blood Pact, he will not violate it. So long as he wishes to continue leading the Sarkaz race, the Blood Pact will not be broken."
"My brother is not someone who goes back on his word, but that alone is not enough. I remember a saying from Yan: 'Move them with feeling, persuade them with reason.' If you want my brother to send you away and continue protecting everyone as friends and future partners, you must do this."
"Right now, only my brother's promise can protect everyone and allow you to continue walking this land without restraint. No other place can do that. Not even Rhodes Island can protect everyone."
"Let my brother see your value, sincerity, and purity. Believe me, my brother will surely repay you all with trust."
As Theresia typed those words, she held great expectations for Chen Qi. Her thoughts differed from Theresis's. Theresis hoped to tie Chen Qi and his group directly to the Sarkaz ship, to create reasonable propaganda for the Sarkaz's future war to found a nation and keep other countries too occupied to interfere, so they could take all of Victoria.
But clearly, from their earlier conversation, Theresia understood that Chen Qi had no intention of risking so much to become involved in this turmoil. Their situation would only become more dangerous than it already was. Once war broke out, even Theresis might not be able to look after them.
Besides, whether the Sarkaz could even fight this war still required further thought, judging by Theresis's current ideas. Before they became completely bound to Theresis, Chen Qi and the others could still withdraw unscathed.
There was no point in forcing them to stay. Theresia believed her brother understood that as well. Therefore, her decision to befriend Chen Qi was for discussions about a more distant future.
—If the Sarkaz wanted to integrate into society, they would inevitably need to change their image. Theresia hoped to recruit Chen Qi for the Sarkaz's future transformation by relying on his talent.
In the future, if the Sarkaz no longer needed war and blood to secure their position, they would have to change both their image and the impression other people on this land held of them.
Theresia placed great hopes on Chen Qi in this regard, so she felt that befriending him brought only benefits and no harm. Moreover, Chen Qi had saved her. Both emotionally and logically, she should help him with this.
After all, she did not want Chen Qi and the Art Troupe to come to harm. They had helped the Sarkaz, helped Theresis and her. No matter what, they were friends of the Sarkaz—it was simply that, for their protection, this could not be said openly for now.
So... it should be fine to sell out her brother's personality and such, right? It was all to help their negotiations succeed, rather than ending in an unpleasant parting.
"...I understand what I should do."
Theresia's words quickly made Chen Qi understand what he should do—that was, respond to all changes by remaining unchanged. First, he would calmly help Theresis finish filming Yes, Prime Minister. Conveniently, only the final two episodes remained, and they could be finished in a week.
Looking at the current situation, continuing to film Yes, Prime Minister was indeed not wise. Chen Qi had not expected things to spiral into such a mess. Being watched by Victoria's dukes was manageable; when Chen Qi had brought the Art Troupe to Londinium at Theresis's invitation, he had already prepared himself for that.
After all, the grand dukes would fight Theresis in the end, not him. But that did not mean Chen Qi wanted everyone in the Art Troupe to be unable to take a single step on this land—though things might already have reached that point.
There was no helping it. If he did not want to board Theresis's pirate ship or be hunted down, he could only write Theresis an empty check and cash it in later.
That way, Theresis would continue ensuring the safety of Chen Qi and the Art Troupe because of their value, while they could avoid becoming involved in the Sarkaz's war to found a nation. Afterward, as long as they kept a low profile for a while, this turmoil should pass.
"—Actually, Mr. Chen Qi, I think you and everyone in the production crew are safer than you believe."
At this moment, Theresia presented a different view. She typed to Chen Qi, analyzing her thoughts for him:
"Those who want to harm you do so only because they do not understand your capabilities. So long as you demonstrate abilities whose loss they cannot bear, they will not dare use authority or force to oppress you."
"Your talent is a double-edged sword. It can bring them fear, but it can also bring them profit. So long as you next demonstrate the benefits you can bring, I believe that even if people still wish to harm you in the future, they will first have to get past those protecting you."
"Of course, all this depends on getting through this trial. Once you have endured this, I believe that across Terra, few unwise forces or nations will dare move against you lightly."
"—Thank you, Theresia. Thinking of it that way makes me feel much better."
Theresia truly deserved to be someone whom everyone in Rhodes Island, from ordinary operators to Royal Court-level Sarkaz, followed as if brainwashed the moment they met her. Her charm and understanding were simply overwhelming.
Especially for most Sarkaz, who had grown up unloved and uncared for and had long since stopped believing in genuine feelings, her impact was truly devastating. Even Chen Qi, a modern man who had seen all kinds of people, had nearly fallen to Theresia's charm.
Thinking that, Chen Qi hurriedly reached out and rubbed Talulah beside him. Only after feeling the soft touch beneath his hand did his heart calm considerably.
"Thank you so much, Theresia. I know what to do now."
"Then, if possible, please continue chatting with me for a while, just like today." Seeing Chen Qi's message, Theresia smiled slightly and said:
"Right now, I only have a brief time at night that belongs to me. So during this short time, I want to share my true self with Mr. Chen Qi, the only person who knows the truth."
"I also want to ask Mr. Chen Qi many questions. If possible, how about we continue this kind of relationship?"
Bad, bad... This woman really knew what she was doing. As expected of a Sarkaz—a demon, a succubus!
Just through the screen, he could imagine Theresia's adorable yet uniquely charming little-woman manner, as well as the feeling of her slightly lowering her status. It hit Chen Qi's sweet spot far too perfectly.
However, considering that the Art Troupe still needed Theresis's protection, and that the awakened Theresia might play a crucial role in the future, Chen Qi "resolutely" "sacrificed himself" and threw himself into Theresia's "trap."
"Of course, Your Highness Theresia."
The next day, Theresis silently listened to everyone's discussion inside the royal palace of Londinium. Those standing in two rows were all Theresis's trusted generals, along with several members of the Royal Court.
The issue gathering them together was only one—the question of whether Chen Qi and his group should stay or leave.
"Director Chen Qi specifically told me during filming today that Yes, Prime Minister has reached its conclusion."
"According to the Blood Pact, he is about to fulfill his duty. We should pay them their reward and must not do anything afterward that would harm anyone in his production crew."
Theresis did not state his position. However, the Bloodborne Archon standing nearby had already spoken, smiling as he said:
"I believe the General must already have a solution, mustn't he?"
"We can release Talulah, who possesses bloodline rights to Victoria's throne. We can also release Buldrokkas'tee, the last Pureblood Wendigo who shares our origins."
"But Director Chen Qi is the one person we absolutely cannot release. Even if we merely imprison him and ensure he can never use his command again, we cannot let him be used by others."
"—Director Chen Qi is a pure artist."
At that moment, Manfred beside them could no longer sit still. He promptly rose to refute the Bloodborne Archon's proposal of discarding someone after they had served their purpose.
"He was invited here by us. If we imprison him now, the General will violate the Blood Pact. We cannot allow the General to lose the trust of the Sarkaz."
"—Sit down, Bernard. You truly haven't improved at all." The Bloodborne Archon smiled faintly and deliberately used the form of address from Yes, Prime Minister for Manfred, immediately easing the somewhat tense atmosphere.
Even Manfred nearly sat down by reflex upon hearing the Bloodborne Archon address him that way. But he quickly regained his composure and sat back down calmly.
"Director Chen Qi is indeed a pure playwright, Bernard. But precisely because of that, we must keep him in our hands."
"A pure playwright can be used by other forces. That means he can be our chess piece, but he can also become someone else's chess piece. Once he leaves Londinium, he will no longer be under our control."
The Bloodborne Archon laid out the reasons Chen Qi had to remain. Perhaps because he had played "Humphrey" for too long, he now possessed not only the bearing of one of the Royal Court's rulers, but also the eloquence and confidence of a social elite. He analyzed the matter logically:
"We absolutely cannot allow that to happen. Our chess piece could be turned against us. We have all witnessed Director Chen Qi's power. What we are doing is handing an invisible yet powerful weapon over to others, and when that weapon is aimed at us in the future, it will show no mercy."
"...What about the Blood Pact?" Hedley, wearing an eyepatch behind Manfred, could not help asking. "The Sarkaz treat contracts as faith. As a Sarkaz, His Highness the Regent should not violate one."
"The Blood Pact states that the General cannot use any of his own people to harm Director Chen Qi." The Bloodborne Archon smiled faintly at that. "Then—what if they are not our people?"
"Londinium's city guards, Londinium's artillery, Victoria's parliamentary guards—none of them are our subordinates, but we can still command and use them."
"That way, we do not violate the Blood Pact, while we can still threaten Director Chen Qi into staying. He is a pure playwright, but he has feelings. He will not risk anyone in the production crew being injured or even killed just to leave Londinium."
After saying that, the Bloodborne Archon did not forget to look at Manfred and Theresis, seated high above, with Humphrey's particular smug expression. Smiling, he asked:
"What do you think of this plan, Bernard? Prime Minister?"
"..." Theresis gave no answer. One finger tapped continuously against his chair, as though he too was considering a response.
For a time, every Sarkaz in the palace fell silent, awaiting Theresis's decision. Then suddenly, a figure flickered into existence beside Theresis.
"—General, there is a landship outside claiming to have come from Lungmen." The Confessor reported to Theresis. "They claim to be Chen Qi's friends. Having heard that he and his production crew came here, they wish to see him. She has some troublesome people with her... What should we do?"
"—Let them see him."
Theresis made his decision without much thought. But then he added solemnly:
"Do not let her enter the city. Send Director Chen Qi outside the gates to meet them. Also, record their entire conversation. I will review it later."
Before you continue