Directing on the Ark, Success if Not Banned

Theresia offered a faint smile. At this moment, however, no one could appreciate the Crown Princess's exquisite smile. She was simply delighted that she finally had someone to chat with when she felt lonely.

"Besides, I believe my brother can manage perfectly well on his own. He might need me, but not necessarily right now. I think he'll understand what the Sarkaz truly need."

"And the one who brought about this change in him is you, Mr. Chen Qi. You've accomplished what even I couldn't, what my brother, and so many Sarkaz, couldn't achieve with all their bloodshed."

"In that regard, I will forever consider you my benefactor—not just me, but all Sarkaz will see you as a benefactor."

Theresia conveyed her gratitude and affection for Chen Qi through her phone. She never imagined that after escaping death, the first thing she would see wouldn't be the fragmented Sarkaz, but a Sarkaz people reunited under her "name" and her brother's efforts.

Although the Royal Court's current stance was unclear, it was evident that most Sarkaz had already united. What surprised Theresia even more was Theresis's transformation.

He no longer gambled the fate of the Sarkaz on a single great war. Instead, he began to consider how to seize power without bloodshed. He was building, managing, and exploring a path the Sarkaz had never tread before.

Theresia felt she could observe for now. In fact, if she truly found Theresis's path viable in the future... she might even stand by her brother's side.

"But all that is for the future. For now, I just want to be a watcher and gradually understand everything about this world."

Typing this, Theresia smiled slightly and continued to message Chen Qi: "It's just that I can't speak during the day, which makes me quite lonely. Fortunately, you gave me this phone, Mr. Chen Qi, making you my sole confidant."

"I hope that no matter how far you go in the future, you'll still have time to accompany me for a brief chat late at night. It's a small request of mine, is that okay?"

"—Of course, no problem." Chen Qi's reply came almost without hesitation.

He had to admit, Chen Qi was only now beginning to understand why so many people followed Theresia in the story. This Crown Princess truly possessed a peculiar charm—even through the phone screen, just looking at her words made Chen Qi's heart race.

This is not good, not good... This Crown Princess's charm is a bit too overwhelming. No wonder W, after just a few conversations with her, was willing to risk her life for her.

Theresia's saintly, savior-like charisma was a death sentence for any Sarkaz who had seen hell and war. Anyone who had seen heaven would never want to return to hell.

This was probably Theresia's charm, Chen Qi thought, feeling inexplicably guilty. He subconsciously glanced at Talulah, who was now asleep with Koschei's possession lifted, and cautiously checked the mini-map, confirming everything was safe before relaxing considerably.

"So, let's get back to the main topic, Mr. Chen Qi. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Theresia clearly knew that Chen Qi wouldn't have contacted her so urgently without needing her help. She was very willing to assist him in return for his contributions to her and all the Sarkaz.

Given Theresia's eagerness to help, Chen Qi pondered for a moment before deciding to share his worries with her. After all, he had saved this Crown Princess, and she likely wouldn't leak this matter to Theresis.

Soon, Chen Qi typed out his current predicament and explained it to Theresia. After some time, Theresia understood Chen Qi's thoughts and replied:

"I see. A genius like you, Mr. Chen Qi, doesn't wish to get involved in such matters? You merely want to protect yourself."

Chen Qi: "You probably think I'm weak?"

"—No, I think this is actually precious. You only want to protect those around you. You've already found what's most valuable to you and want to protect it, thus not wanting to be drawn into the upheaval. I think that's wonderful."

From Chen Qi's words, Theresia discerned his deep affection for the members of the Art Troupe, for Talulah, FrostNova, and Patriot, and their mutual support. She couldn't help but smile and say:

"It's their good fortune to have met you, Mr. Chen Qi. On this man-eating land, it's rare enough to find someone who guides them onto the right path."

"However... Mr. Chen Qi, given your current situation, staying in Londinium might be your best option. Once you leave Londinium, your safety would be difficult to guarantee."

"After all, the television dramas you've produced have already agitated the nerves of many major powers, as far as I know. Even if the members of the Art Troupe are exceptionally skilled, your current circumstances make it difficult to survive on Terra."

"This is where I'm in a difficult position," Chen Qi said with a wry smile. In truth, he was already regretting helping Theresis with the Oripathy inhibitors by filming "Yes, Prime Minister." He knew that with every episode he filmed, he was provoking more hatred towards himself, but what could he do?

They were currently in the heartland of the Sarkaz. This wasn't a gap that Chen Qi could bridge by simply increasing his combat power with reputation points. Theresis had at least two Royal Court-level powerhouses by his side, and he himself was a combat powerhouse.

Under such circumstances, a direct confrontation was impossible. But if he left Londinium, who knew how many people outside would want him dead.

During this time, Chen Qi felt a constant dread just by looking at the system. The system indicated who was paying attention to him. Among them were the leader of Deep Pool, [Ablana], whom he recognized as Sister Tang San Shi, and several familiar names from Rhodes Island: Kal'tsit, Amiya, and others...

But before Chen Qi could feel happy, he discovered that the latter few were truly heavyweights... Never mind the nobles of Ursus, what was the Grand Tutor and Emperor of Yan doing there?

He only filmed one "Yes, Prime Minister," and it had spread from west to east?

From that moment on, Chen Qi knew he had overestimated his situation. While Yan might be manageable, he truly couldn't afford to offend Ursus. It wasn't that he couldn't defeat the Imperial Guard, but Chen Qi couldn't guarantee that the members of the Art Troupe wouldn't suffer casualties if a conflict arose.

But being trapped in Londinium and working for Theresis for life? That would be tantamount to admitting he was on this pirate ship and would be working with Theresis and the others from now on—that was a huge pitfall! Especially since Chen Qi felt that even if Theresis wouldn't kill him, those few Royal Court lunatics would definitely want him dead.

At that point, no one could protect the members of the Art Troupe, and Chen Qi would be in a dilemma. This wasn't something that could be solved by stacking combat power. They needed Theresis's support to leave Londinium openly, with them escorting them.

Only then could they ensure their safe arrival at their next destination. Now, Chen Qi could only place his hopes on Theresia, hoping she could offer some advice.

"If that's the case, I believe Mr. Chen Qi, you need to become a partner with my brother, and even more importantly, a friend," Theresia replied gently, not finding the matter difficult at all after understanding Chen Qi's thoughts.

"My brother is not entirely heartless. He has always had deep affection for those he values. Although you haven't spent much time with him, I believe he already values you greatly."

"To gain my brother's support and protection, you must become his friend, and not just an ordinary friend, but a valuable friend worth his effort."

"...How should I do that?" Chen Qi was somewhat surprised by Theresia's suggestion. He had expected her to say he just needed to show Theresis his value, like Mr. Wu in "Yongzheng Dynasty," who always kept a trump card to ensure his survival. But he hadn't expected Theresia to suggest appealing to emotions.

However, since Theresia had made this judgment, Chen Qi was naturally willing to believe her. Seeing that Chen Qi didn't doubt her words at all, Theresia chuckled and typed:

"Of course, you should show my brother your trust in him. Trust is the bridge of any relationship."

"I believe there are definitely friends of yours outside who are planning to rescue you, or other factions intending to take you away, to blackmail or entice you into serving them."

"What you need to convey is trust. My brother is a pragmatic person, but he also makes decisions based on rational means to fulfill emotional needs. As long as you steadily fulfill my brother's expectations of you, he should let you go."

However, while Theresia wrote this, she also had her own plans, a little selfish motive.

She didn't want Chen Qi to leave and part ways with the Sarkaz, with her and her brother. She sensed that Chen Qi was actually quite similar to her brother, using rational, realistic methods to achieve emotional goals.

Perhaps in the future, when the Sarkaz reintegrated with the land, she and her brother would need his help. Theresia thought to herself, ultimately making her decision, and... what she considered her help to her brother.

Chapter Fifty-Two: Theresia's Little Schemes, Thoughts on Chen Qi's Departure

"Theresia, are you saying I should honor the Blood Pact from the beginning, finish filming this drama, and then have Theresis let us go?"

Theresia: "Yes, it's not as complicated as you think. Since my brother established the Blood Pact, he won't break it. As long as he still wants to lead the Sarkaz people, the Blood Pact will not be violated."

"My brother is not someone who goes back on his word, but that alone isn't enough. I remember a saying from Yan: 'Appeal to their emotions, reason with their logic.' To have my brother let you all leave and protect everyone with the attitude of a friend and future partner, you must do this."

"Right now, only my brother's promise can protect everyone, allowing you to continue walking freely on this land. Nowhere else can. Even Rhodes Island cannot protect you all."

"Let my brother see your value, sincerity, and purity. Believe me, my brother will also repay you all with trust."

Theresia typed this out, her heart filled with great expectations for Chen Qi. Her thoughts differed from Theresis'. Theresis hoped to directly tie Chen Qi and his group to their Sarkaz cause, to create propaganda for the upcoming nation-building war, and to prevent other countries from interfering, allowing them to take over all of Victoria.

But clearly, from their previous conversation, Theresia understood that Chen Qi had no intention of taking such a huge risk to get involved in this turmoil. Doing so would only make their situation more dangerous than it already was. Once the war broke out, even Theresis might not be able to look after them.

Moreover, whether the Sarkaz war could even begin was something Theresis was still contemplating. Chen Qi and his group, before being completely tied to Theresis, could still leave unscathed.

There was no point in forcing them to stay. Theresia believed her brother understood this, so she decided to build a good relationship with Chen Qi, to discuss future directions.

—If the Sarkaz were to integrate into society, they would inevitably need to change their image. Theresia hoped to leverage Chen Qi's talents to win him over for the future transformation of the Sarkaz.

In the future, if the Sarkaz no longer needed war and bloodshed to guarantee their status, they would have to change their image and the impression they made on others in this land.

Theresia placed great hope in Chen Qi in this regard, so she felt befriending him would bring nothing but benefits. Moreover, Chen Qi had saved her. For all intents and purposes, she should help Chen Qi with this.

After all, she didn't want Chen Qi and the Art Troupe to meet with misfortune. They had helped the Sarkaz, helped Theresis and her. Regardless, they were friends of the Sarkaz, even if they couldn't say so openly for their protection at the moment.

So... selling out her brother's personality traits and everything else shouldn't be a problem, right? This was to ensure their negotiations were successful and didn't end in discord.

"...I understand what I need to do."

Theresia's words quickly made Chen Qi realize what he needed to do—which was to respond to change with no change. He would first focus on helping Theresis finish filming "Yes, Prime Minister." Coincidentally, only the last two episodes of "Yes, Prime Minister" remained, which could be completed in a week.

Given the current situation, continuing to film "Yes, Prime Minister" was indeed not a wise move. Chen Qi hadn't expected the mess to escalate so much. Being targeted by Victoria's dukes was one thing; Chen Qi had been prepared for this since Theresis invited him and the Art Troupe to Londinium.

In the end, it would be the dukes and Theresis fighting, not him. But this didn't mean Chen Qi wanted the entire Art Troupe to be unable to move freely on this land—even if things had already reached this point.

There was no choice. Since he didn't want to get on Theresis's pirate ship and didn't want to be hunted, he had to give Theresis a blank check, to be cashed in the future.

This way, Theresis would continue to guarantee their safety for the value he and the Art Troupe represented, and it would also prevent Chen Qi and his group from being drawn into the Sarkaz nation-building war. Afterward, they just needed to lie low, and this storm should pass.

"—Actually, I think Mr. Chen Qi, you and everyone in the crew are safer than you worry about."

Theresia, however, voiced a different opinion at this moment. She typed to Chen Qi, analyzing her thoughts for him:

"Those who want to harm you merely don't understand your abilities. As long as you display abilities that inflict unacceptable losses on them, they won't dare to oppress you with power or force."

"Your talent is a double-edged sword; it can bring them fear, but it can also bring them benefits—as long as you now demonstrate the benefits you can bring, I believe that even if there are still people who want to harm you in the future, they will have to get past those who protect you first."

"Of course, the prerequisite for all this is to survive this ordeal. Once you've gone through this, I believe there won't be many unwise factions or countries on the entire continent of Terra who would dare to easily move against you."

"—Thank you, Theresia. Thinking about it this way makes me feel much better."

It could be said that Theresia was worthy of being someone who could make everyone from ordinary operators on Rhodes Island to those at the Royal Court level of Sarkaz, anyone who met her, follow her as if brainwashed. Her destructive power and understanding were immense.

Especially for most Sarkaz who had never been loved since childhood and no longer believed in true feelings, the impact was immense. Even Chen Qi, a modern person who had seen all sorts of people, had almost fallen under Theresia's charm.

Thinking this, Chen Qi quickly reached out and rubbed Talulah beside him. After touching a soft sensation, he felt his heart calm considerably.

"Thank you so much, Theresia. I know what to do now."

"Then, if it's alright, please continue to chat with me for a while longer, just like today," Theresia said with a slight smile upon seeing Chen Qi's message.

"Currently, I only have a brief period of time to myself late at night. So, during this short time, I want to share my true self with Mr. Chen Qi, the only one who knows the truth."

"I also want to ask Mr. Chen Qi many questions. If possible, shall we continue to maintain this kind of relationship?"

No, no, no... this woman understands too well. As expected of a Sarkaz, a demon, a succubus!

Even through the screen, he could imagine Theresia's cute yet uniquely charming demeanor, and the way she slightly lowered her status. It was perfectly within Chen Qi's strike zone.

However, at the thought that the Art Troupe still needed Theresis's protection, and that the now-awakened Theresia might play a crucial role in the future, Chen Qi "resolutely" "sacrificed himself" and fell into Theresia's "trap."

"Of course, no problem, Your Highness Theresia."

The next day, Theresis listened silently to the discussions in the Royal Palace of Londinium. Standing in two rows were Theresis's trusted generals and several members of the Royal Court.

And the issue they were gathered to discuss was only one—the matter of Chen Qi and his group's departure.

"Director Chen Qi specifically told me during filming today that the shooting of 'Yes, Prime Minister' has reached its conclusion."

"According to the Blood Pact, he is about to complete his duty. We should pay them their remuneration and not take any action that harms any member of their crew afterward."

Theresis did not express his own opinion, but at this moment, the Bloodborne Archon standing beside him spoke, smiling and saying, "I believe the General must have a way, right?"

"We can let go of Talulah, who has royal bloodline inheritance in Victoria; we can also let go of Bodega, the last Pureblood Wendigo, who shares our origin."

"But, Director Chen Qi alone, we absolutely cannot let go. Even if we just imprison him and make him unable to use his command forever, we cannot let him be used by others."

"—Director Chen Qi is a pure artist."

However, at this moment, Manfred, standing nearby, couldn't sit still. He promptly stepped forward to refute the Bloodborne Archon's "kick the ladder" behavior and immediately said, "He was invited by us back then. If we imprison him now, the General will violate the Blood Pact, and we cannot let the General lose his credibility in front of all the Sarkaz."

"—Sit down, Bernard. You really haven't improved at all." However, the Bloodborne Archon smiled slightly and deliberately used a term from "Yes, Prime Minister" to address Manfred, instantly diffusing the slightly tense atmosphere.

Even Manfred, upon hearing the Bloodborne Archon's address, almost reflexively wanted to sit down, but he quickly adjusted his posture and calmly sat back.

"Director Chen Qi is a pure playwright, that's true, Bernard. But precisely because of that, we must keep him under our control."

"A pure playwright could be exploited by other factions. This means he could be our pawn, or become someone else's. Once he leaves Londinium, he will no longer be under our command."

The Bloodborne Archon spoke eloquently, explaining the necessity of keeping Chen Qi. Having apparently played the role of "Humphrey" for quite some time, he now possessed not only the imposing aura of one of the Kings of the Royal Court but also the confident, eloquent demeanor of a social elite, analyzing the situation with logical reasoning:

"Such a thing absolutely cannot happen. Our pawn turning against us. We've all witnessed Director Chen Qi's capabilities. To hand over an intangible yet powerful weapon to others would be a grave mistake, and that weapon would show no mercy when it's eventually turned against us."

"...What about the Blood Pact?" At this moment, behind Manfred, Hedley, wearing an eyepatch, couldn't help but ask, "Sarkaz honor their pacts. As a Sarkaz, shouldn't the Regent abide by the contract?"

"The Blood Pact states that the General cannot use anyone of his own to harm Director Chen Qi," the Bloodborne Archon replied with a faint smile. "So—what if it's not someone of ours?"

"The Londinium City Defense Force, the Londinium City Defense Cannons, Victoria's Parliamentary Guard—these are not our subordinates, yet we can still command and utilize them."

"This way, we won't violate the Blood Pact, and we can threaten Director Chen Qi into staying. He's a pure playwright, but he has emotions. He wouldn't risk the safety, or even the lives, of his entire cast and crew by leaving Londinium."

After speaking, the Bloodborne Archon couldn't resist looking at Manfred and Therisys, who was seated high above, with a smug, self-satisfied expression characteristic of "Humphrey," and asked with a smile, "What do you think of this plan? Bernard? Prime Minister?"

"..." However, Therisys offered no response. He continuously tapped a finger on his chair, seemingly contemplating a counter-strategy.

For a moment, all the Sarkaz in the imperial palace fell silent, awaiting Therisys's decision. Suddenly, a figure flickered into existence beside Therisys.

"—General, there's a Landship outside claiming to be from Lungmen," the Confessor reported to Therisys. "The other party claims to be a friend of Chen Qi, heard he and his crew are here, and wishes to see him. She's accompanied by some troublesome individuals... What should we do?"

"—Let them meet."

Therisys made his decision without much thought, but then added solemnly, "But do not let her into the city. Send Director Chen Qi to the city gates to meet them. Also, record their entire conversation; I will review it later."