Directing on the Ark, Success Means Not Getting Banned

"Yes, Prime Minister."

The Confessor nodded, a rare hint of teasing in his tone as he deliberately made the statement. It was enough to show that the television series "Yes, Prime Minister" had clearly become a widely known topic among the Sarkaz in Londinium.

Theresis's gaze was deep and indifferent. Behind him, Theresia, who was silently watching everything with vacant eyes, was praying in her heart that her words would lead Chen Qi to make the right choice.

"This is my brother's test... Mr. Chen Qi, please believe my words, believe my brother... believe in the Sarkaz one more time."

Theresia thought this to herself. She understood that this might be the closest opportunity for the Sarkaz to reform and change, and also the closest opportunity for Theresis... to change.

He... was ultimately a lonely person. He needed friends, a friend... worthy of his trust, his regard, and his equality.

Chapter 53: Theresis in a Tight Spot – Must Protect!

The city gates of Londinium, which had not been opened since the Sarkaz garrison arrived, finally made a long-lost sound.

Outside the gate, standing beside the landship, Chen Qi, wearing a dustproof suit and sunglasses, along with Lin Yuxia, and several masked figures dressed in black like the Confessor and wearing bamboo hats, all became tense.

These people were called "Black Capes," the private guard force of Lungmen's administrator, Wei Yanyu. He had assigned them to Chen Huijie and Lin Yuxia, which clearly indicated his resolve. Although he hadn't come in person, the highly combat-capable Black Capes were now enough to pose a certain threat to Londinium.

Of course, Wei Yanyu had a second consideration – if Chen Qi and Talulah couldn't get out of Londinium, he would have to have the Black Capes escort Chen Qi and Lin Yuxia back.

This decision was painful, but Wei Yanyu clearly had to prepare for the worst, given the circumstances. However, he never would have imagined that Chen Qi, who was supposed to be acting with the people from Rhodes Island, would dare to come to the gates of Londinium with Lin Yuxia and a few Black Capes – and that this decision was made by both Chen Huijie and Lin Yuxia.

They were gambling. They gambled that Chen Qi's personality wouldn't allow him to walk into a tiger's den without certainty. They gambled that with the combat power of the Integrated Cultural Troupe, if they were being coerced, it wouldn't have been so bloodless. They gambled that the Sarkaz, who had now taken over Londinium, weren't treating Chen Qi and his group as slaves.

And as it turned out, they had gambled correctly. As the city gates opened wide, the familiar figures of Chen Qi and Talulah appeared before the two women. Lin Yuxia and Chen Huijie's eyes lit up, and they almost simultaneously cried out in joy:

"Director Chen Qi! Little Ta! You're alright!" x2

As soon as the words left their mouths, Lin Yuxia and Chen Huijie rushed forward. However, as Talulah and Chen Qi saw their long-lost friends, they simultaneously opened their arms. The next moment, Lin Yuxia stopped halfway, while Chen Huijie, on the other hand, rushed straight into Chen Qi's arms.

At that moment, it was as if time had stopped. Talulah stood with her arms open, looking awkwardly at her sister and her man hugging each other. Lin Yuxia, who had realized something was wrong midway, also looked at the two with surprise.

When did these two get together? At that moment, Talulah and Lin Yuxia thought the same thing. Chen Huijie also immediately realized something was amiss, pushed Chen Qi away, glared at Lin Yuxia with a blushing face, and questioned:

"You, why aren't you hugging!"

"? I don't know your sister that well. I only helped out a lot back when the Troupe was in Lungmen. I'm not as excited as you are."

Actually, Lin Yuxia had intended to hug Talulah or Chen Qi at that moment, but her personality wasn't very straightforward. The thought of her losing composure midway made her freeze.

Who would have thought that Chen Huijie wouldn't hug her own sister first, but would hug Chen Qi instead? Lin Yuxia hadn't expected something like this to happen.

"I, I— Little Ta, don't misunderstand. I was just in this position and got excited!"

Chen Huijie was also incredibly embarrassed by Lin Yuxia's stab in the back. She quickly pushed Chen Qi away and looked anxiously at her sister, afraid that Talulah might misunderstand.

"...Don't mind it, Little Chen." After a moment of silence, Talulah showed a forgiving smile, subconsciously put her hand on Chen Qi's wrist, and said softly:

"He's my fiancé. Little Chen, you're Chen Qi's aunt. We're family. This kind of interaction is normal, isn't it?"

"Yes, yes... haha..."

However, Talulah's rare display of emotional intelligence finally resolved the awkwardness. Chen Qi and Lin Yuxia exchanged a glance, both feeling that the atmosphere couldn't continue. Chen Qi immediately asked:

"Huijie, Yuxia, why did you come to Londinium?"

"You don't know? You've become famous, Director Chen Qi." Seeing Chen Qi looking so carefree, Lin Yuxia said with a hint of horror:

"You're known from Columbia to Ursus now. Your filming of 'Yes, Prime Minister' has offended so many countries – Victoria, Columbia, Leithania, Bolivar, Ursus...!"

"We're afraid that if you keep writing like this, the next time we see you might be in a great war between many countries in Victoria!"

"The people from Rhodes Island actively found us. We heard you were all trapped in Londinium, and that Londinium was in a very tense situation. We thought you were being threatened by Theresis."

At this moment, Chen Huijie took over from Lin Yuxia and said very solemnly to Chen Qi and Talulah: "Victoria's situation is chaotic. Doctor Kal'tsit from Rhodes Island is very worried... Although we don't know what Doctor Kal'tsit is thinking, she said one thing that is very true: continuing to film 'Yes, Prime Minister' like this is not good for your safety."

"We can't just stand by and watch you become public enemies of the world... Little Ta, Chen Qi, if Theresis is forcing you to continue creating for them, why don't you..."

Saying this, Chen Huijie and Lin Yuxia exchanged a look. Lin Yuxia nodded, observed their surroundings, and carefully slipped a piece of paper into Chen Qi's hand.

"—This contains the plan to escape tonight. Don't worry, we have people from Rhodes Island backing us up. They will infiltrate Londinium to blow up the television station as a cover, and then we'll help you escape in the chaos."

"Don't worry, Rhodes Island is going all out this time. There are a few characters that even Chen and I found scary. It'll definitely be fine."

—But the problem is, I don't think this is fine. Chen Qi subconsciously glanced at the paper in his hand, then at the [Mini-map] that only he could see. Seeing the few gray dots labeled "Confessor," he felt the plan was unreliable.

Clearly, Theresis had long been prepared for someone to "break into prison." Now that Chen Huijie and Lin Yuxia had arrived, they were naturally under his surveillance.

Could Chen Qi still execute the so-called "plan"? Wouldn't that endanger everyone? Although he didn't know why the people from Rhodes Island wanted to get him out, he knew that with Rhodes Island's strength, getting him out would definitely come at a great cost.

After all, he was a former "Doctor." Even if he didn't think he was that capable, Chen Qi didn't want Rhodes Island to suffer another loss like the one in Chernobog – it would make him feel very guilty, especially since he, as a "Doctor," genuinely liked everyone at Rhodes Island.

Therefore, after some hesitation, and after exchanging a look with Talulah and receiving her consent, under the watchful eyes of the hidden Confessors, Chen Qi made a move – he returned the message in his hand to Lin Yuxia.

"Thank you, Yuxia, Huijie, but I can't do that."

"Why?" Neither Chen Huijie nor Lin Yuxia could have imagined that Chen Qi would give up this opportunity. Before Chen Qi could speak, Chen Huijie said anxiously:

"Are you worried that our help isn't enough? Not enough to save everyone from the Troupe?"

"...To be honest, yes." Chen Qi smiled helplessly. Facing Lin Yuxia and Chen Huijie, he revealed his thoughts:

"I don't want anyone to die saving me. Especially since you might not have to save me, and the Troupe and I might be able to come out safely."

"I know Rhodes Island is helping, and I also know that Rhodes Island has a few individuals who are strong enough to deter Londinium. But doing so will inevitably cause huge conflicts and casualties... Especially for Talulah and me, we have a certain degree of confidence in getting out safely."

"However, the prerequisite for this is that we must complete the previous blood pact and finish filming 'Yes, Prime Minister.' We must first keep our promise, and then Theresis will keep his promise."

"There are only two episodes left. Huijie, Yuxia, if we can just get through one more week, we'll all have a chance to leave Londinium safely. At this point, to risk it all just to annoy Theresis, with so many lives sacrificed... it's not worth it."

Chen Qi placed his hands on Chen Huijie's shoulders, conveying his confidence and thoughts as much as possible. He certainly couldn't say aloud, Theresia and I have figured out Theresis's personality, so if I say it this way, Theresis might let us go.

But as Chen Qi said, they had a chance to leave unharmed, without casualties and without making new enemies. This was worth Chen Qi trying, especially with Theresia's help, his chances of success were high!

If, at this moment, someone's decision were to ruin this, Chen Qi would truly cry.

"Just wait for me for one week, okay? Huijie, Yuxia."

"Tell everyone at Rhodes Island to wait for one week. No one makes a move during this week. Don't try to antagonize Theresis; he's a ruthless person to his enemies."

"But I'm willing to bet that he's someone who keeps his promises, someone with the integrity of a king, unlike the cunning and ferocious Sarkaz they portray him to be. I believe he'll honor his promise and let us leave."

"I'm also willing to believe that most Sarkaz, once they have the basic right to survival, are not the bloodthirsty, murderous race that outsiders claim. I'm willing to believe that."

Chen Qi deliberately spoke these words a bit louder. At this moment, his voice was fully heard by the Confessor who was monitoring them. Through a listening device in the Confessor's hand, the words reached Theresis far away in the palace.

In the palace, Chen Qi's voice echoed. For a moment, all the Sarkaz present, upon hearing Chen Qi's trust and assessment of them and Theresis, fell into a deep silence.

Among all the Sarkaz in the palace, Chen Qi was considered a figure of influence. This influence stemmed from his position as director, possessing the authority to mobilize all the Sarkaz he selected. Even the Bloodborne Archon, Manfred, and Theresis had become actors in his film.

Theresis even held a weekly parliamentary meeting to discuss the reception of "Yes, Prime Minister." Among the Sarkaz in Londinium, Chen Qi was indeed an extraordinary person, a very special existence.

He was not Sarkaz, yet he held power without any prejudice against them.

He was not an Infected, but all his close friends and family were. He didn't even fear infection and interacted closely with each of them.

He was also the first partner willing to contribute to everything the Sarkaz had achieved, and everyone had seen the positive effects he brought.

And now, this very person was saying he was willing to believe that most Sarkaz kept their promises and were not so evil once their survival was secured.

This statement, it had to be said, struck a chord in the hearts of all the Sarkaz present... They felt a strange awkwardness, wanting to laugh but unable to, finding it all very peculiar.

After a long while, perhaps sensing the mood of the Sarkaz in the palace, or perhaps finding himself in a difficult position due to Chen Qi's "trust," Theresis, sitting on the throne, finally slowly stood up. Facing the gaze of all the Sarkaz, he said faintly:

"...Everyone, cooperate with Director Chen Qi's filming of the last two episodes of 'Yes, Prime Minister.' The day after the broadcast concludes, escort Director Chen Qi and all members of the Integrated Cultural Troupe out of the city. No one is to interfere."

"General..." However, the Bloodborne Archon felt this decision was too hasty. Just as he was about to speak, he was met with a cold glare from Theresis, who immediately said:

"Watch my lips, Bloodborne Archon."

"I said, no interference, no pursuit!"

"Upholding the Blood Pact and promises is our Sarkaz tradition. Even the kings of the Royal Court, as long as they are still Sarkaz and consider themselves part of the Sarkaz, must adhere to this tradition. It is unquestionable!"

"This is my decision, and it is your decision too. Whether you accept it or not, do you understand, Humphrey?"

Theresis's words mimicked the tone the Bloodborne Archon had just used towards Manfred, employing the honorific from "Yes, Prime Minister."

However, this time, the Bloodborne Archon's smile vanished. He looked at the Sarkaz around him, who were watching him with their eyes, and after a long moment, he reluctantly agreed:

"...Yes, General."

Chapter Fifty-Four: Gathering in Londinium, All Eyes on the Final Two Episodes of "Yes, Prime Minister"

A week passed. After Theresis made such a decision and reprimanded the Bloodborne Archon in the palace, Londinium entered its most bizarre and silent week. This was because all the Sarkaz knew that the Regent had ordered that after the broadcast of the final two episodes of "Yes, Prime Minister," Chen Qi and his group would be allowed to leave.

Furthermore, the order prohibited anyone from interfering or pursuing them, stating that such actions would violate the Sarkaz "Blood Pact" tradition. After Theresis issued this notice, Londinium was in an uproar.

The citizens of Londinium, upon hearing that "Yes, Prime Minister" was about to conclude, expressed immense regret and even sorrow at the ending of the only source of amusement in their monotonous lives. They felt a profound sense of wanting more.

After all, for the residents of Londinium, who were kept in the dark, they had no idea of the significant impact "Yes, Prime Minister" had on other mobile cities, even Victoria, and indeed, other countries across Terra. They believed it was merely a political satire with sharp dialogue, an unprecedentedly entertaining political satire, and wouldn't cause any major repercussions.

The Sarkaz of Londinium also felt a sense of sadness. They were privy to some of the inside information and knew very well that the TV series "Yes, Prime Minister" had delivered a heavy blow to their potential enemies, shaking Victoria to its core.

The eight dukes were all troubled by this matter, and protests began to erupt throughout Victoria. It was the most turbulent time for Victoria.

This outcome was something even their Regent, upon entering Londinium and almost controlling the capital of Victoria, had not achieved.

Yet, a single television series had struck fear into their enemies and left them in disarray. All the Sarkaz felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction from within.

This feeling... it was as if they had won a great victory without lifting a finger! They now even experienced the satisfaction of Victoria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' "balancing act" policy, as revealed in "Yes, Prime Minister."

They didn't have to act themselves; their enemies were self-destructing, fighting amongst themselves. Watching their internal strife was incredibly satisfying.

However, the news that Chen Qi, who had allowed them to experience such a simple yet unique "war," was about to complete his duty and leave, left the Sarkaz legions feeling a sense of loss. They felt an invisible pressure once again enveloping them.

It was the pressure of facing life-and-death battles again. Although every Sarkaz was accustomed to the feeling of potentially losing their lives at any moment... after witnessing such a "war" fought without bloodshed, returning to the feeling of having their lives hanging by a thread... there was indeed a sense of disappointment.

Thus, the atmosphere in Londinium became eerily heavy due to Theresis's order. Soon, a week passed, and the final two episodes of "Yes, Prime Minister" were about to be broadcast.

Meanwhile, on a larger landship located outside the range of Londinium's city defense cannons, Chen Qi, Lin Yuxia, and the members of the elite squad from Rhodes Island participating in this "rescue plan" were all waiting for the broadcast of "Yes, Prime Minister."

"...Are we really just going to wait like this? Does Director Chen Qi really have the confidence to get out of the Sarkaz heartland completely unharmed, without needing our support?"

On the landship, ACE, a heavy assault operative from Rhodes Island, asked with concern about Chen Qi's plan:

"Although I understand that Director Chen Qi believes he's important to Theresis and that the Sarkaz won't do anything to him... all of that is based on the premise that he and Theresis are collaborators."

"Once he shows any intention of breaking free, Theresis could turn on him in an instant..."

"—ACE, you're not Sarkaz, you don't understand the importance of the 'Blood Pact' to a Sarkaz."

However, nearby, Rhodes Island's elite sniper operative codenamed "Scout," who was also a Sarkaz and had participated in the Kazdel civil war, explained to his old comrade:

"Most Sarkaz survive on this land as mercenaries. For mercenaries, credibility is the most important thing. Otherwise, they won't get jobs, and they'll become wanderers or scavengers. The end result is either being killed alone or being robbed and murdered."

"Furthermore, blood pacts are a tradition among the Sarkaz, a practice dating back long ago. A Sarkaz who violates a blood pact is spat upon by all of their own kind, meaning they lose all credibility within the Sarkaz community. No one dares to associate with them, let alone conduct business with them."

"—That being said, 'blood pacts' can indeed be exploited." However, another group, a handsome Sarkaz male holding a bone quill, and the beautiful, young Queen of the Naiad, Logos, also spoke up at this moment:

"Theresis naturally understands this as well, and that Bloodborne Archon in Londinium… isn't he currently starring in 'Yes, Prime Minister'? I believe he intends to keep Director Chen Qi here."

"Then should we still proceed with Chen Qi's plan?" Vina, who had accompanied them and was originally meant to be a "guide" to help everyone from Rhodes Island infiltrate Londinium through the underground passages, was currently the most worried about the plan going awry.

Vina increasingly felt that with the broadcast of "Yes, Prime Minister," Victoria's situation had become more complex and urgent. She was one of the staunchest opponents of broadcasting "Yes, Prime Minister" at this time – fearing that a war that would sweep across the land would begin in Victoria.

Although Vina was merely a Crown Princess, and the Crown Princess of a deposed king at that, she did not wish for a great war to erupt in her homeland.

Even if she weren't the Crown Princess, but simply a Victorian, she couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

"...We have to trust Chen Qi. He wouldn't joke about everyone's safety."

Chen Huijie also felt uncertain. In truth, wasn't she also worried about such a thing happening? If Chen Qi couldn't get out of Londinium, the Sarkaz defenses, now alerted, would be even harder to breach.

There was also a worse possibility… that Chen Qi, believing he had exhausted all options, didn't want to implicate them and would gamble their lives for a sliver of hope – this was something Chen Huijie felt both Chen Qi and Talulah would do.

But for now, Chen Huijie didn't want to think about this possibility, nor did she dare to, so she calmed herself and forced a composed demeanor, saying:

"Everyone, let's watch the show first. If Chen Qi and the others don't come out the day after it airs, we'll proceed with the original plan, alright?"

"...It seems that's the only way."

After exchanging glances, the few from Rhodes Island and Vina, having no better options, had to agree to this plan – after all, a frontal assault on Londinium was unrealistic, even with Logos, whose strength rivaled that of the Royal Court, on their side.

After all, Theresis's current stance would be to protect Chen Qi fiercely, and Londinium still had at least two combatants of Royal Court level, not counting Theresis, Manfred, and the city defense cannons.

It could be said that anyone undertaking this mission could die. If a more secure tactic were available, everyone would choose to prevent further conflict.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to those from Rhodes Island and Lungmen, several forces were slowly approaching Londinium from both its surroundings and within. They were brewing their respective tactics and steps, but they all coincidentally took out their devices at regular intervals as they neared Londinium to watch "Yes, Prime Minister."

Whatever conspiracies they had could wait until tomorrow. Their intelligence had already been gathered, and tomorrow was the time for Chen Qi and his group to leave Londinium. Regardless of whether Chen Qi's group could leave smoothly, they all knew that that would be the best time to strike.