Directing on the Ark, Success If Not Banned

For now... let's finish watching "Yes, Prime Minister" first. They all still have a lot to learn!

"Have everyone rest here for now. We'll continue our advance tomorrow."

Over at Deep Pool, Ablana, their leader, issued the order to halt and rest. Soon, under Ablana's arrangements, tents began to be set up. Of course, a portable mini-television was also brought out.

After connecting to Londinium's signal, Ablana, her sister, and several Deep Pool cadres soon sat together, eagerly anticipating what new knowledge they could glean from the final two episodes of "Yes, Prime Minister."

Meanwhile, within Londinium, the Self-Rescue Army was also putting on a show. Under the command of their leader, Alda, they chose the day Chen Qi left the city to make their move—it was the most opportune time, with many eyes and ears around.

Furthermore, they had all coincidentally focused their attention on Londinium's television station. While they didn't plan to bomb the station, they intended to delete the "Yes, Prime Minister" data. This way, even if Chen Qi left Londinium, "Yes, Prime Minister" would no longer be re-broadcast.

Multiple factions, all approaching Londinium in unison, simultaneously ceased their actions and began watching "Yes, Prime Minister," a show they either loved or hated. Yet, they were all unaware that, without realizing it, they had already become engrossed in this unique television series.

And this time, the second-to-last episode of "Yes, Prime Minister" quickly began its story with the case of a Victoria nurse who, due to her ignorance of Iberian law, was caught smuggling contraband and sentenced to ten years of imprisonment and forty lashes.

"It's quite worrying, Humphrey. Public sympathy is running high," Prime Minister Hark, portrayed by Theresis, asked with unease. However, Humphrey, played by Bloodborne Archon, replied with practiced indifference:

"I'm sure the Foreign Secretary will offer you some advice."

"—He advised me to stand by and do nothing," Theresis replied, frowning slightly. Upon hearing this, Bloodborne Archon chuckled and responded:

"I think that's good advice."

However, as the familiar canned laughter echoed, Vina's expression darkened slightly at that moment.

Damn the Foreign Office again! It's infuriating! If I ever get the chance in the future, I'll thoroughly clean out the Foreign Office! Let's see how they find fault then!

Meanwhile, Deep Pool erupted in laughter. Excellent, they're already mocking the Victoria Foreign Office from the start. Great review!

Chapter Fifty-Five: Is "Yes, Prime Minister" Starting to Mock Laterano?

"We are very close to Director Chen Qi, who is filming 'Yes, Prime Minister'."

On the other side of Londinium, five "Emperor's Blades" from the Ursus Empire had arrived. Each of them was clad in a black overcoat, their faces obscured by masks resembling gas masks, with several tubes connecting to devices on their backs. Not a speck of skin was exposed.

Of course, they were no longer human, nor any species from Terra. They weren't even Sarkaz. They were merely monstrous and powerful creations designed to combat Sarkaz. Now, the five "Emperor's Blades" had come to Londinium to carry out the mission assigned to them by the Imperial Palace—to assassinate Chen Qi.

Naturally, the "Emperor's Blades" were not mere pawns for the nobles. Their loyalty was to Ursus, and to everything that benefited Ursus.

And now, Chen Qi, a figure who had brought turmoil to Ursus's rule, was naturally a target for elimination. However, they were not mindless lunatics. They knew very well that the five of them would have a hard time breaking through Londinium's defenses. They had to find another way.

Coincidentally, they had also received news that Chen Qi would complete his contract with Theresis tomorrow and then leave Londinium. This would be the perfect time for them to act.

"Whether Theresis lets Chen Qi leave or not, that will be the closest we get to success."

"I've detected multiple life forms approaching Londinium as well. Clearly, their objectives are not the same as ours; they are either trying to save someone, or they have chosen the exact same timing as us."

"...Then, why don't we learn from Victoria's diplomatic methods?" one of the Imperial Guards analyzed. "Let them fight amongst themselves. We can then just make a small move to resolve the situation."

"Good idea. Saves us the trouble of planning."

Thus, after a brief exchange, the five Imperial Guards quickly decided to adopt the "Victoria diplomatic method" from "Yes, Prime Minister" to respond to any situation. In Ursus, although civilians were forbidden from spreading or watching "Yes, Prime Minister," it was quite easy for those at their level to access it.

Moreover, discussions about the show had been ongoing in the Ursus Imperial Palace for several days. The nobles of the Ursus Imperial Palace had clearly recognized the show's potential and its analysis of Victoria's politics, recognizing these as valuable insights.

Since the Imperial Guards often served not only as high-level combatants but also as commanders, they needed to formulate tactics based on the thought processes of politicians from other countries when necessary. "Yes, Prime Minister" provided them with an excellent template.

It could be said that several countries on this continent had, through this show, gained a concrete analysis of Victoria's civilian bureaucratic system and their internal issues. The Imperial Guards naturally had to study it as well.

"So, since the plan is set, what should we do next?"

"—Wait, and finish watching the last two episodes of 'Yes, Prime Minister'."

Soon, the Imperial Guards took out the mobile phones they shouldn't have possessed but had prepared to upload the last two episodes of "Yes, Prime Minister" to the Imperial Palace. Instantly, they began watching and learning through Londinium's network.

"If we stand by and do nothing, we'll appear both heartless and incompetent." Theresis clearly disagreed with Humphrey's approach to handling the nurse and immediately stated:

"The government cannot appear both heartless and incompetent at the same time—what do you say, Bernard?"

Faced with the Prime Minister's question, Manfred, who was playing the role of Private Secretary Bernard, didn't know how to answer and could only suggest: "Why not think of a way to make you appear either heartless or incompetent?"

"Hahahaha!"

This time, Manfred's response once again caused everyone, both inside and outside the screen, to burst into laughter. With the immense popularity of "Yes, Prime Minister," the personalities of these three main actors had become familiar to the audience. Chen Qi often saw comments in the comment section about the character "Bernard."

"A daily tip for resignation."

"I really love Bernard. He always says what I dare not say."

"Every day I think it's a miracle Bernard can still be a private secretary talking like this. His work ability must be very strong, right?"

However, after everyone at Rhodes Island had finished laughing, they realized Vina was also on the landship. But when they looked towards Vina, they saw that the Crown Prince had a suppressed smile on her face. She looked at everyone and said:

"...It's fine, you don't need to worry about me. I'm just a Crown Prince without a title. I actually find these things amusing too."

Vina forced herself to compose her expression. After adjusting her mindset during this time, she felt that the content of this episode was still acceptable. Apart from mocking the Foreign Office at the beginning, there wasn't much else.

After all... the overall tone of this show is satirical comedy. It would be abnormal if it didn't mock Victoria a few times.

Vina settled down to continue watching. At this moment, Bloodborne Archon began to explain to Theresis the reasons why they intended to stand by and do nothing—clearly, they did not intend to offend Iberia over this matter. Iberia had many interests in common with them, and in the future, they would need the help of the land power Iberia to guard against Gaul and Ursus.

Therefore, Bloodborne Archon only intended to have the Foreign Office issue a "solemn protest" as usual to placate the public's emotions, and then their government's work would be considered "doing their utmost."

"How heartless," Theresis commented, shaking his head.

"—Being heartless is better than being brainless." Bloodborne Archon felt no shame about this. He slowly stood up and said to Theresis, uttering words that invigorated everyone watching:

"History is a victory of the ruthless over the brainless."

As soon as Bloodborne Archon uttered these words, the leaders, high-ranking officials, and faction heads of various countries, upon hearing them, felt their eyes light up. They nodded in unison, making a note of the statement.

"History is a victory of the ruthless over the brainless..." At Deep Pool, leader Ablana's eyes lit up almost instantly upon hearing these words. She immediately jotted them down, murmuring to herself, "Good, that's well said."

Why did she feel it was well said? Because that's precisely how she had come this far.

Ablana's Originium Arts allowed her to control the bodies of the deceased. Her Originium Arts greatly boosted Deep Pool's combat power and dealt a massive blow to their enemies' morale. Although Ablana had used them frequently in the past, she had always harbored some reservations about them.

Yet, she had persevered. Bloodborne Archon's words seemed to have completely dissolved her last trace of reservation towards her Originium Arts.

It was solely because of these words that Ablana believed she and Deep Pool would surely succeed. She herself was a "ruthless" person, showing no mercy to her enemies. This statement was a perfect reflection of her and an affirmation of her path.

And this script was written by Chen Qi, whose goal was to win her over. As everyone knew, a work naturally conveyed some of the creator's subjective ideas.

Did this mean that Chen Qi, whom she admired, was actually the same kind of person as her?

Did this mean her chances of success had greatly increased?

At this thought, a sickly yet confident smile appeared on Ablana's face, making her disguised younger sister Lavshini and the cadres of Deep Pool find it incredibly bizarre.

Meanwhile, the drama on television continued. With Humphrey's departure, the matter of the nurse being punished in Iberia seemed beyond salvaging. However, Manfred seized this opportunity to mention to Theresis the vacant bishop position in a parish of the Laterano Anglican Church in Victoria.

Now, Theresis had to choose one of the two candidates from the Anglican Church.

"Huh? There's something about Laterano?"

At that moment, Exusiai, who was also watching "Yes, Prime Minister" in Lungmen, reacted immediately upon hearing Laterano and the Church mentioned for the first time in the drama. She felt a sense of foreboding.

"Oh no, Director Chen Qi, you're not going to slander our Laterano and our doctrines, are you?! That's not something you can do! You'll be hunted down!"

Exusiai could rest assured that "Yes, Prime Minister" was being broadcast throughout Lungmen, and countless people in Laterano were undoubtedly watching. Information in Laterano was free, and everyone could watch anything, but questioning Laterano's doctrines was absolutely forbidden!

If they dared to insult the doctrines and the Church, even the good-natured Sarkaz of Laterano, who were known for their destructive tendencies inherited through generations, would transform into judges and punish all enemies!

And in Laterano, just as Exusiai had predicted, the current Pope of Laterano, Evangelista XI, a plump man with a dense beard, who was enjoying a cactus fruit tart, had a different reaction upon seeing "Yes, Prime Minister" mention Laterano for the first time on television.

"There's something about Laterano? I wonder how this sharp-tongued young man will evaluate us." The Pope wasn't particularly nervous; he had confidence in his doctrines.

He simply lacked confidence in the church stationed in Victoria... but that place had long since ceased to be run by Laterano people from top to bottom. He didn't need to be nervous.

"How am I supposed to know who to choose?" Theresis knew nothing about the two candidates and thus didn't know how to choose.

Fortunately, Manfred explained to him at that moment, "Like choosing any other civil servant, Prime Minister, it's a card trick."

However, Manfred's words caused the Pope, who had prepared himself, to feel awkward. The Manfred in the drama then explained:

"No matter which card you draw, you'll always draw the card the magician wants you to draw."

"What if I don't draw?" Theresis asked, still skeptical. This time, Manfred, referred to as a "Sarkaz" in the drama, revealed a subtle smile and said, "You will draw."

Clearly, there was an inside story. Theresis, unaware of the details, asked, "What cards are they?"

"—The cards for the Victorian Church are either J (Joker) or Q (Queer)."

"Cough, cough, cough!"

However, Manfred's words in the drama caused the Pope to spit out his fruit tart in one go. He even choked on it, letting out violent coughs and nearly suffocating in his room.

"Your Holiness?! What's wrong?! Were you startled by the explosion outside? Although I don't think the sound was that loud; it just blew up a row of railings!"

"I, I'm fine. I just regret turning on this television."

After a bout of severe coughing, the Pope felt a rare surge of annoyance. While Laterano aimed to spread its doctrines to every corner of this suffering land, even if it was impossible, they tried their best. However, due to that line just now, he began to regret placing their branch church in Victoria all those years ago.

Although everyone knew that the church stationed in Victoria had, strictly speaking, become Victoria's own property, the thought of Laterano's doctrines being so defiled by Victorians made him furious.

Victoria! Our sacred doctrines reaching your land has truly tarnished the word 'sacred'!

Chapter Fifty-Six: The Pope's Anger at the Victorian Diocese

Putting aside the Pope's situation for now, in the drama, Bloodborne Archon appeared at a very grand banquet. There were only three people at the banquet. Besides Bloodborne Archon, another noteworthy figure was the dean of Humphrey's alma mater.

During their conversation, the dean revealed that he would retire in four or five years and hoped Bloodborne Archon would succeed him. Bloodborne Archon quickly realized this would be a good position after his retirement and naturally didn't want to pass it up.

However, they clearly encountered a problem. The college's academic registrar was somewhat dissatisfied with Bloodborne Archon and refused to agree to his appointment as dean. Therefore, the three of them plotted at the banquet on how to reasonably oust the academic registrar from the college.

"It's difficult; he's a slacker!" another academic registrar, who had a good relationship with Bloodborne Archon, chimed in.

"He only works four hours a week, teaches one class, and has a few tutorial sessions, yet he enjoys tenure. His only two hobbies are cricket and steam engines."

"He never reads a new book and never has a new idea."

"—So teaching at our Victoria Royal Private University is perfect." Bloodborne Archon immediately quipped, causing the audience outside the screen to burst into laughter again. The disdain Bloodborne Archon showed towards his alma mater, and even the best university in Victoria, which most of them couldn't even access, made them feel a sense of relief from the disparity.

The three had a plan on how to get the academic registrar transferred: have him take over the vacant bishop position in the Laterano diocese in Victoria. Bishops held seats in the upper house, and the academic registrar, who was vain and longed for a noble life, would definitely not refuse.

However, the Pope of Laterano was greatly angered by the fact that the Manfred in the drama and others had appointed such an incompetent person as bishop.

"How can such a person become a bishop? I even doubt if he understands Laterano's doctrines at all." The Pope, who hadn't been angry in many years, shook his head in dissatisfaction. At this moment, the Pope's Knight, clad in armor and holding a massive revolver, standing beside the Pope, comforted him, "Your Holiness, please rest assured. Victoria would not dare to deceive us to such an extent."

"The Laterano diocese in Victoria is for promoting our doctrines and saving more people. As long as this point is guaranteed, Laterano's doctrines will not be defiled."

"If even that can't be guaranteed, I believe our brothers and sisters will blow up that diocese to smithereens in the first instance."

"I hope so..." However, the Pope still didn't feel optimistic upon hearing this. Especially knowing the satirical depth of the TV show Yes, Prime Minister, he worried even more about what unwelcome truths the show might reveal.

Back in the drama, the Bloodborne Archon, upon hearing such a decision, also found the plan acceptable, but said with some reluctance:

"Of course, but that's not up to me. The Church wants to maintain balance."

"Balance what?" the other two quickly asked. At this moment, the Pope's expression had softened considerably, and he nodded in approval.

What did the Church want to balance? Naturally, it was the influence of the Church's doctrines on the world. This was a sacred existence that could not be tainted by money. Although the Pope felt that doctrines couldn't save everyone, promoting them and maintaining their nobility was still very important.

This was certainly not something a civil servant from Victoria could influence. The Pope's expression eased slightly, while within the drama, the Bloodborne Archon immediately replied:

"Of course, it's between believers and non-believers."

"Hahahahahaha!"

Accompanied by a burst of laughter from within the drama, the Pope's face darkened once more. The Dean in the drama also asked with some surprise, "Does the Church have non-believing members?"

"Yes, most bishops."

The Bloodborne Archon nodded matter-of-factly, which caused the Pope's face to turn completely black. His hand gripped a corner of his rocking chair, almost snapping the wood.

In the drama, the Bloodborne Archon also explained why he couldn't do anything about it: the position of bishop was already internally decided for a Buddhist cleric, and the other candidate, who seemed to give the Prime Minister a choice, was someone who could never be selected.

This also explained why Manfred had previously called it a "card trick" – giving you one option, and then another option you would absolutely not choose, thereby pre-determining the bishop's position.

"Are there any other vacant dioceses?"

"These things don't happen often," the Bloodborne Archon shook his head, answering distractedly:

"The old ones don't have to retire at this age – bishops are generally long-lived, and clearly the Lord isn't in a hurry to call them to His side."

This was another remark that could almost ignite the Pope's temper in front of the television. The Pope's plump face first turned black, then red, clearly indicating he was quite angered.