I'm a Director on Rhodes Island, Success is Not Being Banned

"Laterano cannot tolerate this, and the citizens of Laterano cannot accept it. Therefore, we will recall the Laterano Church stationed in Victoria and, over the next few years, will focus all our efforts on rectifying internal issues, and will not open any more churches."

"We hope the citizens and rulers of Victoria will understand. Laterano wishes to bring peace through its doctrines, but these doctrines have now lost their original meaning in this land. All we can do is to remedy the situation before it becomes irreversible. We hope this will not damage the friendship and peace between our two nations."

After speaking, Mostima put away the new law and immediately turned her gaze to Vina, opening her mouth with a smile:

"That is all. While it is regrettable, the Pontiff has his own difficulties. After all, the calls for this are quite strong in Laterano."

"You also know that we Sarkaz tend to be a bit... well... when we get excited, we tend to do things impulsively. Yesterday, I heard that a class of Sarkaz students were clamoring that if the churches violating the doctrines were not dismantled, they would spontaneously go to various countries and blow up those churches."

"...I understand."

However, given the current situation, and knowing how many of Victoria's flaws were exposed in "Yes, Prime Minister," Laterano's decision was within Vina's expectations.

...Never mind, Victoria's situation is already dire, and she has pretty much lost her chance. The Self-Rescue Army was uprooted by Theresis, and Londinium has likely fallen entirely under Sarkaz rule.

As for the territories of the eight dukes... Vina didn't even dare to go there. Now that Victoria has lost Laterano's support, it can only be said that things were already chaotic, and a little more won't make much difference.

"Since that's the case, then I've made sure to notify them. I still have to visit the territories of the eight dukes to notify them all."

Mostima nodded, then turned her gaze to Chen Qi. This time, however, Mostima's smile held a peculiar expression, widening slightly.

One could say... if the person smiling wasn't Mostima but W, Chen Qi would definitely bolt and run, because that smile was full of ill intentions and teasing, as if Mostima was about to play a nasty prank on Chen Qi.

"Now then, the first law has been announced. Next, we have the treaty concerning Director Chen Qi, you, the celebrity."

"Some of these are repetitive, so I'll keep it brief."

Mostima took another scroll from Fiamma beside her, cleared her throat, and spoke to Chen Qi again in the Pontiff's tone:

"I have watched your works. Both 'The Godfather' and 'Yes, Prime Minister' are works that my citizens and I in Laterano deeply cherish. And now, 'Yes, Prime Minister' has exposed the corruption of our churches stationed in various countries. For this, I thank you on behalf of Laterano and everyone in the Papal Hall for your revelations."

"Your revelations have brought our problems in Laterano into the light, and have given us the opportunity to remedy all of this before it becomes irreversible."

However, as Mostima read this, the five Ursus Imperial Guards beside her felt a sense of unease... The Laterano Pontiff's actions were indeed vastly different from the orders they had received to go to the Ursus nobles.

Similarly, Vina, the Crown Prince, and the members of the Londinium Self-Rescue Army felt the same. Especially Vina herself, as Crown Prince, she knew that her chances of regaining the throne were almost nil. Yet, when Chen Qi exposed so many of Victoria's flaws in "Yes, Prime Minister," she had indeed been furious enough to want to kill Chen Qi more than once.

But now, the magnanimity of the Laterano Pontiff made Vina feel a bit ashamed in retrospect... Although the situations in Laterano and Victoria were different, and Laterano, far from the flames of war, naturally had enough time and energy to rectify its internal affairs.

Victoria, on the other hand... in a while, Victoria might split into more than eight pieces. The impact of such a television series, coupled with the suppression by those Grand Dukes, made Vina estimate that Victoria would not be too far from its next upheaval.

"For this, I thank your talent for bringing indelible help to Laterano's reform. Therefore, on behalf of Laterano, I address you as 'friend'."

"Please accept this token of our friendship from Laterano."

With that, Mostima put away her scroll. At that moment, under the disbelieving gazes of the Sarkaz represented by Theresis, and Kal'tsit of Rhodes Island, and Ablana of Deep Pool, Mostima slowly accepted an item handed over by Fiamma – an exquisite box.

"To a friend who has helped Laterano, even if not of our own race, we will extend the same courtesy as Lateran citizens."

As Mostima's voice fell, the box slowly opened, revealing an incredibly exquisite silver firearm – somewhat resembling the Desert Eagle in Chen Qi's memory, but a size larger, adorned with intricate gold wire carvings.

"A firearm... and a large-caliber one at that?" Kal'tsit naturally saw this. At this moment, her mind felt like it wasn't working properly, and she found the scene utterly incredible.

Could one person gain the friendship of two irreconcilable races, Sarkaz and Sarkot, simultaneously? Two races favoring the same person – Rhodes Island had spent so many years, yet hadn't even managed to establish a good relationship with any single ethnic group.

Chen Qi, as a director, had used a television series to win the friendship of two races? For a moment, Kal'tsit even fell into a brief state of confusion... It wasn't that she couldn't accept it, but that Chen Qi had achieved a part of what she considered the most difficult goal in just a few years.

This made Kal'tsit doubt herself... She had thought that on this land filled with suffering, Rhodes Island could offer Oripathy suppressors at a low price, which was the easiest way to gain the support of those who were desperate. Now, many infected individuals who remained on Rhodes Island were patients rescued by Rhodes Island, who chose to stay within this ark, isolated from other forces.

But now, Chen Qi's gains made Kal'tsit wonder... Was Rhodes Island's decision to become a pharmaceutical company the right choice? Would it have been better if they had started making television series earlier?

Chapter Sixty-Eight: Theresis's Trump Card – Script Deterrence?

"Then I'm afraid you will be disappointed. Currently, Director Chen Qi is a friend of our Sarkaz."

However, as Mostima presented Laterano's gratitude to Chen Qi – an exquisite silver firearm – Theresis stepped forward almost immediately, his expression unchanged, and said to Mostima before him:

"We have already gifted him our Sarkaz sacred artifacts. Director Chen Qi is now a friend of our Sarkaz."

"Ah, regarding that, the Regent of Sarkaz need not worry. Our Pontiff also has something to say."

Mostima immediately responded to Theresis's words, maintaining her unchanging faint smile, and said calmly:

"A person cannot have only one friend, nor can they have friends from only one race. Director Chen Qi is a free creator. I believe that His Highness the Regent released him precisely because you understand that he cannot be restrained."

"Even if Director Chen Qi has become a friend of the Sarkaz, it does not mean he cannot simultaneously become a friend of the Sarkot, correct?"

"—Unreasonable." At this moment, the Bloodborne Archon, one of the kings of the Royal Court, scoffed at the Pontiff's words as relayed by Mostima. As a proud Sarkaz, he had never considered associating with the Sarkot.

"How can the hatred between our two races be erased simply because of a shared friend? Two hundred years ago, when the allied forces entered Kazdel, how did you Sarkot mercilessly gun down the Sarkaz? Do you think we have forgotten?"

"Can our hatred be so easily dispelled with a few words? If your Pontiff holds such ideas, then you should leave quickly – before I lose control and drain your blood."

The Bloodborne Archon spoke thus. In fact, merely acknowledging Chen Qi, a non-Sarkaz "friend," was already a stretch for the Bloodborne Archon, a pure Sarkaz, and he had only reluctantly agreed considering Chen Qi's potential great use for their race's future.

As for associating with the Sarkot, that was impossible. Not only the Bloodborne Archon, but even the King of Scavengers and Theresis did not intervene. Forcing them to reconcile with the Sarkot was no less difficult than reconciling with Kal'tsit.

"You misunderstand." Mostima was still unfazed by the Bloodborne Archon's threat, calmly repeating the Pontiff's words, and replied softly:

"The Pontiff simply wishes to befriend Director Chen Qi, just as the Sarkaz do. The Sarkot's friendship with Director Chen Qi does not conflict with the Sarkaz's friendship with Director Chen Qi."

"We are both grateful for the help provided by Director Chen Qi, and we hope that he and his expertise can provide help in the future, and give us the opportunity to repay him – in this regard, our two races' thoughts are actually consistent."

"Sarkaz friendship is not easily earned, Fallen Angel Sarkot." Theresis narrowed his eyes, a rare occurrence, and said faintly:

"Our friendship is much more precious and reliable than your doctrines."

"...Then, shall we let facts speak for themselves in the future?"

Mostima smiled with a hint of triumph upon hearing Theresis speak. Seeing this, Theresis knew he had uncharacteristically revealed a weakness, and that this was precisely within the expectations of that detestable Pontiff.

"The Pontiff said there are many ways to thank a friend, but undoubtedly, the best thanks are those accepted by your own friends."

"From now on, we will use our own methods to repay our shared friend, and let our friend choose which faction to prioritize helping in the future."

"—That is what the Pontiff said, and now, here are all the ways we Sarkaz are thanking Director Chen Qi for his assistance."

Mostima said this with a smile, then handed the firearm to Chen Qi, indicating he could accept it.

This time, Chen Qi hesitated for a rare moment when faced with the gift Mostima offered. He glanced at the mini-map, observing the full screen of friendly blue dots, except for the gray "Deep Pool" and the five red Imperial Guards. He finally reached out tentatively.

"Then... thank you."

When Chen Qi's palm closed around the silver firearm, the blue friendly dots belonging to the Sarkaz, which had not changed, breathed a sigh of relief.

[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining the rare item "Sarkaz Hand Cannon." The rare item has been stored in the "Treasury."]

[Sarkaz Hand Cannon: A large-caliber handgun that the Laterano clan never allows to fall into the hands of other races through foreign trade. It is now gifted to you as a token of Sarkaz friendship, the golden carvings upon it are proof enough.]

[Effect: Sarkaz affinity increased by 20%, reputation gained from the Host's works for the Sarkaz clan increased to 1.2 times.]

[Note: The Host now possesses tokens from both the Sarkaz and Sarkaz races. Due to their "mortal enemy" relationship, the Sarkaz affinity from the "Royal Court Covenant" has decreased to 40%, and the reputation bonus has become 1.3 times.]

[Hint: If the Host repairs the relationship between the two races to "Neutral," the negative effects will disappear.]

...But that was unlikely to happen anytime soon. Chen Qi, holding the firearm, carefully put it away. He couldn't show this thing off in front of the Sarkaz, who knew what might happen if someone couldn't accept it and turned hostile?

Especially with Theresis himself watching... Seeing the Regent's gaze, Chen Qi immediately put the firearm away and felt the other's expression soften slightly.

"Alright, now that that's settled, our mission is considered half-complete," Mostima said with a slight smile as Chen Qi accepted the token. "Congratulations, Director Chen Qi, you are now protected by both the Sarkaz and the Sarkaz."

"So then... what about the members of 'Deep Pool' over there? And the five from Ursus? Do you still intend to make a move?"

"If you still want to snatch him, or harm Director Chen Qi, then... in the name of helping a friend, we might counter-attack you along with the Sarkaz?"

Mostima said this, quickly turning her attention to Deep Pool and Ursus. With that, both sides expressed different situations.

"—Deep Pool has no ill intentions towards Director Chen Qi. We merely wish to request Director Chen Qi's specialized assistance, just like the Sarkaz and the Sarkaz."

Ablana, now seeing the situation clearly and knowing which way the scales had tipped, quickly conceded, maintaining her smile as she said, "Just like His Highness Theresis, we only intended to 'hire' Director Chen Qi through legitimate means. We weren't planning on using force."

"Oh? Then your large contingent is just here to welcome Director Chen Qi?"

Clearly, Ablana's excuse couldn't convince Mostima. However, Mostima also knew that the focus was no longer on Deep Pool. Given the current situation where both races were protecting Chen Qi, even the leader of Deep Pool, no matter how bold, wouldn't dare to harm Chen Qi or his crew.

The main threat now came from the five Imperial Guards of Ursus. Facing the current situation, the addition of the two women didn't change the overall picture—if they were determined to keep Chen Qi, it would be difficult to stop them.

"—The will of Ursus must be followed."

However, the five Imperial Guards clearly understood that they no longer had any advantage, but they had to continue their mission—that was their purpose, to serve Ursus, for Ursus's expansion and stability. They would do anything as long as it was good for Ursus.

"Your deaths will have no value, Blades," Theresis said coldly at this moment. "No one will remember you except for the pollution you leave on this land, and you don't even know if you can complete your mission."

"—As long as it is for the continuation of Ursus," one of the Imperial Guards said emotionlessly, "Ursus's rule cannot be shaken by anyone. Eliminate all obstacles."

"—What if I told you that even in death, you wouldn't be able to stop your empire's rule, and it would even cause greater turmoil for your Ursus?"

However, facing these five unyielding Imperial Guards, Theresis finally seemed to lose his patience. His words immediately drew everyone's attention and stopped the actions of the five Imperial Guards.

"What do you mean, Regent of the Sarkaz?"

"...You'll understand when you see."

However, Theresis turned slightly at this moment. The next moment, Theresis took a step closer to Chen Qi, bent down slightly, and took something out of his pocket. Taking advantage of this opportunity, he whispered to Chen Qi, "—Director Chen Qi, please cooperate with my performance next."

"Cooperate with my performance?" Chen Qi asked, not quite understanding. Theresis replied with a slight smile, "You'll understand later."

With that, Theresis slowly took out a prepared document from his armor. He held it high, turned to face the five Imperial Guards, and said coldly, "Blades of Ursus, your loyalty is admirable, but now, I find your loyalty to be more like 'foolish loyalty'."

"You wish to harm our friend on the land ruled by us Sarkaz, so now, I must give you my final ultimatum."

"Do you want to know what this is that I'm holding?"

Theresis said, raising the papers in his hand. Facing the silent five Imperial Guards, and the confused onlookers, he said lightly, "—Here, is the sequel that I entrusted Director Chen Qi to prepare for us in advance."

"Yes, just as you thought—the script for the second season of 'Yes, Prime Minister' is now in my hands."

"If you intend to kill Director Chen Qi in exchange for your empire's stability, then I, as the Regent of the Sarkaz, inform you now that if you kill our Sarkaz friend, the Ursus Empire will face a retaliation you least expect."

"Not through force, but through the impact of 'exposure.' Everything you fear most is now in my hands."

And as Theresis held up the script, which he claimed to be the second season of 'Yes, Prime Minister,' the entire battlefield fell into a strange silence.

The five Imperial Guards stopped their actions simultaneously, even instinctively taking a step back, their imposing presence immediately deflated.

Kal'tsit was startled, her eyes fixed on the script in Theresis's hand, her heart heavy.

Ablana stared at the script in Theresis's hand with greedy eyes, even wanting to snatch it away then and there.

Vina instinctively tightened her grip on the polearm battle hammer in her hand. She looked at the script in Theresis's hand, then at Chen Qi, and was so terrified it felt like her heart had stopped.

Talulah and others familiar with Chen Qi looked at him with suspicion, but Chen Qi subtly shook his head, signaling them not to expose him.

At this moment, Chen Qi's only thought about Theresis was "admiration"—this regent, who previously only knew military matters, had now intuitively grasped the concept of "nuclear deterrence"!

No, to be precise, was it "script deterrence"? But undoubtedly, Chen Qi hadn't written the script for Season 2 of Yes, Minister for Theresis. Theresis was merely using the show's name and psychological warfare to subdue the five Imperial Guards and everyone present.

Had he learned this from Yes, Minister as well? Regardless, Chen Qi understood that the safety of himself and the entire crew was no longer a concern. Theresis could definitely bluff these people and ensure their safe departure.

Chapter 69: Ursus's Forced Compromise

As expected, the moment Theresis claimed to possess the script for Yes, Minister Season 2, almost everyone present held their breath. Although their expressions varied, there was no doubt that the fake script in Theresis's hand had become the "weapon" deterring the entire scene.

Chen Qi, Theresis, and even the Bloodborne Archon, Talulah, and the others behind them knew it was fake. Chen Qi had never written Season 2 of Yes, Minister for Theresis; otherwise, Theresis wouldn't have let Chen Qi and his group leave before filming was complete.

However, Theresis wasn't afraid of his scheme being exposed because he understood that Ursus wouldn't dare to gamble. The cost of losing that gamble was something they couldn't afford.

Theresis was once again using a tactic he learned from Yes, Minister, specifically one that many had overlooked: the dialogue from the first episode, spoken by Humphrey.

In the first episode, Theresis, playing Hark, wanted to cancel Victoria's Steam Knights and implement a defense policy that strengthened the Victorian army and restored conscription. This was fiercely opposed by the Bloodborne Archon, playing Humphrey.

Humphrey's reason at the time was that the existence of the Steam Knights was a significant deterrent. As long as the Steam Knights existed, other countries would not dare to covet Victoria—at least, they couldn't afford the consequences of all-out war.

Whether the Steam Knights were useful or not, they had to remain in Victoria's hands. Even if they were truly useless, they served as a powerful deterrent, maintaining a balance of power among strong nations like Ursus, Gaul, and Iberia.

This point gave Theresis inspiration. Theresis also knew that he needed to deter not only Ursus's five Imperial Guards but also countless future factions or nations that would target Chen Qi. He couldn't possibly keep a large number of high-end combat forces around Chen Qi.

So, what was a way to achieve this once and for all? Theresis thought for a long time, and finally, while reviewing Yes, Minister, this idea suddenly struck him.

What did the Ursus Empire and other individuals who were unfavorable to Chen Qi fear the most? Wasn't it the possibility that Chen Qi's directorial wisdom would lead to future television series that could expose more and cause turmoil in their respective countries?

That meant their greatest fear was the continuation of Yes, Minister. And Director Chen Qi had happened to tell Theresis that he had inspiration for Yes, Minister Season 2... Theresis also worried that Chen Qi was just saying that and didn't intend to fulfill that promise.