Chapter Sixty-Eight: Theresis's Trump Card-The Script as a Threat? / Chapter Sixty-Nine: Ursus Is Forced to Compromise

"Laterano could not tolerate it, and Laterano's citizens could not accept it. Therefore, we will withdraw the Laterano churches stationed in Victoria and devote ourselves fully to rectifying our internal issues over the coming years. No more churches will be established."

"We hope Victoria's citizens and rulers can understand. Laterano wishes to bring peace through doctrine, but doctrine has now lost its original meaning on this land. Before everything becomes irreversible, all we can do is remedy matters in time. We hope this will not damage the friendship and peace between our two nations."

After saying that, Mostima put away the new decree and immediately turned her gaze toward Vina, speaking with a smile.

"That is everything. Though it is regrettable, the Pope has his own difficulties. After all, I have heard that the calls for this within Laterano have been quite loud."

"You understand us Sarkaz, too. We are all somewhat... well... prone to doing things to vent when we get worked up. Yesterday, I heard that an entire class of Sarkaz students was shouting that if those dioceses violating doctrine were not dismantled, they would go around blowing up churches in every country themselves."

"...I understand."

Still, given the current situation, and knowing just how many of Victoria's flaws had been exposed by Yes, Prime Minister, Laterano's choice was already within Vina's expectations.

...Forget it. Victoria was already nearly beyond her reach. The Self-Rescue Army had been uprooted by Theresis, and Londinium had most likely fallen entirely under Sarkaz rule.

As for the territories of the Eight Dukes... Vina did not even dare set foot in them. Now that Victoria had lost Laterano's assistance, all she could say was that things had already become a complete mess. A little more chaos would not make much difference.

"In that case, my notification duties are complete. After this, I still have to visit the territories of all eight dukes and inform them as well."

Mostima nodded, then turned her gaze toward Chen Qi. This time, however, there was something strangely mischievous in her smile, which widened a little.

It could be said that... if the person smiling were W rather than Mostima, Chen Qi would absolutely have wanted to run for his life. That smile was full of ill intent and teasing, as though Mostima were about to play some terrible prank on him.

"Now that the first decree has been announced, it is time for the treaty concerning you, Director Chen Qi, our renowned celebrity."

"Some of it is repetitive, so I will keep things brief."

Mostima once again took a new scroll from Fiamma beside her. After clearing her throat, she addressed Chen Qi in the Pope's tone once more.

"I have watched your works. The Godfather and Yes, Prime Minister are both works deeply beloved by myself and Laterano's citizens. Now, Yes, Prime Minister has exposed the corruption within dioceses stationed across various countries. On behalf of Laterano and everyone at the Papal Hall, I thank you for this revelation."

"Your revelation has brought Laterano's problems into the sunlight and given us the chance to remedy everything before it becomes irreversible."

Yet as Mostima read these words, the five Ursus Imperial Guards nearby seemed faintly restless... The Laterano Pope's approach was indeed vastly different from the orders of the Ursus nobles who had sent them.

Those who felt similarly included Vina, the heir to the throne, and the members of Londinium's Self-Rescue Army. Vina in particular knew that she had almost no hope of reclaiming the throne, yet when Chen Qi exposed so many of Victoria's problems in Yes, Prime Minister, she had more than once been furious enough to want to beat him to death.

But now, the Pope of Laterano's broad-mindedness made Vina feel belatedly ashamed... Though Laterano and Victoria were in different situations. Laterano, far from the fires of war, naturally had enough time and energy to clean up its internal affairs.

As for Victoria... before long, it might split into more than eight pieces. With the impact of such a television series added to the pressure exerted by those dukes, Vina estimated that Victoria's next great upheaval was not far away.

"For this reason, I thank you for your talent, which has provided indelible aid to Laterano's reform. On behalf of Laterano, I will call you 'friend.'"

"Please accept this token of friendship from Laterano."

At that, Mostima put away her scroll. Under the disbelieving gazes of the Sarkaz led by Theresis, Kal'tsit of Rhodes Island, Ablana of Deep Pool, and the others, Mostima slowly accepted an exquisite box handed to her by Fiamma.

"To a friend who has helped Laterano, even if he is not of our race, we shall extend the same courtesy we would show a Laterano."

As Mostima's words fell, the box slowly opened, revealing an incomparably exquisite silver firearm—somewhat like the Desert Eagle Chen Qi remembered, but a size larger, covered in delicate golden filigree.

"A firearm... and a large-caliber firearm?" Kal'tsit naturally saw this as well, but at that moment, she felt as though her mind was no longer enough to process what she was seeing.

One person had actually gained the friendship of both the Sarkaz and Sarkaz, two races as incompatible as fire and water? Both races favored the same person—Rhodes Island had spent so many years without daring to claim it had formed good relations with even a single race.

Chen Qi had gained the friendship of two races as a director, using a single television series? For a moment, Kal'tsit even fell into brief confusion... It was not that she could not accept it, but Chen Qi had spent only a few years accomplishing part of a goal she had believed to be the hardest to achieve.

This made Kal'tsit wonder... She had believed that on this land filled with suffering, Rhodes Island could most easily win the support of desperate people by selling Oripathy suppressants at low prices. Many infected people who remained with Rhodes Island were patients it had saved, choosing to stay aboard this ark isolated from other factions.

But now, Chen Qi's gains made Kal'tsit unable to stop herself from wondering... Had Rhodes Island been right to become a pharmaceutical company? Would it have been better if they had started filming television dramas sooner?

Theresis's Trump Card—Script Deterrence?

"I am afraid you will be disappointed. Director Chen Qi is now a friend of us Sarkaz."

However, just as Mostima offered Laterano's gratitude to Chen Qi—an exquisite silver firearm—Theresis stepped forward almost immediately. His expression unchanged, he spoke to Mostima before him.

"We have already given him the Sarkaz sacred relic. Director Chen Qi is now a friend of the Sarkaz."

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

Mostima immediately responded to Theresis's words, still wearing the same faint smile as she spoke calmly.

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

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

"—Preposterous." At that moment, the Bloodborne Archon, one of the kings of the Royal Court, scoffed at the Pope's words repeated by Mostima. As a proud Sarkaz, he had never considered associating with Sarkaz.

"Could the hatred between our two races be erased simply because we share one friend? Two hundred years ago, when the allied armies entered Kazdel, how did you detestable Sarkaz mercilessly gun down the Sarkaz? Did you think we would forget?"

"How could our hatred be offset by a few words? If your Pope holds such thoughts, then leave at once—before I lose my patience and drain your blood dry."

The Bloodborne Archon spoke thus. Even recognizing Chen Qi, someone outside the Sarkaz bloodline, as a "friend" had already been difficult for a pure-blooded Sarkaz like him. He had only reluctantly agreed because Chen Qi would be greatly useful to his race's future.

As for associating with Sarkaz, that was impossible. It was not just the Bloodborne Archon—at that moment, even the King of Scavengers and Theresis did not try to stop him. Reconciling with Sarkaz would be about as difficult as reconciling with Kal'tsit.

"You misunderstand." Mostima remained entirely unfazed by the Bloodborne Archon. Still calmly repeating the Pope's words, she answered softly.

"The Pope merely wishes, like all of you Sarkaz, to befriend someone like Director Chen Qi. The friendship between the Sarkaz and Director Chen Qi does not conflict with the friendship between the Sarkaz and Director Chen Qi."

"We are both grateful for the help Director Chen Qi has provided, and we both hope that he and his expertise can provide help in the future, while giving us the opportunity to repay him. In that respect, our two races actually share the same thoughts."

"Sarkaz friendship is not so easily earned, Fallen Angel." Theresis narrowed his eyes, a rare expression from him, and spoke coolly.

"Our friendship is far more precious and reliable than your doctrine."

"...Then shall we let the future and our actions speak for themselves?"

When Theresis said this, Mostima revealed a hint of a satisfied smile. Theresis, seeing it, knew that he had revealed a weakness, something that hateful Pope had clearly anticipated.

"The Pope said there are many ways to thank a friend, but without question, the best gratitude is the gratitude accepted by the friend himself."

"From now on, we will repay our mutual friend in our own ways, and let our friend choose which race he wishes to help first in the future."

"—That is what the Pope said. And now, the way we Sarkaz thank Director Chen Qi for his help is all here."

Mostima smiled as she spoke, then handed the firearm to Chen Qi, signaling that he could accept it.

This time, Chen Qi hesitated unusually when faced with Mostima's gift. He glanced at the Mini-map. Apart from the gray Deep Pool markers and the red markers of the five Imperial Guards, the screen was filled with blue dots representing allies. At last, he tentatively reached out.

"Then... thank you."

When Chen Qi picked up the silver firearm, the blue ally markers of the Sarkaz, which had not changed, seemed to let out a sigh of relief in their hearts.

Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the rare item "Sarkaz Hand Cannon." The rare item has been placed in the "Treasury."

Sarkaz Hand Cannon: A large-caliber hand cannon that the Laterano race would never allow to fall into another race's hands through foreign trade. It has now been given to you as a token of Sarkaz friendship. The golden engravings upon it are proof enough.

Effect: Affinity with the Sarkaz race increases by 20%. Reputation gained from works provided to the Sarkaz race increases to 1.2 times.

Warning: The Host now possesses tokens from both the Sarkaz and Sarkaz races. As the relationship between these races is "Mortal Enemies," Sarkaz affinity from the "Royal Court Covenant" decreases to 40%, and the reputation increase becomes 1.3 times.

Hint: If the Host repairs relations between the two races to "Indifferent," the negative effect will disappear.

...But that was probably impossible for the time being. Chen Qi held the firearm in his hand and carefully put it away. He definitely could not flaunt this thing in front of the Sarkaz. Who knew whether someone might fail to accept it and immediately become an enemy?

Especially with Theresis standing right beside him... Seeing the Regent's gaze, Chen Qi promptly put away the firearm. Only then did he feel Theresis's gaze soften slightly.

"Very well, then half our task is complete." Seeing Chen Qi accept the token, Mostima smiled faintly.

"Congratulations, Director Chen Qi. You are now a person protected by both the Sarkaz and Sarkaz races."

"Then... may I ask the people of Deep Pool over there? And the five of Ursus? Do you still intend to act?"

"If you still wish to seize Director Chen Qi or harm him, then... in the name of helping a friend, we may join the Sarkaz in striking back against you."

After saying this, Mostima swiftly turned her attention toward Deep Pool and Ursus. Faced with this, the two sides reacted quite differently.

"—Deep Pool has no intention of harming Director Chen Qi. We merely wish, like the Sarkaz and Sarkaz, to ask Director Chen Qi to use his expertise to provide us with some assistance."

Ablana, having seen the situation clearly and knowing the scales had completely tipped toward the other side, surrendered quickly. Maintaining her smile, she said,

"Just like His Highness Theresis, we merely intend to 'employ' Director Chen Qi through proper means. We have no plans to use coercion."

"Oh? Then was such a large group merely here to welcome Director Chen Qi?"

Clearly, Ablana's excuse could not persuade Mostima. Yet Mostima also knew that Deep Pool was no longer the focus. With both races now protecting Chen Qi, no matter how bold Deep Pool's leader was, she would not dare harm Chen Qi or his film crew.

The principal threat now lay with Ursus's five Imperial Guards. The arrival of the two women did not truly change the situation for them—if they were determined to keep Chen Qi, it would be difficult to stop them.

"—The will of Ursus must be obeyed."

The five Imperial Guards clearly understood that they no longer held any advantage, yet they had to continue their mission. That was their purpose: to serve Ursus. For Ursus's expansion and stability, they would do anything so long as it benefited Ursus.

"Your deaths will have no value, Blades." Theresis spoke coldly at that moment.

"Other than polluting this land, no one will remember you. You do not even know whether you can complete your mission."

"—So long as it is for Ursus's continued existence." One Imperial Guard spoke without the slightest emotion. "Ursus's rule cannot be shaken by anyone. Eliminate every obstacle."

"—Then what if I tell you that even if you die, you will not protect your empire's rule? That you may even bring greater turmoil upon Ursus?"

Yet faced with the five Imperial Guards who would not yield to reason, Theresis seemed to finally lose patience. His words instantly drew everyone's attention and halted the five guards' movements.

"What do you mean, Sarkaz Regent?"

"...You will understand once you see it."

Theresis turned slightly. The next moment, he stepped toward Chen Qi, bent down slightly, and reached into his pocket. Taking advantage of the moment, he whispered to Chen Qi.

"—Director Chen Qi, cooperate with my performance next."

"Cooperate with your performance?" Chen Qi did not quite understand, but Theresis answered with a faint smile, "You will understand shortly."

With that, Theresis slowly withdrew a document he had long prepared from inside his armor. He raised it high, turned to face the five Imperial Guards, and spoke coldly.

"Blades of Ursus, your loyalty moves me. But now, I find your loyalty more like blind devotion."

"You wish to harm our friend on land ruled by us Sarkaz. Therefore, I have no choice but to deliver my final ultimatum."

"Do you wish to know what I hold in my hand?"

Theresis waved the papers in his hand. Facing the silent five Imperial Guards and everyone else who had no idea what was happening, he spoke calmly.

"—This is a sequel that I entrusted Director Chen Qi to prepare for us in advance."

"Yes, just as you suspect—Yes, Prime Minister Season Two's script is now in my hands."

"If you wish to exchange Director Chen Qi's life for your empire's stability, then I, as Sarkaz Regent, hereby inform you that if you kill our Sarkaz friend, the Ursus Empire will suffer the retaliation you fear most."

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

When Theresis raised the script he claimed contained Yes, Prime Minister Season Two high into the air, the entire battlefield fell into strange silence.

The five Imperial Guards all stopped moving. They even instinctively took a step back, instantly losing their momentum.

Even Kal'tsit was startled. Her eyes fixed on the script in Theresis's hand, her heart weighed heavily.

Ablana stared greedily at the script in Theresis's hand, and for a moment, she even wanted to rush forward and seize it by force.

Vina instinctively tightened her grip on her long-handled warhammer. Looking at the script in Theresis's hand, then at Chen Qi, she was so terrified that it felt as if her heart and lungs had stopped.

Talulah and the others familiar with Chen Qi looked at him suspiciously, but Chen Qi lightly shook his head, signaling for them not to expose it.

At that moment, Chen Qi had only one thought about Theresis: admiration. This Regent, who had once only understood military affairs, had somehow learned the meaning of "nuclear deterrence" without a teacher!

No, more accurately, this was "script deterrence." But without question, Chen Qi had never written a script for Yes, Prime Minister Season Two for Theresis. Theresis had merely used the show's name and psychological maneuvering to intimidate the five Imperial Guards and everyone else present.

Had he learned this from Yes, Prime Minister as well? Regardless, Chen Qi understood that he no longer needed to worry about the safety of himself and the crew. Theresis would certainly bluff these people and get them out safely.

Ursus Forced into Compromise

Sure enough, the moment Theresis claimed that he possessed the script for Yes, Prime Minister Season Two, nearly everyone present held their breath. Though their expressions differed, Theresis's fake script had undoubtedly become the "weapon" intimidating the entire scene.

Chen Qi and Theresis, including the Bloodborne Archon, Talulah, and the others behind them, all knew it was fake. Chen Qi had never written a second season of Yes, Prime Minister for Theresis. Otherwise, Theresis could not possibly have released Chen Qi and his group before filming was complete.

Yet Theresis was not at all afraid that his scheme would be exposed, because he understood that Ursus did not dare gamble. Once they lost that gamble, the price would be more than they could bear.

This move of Theresis's was also something he had learned from Yes, Prime Minister, and specifically a move many people had overlooked: Humphrey's argument in the first episode.

In the first episode, Harker, played by Theresis, wanted to abolish Victoria's Steam Knights, strengthen Victoria's military, restore conscription, and reform Defense Policy. Humphrey, played by the Bloodborne Archon, desperately opposed him.

Humphrey's reason was that the existence of the Steam Knights itself was an enormous deterrent. So long as the Steam Knights remained, other nations would not dare covet Victoria—at least, they could not bear the consequences of a full-scale war.

Whether the Steam Knights were useful or not, Victoria had to keep them in its hands. Even if they truly were useless, they were still a powerful deterrent that could maintain a balance among great powers such as Ursus, Gaul, and Iberia.

This was precisely what inspired Theresis. He also knew that the people he needed to drive off were not merely Ursus's five Imperial Guards, but the countless factions and nations that would target Chen Qi in the future. Yet he could not leave a group of elite fighters beside Chen Qi forever.

So what method could solve everything once and for all? Theresis pondered for a long time. Then, while revisiting Yes, Prime Minister, he suddenly thought of this.

What did the Ursus Empire and the other people hostile to Chen Qi fear most? Was it not Chen Qi's intelligence, which might allow him to expose even more things through television dramas that could cause unrest in their nations?

That meant what they feared most was the continuation of Yes, Prime Minister. And Director Chen Qi had happened to tell Theresis that he had inspiration for a second season of Yes, Prime Minister... Theresis had also worried that Chen Qi had merely said it casually and did not intend to fulfill that promise.