Directing on the Ark, Success If Not Banned

So, the best method Theresis could think of was to publicly release fake news, like a second season of "Yes, Prime Minister," making it something even Chen Qi couldn't refuse.

Whether the news was true or false, no one could afford to bet against it. As long as Theresis held this leverage, it could guarantee that no one would dare to harm the Sarkaz of Londinium or Chen Qi.

"This is impossible."

However, the script in Theresis's hand clearly shocked the five Imperial Guards. But soon, the Imperial Guards reacted. The voice that had always been devoid of emotion, for the first time, showed seriousness and hesitation, yet it still replied coldly:

"If the script for the second season of 'Yes, Prime Minister' has already been created... why didn't you air it? Instead, it concluded with eight episodes?"

"Because the Northern Region still needs you, Ursus."

Theresis's answer was, however, impeccable. Holding the fake script, he smiled slightly and said, "The situation in the Northern Region is currently severe. It's not that the Sarkaz need Ursus to exist, but rather that this land needs Ursus to exist."

"A united Ursus can naturally better resist the threats from the Northern Region—but if you threaten us Sarkaz, if you threaten our friends..."

"I think, even if Ursus were to fall apart and be thrown into turmoil, there would still be other countries capable of undertaking the responsibility of resisting the Northern Region's threats, for example, Yan."

"And which country would annex or partition the territories of a fragmented Ursus... I believe Ursus has offended quite a few countries on this continent, haven't they?"

Theresis's words conveyed a strong threat, yet everyone knew that if such a thing were to happen, the Ursus Empire would truly be carved up—because the Ursus Empire had offended far too many countries.

And the group was well aware that with the script for the second season of "Yes, Prime Minister" now in Theresis's possession, even if filming hadn't begun, as long as they had the script, the filming itself wouldn't be a concern.

Moreover, the filming method for "Yes, Prime Minister" wasn't particularly difficult; it was a comedy, after all. The most crucial part was the political satire. With the script issue resolved, the filming was a minor concern, and they could start filming even without Chen Qi.

As long as the script was in hand, Theresis could start filming the second season of "Yes, Prime Minister" at any time, and if it intended to disseminate it...

"A mere television series cannot achieve the division of the great Ursus Empire," the Imperial Guard forced themselves to calmly reply.

"Oh? If that's the case, why did you travel all the way to Victoria's borders to assassinate Director Chen Qi?"

However, facing the Imperial Guard's unconvincing words, Theresis sneered and continued, "And if you didn't fear this television series, why would you classify it as contraband? Even going to such lengths and labeling it treason?"

"You can't do this," the Imperial Guard's tone became more flustered as they spoke again, "If you do, not only Ursus, but also Victoria, Iberia... more than half the nations on this continent will fall into chaos."

"And what does that have to do with me, or with the Sarkaz?"

However, Theresis's words, filled with hatred, left the Imperial Guard, as well as Kal'tsit and others with similar thoughts, completely speechless.

"We Sarkaz have long been regarded as 'sinful' by your other races. Kazdel has been breached multiple times, and countless Sarkaz have been slaughtered by you. Are they not living beings? Are they not life on this continent?"

"And among you, how many countries have not participated in this? What concern is it of mine to destroy you?"

"If it weren't for the immense threat we face today, and the constant threats and challenges to our survival, wouldn't I want to destroy you all?"

"Just enduring the thought of destroying you is the greatest effort I, and all Sarkaz, have made."

Theresis's words carried deep-seated hatred and authority. Among the long-lived races, he was likely one of the younger ones, but the anger and hatred he displayed now were enough to chill everyone to the bone.

"Now, the Sarkaz have our first friend. He is willing to extend a helping hand to us, and even doesn't despise our race. In the future, the continuation and change of the Sarkaz will require his strength. If you make a move against him, the Sarkaz will seek revenge at all costs."

"Now, I give you all my final ultimatum—the Sarkaz do not wish to overthrow this continent. Therefore, as Regent, I first promise that we will not film the second season of 'Yes, Prime Minister' and spread it to other parts of this continent during such a turbulent time."

"But if you continue to disrespect our Sarkaz friends... then you will face not only the wrath of the Sarkaz but also the wrath of all the oppressed non-Sarkaz races."

"So now, we are escorting our Sarkaz friend away from the land where we sheltered him. Outsiders—all of you, stand down!"

At this moment, Theresis once again unleashed a unique Sarkaz bloodlust and ferocity, mixed with an aura of immense authority. Instantly, almost everyone except those on Chen Qi's side was stunned by Theresis's presence—including the well-traveled Kal'tsit.

After a period of eerie silence, Kal'tsit slowly broke free from her initial shock. Before long, she took the initiative to address everyone:

"...Everyone, board the Landship and clear the way."

Kal'tsit dared not imagine the extent of the turmoil Theresis's actions would cause on the continent. As Theresis had said, the threats and challenges currently faced by all species were not conducive to large-scale internal warfare—let alone for each country individually.

In that case, with so much manpower and resources dedicated to internal conflict, who would defend against the myriad threats like demons, sea creatures, and the void? And after the war ended, a year or even several years later, how much national strength would they have left to resist these threats?

Therefore, regardless of whether the script in Theresis's hands was real or fake, Kal'tsit could not take such a risk—especially since she currently lacked the capital for such a gamble.

Thus, compromise might be the best option. Although Theresis's words were directed at the Imperial Guards, Kal'tsit also knew that Theresis was warning her. Chen Qi and his group were about to depart under Rhodes Island's escort, and Theresis was telling Kal'tsit not to attempt to control or influence Chen Qi.

Although Kal'tsit had never thought of doing so, Theresis's actions clearly dashed any hopes Kal'tsit might have had that Chen Qi and his group would comply with Rhodes Island's arrangements.

In an instant, Rhodes Island, Deep Pool, and the Imperial Guards all cleared a path. Theresis and Chen Qi continued to walk at the forefront of the group, stepping towards the border of Londinium.

"Now... no one on this continent can stop Director Chen Qi anymore."

Mostima, who was observing all of this, couldn't help but sigh, "To think there's such an extraordinary person, receiving the protection of both Sarkaz and Sarkota—and for the Sarkaz race to go to war for him alone, it's truly unexpected."

"...But in that case, Director Chen Qi will lean towards the Sarkaz side."

Beside Mostima, Fiamma, who had been silent all along, finally couldn't help but ask, "The Pontiff's mission to us is to use this opportunity to win over Director Chen Qi and make him feel more favorably towards us."

"Don't worry, Director Chen Qi is a free person. Even the Sarkaz cannot restrain him now, let alone others."

"As long as the price is right and goodwill is shown, Director Chen Qi is willing to help anyone, as long as we truly need his help in the future."

Mostima was quite optimistic about this. She could see that, in the end, Chen Qi and his crew were just a group constantly moving across Terra, filming everywhere and taking on jobs. There was no need to overcomplicate things.

A free group that couldn't be restrained, but as long as the price was right, anyone could make them "serve" them. A group that was responsive to requests but couldn't be stopped by anyone was the best outcome for now.

It was just unknown who would hire this large group next. Would it be good or evil? One could only hope that Director Chen Qi's next work wouldn't tear any country apart again.

"Alright, let's go. There's nothing more for us here, 'Family Punisher.'"

"Ah, I think next month your codename should be 'Sin Eliminator,' since we're about to dismantle Victoria's diocese."

"...If I had money, I'd hire Director Chen Qi to film a story about Liberi killing fallen angels, and I'd definitely drag you along to act in it, Mostima."

Fiamma spoke up unexpectedly, and the two women then headed towards Victoria. They still had a lot of work to do, needing to inform the eight dukes of the news. After receiving their approval, they would have Laterano send people to dismantle the church.

As for how much turmoil Victoria would face... it could only be said that Victoria wasn't exactly well-liked, and there were already quite a few people in Laterano who wished to see Victoria torn apart.

Chapter 70: Kal'tsit, Who Dares Not Offend Chen Qi

Theresis had certainly given Chen Qi plenty of face this time. Perhaps that had been his intention from the start, but the sudden sense of crisis from Laterano made Theresis's farewell to Chen Qi and his group exceptionally grand and solemn.

Finally, the vast Sarkaz army, led by Chen Qi and Theresis, reached the border of Londinium. On both sides, Rhodes Island's Landships, Deep Pool's forces, and the five Emperor's Blades had all retreated to the border area, hesitating to make a move.

No, rather than considering when to make a move, they had been following all along. They all knew very well that any plans to capture, kill, or lure Chen Qi had now failed. The protection offered to the same person by two races meant that Chen Qi and his film crew had no worries no matter which country's territory they entered.

What happened today, even on the continent of Terra where news traveled inconveniently, would spread to the ears of all high-ranking officials in every country and faction within seven days.

As for factions that didn't have access to this news, their strength could not threaten Chen Qi's film crew at all. Setting aside the two tokens Chen Qi held, which were enough to have any Sarkaz or Sarkaz people in a mobile city escort him, even considering the current combat strength of the film crew, who would dare to take them on unless they were a nation-state?

...Alright, Rhodes Island was an exception. But what reason did Rhodes Island have to offend the Integrated Cultural Troupe now? Especially since Chen Qi now possessed tokens from both races, if any trouble were to arise, Chen Qi's side would automatically gain several high-level combatants from Rhodes Island.

Kal'tsit could only hope that Chen Qi wielded such a powerful "weapon." With the audacity to film "Yes, Minister" to satirize all of Terra's nations, who knew if he would do something outrageous? She certainly didn't dare to offend Chen Qi.

"This is as far as I go, Your Highness the Regent."

"—Director Chen Qi, you are a friend to all of us Sarkaz. The Sarkaz people will never forget the name of the first outsider who extended a helping hand to them since the division of Tizkazi."

Theresis accompanied Chen Qi to the border of Londinium. At this moment, everyone from Deep Pool, Rhodes Island, the Imperial Guard, and the Art Troupe had already retreated beyond the border.

Before Chen Qi left, he naturally didn't forget to bid farewell to Theresis and the Sarkaz legions. Although Chen Qi still harbored some doubts about Theresis's reasons for befriending him, all evidence now indicated that the Sarkaz people had truly become his allies.

Therefore, even if Chen Qi had some preconceived notions about Theresis initially, the system wouldn't lie now. Besides... Chen Qi felt that if he hadn't had the boost of his transmigration memories, Theresis's approach just now would have undoubtedly moved anyone.

Thus, Chen Qi felt that considering the Sarkaz, and Theresis, as his "friends" now, might not be a bad thing.

After all, this was the friendship of a race. Chen Qi had to manage and treat it well.

"Director Chen Qi, from now on, you can just call me by my name. You are now a friend to the Sarkaz, and also a friend to me, Theresis."

For the first time, Theresis's expression softened slightly. Although it was somewhat intentional in showing goodwill, it was quite difficult for a resolute monarch like Theresis.

"I understand... Theresis."

It was only with Theresis's permission that Chen Qi was finally able to address him by name. Seeing this, Theresis smiled with relief and said faintly:

"Director Chen Qi... I had envisioned many ways to keep you here on this occasion. To that end, my military advisors and I even discussed numerous possibilities."

And before Chen Qi, perhaps to make the Rhodes Island side more apprehensive, and also to seize this opportunity to boost Chen Qi's favorability one last time, Theresis knew very well that Chen Qi would likely not meet him again after this parting.

The subject matter of "Yes, Minister" was special, and two episodes could be filmed in a week. However, in reality, most film productions took years, and TV series couldn't simply air as much as they filmed. Most of the time, they had to be more than halfway done, or even completed, before they could be released. It was impossible to have only eight episodes.

Therefore, no matter what Chen Qi's next step was, it would take a long time. Theresis wanted to cherish this possibly last opportunity to meet Chen Qi, and in a way, he spoke his true feelings after a long time:

"Some suggested that I should have appointed you as the State Preceptor, making you one of our own kin, a honored guest of the Sarkaz."

"Others suggested... that I should have used the methods of the Bloodborne Archons to directly implant the mark of the Bloodborne into your body, forcibly transforming you into one of our kin, compelling you to unite with us from the perspective of a Bloodborne."

"And still others... wished for me to keep you by having Sarkaz women seduce you, and then detain your film crew, forcing you to cooperate with us and continue creating more works beneficial to us."

However, as Theresis listed these suggestions one by one, Talulah, FrostNova, and Patriot, who were closest to Chen Qi, couldn't help but become slightly wary. They were still worried that Theresis might go back on his word.

But Chen Qi remained very calm about this. He knew very well that Theresis wouldn't reveal what he truly intended to do. He was a shrewd leader, and the fact that he grandly bestowed the "Royal Court Covenant" upon him as a director already showed his determination and magnanimity.

"—I rejected many proposals, but there were also quite a few that made me ponder for a long time," Theresis said faintly, feeling somewhat comforted seeing Chen Qi's expression unchanged.

"It's a pity that my royal sister, Theresia... otherwise, perhaps I would have truly considered the possibility of that last option."

However, Theresis's statement immediately caused the gazes of everyone around to become strange. On Rhodes Island's side, Kal'tsit, Amiya, and the Sarkaz who had experienced the Kazdel civil war were all in a state of disbelief for a moment.

On the other side, Ablana's heart skipped a beat, and a strange smile appeared on her face, as if she had thought of something.

As for Talulah and FrostNova... they widened their eyes. Talulah almost drew her sword to charge forward, but fortunately, Patriot restrained the two women.

Chen Qi's silence was more out of a bit of guilt... Fortunately, Theresis didn't know yet that his royal sister had been resurrected by him, otherwise, who knew what kind of trouble would have ensued.

However, on second thought, he seemed to be making a profit with no loss? Although he had only had a few days of heart-to-heart talks with Theresia, it had to be said that Theresia, being so understanding and able to hit the nail on the head with almost every word, was truly devastatingly charming to Chen Qi.

In terms of feminine charm, Theresia was on a completely different level from any woman Chen Qi had met. Her caliber was too high. The affinity she had garnered from half of Kazdel's Sarkaz and the people of Babel together back then was something no one could easily resist.

"Of course, even if my royal sister were still alive, I would have consulted her opinion on such matters, so I cannot make the decision myself."

Theresis then changed the subject, looking at Chen Qi with a rare friendliness and saying:

"Now that you have helped us in our time of need, we will naturally reciprocate."

"I have already instructed someone to prepare ten boxes of Oripathy inhibitors, which will be delivered to you in batches. Of course, this cannot repay the kindness you have shown to our Sarkaz people."

"—Theresis, ten boxes are unnecessary. We only need the four boxes of Oripathy inhibitors we agreed upon initially." Chen Qi's eyes lit up at the mention of this, but facing such great temptation, he forcefully restrained himself.

Chen Qi knew that he and his film crew would definitely not lack Oripathy inhibitors in the future. As long as he gave the only "Oripathy cure" to Rhodes Island, regardless of whether they could research it, at least that would allow Rhodes Island to provide inhibitors for everyone in the film crew for a lifetime, which was absolutely no problem.

Since the issue of inhibitors was resolved, why not do a favor and make Theresis owe him a bit more? Perhaps in the future, he might still need his help.

"Our film crew cannot accept more than the agreed-upon price. Otherwise, it will be difficult to find future collaborators, as others will think we are too expensive."

"These inhibitors... if you really want to give them to me, Theresis, why not give them to the soldiers who need them in the army? I think, even if the Sarkaz have higher resistance to Oripathy, reducing the suffering of some of them would make good use of these inhibitors."

"...Thank you for your generosity, Director Chen Qi."

Theresis also hadn't expected that Chen Qi, who was initially attracted by the reward, would be able to resist temptation when faced with his compensation. This made Theresis's opinion of Chen Qi increase a notch.

"Then, farewell, Director Chen Qi. No matter where you go, the Sarkaz people are your friends."

"You too, Theresis. Farewell then."

Chen Qi and Theresis exchanged their final goodbyes before Chen Qi finally stepped out of Londinium's boundaries and boarded the landship back to Rhodes Island.

Meanwhile, the five Imperial Guards and those from the Deep Pool, witnessing this scene, had no time to form any thoughts before they heard Theresis exclaim:

"Sarkaz Legions—see our friend off!"

"Bang!" XN

As Theresis's voice fell, a line of Sarkaz within the Sarkaz Legions raised their firearms of varying specifications and fired them into the sky. Amidst the crackling gunfire, all the Sarkaz watched Chen Qi and his group depart.

The sound of these firearms completely extinguished any ulterior motives the Deep Pool and the Imperial Guards might have had.

"...We will report today's events to His Majesty truthfully," the Imperial Guard grumbled, leaving that single sentence before slowly retreating.

"Leader, are we just going to let them leave like that?" Mandragora asked Ablana from the Deep Pool, a hint of unwillingness in her voice. Ablana heard this, shook her head, and replied with a smile:

"It's not that we've lost our chance. We still have an opportunity as long as we can afford to hire them."

"Then now... why don't we go greet the Sarkaz Regent? We might need to rely on their strength in the future."

Beyond the Deep Pool and the Imperial Guards, Kal'tsit and others on the Rhodes Island landship also witnessed this scene. Logos, a Banshee, couldn't help but sigh with emotion upon seeing it:

"...Before today, I never would have imagined that Theresis would place such importance on a director, to the point of making him a friend to all Sarkaz."

"And yet, we've temporarily taken in such a person, such a film crew, to 'seek refuge' at Rhodes Island temporarily."

Kal'tsit spoke with a hint of fatigue, a rare sigh escaping her lips as she felt the current situation spiraling further out of control.

"Whether what we've brought back are refugees or harbingers of disaster... we still don't know."

"But for now, we clearly have no choice but to approach Director Chen Qi and his group from a position of weakness to try and discuss the future situation."

Though she was reluctant to admit it, Kal'tsit knew that compared to Chen Qi, who now had the support of two major factions, Rhodes Island, which had originally planned to offer him "shelter," no longer had the qualification to do so.

Kal'tsit's original plan to cooperate with Lungmen's officials, rescue Chen Qi, and then persuade him through reason to stop causing trouble in the future, or to persuade him to join Rhodes Island's plans... had also fallen through.