Chapter Seventy: Kal'tsit Doesn't Dare Mess with Chen Qi

So now, making false news like a second season of "Yes, Prime Minister" public and turning it into something Chen Qi could no longer refuse to make real was the best method Theresis could think of.

Whether the news was true or false did not matter. At the very least, no one could afford to gamble on it. With such leverage in his hands, Theresis could guarantee that no one would dare harm the Sarkaz of Londinium or Chen Qi again.

"—Impossible."

However, the script in Theresis's hand had clearly frightened the five Imperial Guards. Yet they quickly recovered. For the first time, their perpetually emotionless voices carried solemnity and uncertainty, though they remained cold as they answered:

"If the script for the second season of 'Yes, Prime Minister' has already been written... why have you not aired it? Why did you end it after only eight episodes?"

"Because the northern frontier still needs you, Ursus."

Theresis's answer was impeccable. Holding the fake script, he smiled faintly and said, "The situation in the north is dire. It is not that the Sarkaz need Ursus to exist; this land needs Ursus to exist."

"A united Ursus can naturally resist the threats of the north more effectively—but if you threaten us Sarkaz, or threaten the friends of the Sarkaz..."

"—Then even if Ursus falls apart and descends into chaos, I believe other nations can still shoulder the duty of resisting the northern threat. Yan, for instance."

"And which nation would annex the territory of a fragmented Ursus, or how it would be divided... I imagine Ursus has offended quite a few nations on this land, hasn't it?"

Theresis's words carried an overwhelming threat. Yet everyone knew that if such a thing truly happened, the Ursus Empire might genuinely be carved apart—because it had offended far too many countries.

Everyone also understood that the script for the second season of "Yes, Prime Minister" was now in Theresis's possession. Even if filming had not begun, as long as he had the script, there was no need to worry about production.

Moreover, "Yes, Prime Minister" was not particularly difficult to film. It was a comedy, after all. Its most crucial aspect was its political satire, and once the script issue was resolved, production details were insignificant. It could be filmed even without Chen Qi.

As long as he had the script, Theresis could begin filming the second season of "Yes, Prime Minister" at any time. And if he intended to spread it...

"—A mere television series cannot divide the great Ursus Empire." The Imperial Guard forced himself to answer calmly.

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

Faced with the Imperial Guard's utterly unconvincing words, Theresis scoffed and continued, "And if you do not fear this television series, why have you classified it as contraband? Why make such a spectacle of it and label it treason?"

"You cannot do this." The Imperial Guard's voice became noticeably more panicked as he spoke again. "If you do, not only Ursus, but Victoria, Iberia... more than half the nations on this land will fall into turmoil."

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

Yet Theresis's hate-filled words left the Imperial Guards, as well as Kal'tsit and the others who shared similar thoughts, utterly speechless.

"We Sarkaz have long been regarded as 'evil' by your other races. Kazdel has been breached time and again, and countless Sarkaz have been slaughtered by you. Are they not living beings? Are they not lives upon this land?"

"And how many of your nations have not taken part in it? What does your destruction have to do with me?"

"If not for the fact that the threats we now face are too great, and our survival remains beset by countless dangers and challenges, why would I not wish to destroy all of you?"

"Simply restraining the urge to destroy you has already taken the greatest effort from me and every Sarkaz."

Theresis's words carried bone-deep hatred and majesty. Among this group of long-lived beings, he was probably considered relatively young, yet the fury and hatred he revealed now were enough to make everyone shudder.

"—Now, the Sarkaz have our first friend. He is willing to extend a helping hand to us and does not even despise our race. The future survival and transformation of the Sarkaz require his strength. If you lay a hand on him, the Sarkaz will seek revenge at all costs."

"Now, I give all of you a final ultimatum—the Sarkaz do not wish to overturn this land. Therefore, as Regent, I first promise that we will not film the second season of 'Yes, Prime Minister' and spread it elsewhere across this land during such turbulent times."

"But if you still mean disrespect toward the friend of us Sarkaz... then what you will face will not only be the fury of the Sarkaz, but the fury of every non-Sarkaz race you have oppressed."

"So now, we are escorting the Sarkaz's friend away from the land under our protection. Outsiders—get out of my way!"

At that moment, Theresis once again erupted with the bloodthirsty brutality unique to the Sarkaz, mixed with an overwhelmingly imposing aura. In an instant, almost everyone aside from Chen Qi's group was cowed by his presence—including the well-traveled Kal'tsit.

After an eerie silence, Kal'tsit slowly broke free from her initial shock. Before long, she took the initiative to speak to everyone.

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

Kal'tsit did not dare imagine how much turmoil this land would suffer if Theresis truly did this. Just as Theresis had said, the threats and challenges all races now faced did not permit them to erupt into large-scale internal wars—let alone wars involving every nation.

If that happened, vast amounts of manpower and resources would be wasted in infighting. The demons, the Seaborn, the stars... with so many threats, who would resist them? And after the war ended a year or even several years later, how much national strength would they have left to face those threats?

Therefore, regardless of whether the script in Theresis's hands was real or fake, Kal'tsit could not risk gambling on it—especially when she had no capital to gamble with.

Then mutual compromise was perhaps the best choice. Though Theresis's earlier words had been aimed at the Imperial Guards, Kal'tsit knew he had also been warning her. Chen Qi's group was about to leave under Rhodes Island's escort, and Theresis was telling Kal'tsit not to try to possess or control Chen Qi.

Though Kal'tsit had never intended to do so, Theresis's actions clearly left her unable to entertain any illusions that Chen Qi's group would follow Rhodes Island's arrangements.

For a time, Rhodes Island, Deep Pool, and the Imperial Guards all made way. Theresis and Chen Qi still walked at the very front of the group, heading step by step toward Londinium's border.

"With this... no one on this land can stop Director Chen Qi anymore."

Mostima, who had watched everything unfold, could not help sighing. "What an extraordinary person. He is protected by both the Sarkaz and the Sankta—and an entire Sarkaz race is actually willing to go to war for one man. No one could have anticipated that."

"...But if that is the case, Director Chen Qi will lean toward the Sarkaz."

Beside Mostima, Fiamma, who had been silent until now, finally could not help asking, "The Pope's mission for us was to use this opportunity to win over Director Chen Qi and make him view us more favorably if possible."

"Relax. Director Chen Qi is a free man. Now, not even the Sarkaz can bind him, much less anyone else."

"As long as the price is right and we approach him with goodwill, Director Chen Qi is willing to help anyone. We only need to have a reason to ask for his help in the future."

Mostima was quite optimistic about it. She could see that Chen Qi and his crew were, in the end, merely a group constantly traveling across Terra. They filmed wherever they went and accepted commissions wherever they went. There was no need to make matters so complicated.

They were an unshackled, free group, but as long as the price was right, anyone could have them "work" for them. A group that answered every request yet could be stopped by no one was the best possible outcome.

She just did not know who would hire this great group next. Would they be good or evil? She only hoped Director Chen Qi's next work would not split some nation apart again.

"Alright, let's go. There is nothing for us to do here, 'Family Punisher.'"

"Ah, I think your codename next month should be 'Sin Eliminator.' After all, we are about to tear down Victoria's diocese."

"...If I ever have money, I will hire Director Chen Qi to film a story about Liberi murdering a Fallen Angel. I will definitely drag you into the cast too, Mostima."

Fiamma abruptly said this. The two women then headed toward Victoria. They still had much work to do: they had to notify the eight dukes of this news, obtain their approval, and then have Laterano send people to tear down the church.

As for how much turmoil Victoria would suffer... Victoria was not exactly beloved either. There were now quite a few Laterano citizens who wanted to see Victoria torn apart.

Kal'tsit, Who Did Not Dare Provoke Chen Qi

Theresis had truly given Chen Qi plenty of face this time. Perhaps that had been his intention from the beginning, but the sudden sense of crisis brought by Laterano had made this farewell for Chen Qi's group even grander and more solemn.

At last, the vast Sarkaz army, led by Chen Qi and Theresis, reached Londinium's border. On both sides, Rhodes Island's landship, Deep Pool's forces, and the five Emperor's Blades had all retreated to the border area, not daring to make a move.

No, rather than considering when to make a move, they had merely followed along. They all knew that their plans to seize, kill, or lure Chen Qi had already failed. The protection of two races for one person meant Chen Qi and his film crew would have nothing to fear no matter which nation's territory they entered.

What happened today would reach the ears of every nation and faction's upper echelons within seven days, even on Terra, where information traveled inconveniently.

As for factions without access to such news, they lacked the strength to threaten Chen Qi's crew anyway. Not to mention the two tokens Chen Qi now possessed, enough to have any Sankta or Sarkaz in a mobile city protect him, even the crew's current combat strength was not something any force short of a nation could claim to overcome.

...Well, Rhodes Island was an exception. But what reason did Rhodes Island have now to offend the Integrated Cultural Troupe? Especially since Chen Qi possessed tokens from both races. If anything truly happened, Chen Qi's side would automatically gain several more high-end Rhodes Island combatants.

Kal'tsit still had to hope Chen Qi possessed such formidable "weapons." With the audacity to film "Yes, Prime Minister" and satirize every nation across Terra, she could only pray he would not do anything too outrageous. How could she dare offend Chen Qi?

"We will see you off here, Your Highness the Regent."

"—Director Chen Qi, you are the friend of every Sarkaz. The Sarkaz will never forget the name of the first outsider to extend a helping hand to them since the Teekaz split apart."

Theresis accompanied Chen Qi to Londinium's border. At this moment, whether it was Deep Pool, Rhodes Island, the Imperial Guards, or the troupe, everyone had already withdrawn beyond the border.

Before leaving, Chen Qi naturally did not forget to properly bid farewell to Theresis and the Sarkaz legion. Though Chen Qi still somewhat doubted Theresis's reasons for befriending him, all the evidence now showed that the Sarkaz had truly become his allies.

Then, even though Chen Qi had initially held some preconceived notions about Theresis, the system would not deceive him. Besides... Chen Qi felt that if he did not possess the memories of a transmigrator, Theresis's display just now would have been enough to move anyone.

Therefore, Chen Qi felt there was nothing wrong with viewing the Sarkaz and Theresis as his "friends" now.

After all, this was the friendship of an entire race. Chen Qi needed to nurture and cherish it.

"Director Chen Qi, from now on, simply call me by name. You are now a friend of the Sarkaz, and also my friend, Theresis."

For the first time, Theresis's expression relaxed somewhat. Though it was partly a deliberate display of goodwill, that was already extremely rare for an iron-blooded ruler like Theresis.

"I understand... Theresis."

In the end, Chen Qi only began addressing him by name after receiving Theresis's permission. Theresis smiled in satisfaction and said lightly:

"Director Chen Qi... I once considered many ways to keep you here. For this, my military advisers and I even discussed many possibilities."

Before Chen Qi, perhaps to make Rhodes Island even more wary, and perhaps to use this opportunity to make one final push for Chen Qi's goodwill, Theresis spoke plainly. He knew very well that after this separation, Chen Qi would likely find it difficult to meet him again.

The subject matter of "Yes, Prime Minister" was unusual, and two episodes could be filmed in a week. Yet in reality, most films required years to make, while television dramas could not truly be filmed and released episode by episode. Most had to be mostly finished, or even completely finished, before they could air. Nor could they possibly have only eight episodes.

Therefore, no matter what Chen Qi did next, it would take a long time. Theresis needed to cherish what might be his last opportunity to meet Chen Qi, so he finally spoke from the heart after a long time.

"Some suggested that I should honor you as our state preceptor, making you one with us Sarkaz and an honored guest of our people."

"Others suggested... that I should use the Bloodborne Archon's methods to plant a Bloodborne mark within you, forcibly transform you into one of our kind, and make you stand with us as a Bloodborne."

"Still others... hoped I would use Sarkaz women to keep you here, then detain your crew, leaving you no choice but to cooperate with us and continue creating more works beneficial to us."

However, when Theresis laid out these proposals one by one, Talulah, FrostNova, and Patriot, who stood closest to Chen Qi, could not help becoming slightly wary. Even now, they worried that Theresis might change his mind.

Chen Qi, however, remained very calm. He knew Theresis would not reveal what he truly intended to do. He was a great and ambitious ruler; the fact that he could generously give a director the Royal Court Covenant was already proof of his resolve and magnanimity.

"—I rejected many proposals, though some did give me pause for a long time." Seeing that Chen Qi's expression remained unchanged, Theresis felt somewhat reassured and said lightly, "It is a pity that my sister Theresia... otherwise, perhaps I truly would have considered that final possibility."

The moment Theresis said this, everyone around them wore strange expressions. On Rhodes Island's side, Kal'tsit, Amiya, and the Sarkaz who had experienced the Kazdel Civil War were all stunned beyond belief.

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

As for Talulah and FrostNova... their eyes widened. Talulah nearly rushed forward with her sword raised, but Patriot stopped the two women.

Chen Qi's silence was more due to guilty unease... Fortunately, Theresis still did not know that his sister had been resurrected by Chen Qi. Otherwise, who knew how much trouble that would cause?

Still, thinking about it, did he not come out ahead no matter what? He had only spent a few days talking with Theresia, but he had to admit that a woman as understanding as her, who seemed capable of touching the deepest part of someone's heart with nearly every sentence, was devastatingly effective against Chen Qi.

When it came to feminine charm, Theresia was on a completely different level from every woman Chen Qi had met. Her skill level was simply too high. The affinity that had once brought half of Kazdel's Sarkaz, as well as Babel, to stand with her was not something just anyone could withstand.

"Of course, even if my sister were still alive, I would ask for her opinion. Therefore, I could not make that decision for her."

Theresis promptly changed the subject. His gaze turned toward Chen Qi, carrying a rare friendliness as he said:

"You helped us when we were in difficulty. Naturally, we will repay you."

"I have already had ten crates of Oripathy suppressants prepared. They will be delivered to you in batches afterward. Of course, this cannot repay the debt we owe you for what you have done for the Sarkaz."

"—Theresis, ten crates are unnecessary. We only need the four crates of Oripathy suppressants we agreed upon." Chen Qi's eyes brightened at once, but faced with such temptation, he forcibly restrained himself.

Chen Qi knew that he and the crew would never lack Oripathy suppressants in the future. As long as he gave Rhodes Island the sole "Oripathy cure," whether they could develop it or not, it would at least be no problem to have Rhodes Island provide suppressants for the crew for the rest of their lives.

Since the suppressant issue was resolved, he might as well do Theresis a favor and make him owe Chen Qi a little more. Perhaps Chen Qi would need his help someday.

"Our crew cannot accept more than the price we agreed upon. Otherwise, it will be difficult to find clients in the future. Others will think they cannot afford our fees."

"If you truly wish to give me these suppressants, Theresis, then give them to the Sarkaz in the army who need them. Even if the Sarkaz are more resistant to Oripathy, if they can ease some people's suffering, then these suppressants will have been put to good use."

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

Theresis had not expected Chen Qi, who had initially been drawn in by the reward, to resist such temptation. It made Theresis regard Chen Qi even more highly.

"Then farewell, Director Chen Qi. No matter where you go, the Sarkaz will always be your friends."

"You too, Theresis. Farewell, then."

Chen Qi and Theresis exchanged their final goodbyes. Chen Qi finally stepped beyond Londinium's borders and boarded the landship bound for Rhodes Island once more.

Beside them, the five Imperial Guards and Deep Pool had not yet formed any new thoughts when they heard Theresis shout:

"Sarkaz Legion—send off our friend!"

Bang! XN

At Theresis's command, a row of Sarkaz within the legion raised firearms of varying models and fired into the sky. Amid the bursts of gunfire, every Sarkaz watched Chen Qi's group depart.

The sound of those firearms also extinguished every last petty thought Deep Pool and the Imperial Guards might have had.

"...We will report today's events truthfully to His Majesty." The Imperial Guard left behind those sullen words before slowly withdrawing.

"Leader, are we really just letting them go?" Mandragora asked Ablana unwillingly from Deep Pool's side. Ablana merely shook her head with a smile.

"It is not as though there will be no opportunities, as long as we can afford the price to hire them."

"But for now... why not greet the Sarkaz Regent? In the future, we may need to rely on their strength as well."

Aside from Deep Pool and the Imperial Guards, Kal'tsit and the others aboard Rhodes Island's landship also witnessed the scene. Logos, the Banshee, could not help sighing.

"...Before today, I never would have imagined Theresis would value a director so highly that he would make him a friend of all Sarkaz."

"And we have temporarily taken in such a person, such a crew, for 'refuge' at Rhodes Island."

Kal'tsit spoke with faint exhaustion in her voice. Rarely, she let out a soft sigh, feeling that matters were growing increasingly out of control.

"Whether we are bringing back refugees or people who will bring disaster... we still do not know."

"But now, we can only take the weaker position and try to discuss the situation ahead with Director Chen Qi and his group."

Though she was unwilling to admit it, Kal'tsit knew that compared with Chen Qi, who now had the support of two great races, Rhodes Island—which had originally intended to provide him with "protection"—was clearly no longer qualified to protect him.

Kal'tsit had originally planned to cooperate with several people from Lungmen, rescue Chen Qi, then reason with him and persuade him not to act recklessly in the future, or convince him to join Rhodes Island's plans... but that had all come to nothing.