The voice Silver Ash wanted to convey to his sister / Filming "Darkest Hour" ends, and Kazimierz grows uneasy

"Director Chen Qi, thank you so much for taking care of my brother during this time."

Ennya returned the greeting gracefully. As the Saintess of Siracusa, her etiquette was impeccable. However, she quickly got straight to the point and asked Chen Qi:

"Director Chen Qi, I've always been in Siracusa, so I know very little about your work, but I have heard of your 'great achievements' and know that you are a very famous director outside of Xie Lag."

"I know nothing about acting, and there are some things I shouldn't be saying..." Ennya's expression suddenly became somewhat subtle, and her eyes were filled with a hint of reproach as she asked Chen Qi:

"But is it really necessary to let my brother smoke cigars and drink alcohol...?"

"As the president of Karlan Trade and the head of the family, my brother is under a lot of pressure. But before joining the film crew, he had never had the habit of smoking cigars or drinking heavily. I'm worried that if he develops these problems, he'll bring these habits back to his work."

Ah, Chen Qi understood. This was his younger sister blaming him, the director, for letting her older brother learn to smoke and drink.

Just as Chen Qi was about to explain that it wasn't his fault, he noticed the gaze of Silver Ash, who, though seemingly away, was actually still watching the scene from a distance.

Chen Qi reacted quickly, immediately changing his original words and saying to Ennya:

"Actually... smoking cigars and drinking whiskey wasn't my idea; it was Mr. Silver Ash who did it voluntarily to immerse himself in his role."

"Voluntary?" Ennya hadn't expected this possibility either. Chen Qi nodded in agreement and said:

"Yes, after all, the character played by Mr. Silver Ash is someone who is extremely obsessed with cigars and whiskey. I remember the real-life inspiration for this character could smoke fifteen cigars and drink three bottles of whiskey a day."

"Ever since Mr. Silver Ash learned that he would be playing this role, he has been living almost every day as the prototype of the character in order to immerse himself in the role. This is his fifth day of immersion."

"... What an idiot." Ennya fell silent for a moment upon hearing this, then sighed helplessly and said softly, "He's always been so serious about it."

"But this treatment is unprecedented, at least that's how I feel." Chen Qi took this opportunity to offer his own words:

"I think Mr. Silver Ash's strong support for the widespread adoption of televisions and the construction of local area networks is... because he wants to show his best side to everyone in Siracusa, and to you all."

"The character Mr. Silver Ash is playing now isn't as handsome as he is, but on the day this movie is shown in Siracusa, everyone will know that Mr. Silver Ash is the actor. He wants to deliver a perfect performance, and naturally, he doesn't want to tarnish Your Excellency's reputation."

"By showing his most spirited side on the big screen, I think Mr. Silver Ash has worked so hard, and he must also want to convey some feelings and emotions that he can't usually express in person to you and everyone through this film, right?"

"... Perhaps." Ennya neither refuted nor agreed with Chen Qi's words, but they undoubtedly improved Ennya mood somewhat.

"I just wish he could tell me these words himself, but unfortunately, that's unlikely."

"Thank you anyway, Director Chen Qi. I'll take my leave now."

After talking with Chen Qi for a while, Ennya, feeling a little better, chose to leave. Not far away, Chen Qi noticed that Silver Ash, after overhearing their conversation, gave a faint smile of gratitude, conveying goodwill to Chen Qi for the first time.

Clearly, Silver Ash could see that Chen Qi was making some efforts to improve his relationship with his sister, and Chen Qi's words had given Silver Ash some inspiration.

Will you infuse your own unspoken feelings and emotions into the film?

Silver Ash thought about it carefully, his mind replaying the many actions of the character he played in the script. In fact, the more Silver Ash thought about it, the more he could understand that his character had many helpless choices under the circumstances described in the script.

But these choices... even if Silver Ash had to choose, he would absolutely make them—whether it's sending four thousand young men to hold the line in order to evacuate the main force, or refusing to surrender no matter what... This is the kind of decision this character would make. If Silver Ash were facing the same situation as Siracusa, he would do the same.

So why not try not playing a role, but simply being yourself?

Silver Ash's idea unconsciously increased his attention to the film "Darkest Hour." He gradually felt that perhaps he could really convey a message to the people of Siracusa who were experiencing film for the first time through this movie.

Chen Qi was unaware of Silver Ash's thoughts at the moment. His phone rang slightly, clearly Theresia relaying a message to Chen Qi again.

"Kazimierz is close to capturing the first Mobile City of Victoria. The offensive in Leithania is weakening, while Ursus is unable to take it after a long siege. The situation is becoming increasingly unfavorable for Victoria."

"The war hasn't spread to Londinium yet, but I'm worried that my brother might lose his composure. The Sarkaz legions aren't ready. Right now, the Sarkaz are not suited to fight any country. Otherwise, if they find themselves facing multiple enemies, the Sarkaz of Londinium without reinforcements will be a lone force."

"--I will try my best, Theresia, wait for me."

Chen Qi also sent a message to comfort Theresia, as he now felt that time was becoming increasingly tight and there was really not much time left for filming "Darkest Hour".

Chapter 85: The Message Silver Ash Wanted to Convey to His Sister

Silver Ash's two sisters only have a week to visit the set this time. Silver Ash is currently very busy, so even if he wanted to spend time with his sisters, it wouldn't be very realistic.

So, what Silver Ash can do now is, within the limited time he can be seen by his sisters, to convey his dedication, focus, and the beliefs he wants to share with them through the character he plays.

He wanted his sisters to see a reflection of himself in this role, and not just his sisters, but also the people of Siracusa who were experiencing film for the first time. This was the best opportunity for him to enhance his reputation!

Therefore, for the next week, Chen Qi arranged for Silver Ash to have scenes showcasing his character. However, with only a week to go, the production team couldn't possibly push the filming schedule directly to the final highlight of "Darkest Hour".

However, Silver Ash had no complaints about this. On the contrary, he was quite grateful for Chen Qi's efforts in secretly trying to repair his relationship with his sisters.

The side effect of this was that, in order to get into character, Silver Ash drank cigars and whiskey even more heavily. After all, it's hard to imitate Churchill's lisp without a reference. Silver Ash could only achieve a similar effect by getting himself into a semi-drunken state.

On this day, filming proceeded as usual. The scene being filmed today was Silver Ash's character giving his first public speech in the council. He needed all the nobles, civil servants, and politicians in the council to be aligned with his policy—that is, to persist in the war.

However, the first speech did not go smoothly. Silver Ash's role was to step forward in the face of such a huge mess, but the noble forces that supported the Second Prince were still very strong, and they still did not support continuing the war.

To a large extent, the attitude of the abdicated Second Prince determined the attitude of the conservative nobles. Therefore, the conservatives had already sent out their signals before Silver Ash's speech.

"Watch out for His Majesty the late Emperor's handkerchief."

"If he waves a handkerchief after His Majesty the Third's speech, we'll approve; if not, we'll remain inactive."

However, when the late emperor, played by Oracle, took his seat in the council, he did not hesitate to place his handkerchief neatly on his lap. This action seemed to indicate his stance, even though Silver Ash had not yet begun his speech.

And indeed, as everyone expected, Silver Ash's first speech was full of passion, and his speech was quite excellent.

But... from beginning to end, neither the opposition party nor the Conservative Party showed any support for Silver Ash's speech. This was undoubtedly the most stressful moment for the character Silver Ash played.

"We are in the early stages of the largest war in history, so we must be fully prepared domestically."

"I will do everything in my power to dedicate my blood, toil, tears, and sweat."

You may be wondering, 'What is our policy?'

My answer is—declare war!

The scene of Silver Ash giving his speech in the council was also transmitted to the screening room via camera equipment. At this moment, Chen Qi, Talulah, and Nian were all supervising this very important scene.

Behind them, Ennya and Enshia watched their older brother's speech, both on high alert and silent.

After a week of visiting the set, Ennya and Enshia gradually got used to having an "older brother," and now it was Silver Ash's turn to show his leadership qualities. Although they knew he was acting, the two sisters still subconsciously held their breath, not daring to make a sound at this moment, for fear of disturbing their older brother's performance.

But... they felt as if they were there themselves, witnessing the somber atmosphere of the council on the screen, and watching Silver Ash persist in giving his speech despite the lack of support. The sisters' hearts also grew heavy.

"You might also be wondering, 'What is our goal?' The answer is just two words—"

"Victory!"

"Win at all costs, win without fear, win without daunting obstacles!"

"Because without victory, there is no survival!"

However, Silver Ash's words were forceful and assertive, but they ultimately failed to garner any support, only eliciting whispers from the crowd.

Meanwhile, Oracle, who plays the second SilverAsh, silently put away his handkerchief, his expression one of utter indifference. Judging from Oracle's expression, Silver Ash's speech, whether from the perspective of the character he plays or from his own point of view, was not enough to move him.

"... It seems like your first speech was a failure."

After watching the performance, Enshia and Ennya subconsciously clapped together, as a show of support for their "isolated and helpless" older brother. Enshia couldn't help but speak up:

"I clearly thought my brother's speech was quite powerful..."

"Perhaps it's because it's too powerful, too forceful, blocking all paths in one fell swoop, that it's so unacceptable." Ennya's expertise in this area is clearly superior to her sister's. As a saintess, she has received considerable education from the Manjuin and has witnessed many occasions at the Three Clans Council.

She knew very well that if her brother acted so forcefully, the heads of the other two families would never agree to any of his policies. The more forceful his claims, the more they would harm the interests of some people.

"So... if it really comes to the point where Siracusa has to face such a critical moment, if you were in charge, would you also be so forceful, disregarding the interests of anyone else, brother?"

Ennya kept these words to herself, but it was clear that in her mind, if it were her brother... he really might do such a thing.

He is the kind of person who would sacrifice personal interests for the greater good, even if that "personal interest" is more important to him than the greater good.

"Then, we'll take our leave of the Holy Maiden."

"Yes, that's fine, Mr. Enciodes."

The end of this performance also marked the end of Ennya's visit to the set. She now needed to return to Siracusa on a land-based ship loaded with a large number of television sets and related equipment, and distribute these items equally among the three families.

Obviously, it's still difficult to get an average of one television set per household... but at least, if this novelty is given away in the name of the saint, there's no need to worry about people refusing to accept it.

"Judging by the time we get back to Siracusa, send all this stuff out, and set up the local area network... Mr. Enciodes' movie should be finished by then, right?"

"I must say, your performance was quite good in my opinion, but whether you can win over the men, women, and children of all ages in Siracusa with your acting skills depends on your own abilities."

Before leaving, Ennya didn't forget to give her brother a little encouragement. After spending a week together, their relationship wouldn't be said to have improved, but it was still a little better than before.

For example, Ennya's willingness to educate the people of Siracusa about the uses of televisions and her support for Siracusa's construction of a local area network are all signs that she is subtly encouraging Siracusa to watch the movie "Darkest Hour".

Of course, Ennya wouldn't say these things aloud; it was a tacit understanding between the siblings about "keeping their distance."

"Well then, farewell, Mr. Enciodes."

"--Your Holiness, please wait a moment and hear me out."

However, just before Ennya was about to board the land-based ship to leave, Silver Ash unusually spoke up to stop Ennya.

The next moment, facing Ennya's somewhat surprised gaze, Silver Ash remained silent for a moment before bowing to his sister and speaking with a rare pleading tone:

"Your Excellency... if you don't mind, would you be so kind as to attend the premiere of my humble film?"

"Although this is my first time playing a role, I... have poured a lot of effort into this character, and I have many messages I want to convey, hoping to reach the people of Siracusa in this way."

"And... Your Holiness, naturally, there are also some feelings I want to express."

For the first time, Silver Ash spoke with extreme respect, even bordering on pleading, to his younger sister, with whom he could no longer maintain the same intimacy after she became a "Saintess," and in a humble manner:

"Please, Your Majesty, grant my request."

"I'll go see it."

Ennya was also surprised that her brother would ask her for such a small favor. She was slightly taken aback before subconsciously replying, but then immediately added:

"It's not just me; it's also essential for the people of Siracusa to see the performance of the first believer to represent Siracusa in a film. This is Siracusa's first step, and it will be a source of pride for the people of Siracusa."

"And I will certainly watch it; I grant your request, Mr. Enciodes."

"... Thank you, Your Majesty."

With Ennya's assurance, Silver Ash's mood visibly improved. He watched as his saintly sister boarded the land-based ship and slowly disappeared from his sight...

However, at this moment, Silver Ash felt no melancholy, but rather a surge of high morale—he had made up his mind to play this role well.

"You look terrible, I have to remind you." At that moment, his friend Oracle appeared quietly beside Silver Ash and reminded him:

"You've been consuming far too much cigars and whiskey lately. At this rate, forget about acting; I even doubt you'll be able to stand up and leave the theater after a movie."

"The most important thing is to let the people of Siracusa hear my determination and my voice."

Silver Ash, however, showed no regret whatsoever. He seemed to have grown accustomed to this lifestyle accompanied by cigars and whiskey, saying calmly, "This isn't just a performance; in Siracusa, this is also arguably my first public speech on television, so I absolutely cannot be careless."

"Even though I'm old and frail, I can still make a deafening sound—that's what matters most."

"... Alright, at the current pace, we can probably finish the performance within a few months." Oracle didn't say much after hearing this. He was very optimistic about "Darkest Hour" and even felt that the movie would never be outdated.

For Siracusa, facing the dramatic changes on Terra, aren't they also spending every moment in their "Darkest Hour"?

Oracle can now see that director Chen Qi is more concerned about the film's cost, outcome, and shooting speed than any of the others.

It seemed as if an unseen voice was urging him on from behind... Oracle pondered and pondered, but still couldn't figure out what was causing Chen Qi's current anxiety.

Chapter 86: Filming of "Darkest Hour" Ends, Kazimierz's Anxiety

"Filming for Darkest Hour's has been underway for several months, and there hasn't been any significant news from either the Black Knight or the Blood Knight."

"It seems our great creator has finally learned his lesson this time—perhaps the divisions within Victoria have finally made him restrain himself?"

Filming of "Darkest Hour" took place in Kazimierz for several months, and under the supervision of the Supervision Committee, nothing seemed to have happened that made the Kazimierz leadership nervous, which put them at ease.

Currently, Kazimierz doesn't have much energy left to focus on internal affairs. They, along with the allied forces of Leithania and Ursus, are launching an offensive against Victoria from three different regions. The situation is relatively smooth right now, and it's precisely at this crucial time when Kazimierz needs to unite as one; they really can't afford any unexpected events.

"What are the results so far?" During the meeting of the Supervision Committee, Grand Knight Commander Ioleta began to inquire about the Victoria Offensive, which had been going on for several months.

"Very good. The duke we're facing isn't exactly a formidable warrior. We just breached the fortified Mobile City yesterday, and the Campaign Knight are currently pacifying the Mobile City's inhabitants and surrounding towns."

A Knight Commander also brought news of victory from the front lines. Clearly, such results were gratifying. After monitoring Chen Qi's side for several months without any problems, they had finally achieved substantial results in this war.

"The morale of the Campaign Knight is fairly good. Although there are some voices within the ranks opposing the war, the current results and our efforts to appease the local population are all under control..." The Knight Commander then relayed the intelligence from the front lines to the members of the Supervision Committee.

"Our logistics are still somewhat strained; the supplies from the Commercial Federation haven't been delivered on time."

"Tell them that if they want to enter Victoria's market, they need to maintain their logistics." The Grand Knight Commander frowned slightly upon hearing this. She was actually quite unhappy that the Campaign Knight's logistics depended on the Commercial Federation, but there was nothing she could do about it.

After all, they are an indispensable domestic economic alliance in Kazimierz today, and their financial resources have a huge influence in Kazimierz.

Now is not the time for infighting; we can only try our best to appease them. They want to profit from the war... For now, we can only turn a blind eye and wait until our strategic objectives are achieved.