How "Darkest Hour" Would Spread

"And what about Leithania and Ursus?"

"They've really embarrassed themselves." The Knight Commander smiled slightly upon hearing this and immediately said:

"Ursus is facing a tough nut to crack among the Dukes of Victoria, a duke who participated in the Battle of Gaul in his early years. Even without Victoria's prized Steam Knight, he won't be defeated in a short time."

"As for Leithania, their army is utterly weak. Without the Witch King, their army suffered a huge setback in the first wave of attacks, and morale is very low. I heard that their officers are already distributing drinks to them."

"Beverages, you know, the kind that get promoted through product endorsements."

However, upon hearing the Knight Commander's words, the members of the Supervision Committee all smiled knowingly—clearly, the higher-ups of the Supervision Committee had also read the contents of "Yes, Prime Minister," which already criticized the Leithania army's "drinking" situation.

Of course, this is no secret. Even the people of Leithania themselves know that since the time of the Witch King, there has been a practice of artificially creating Infected within Leithania.

"Doesn't that mean that we, the Kazimierz, are the first country to make substantial progress in this war?"

"It seems so. It appears that Ursus's proud army group hasn't been as unstoppable as they claimed in conquering the Mobile City."

The members of the Supervision Committee, who became the first among the three countries to successfully achieve this, were overjoyed. After all, capturing a Mobile City essentially meant the end of the war, and the Mobile City could also travel into Kazimierz and become part of their territory, which was a truly enormous benefit.

After all, Mobile City are different from surrounding towns and villages; they are difficult to retake quickly after being captured, unless a massive internal rebellion breaks out within the city. But this is extremely rare, since the local residents are almost unarmed. How large-scale a riot would it take to drive the army out?

Even if the enemy army comes, there's no need to worry. If absolutely necessary, they can simply move the Mobile City into the territory of Kazimierz.

Of course, not now. That place will become their new stronghold for Campaign Knight. With this Mobile City, the Campaign Knight will finally have a foothold in Victoria.

Just then, there was a knock on the door of the Supervision Committee. A knight in full silver armor walked in. The knight, wearing a helmet, looked incredibly majestic, but his tone betrayed his panic and slight anger.

"Grand Knight Commander, something has happened."

"What happened?" The Grand Knight Commander and the other Knight Commander immediately turned their attention to the scene. However, the knight, suppressing his emotions, spoke in a trembling voice:

"A messenger from the front reports that the Ursus Third Army captured the Mobile City belonging to Victoria yesterday. The Duke led the remaining troops to break through the encirclement, and both sides suffered heavy losses."

"But after capturing the Mobile City, Viscount Dunkel, commander of the Third Army, murdered a number of surrendered Victoria officers and is forcibly sending Victoria's Infected to the mines in the Ursus Snowfield."

"Killed those who surrendered?! What are those Ursus Kazimierz doing with their brains?!"

However, the news brought by the knight greatly shocked everyone on the Supervision Committee. In fact, several of them were so surprised that they even cursed, clearly knowing how serious the consequences would be for Ursus's actions.

Killing surrendered soldiers! Such an act is tantamount to a fight to the death! This will not only incite hatred on Victoria's side and make the upcoming war more difficult, but it may even affect the army on Kazimierz's side.

The Campaign Knight of Kazimierz already harbored some resentment and anti-war sentiments towards this opportunistic war, but they suppressed their emotions because they were fighting for their country.

If Ursus's actions were to reach the ears of the Campaign Knight, would it cause a mutiny within the army? It might even severely damage their morale.

Or is it that... those guys in Ursus were thinking this all along? Let them expand their gains themselves, while Kazimierz is left only with dealing with army mutinies?

"What exactly happened?" The Grand Knight Commander frowned upon hearing this. She didn't think the Viscount would be such a thoughtless person; he must have had his reasons for killing the surrendered soldiers.

"We heard that the city garrison officer's plan to incite local residents to rebel has been exposed... We don't know the specifics either," the knight replied.

"The frontline commander sent a messenger with this message, requesting the Supervision Committee make a decision as soon as possible. The Campaign Knight are already starting to whisper among themselves about this..."

"--Dispatch a prestigious Knight Commander to the front lines to oversee the battle, and urge the Commercial Federation to provide sufficient logistical support to ensure the morale of the Campaign Knight."

The Grand Knight Commander was clearly very experienced in such matters. Although it was an unexpected event, she did not lose her composure. Instead, she immediately tried to secure the fruits of victory.

Of course, there was one more thing that the Grand Knight Commander needed to worry about, something she had to handle personally.

"I need to go to Director Chen Qi's film crew right away. It seems that filming for their film 'Darkest Hour' is nearing its end, but we still don't know what the subject matter is."

Since Chen Qi borrowed members of the Commercial Federation and the Supervision Committee to simulate a parliamentary situation once, he had not bothered the Supervision Committee with anything else. Moreover, they had not obtained a copy of Chen Qi's script for "Darkest Hour," so they only knew roughly that it was a story set in Victoria, depicting a very oppressive and dark period in Victoria's history.

However, because of Ursus, the Grand Knight Commander almost subconsciously felt that Chen Qi's "Darkest Hour" was probably not so simple!

Although the Supervision Committee was not authorized to inspect Chen Qi's script, the Grand Knight Commander felt that he should at least ascertain Chen Qi's attitude.

"It's just a movie, there shouldn't be any major problems..." Grand Knight Commander Ioleta felt a sense of "nervousness" for the first time in a long time. Although she repeatedly used this excuse to comfort herself, the more she talked to herself like this, the more restless she felt.

After all, there was the precedent set by Victoria... Although Grand Knight Commander Ioleta hadn't had many interactions with Chen Qi, she found Chen Qi to be an unexpectedly easy person to talk to; he wasn't the kind of person who would try to disrupt the land for pleasure.

He has the ability, but seems to lack the will, which is undoubtedly a good thing.

But... what if he had that intention? Especially since the Grand Knight Commander had also sensed a kind of "kindness" from Chen Qi.

What if Chen Qi finds out about what's happening in Victoria and they start to think that Kazimierz is the evil side?

While there is no inherent good or evil in terms of national interest, some actions do have a moral dimension. And if Chen Qi were to favor one side... what serious consequences might result?

"Oh, I see. Theresia, you keep things under control. Advise your brother not to send troops at this time; I'll need your help soon."

"Otherwise, I would be suspected of betraying an ally. I should just tell him to keep his composure as much as possible."

At that moment, Chen Qi learned about what was happening at the front lines in Victoria through a message sent by Theresia. He promptly informed Theresia, and how she would persuade them... that was up to Theresia herself.

Meanwhile, on set, Młynar, who had already emerged from the world of the painting, was holding a newspaper from Victoria, which contained news from the front lines.

The newspaper was delivered by members of the Penguin Logistics team, who had just arrived in Kazimierz from Victoria on a delivery mission. They had just completed an order to escort a wealthy family from Victoria to Kazimierz for refuge, and the newspaper was something they brought along along the way.

"The glory of the Knights of Kazimierz is going to be dragged into such a war without any justice..." Maria, looking at the newspaper reports about Ursus killing surrendered soldiers and kidnapping civilians.

"Glory... the glory of a knight. Even in war, how can we ignore such a situation?"

Margaret clearly shared the same feelings as her sister regarding this news. Her experiences on Rhodes Island over the years had made her less naive than her sister, but she still felt disgusted by such war.

The two sisters, Margaret and Maria, also stepped out of the painting. They both had some injuries, but they didn't seem to be serious.

As for Młynar... he didn't even have a dirty hem when he came out of the painting, only his clothes were slightly disheveled. It seems that he ultimately failed to persuade the sisters.

"... Don't just listen to one side of the story, Margaret, Maria." Młynar herself, regarding these newspaper reports, clearly offered more of a self-critical perspective, saying calmly:

"Victoria newspapers, of course, will choose to exaggerate in order to incite their own public anger. This is just Victoria's own newspaper. If you read the newspapers of Ursus or Kazimierz, you will find that the information you receive is completely different."

"But, Ursus abducting Infected to the mines, that kind of thing—" Margaret clearly wanted to say something, but Młynar didn't react at all, simply saying:

"They don't even know they're shameful. Don't judge war by chivalrous standards, Margaret."

However, despite saying this, there was still a hint of anger hidden in Młynar's tone. He suppressed his emotions well because he knew that this was not something he, or anyone else, could change.

... No, but perhaps there is a way to stop this injustice, a way to prevent more innocent blood from being shed on this cannibalistic land.

Thinking this, Młynar unconsciously glanced at Chen Qi, who was entrusting several people from Penguin Logistics to deliver goods to Londinium and Laterano.

"I'm entrusting these things to you all. Make sure they are delivered safely to Londinium and Laterano."

"Don't worry, Director Chen Qi! We will definitely convey your message to His Holiness the Pope! Oh, and that annoying Sarkaz Regent too."

After the four-person team from Penguin Logistics loaded the goods that Chen Qi was to deliver to the two locations onto the truck, Exusiai, as Sarkaz, was the first to confidently guarantee:

"Not a single one of these videotapes will be lost! Stay tuned for our good news, Director Chen Qi!"

"Okay, thank you." Chen Qi nodded and watched the Penguin Logistics team leave. Młynar watched this scene from the side, but made no attempt to stop them.

His focus now shifted to the other two... Młynar turned his gaze to the Blood Knight and the Black Knight. He knew they were sent by the Supervision Committee monitor the film crew, and with the videotapes of "Darkest Hour" being sent out of Kazimierz, they might be up to something.

"... Are you going to stop him?" Blood Knight asked sullenly as he saw Black Knight pick up his weapon.

"Of course, I understand the principle of 'hiring' – I know I'm obligated to do something." After checking his weapon, Jian turned to the Blood Knight in his crimson armor and said calmly.

"So, you're not going to help me?"

"... I am also Infected, Jian." After a moment of silence, the Blood Knight replied in a somewhat somber tone, "Even if they are Infected from Victoria, they are still my compatriots. Ursus's actions give me no reason to stop Director Chen Qi."

"I understand your predicament, Jian. I won't stop you, nor will I help you. Let it be."

"... That's enough."

Jian nodded in agreement. She had just received a message from the Grand Knight Commander, instructing her to intercept and inspect any goods leaking from the film crew.

She escaped the pursuit because of the Supervision Committee's promise, and she has no reason to refuse the Supervision Committee's commission this time.

Młynar witnessed all of this. He didn't speak or stop them, but the way he gripped the newspaper tightly clearly indicated his decision.

Chapter 87: The Methods of Disseminating "Darkest Hour"

"Thank you for your hard work, Director Chen Qi. It seems your new film is going very smoothly. So, when do you plan to premiere it in Kazimierz?"

"Ah, of course, we'll stay here until the day before the premiere, and we'll hand over the premiere videotape to the official Kazimierz Film Company."

"Furthermore, I must thank everyone, the Supervision Committee and the Commercial Federation, for your generous terms; we are truly moved."

On set, Chen Qi warmly received Grand Knight Commander Ioleta, who arrived without prior notice, even though he knew she was there to inquire about matters following the conclusion of filming for "Darkest Hour."

Chen Qi's attitude—that he had no intention of leaving with the crew anytime soon, and even said he would stay until the day before the release—reassured the Grand Knight Commander, who had initially been suspicious.

The Grand Knight Commander's biggest concern was that Chen Qi's "Darkest Hour" would directly affect the Victoria Kazimierz, so she had already prepared for Chen Qi and his group to pack their bags and leave Kazimierz by the time she arrived. That's why she specifically contacted the Black Knight and the Blood Knight to intercept and inspect the goods delivered by Penguin Logistics.

Chen Qi's calm and composed demeanor reassured the Grand Knight Commander, who then said:

"Director Chen Qi is someone who is sheltered by both 'heaven' and 'hell'. With your great talent, your willingness to come to Kazimierz to make a film means that, no matter what, your film will surely become a classic that will be remembered for generations."

"Therefore, offering you and your crew a more favorable revenue share is just a small favor."

A weight had been lifted from her heart, and the Grand Knight Commander also left the crew shortly afterward. She couldn't wait to get rid of this plague as soon as possible; every day Chen Qi stayed in Kazimierz, her heart would beat faster.

Soon after, the Grand Knight Commander also received a communication from the Black Knight.

"It's been checked." Jian's voice came from the other end of the phone, slightly breathless, but mostly indifferent.

"It's just a painting, nothing special."

"A painting?" The Grand Knight Commander was taken aback, but Jian clearly didn't want to say much to the Grand Knight Commander, simply replying indifferently:

"Yes, just one painting. You can have the city garrison open the box and inspect it again later."

"Understood. Thank you for your hard work, Black Knight Mace. Rest assured, our Supervision Committee will keep its promise. From this day forward, all the Commercial Federation's pursuit of you will end. You will remain the Three-Crown King of Kazimierz."

"Thank you."

On the other end of the phone, Jian simply said this and then hung up. After hanging up, the Grand Knight Commander did not choose to believe Jian, but instead inquired about the situation from the city guards and the knights who were monitoring him.

"The city defense forces inspected Penguin Logistics' shipment, and it was indeed just a painting."

"We dare not get too close, for fear of being detected by the Black Knight, but we have indeed observed fighting and the sounds of gunfire."

Having received these two pieces of information, the Grand Knight Commander finally felt relieved, and a long-lost relaxed smile appeared on his face.

Now, whatever the movie "Darkest Hour" is about, it's impossible for it to reach Victoria, so we can rest assured about things on the front lines!

On the outskirts of the Grand Knight's Dominion, Jian, who was ordered to intercept Penguin Logistics, was dressed in clothes that were not dirty at all, and did not look like he had fought against the four-man Penguin Logistics team.

"--A dignified wandering swordsman, actually just silently watching all this from the sidelines, unwilling to take the initiative?" Jian's gaze slowly turned to the shadows on the other side, and he spoke calmly:

"I thought you would stop me, but you didn't. If you had made a move, even five of me probably wouldn't have been a match for you, right?"

As Jian finished speaking, Młynar's figure silently emerged from the shadows. Her golden hair and eyes, languid yet possessing a restrained sharpness, gazed at Jian before finally speaking:

"Because I can tell you had no intention of stopping them. With your abilities, there's no way you couldn't stop that logistics team."

"Besides, you were the one who watched that painting being loaded onto the truck. You spent so much time on Director Chen Qi's film crew and knew about Miss Xi's abilities... but you didn't report this information to the Grand Knight Commander."

"--The Grand Knight Commander instructed me to report information detrimental to Kazimierz."

Jian, clearly having prepared his explanation beforehand, calmly replied, "I am well aware of how amazing Miss Xi's abilities are, but she has not harmed Kazimierz, therefore this is not information that needs to be reported."

"--Even if you knew that Miss Xi's painting contained a videotape titled 'Darkest Hour,' destined for Victoria?" Młynar had now laid everything bare, but Jian remained unmoved and continued to answer:

"I don't know anything about videotapes. All I saw were paintings. The Grand Knight Commander ordered me to inspect the cargo being transported, and all I saw were paintings."

"Grand Knight Commander, you didn't ask me what's in the painting."

Jian's words clearly indicated her attitude. She sheathed her weapon and stared at Młynar in front of her. Seeing that he hadn't even brought his sword, she obviously understood that he knew exactly what she would choose.

"So, sir, what do you intend to do with me?"

"... I've never seen you, and you've never seen me." Młynar, gazing at the mace before her, slowly turned and walked away, speaking softly:

"There aren't many patrols around the outer perimeter of the Grand Knight's Dominion, so we can still leave now."

"The knights of Kazimierz... only by fulfilling their duties as 'knights' can they truly be considered worthy of the title. And one of those principles is 'loyalty'."

"However, too many knights misunderstand the meaning of 'loyalty,' just as they have never understood the word 'knight.'"

Młynar muttered to himself, then disappeared into the darkness, much like his self-assessment—"a mediocre, ordinary person who can't illuminate anything."

But now, Młynar sees a "light" that may truly illuminate everyone, a "light" that he cannot achieve or reach... All he can do is to integrate his own insignificant light into it and contribute his meager strength.

A few days later, the four members of Penguin Logistics, along with Laterano, decided to start with Laterano, because Laterano could contribute more and get along better with them. Most importantly, Exusiai Sarkaz, Exusiai's empathy could transmit messages to her fellow Sarkaz immediately.

As expected, when Exusiai and the others arrived in Laterano City, a large number of Sarkaz were already waiting there to Exusiai them into the city.