"Yes, Prime Minister" offers hands-on guidance in civil service "jargon"

Meanwhile, on Rhodes Island, after the tense local government discussions, Amiya showed interest in the relatively lighter topics of episode six.

"But... in Victoria, do these theaters really have that much power? Why does even the Prime Minister seem so afraid of them, yet so reluctant to offend them? Is it simply because they're afraid of being criticized?"

"The answer is simple, Amiya, just look at Director Chen Qi."

However, Kal'tsit wasn't surprised by this, explaining to Amiya, "Director Chen Qi is a clear example. When a theater troupe's influence reaches a certain level, they become natural publicity."

"They can make films praising certain things, and of course they can make films criticizing others. The Royal Theatre in the play is a very representative part of Victoria, a group that politicians are unwilling to offend."

"Why?" Amiya blinked her big eyes, looking very puzzled, and Kal'tsit explained:

"Because the Royal Theatre caters primarily to people with a certain level of economic means who have the time and energy for leisure; simply put, they are upper-class individuals who have the time to cultivate their tastes."

"These groups are mostly wealthy and powerful, or at the very least, influential within the system. If the Royal Theatre were to publicly declare in this setting that the current administration does not value the arts, it could very well extend to a disregard for their class."

"The relationship between Victoria arts organizations and politicians is maintained by mutual interests; therefore, the amount of funding allocated is directly related to the theater's interests and also reflects the government's emphasis on the arts."

"--As expected of Dr. Kal'tsit, that's a very insightful assessment."

However, at that moment, as the office door opened, a handsome man dressed entirely in black slowly walked in. A black cat with two tails perched on his shoulder added to his air of mystery.

"Operator Phantom?" Amiya was also surprised that this person, who always disliked being in crowded places, would actually come to the office this time.

"I sent him. I think Operator Phantom might be able to help us better appreciate this episode," Kal'tsit explained to Amiya, then turned her gaze to the man codenamed "Phantom," who had emerged from the mysterious "Crimson Troupe," and said:

"Operator Phantom, you were once infamous... please forgive me for using that word, but you are the only one from the Crimson Troupe, and I think you should have more authority to speak on the content of this episode than we do."

"I understand..." Phantom nodded, his gaze shifting to the program "Yes, Prime Minister" playing on television, and he couldn't help but say:

"I've also heard about Director Chen Qi's achievements; he's a Playwright with extremely sharp writing skills and overflowing talent."

"No, rather, compared to that 'Playwright' I know... Director Chen Qi's scripts are more comprehensive."

"Huh? Phantom Operator, you have such a high opinion of Director Chen Qi?" Amiya was also a little surprised by Phantom's evaluation. Although Phantom had not been with Rhodes Island for very long, his solitary personality meant that few people knew him.

But Amiya knew very well that Phantom was the only person to have survived the famous "Crimson Troupe." He was a "Blood Diamond" personally chosen and trained by the mysterious troupe leader, who groomed him as a natural-born protagonist.

Phantom's high praise for Chen Qi can be considered an endorsement from one of the most representative figures in the industry. Upon hearing this, Phantom nodded in agreement.

"The troupe leader has a particular fondness for tragedies. Although the troupe doesn't only rehearse tragedies, the Playwright naturally have to cater to the troupe leader's preferences, because most of the scripts they write lean towards tragedy."

"And all of Chen Qi's films were personally directed by him. They are not just tragedies, but also contain elements of war, comedy, satire, and moral lessons... This is far better than any meaningless tragedy."

"Then, I'm also very curious, how does the talented Director Chen Qi evaluate the troupe... The Crimson Troupe has also colluded with many politicians, and Director Chen Qi must have a clearer understanding of the stakes involved, right?"

As he spoke, Phantom showed such interest in a play for the first time, because Chen Qi's troupe had now undoubtedly reached a level of influence and influence that the Crimson Troupe, which he had destroyed, had never achieved in all its years of operation. In Phantom's mind, Chen Qi was a leader who was even more capable than the troupe leader.

Phantom wondered how someone like Chen Qi would evaluate the theater troupe, and how he would satirize it.

Returning to the story, after learning the whole story, Humphrey, played by the Bloodborne Archon, who is also a member of the National Theatre's board of directors and a stakeholder, finds himself in a dilemma.

He wanted to persuade the Prime Minister to increase funding for the National Theatre, and also wanted to find a way to ease the Prime Minister's burden, so he could only offer the following suggestion:

"Excuse my bluntness, Prime Minister, but if you want to enter the tiger's den, you can't just steal the tiger's food first."

"What suggestions do you have?" Theresis asked immediately, and the Bloodborne Archon's suggestion was simple:

"Give them more food. Increase the Arts Council's funding, it'll only be a little over two million, right?"

"This food is really expensive," Manfred couldn't help but complain. The Bloodborne Archon, unusually, wholeheartedly agreed, adding, "It's food from a luxury hotel..."

However, Theresis was very dissatisfied with the suggestion, and took the opportunity to explain why he was so reluctant to increase the funding and why he attended the dinner.

"That damn organization is always putting on a show to attack me. They even staged a play specifically to attack my policies. It's a complete farce. Why would they do that?"

"This is very beneficial, Prime Minister." However, the Bloodborne Archon had a completely different opinion, and he then offered his unique perspective on the "political satire" being performed in the theater.

"Basically, nobody watches political dramas, and half of those who do don't understand them. Of those who do understand them, half disagree with them, and the rest are anti-government anyway."

The Bloodborne Archon's assessment elicited a chuckle from the audience, but a sense of unease quickly arose. Fortunately, the quick-witted Amiya, after a moment of surprise, realized what was amiss and asked:

"Um... Director Chen Qi's 'Yes, Prime Minister,' isn't that also a political drama? Director Chen Qi, is this a way of satirizing all the viewers as well?"

"... It seems that Director Chen Qi is even more daring than we thought, directly mocking the audience outside the screen."

Kal'tsit clearly understood this meaning and couldn't help but want to laugh, but she really couldn't think of any rebuttal to Chen Qi's line in the script.

Phantom was also slightly taken aback, muttering to himself:

"To actually mock the audience in this way, and yet the audience doesn't seem to mind? I doubt even the theater troupe leader would do that!"

The critique in the show wasn't over yet; the Bloodborne Archon continued, "But this allows people to vent their anger."

"You'll be seen as a democratic politician—if you allocate funds to your critics."

However, even at this point, Theresis remained reluctant, saying with resentment, "Those who want to criticize me should live off the box office money they make from criticizing me!"

"Oh, Prime Minister, that money is far from enough," the Bloodborne Archon replied with a sigh. "Besides, the play satirizing the government is arguably the second most boring in history."

"Then they..." Theresis hesitated, then asked curiously, "What's the most boring thing about them?"

"--A play praising the government."

The Bloodborne Archon's sharp comment caused countless viewers from various countries to burst into laughter, because under the current circumstances, it is impossible for people in almost every country not to have seen a drama produced by their own country that "praises the government".

Therefore, anyone who has watched these shows will agree with the Bloodborne Archon's sharp comment, "A show that clearly praises the government, and in such an awkward way, is indeed the most boring show."

However, what surprised Kal'tsit and others even more was that these words could be said to have tarnished the entire show "Yes, Prime Minister." Chen Qi, as Playwright, actually added the label of "second most boring" to his most prized play.

This passage can be said to be a satire of everyone—the audience, all countries, and even Chen Qi and his team, as well as the play itself.

"... If the Crimson Troupe hadn't been destroyed, and if the troupe leader had known about Director Chen Qi's existence, he probably would have taken him away at all costs to make him the new 'Playwright'."

Even Phantom was taken aback by Chen Qi's writing style, but he wasn't annoyed at all that he had also been targeted by the AOE. In fact, not a single viewer was angry because Chen Qi had satirized them. This was a profound art of writing and psychology.

"No... rather, Director Chen Qi is more suitable to be the troupe leader than the troupe leader himself. He has a tolerance that the troupe leader lacks, as well as the magnanimity to reflect on himself."

Phantom couldn't help but think this, but he also couldn't help but wonder what he would be like if he had joined Chen Qi's crew instead of the Crimson Troupe.

"They shamed me, and now they want more money?" In the story, Theresis is extremely displeased with these people's actions, and the Bloodborne Archon agrees.

"Yes, I admit it's not a very noble act—but that's how artists are, kneeling down and raising their fists at the government."

"Take your begging bowl and smash it over my head!"

This was yet another extremely sharp remark, so sharp that it could make all the national art troupes in Terra turn pale. However, this time, all the high-ranking officials of all the countries deeply agreed with it, and it wasn't just one monarch and one grand duke who nodded in agreement.

"I can't get votes even if I allocate funds to the arts," Theresis said reluctantly. At that moment, Bill, the propaganda secretary, reminded her:

"But if we don't allocate funds, our reputation will be ruined. Those who advocate for art are mostly middle-class; this is their only way to recoup their tax payments."

"Mortgage interest tax relief, university education subsidies, a one-time retirement pension, Radio 3, and subsidies for theater, opera, and concert tickets—you can't exploit us anymore!"

However, Bill suddenly realized what he was saying and immediately changed his mind, saying, "Them!"

This elicited another chuckle from the audience. However, almost everyone suddenly realized that the so-called "middle class" did not refer to the middle class as they understood it, but rather to civil servants and social elites like Bill and Humphrey.

Their so-called focus on art is nothing more than a legal way for them to pay less tax, and even make a quick buck.

Chen Qi's words immediately caused the faces of civil servants from various countries, those so-called "middle class" people, to darken – simply because they had something to hide that the show had exposed.

This situation, however, has caused even more headaches for the already chaotic leadership in Kazimierz —they know that tomorrow the media will bring up this issue again, given the similarities between their political system and Victoria's.

This made many people in Kazimierz even more resentful of Chen Qi, to the point of being extremely hostile.

"Chen Qi, you deserve to die!" At this moment, the high-ranking officials of Kazimierz harbored extremely vicious curses towards Chen Qi, and they had already begun planning how to eliminate Chen Qi and his crew...

Chapter 150: On-site guidance from "Yes, Prime Minister," civil servant "jargon"

"They can pay for it themselves, why should the government give them money for entertainment?"

In the play, Theresis remains utterly bewildered: why should the government pay for the entertainment of these so-called "middle-class" people, who are all supposed to serve the country? And why should ordinary citizens have to buy full-price tickets to watch these shows?

However, Here, Theresis overlooked a major problem—that is, most people do not have the time and energy to cultivate their minds. Most people are already exhausted from work and family, and even if they have leisure time, things related to "taste," such as theater and social circles, are certainly not their first choice.

People need relaxing entertainment when they are under pressure. Therefore, most people rarely come into contact with things related to taste, so it can be said that these so-called "middle class" are the ones who pay for these "entertainments".

The Bloodborne Archon explained, "This can't be considered entertainment; the problem is that we have a wealth of cultural heritage to protect."

"Paintings that no one appreciates, music that no one listens to, plays that no one watches... We can't let them go extinct just because no one is interested in them, can we?"

The Bloodborne Archon's viewpoint, however, drew laughter from the audience. While this theory might be a bit exaggerated in the Terra Terra, where entertainment is still in its infancy and people's spiritual lives are quite limited, it has indeed produced quite a few "outdated" cultural elements.

But the Bloodborne Archon's point of view did indeed sound contradictory. Theresis, looking completely bewildered, asked, "Why not?"

"--Prime Minister, this is somewhat similar to Laterano Diocese in Victoria." The Bloodborne Archon also offered a more plausible analogy, saying:

"People don't like going to church, but because the church is there, apart from the occasional gunfire and explosions, it mostly makes people feel comfortable. The same goes for art."

"As long as they exist, we are a member of a civilized nation."

While the Bloodborne Archon's explanation might be incomprehensible to ordinary people in various countries, it was considered the standard answer by the high-ranking officials.

It can be said that the higher one's social standing, the more one understands the importance of "art" to a country and a civilization. The development of art carries too many human stories, which gives a country a traceable history to tell, allows people to identify with their own culture, and enhances national self-confidence.

Not only the Yan and other countries, but even on Theresia's side, several Sarkaz nodded very solemnly. Theresia then slowly spoke:

"Absolutely right... Kazdel has been destroyed countless times, and much of our culture, art, and history... has disappeared with each of Kazdel's destructions."

"Our race was not always one that only knew how to kill, or how to exchange death for power. We had our own music, our own art, our own traditions... It's just a pity that, with each destruction, our race lost most of its harsh civilization in order to survive."

"There are so many gaps in our records, so much that we can't find any information about. If we weren't still guarding the last library, and with Kazdel's countless destructions, our lineage would probably have long since become homeless wanderers."

Theresia's words plunged everyone in the room into silence. For a moment, whether it was the young Manfred who had not witnessed the prosperity of Kazdel, or the Bloodborne Archon had witnessed true glory and dreamed countless times of returning to that peak, everyone fell into a long period of mourning.

"We will rebuild, Wang Mei, both the city and the culture."

After a brief moment of grief, Theresis said the same thing to her sister.

Theresia did not answer, because she knew very well that Kazdel's cities could be rebuilt, and order could be restored; the cities and nations that would support the Sarkaz would still exist.

However, as the series states, only a civilization that fosters a sense of belonging and warmth among the Sarkaz can unite all of Sarkaz, making Kazdel a home for the Sarkaz once again, and allowing the rebuilt Kazdel to become an accepted and recognized "civilized nation" in this world.

However, many of Kazdel's traditions have been erased, and most of what remains are not accepted by the outside world... Outsiders do not understand the Sarkaz's respect for "death," let alone accept the Sarkaz's tradition of drawing new life and power from "death."

"So... how about trying to create a new, more civilized culture?"

As Theresia pondered this, her thoughts drifted far away. She realized that the more she contemplated the future revival of the Sarkaz, the more she understood that Sarkaz greatest deficiency was "culture."

And so far, the person she's met who understands this best... seems to be just around the corner.

Thinking about this, Theresia's thoughts began to race again, but at that moment, no one knew what was truly on Theresia mind. Meanwhile, episode six of "Yes, Prime Minister" continued to air...

The Bloodborne Archon approached Simon, the General Manager of the National Theatre, regarding the allocation of funds and the Prime Minister's attendance at the dinner. Simon, clearly having high expectations for the funding, expressed his hopes very directly:

"What about the Arts Council's funding next year? Is 30 million feasible?"

"Puff!"

However, upon hearing Simon's words, Amiya from Rhodes Island immediately spat out all her water, coughing uncontrollably, but still managed to exclaim in shock:

"Thirty million?! Victoria gold coins? Cough cough cough! Luo, even selling Rhodes Island wouldn't bring in that much money!"

"Calm down, Amiya. You're the leader of Rhodes Island now. You need to stay calm at all times." Kal'tsit reminded Amiya while patting Amiya back to make her feel more comfortable.

"Besides, Rhodes Island has more than thirty million. You should have confidence in the land-based aircraft carrier beneath your feet."

It was unusual for Kal'tsit to tell a joke, probably because she was in a good mood today and was pleased to see that Amiya had learned a lot from "Yes, Prime Minister".

After calming herself down, Amiya immediately thanked Kal'tsit for her help, but then turned to the silent Phantom and asked:

"Phantom, may I ask, when you were in the Crimson Troupe, did it also cost this much money to maintain the troupe?"

"... The troupe leader rarely shows his face, and managing the accounts is something only his trusted confidants do; I don't know much about it."

Upon hearing this, Phantom Shadow pondered for a moment, recalling his experiences in the theater troupe, and guessed, "But the troupe leader can always invite a large number of dignitaries to enjoy the performances. These people spend money like water, so the troupe leader must not be short of money."

"And the performances are all held in castles. Every year, the company director spends a lot of money on maintaining the castles, so I think 30 million Victoria gold coins a year... may be too much, but it doesn't seem incomprehensible."

Phantom finally voiced his thoughts. Although he didn't know the specifics of the troupe's finances, having been with the Crimson Troupe for so long, he knew where some of the money went.

Phantom's words caused Amiya to pause in thought for a moment. It's no wonder Amiya was so surprised, after all, Rhodes Island's finances are in a constant deficit because it often needs to provide free aid to the Infected on the island.

Although some Infected operators "paid off their debts" by going on missions to cover their own medical expenses, the work of most of these Infected was merely Rhodes Island's humanitarian aid, which was simply not enough to cover the cost of their Oripathy Suppressant.

However, Rhodes Island has not forgotten to control the disease for every Infected. If it weren't for the fact that Rhodes Island has many other industries besides pharmaceuticals, such as Pure Gold, Rhodes Island would not have been bankrupt for long.

Amiya had never even considered the possibility of 30 million Victoria gold coins, and this was just one budget in the show? Moreover, it wasn't just made up; it seemed to have some basis in reality.

In the play, when the Bloodborne Archon inquired about Simon's situation, he replied in a businesslike manner, "My dear Simon, I cannot leak this information beforehand, especially not to the General Manager of the National Theatre."

However, the Bloodborne Archon's words elicited a knowing smile from the other party. But what followed left Amiya and the other young people, as well as the commoners who had no experience with politics, completely bewildered.

Simon took the cup filled with breadsticks, placed it in front of the Bloodborne Archon, and asked with a smile, "Would you like some of this?"

The Bloodborne Archon remained expressionless. He simply picked out six breadsticks from the bread and placed them in the cup in front of Simon.