The investiture ceremony, the Sarkaz arrive to steal the spotlight / Chen Qi on equal footing with the Royal Court?

Although we can't see them, it feels like they're involved in every new policy announcement. Even though we know they're just playing roles, we still feel like they really exist.

Suddenly, the disappointment of viewers who were disappointed by the end of the "Yes, Prime Minister" series vanished.

However, the standards for review vary depending on the content being reviewed.

"To let the audience know more about the content and details, I've prepared a small gift..."

However, at that moment, Chen Qi's words suddenly changed, and the camera immediately focused on Chen Qi, with the three of them, Theresis, also turning their attention to him.

On camera, all that could be seen was Chen Qi pulling a mysterious object from his pocket—it appeared to be a book.

However, the moment Chen Qi turned the book over and revealed the cover, the words "Yes, Prime Minister" written clearly in Victoria script were clearly visible in front of the camera.

At that moment, a gasp and applause erupted from the television, and Chen Qi, holding the book, smiled at the camera and said:

"A novel based on the dictated diary of former Prime Minister Hacker and the memos of former Grand Secretariat Secretary Humphrey, with content reviewed and verified by current Grand Secretariat Secretary Bernard, titled 'Yes, Prime Minister.'"

"This contains the complete storyline, along with more details and content. It will be available in various Mobile City in Victoria next week, priced at 20 Victoria copper coins."

"While most viewers probably won't be interested in the novel after watching the TV series 'Yes, Prime Minister'... well, maybe?"

Chen Qi's tone was somewhat teasing, as if he didn't care at all about the sales of the book in his hand. He didn't mind advertising the book at the end, but he advertised a price that surprised a large number of readers.

Because this price—it's just too low! Low enough to be the same price as some cheap bestselling novels!

The contents of this item are truly cultural treasures, yet they only cost 20 Victoria copper coins?

Before the audience could react in surprise, Theresis and the others slowly gathered around Chen Qi. The three of them raised their glasses, facing the camera and the audience, and said their goodbyes.

"And so, the 'Yes, Prime Minister' series concludes here."

"You absolutely must buy it!" Theresis said to the viewers off-camera at the end, and as her words faded, the camera slowly pulled back, the image gradually dimmed, and finally went completely black.

However, while most viewers felt a sense of loss at the end of a good drama, they soon realized that the novel "Yes, Prime Minister" had just been mentioned on TV!

"This is outrageous!"

Meanwhile, in Londinium, Duke of Windermere suddenly stood up, looking furious once more, as if she were about to confront Chen Qi. This startled Ablana, who instinctively said:

"Your Grace, I believe Director Chen Qi has already discussed this matter with us beforehand. Both the Duke of Wellington and I have reviewed the content, and we don't think Director Chen Qi has any malicious intent."

Ablana subconsciously felt that Duke of Windermere was angry because Chen Qi had leaked more government information in this way. After all, before this, almost all government affairs were completely closed to the public and were areas that could not be accessed.

Chen Qi's "Yes, Prime Minister" broke this taboo, already embarrassing Victoria. Now, Chen Qi actually plans to distribute the series in written form, and at such a low price...

Clearly, Chen Qi wanted this book to be affordable for almost everyone, which is why he deliberately priced it so low.

But the Duke of Wellington still agreed, because he felt that since there was already a TV series and they had discussed having Chen Qi film the second season here, there was nothing wrong with the content of the novel. It was just to let it circulate in other countries and make them a little more confused.

But after all, the Duke of Wellington had given his own consent without consulting the other grand dukes...

However, before Ablana could speak again, Duke of Windermere unexpectedly said with an indignant expression:

"It'll be available next week? I'm going back to the front lines next week! How am I supposed to buy it then? The northern border is so poor, there's practically nothing there!"

"Chen Qi, hurry up and take my money! It's just 20 copper coins! I'm going to find him right now and buy that book he has!"

"..."X2

Well, it seems there's no need to explain anything about the novel now. Duke of Wellington and Ablana exchanged a glance, and then hurriedly followed Duke of Windermere, who was already heading to find Chen Qi with great momentum.

And the "sales pitch" at the very end of "Yes, Prime Minister" will undoubtedly be a huge success. With Victoria's deliberate marketing, this novel will sell its most valuable knowledge to almost everyone on this land at a low price!

Chapter 169: The Awarding Ceremony, the Sarkaz Clan Steals the Show

Yes, Prime Minister has ended, but the final behind-the-scenes footage had an extremely explosive effect. It was like Victoria's last rays of light, a final, spectacular display.

This Victoria TV series, now famous throughout Terra, did not come to an end with its conclusion. The news that a novel of the same name would be released in a week quickly spread throughout all regions of Terra via various media.

"That's a good thing, isn't it? Dr. Kal'tsit!"

Upon hearing that Chen Qi had adapted "Yes, Prime Minister" into a novel and sold it at an exceptionally low price, Amiya almost immediately turned to Kal'tsit beside her, her eyes shining brightly, and said:

"In this way, many people will have the opportunity to watch 'Yes, Prime Minister'! Even in remote areas without television sets, people will have the chance to enjoy this great drama!"

"Moreover, more people can understand politics now. Director Chen Qi is using this method to make this knowledge accessible to more ordinary people!"

"That's not all, Amiya." Kal'tsit, unusually, smiled and nodded, saying:

"The most important thing in studying politics is to see more diverse expressions within politics."

"Take Humphrey and Hacker on TV, for example. Their views almost always clash, but can you say that their views are wrong? It's just that one wants reform, to achieve results, and to win votes, while the other wants to maintain stability and do the routine."

"What we need to learn from politics is to eliminate the 'black and white' mentality, to see all aspects of a matter, to avoid generalizations, and to understand any issue more peacefully, calmly, and comprehensively. This is what politics can truly teach people."

"Director Chen Qi uses the most accessible language to simplify and entertain the complexities of politics, yet he is willing to share these valuable experiences with a wider audience at such a low price."

"He is changing this land in a different way; he is giving more wisdom to everyone on this land through a more communicative method."

This was the first time Kal'tsit had given such high praise to someone in a long time. She knew very well that what Chen Qi had done was something she could not do now, and that the influence Chen Qi possessed, the achievements and heights he had reached, were something Rhodes Island could not replicate at all.

Rhodes Island can save one, ten, hundreds, or even thousands of Infected, but suffering continues to be born on this land. Relying solely on medicine and equipment to save lives cannot prevent tragedies from happening.

Chen Qi, however, was subtly influencing everyone's thoughts. Perhaps this wouldn't have a huge impact in the short term, but some people might gain a bit more wisdom that could benefit them for a lifetime.

"If... you could have appeared a thousand years earlier, this land wouldn't have suffered so much."

Kal'tsit slowly closed her eyes, but such thoughts only lingered in her mind for a moment. After all, a thousand years ago, the spread of information on Terra was not yet at this level, and even Chen Qi's talent would probably be of no use.

"... Alright, Amiya, get some rest today. Get ready tomorrow to watch Director Chen Qi's medal-awarding ceremony in Londinium."

It's hardly news that Chen Qi is going to receive an award in Londinium; the Victoria media had already reported it beforehand. However, everyone now believes it's an official award from Victoria.

Kal'tsit and the others were unaware that the Sarkaz clan was involved in this investiture ceremony. Those who were calmly observing the ceremony would be plunged into a profound and earth-shattering shock by what would happen tomorrow.

The medal-awarding ceremony on the second day began in the early morning, and Chen Qi and Talulah participated in the ceremony together.

This awarding ceremony can be seen as an expression of Victoria's respect and goodwill towards Chen Qi, and to some extent, it has diplomatic significance. Therefore, it has attracted great attention from various countries, who have sent envoys to Londinium to observe the ceremony in person.

Rhodes Island, being an international power, and Lungmen, being the only Mobile City in Yan open to the outside world, naturally had their own channels to observe the situation on-site.

"On behalf of Victoria and the will of the eight dukes, we hereby confer upon Mr. Chen Qi the Royal Victoria Order and the title of Lord of Victoria."

"In recognition of Lord Chen Qi's outstanding contributions to Victoria, his assistance during times of crisis, his help in guiding Victoria through its Darkest Hour, and his role in uniting Victoria so that we are now of one mind."

"With this, we, Victoria, offer our deepest respect and bestow upon you supreme power."

The investiture ceremony was conducted by Ablana, the leader of the [Deep Pool] faction who had distinguished herself in the war against Ursus. Ablana's current status was no longer that of a leader of a violent organization, but rather that of "Viscount of Tara," bestowed upon her by the eight dukes.

Now, Ablana has the power to govern all the people of Old Tara in Little Hill County, which is under her jurisdiction and directly led by the Duke of Wellington Little Hill County.

After Ablana read the address for the awarding ceremony, Duke of Windermere personally pinned the medal on Chen Qi. Duke of Windermere seemed to be in a good mood; although she looked very serious, her expression clearly showed that she had no objections to the awarding ceremony.

"The Grand Duke personally bestowed the honor, granting him unparalleled power. Even the Nearl Family of yesteryear could not have achieved such a feat..."

Meanwhile, in the audience, watching the medal-awarding ceremony alongside the rest of the Art Troupe, Młynar, gazing at Chen Qi now receiving his medal on the high platform, couldn't help but remark with emotion:

"Director Chen Qi's achievements at such a young age make me feel somewhat ashamed."

"Don't say that. After all, no matter how high and mighty that guy is, he's still our director, isn't he?"

At this moment, Nian and Xi were also watching this scene from below the stage. Nian was unusually not upset because Chen Qi did not bring her on stage this time. She knew in her heart that her position as technical advisor was just a nominal one. Chen Qi was helping her and clearing her and her sister's names.

However, Nian was still somewhat envious of Chen Qi's ability to accept the award so openly and receive the admiration of others... Originally, Nian cherished the three trophies she received at the Victoria Film Festival, and wouldn't let anyone else touch them except herself, but compared to Chen Qi's award now, the trophies suddenly seemed less appealing.

Of course, what Nian envied even more was that Chen Qi could act so high-profilely without ever encountering any unexpected disasters. But for her, the moment she became even slightly high-profile, the Yan's Imperial Calendar Bureau would immediately react, as if they wanted to blacklist her.

"Tch, he's just a director older than me, and a little bit more talented... In the end, I still have to protect him, right? Otherwise, how could he live such a comfortable life?"

Looking at Chen Qi on the stage, Nian couldn't hide her sour tone. Beside her, Xi glanced at her sister and suddenly said:

"... I think you should have some self-awareness. Chen Qi not only doesn't need your protection, he probably doesn't even need your talent, sister."

"Don't speak such blunt truths! Eat your potato chips!"

Furious, Nian threw a bag of spicy potato chips at Xi, but it had no effect on her at all. She continued to eat her cucumber-flavored potato chips with an air of nonchalance, but her eyes, looking up at Chen Qi, held an undisguised envy.

Following him... will I one day be able to live so openly and honestly, without any fear, basking in the envy of others...?

Xi couldn't help but ask herself this question. She didn't really want to be the center of attention; she just hoped to regain her freedom, to no longer be monitored, and to no longer be afraid of returning to "Sui." She and Nian were actually the same; what they envied was Chen Qi's freedom from constraints.

Although she and Nian are now by Chen Qi's side and haven't been under the Imperial Calendar Bureau's surveillance for a long time... as long as Yan's attitude remains unchanged, they will still be on tenterhooks.

For them, being by Chen Qi's side meant one of the few days they could enjoy without restraint or surveillance, but how long could such days last?

Besides those present at the ceremony, people from all over the world are now paying close attention to this awarding ceremony. As Chen Qi watched the live broadcast and the Duke of Windermere personally pinned the medal on his head, various reactions arose from different groups...

"Now, Chen Qi has even more backers, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to deal with him." This is the current thought of the Ursus ambassador. Although Ursus has barely managed to stabilize the situation and avoid becoming the next country to split apart, the Ursus is also pondering countermeasures against Chen Qi's growing power.

"But at the very least, we must prevent the release of 'Yes, Prime Minister' a week later from entering Ursus..."

"Perhaps we shouldn't provoke him... Since even Victoria can forgive and forget, perhaps we should also try to build a good relationship with Director Chen Qi? Maybe we can get him to handle our domestic problems?" Ambassador Leithania thought to himself, their current situation was arguably the most dire.

If Ursus managed to barely salvage the situation after its defeat, and the situation in Kazimierz was becoming increasingly out of control, then the reason Leithania had been largely ignored during this period was because they were genuinely overwhelmed with tasks.

One of the Twin Empresses is already ill and is gradually declining. Now, with the failed expedition to Leithania, the remnants of the Witch King's forces are beginning to rise again.

Although the Twin Empresses have been relentlessly suppressing the remnants of the Witch King's faction, the people of Leithania have lost considerable faith in the government... It is unknown how long it will take for the Twin Empresses to recover from the losses and chaos caused by their defeat.

Ambassador Leithania's visit was partly to gauge Chen Qi's attitude—perhaps Leithania doesn't necessarily need another enemy; trying to gain another friend wouldn't be a bad idea.

However, the ambassadors of Leithania and Ursus shared this view, and other national powers still had no intention of offending Chen Qi. Only Kazimierz excluded; this time, not even an ambassador was sent. Kazimierz's seat remained vacant, but it did not attract much attention.

"Huh? Why is it shaking?"

However, Ambassador Leithania noticed that the wine in his glass was wobbling slightly due to the shaking of the table. He instinctively assumed it was because the Mobile City was moving, but then he realized something was wrong.

In an instant, everyone who noticed something was wrong turned their attention to the source of the sound—in the distance, the sound of footsteps grew clearer, and a dark mass of figures was marching towards the palace!

"Those people—are Sarkaz?!"

It's unclear who first recognized the Sarkaz army in the distance, but the voice sounded so panicked and fearful. Clearly, the impression the Sarkaz left on the people of this land hadn't changed much.

"Protect the Ambassador!"

Almost as soon as the Sarkaz army approached, the guards of various countries drew their weapons, ready to protect the ambassadors during their evacuation. However, no one from Victoria took any action.

"Bang!"

As the Sarkaz army approached the palace, just a step away from the ambassadorial delegation, they all stopped in their tracks. Under the suspicious gazes of all the ambassadors, the two rows of neatly dressed Sarkaz soldiers retreated to both sides, making way for the middle path.

At the end of that road, everyone, including Chen Qi at the highest point of the palace, could see Theresis and Theresia, the brother and sister.

Theresis holds a sword, while Theresia holds a tray covered with a red cloth. The "blood" and "honor" of the Sarkaz are each held by the brother and sister!

"... Was it really necessary to go to such lengths?"

Understanding that this award ceremony was not only Victoria's award, but also Kazdel's own, Chen Qi roughly anticipated that Theresis, unwilling to be second to anyone, would definitely put on a grand show... but the show was a bit too grand.

This is to show the whole world how much they respect him... Now, it's hard to imagine how prestigious the title of [Lord of Kazdel] is.

" --Sarkaz, line up!"

At Theresis's command, the two rows of Sarkaz soldiers temporarily took on the role of a ceremonial guard. The Sarkaz at the front raised their swords high into the air, the blades crossing each other to form wide corridors.

The Sarkaz in the back row raised the guns they had captured from the battlefield. Although the types of guns varied, the sheer number of them raised was still a great shock to the people.

Especially for the Sankta, seeing the Sarkaz honor guard carrying so many guns in Sarkaz today almost made the Pontiff Knight explode with rage.

"This ceremony... is an ancient Teekaz welcoming ritual."

However, the Pope in Laterano was paying attention to the Sarkaz's current actions. Having read extensively, the Pope naturally knew something about the Teekaz era and was well aware of the connection between the Sarkaz and the Sarkaz race...

This welcoming ceremony was a noble ritual used by the Teekaz, who revered martial prowess, to show respect for those of high status during the Teekaz period.

Passing beneath the blade to praise the courage of the noble, this was the highest-level ritual of the ancient Teekaz... I wonder which book in the library the Sarkaz, who have destroyed countless kingdoms, found this ritual in.

However, all of this clearly demonstrates the deep respect the Sarkaz clan holds for Chen Qi. Just as Chen Qi had thought, Theresis and Theresia, this brother and sister pair, wanted all of Terra to see the unparalleled respect the Sarkaz clan held for Chen Qi!

Chapter 170: Chen Qi and Royal Court on Equal Footing?

"The ancient Teekaz ritual... blood and honor, the highest honor of the Teekaz era, a ceremony to welcome the returning hero."

"Theresis, what are you doing? The era of the Teekaz is long gone. The current Sarkaz race can no longer uphold the glory of the Teekaz era, so why are they doing this?"

On Rhodes Island, Kal'tsit and Amiya, who had been closely following the medal-awarding ceremony, were also stunned by the Sarkaz army's impressive display upon arriving at the ceremony. After all, the ceremony was initially only publicly announced by Victoria, so everyone assumed it was merely a gesture of goodwill from Victoria towards Chen Qi.

Unexpectedly, the sudden arrival of the Sarkaz legion immediately heightened the tension, and Kal'tsit keenly noticed that neither of the two Grand Dukes present in Victoria stopped the Sarkaz legion's actions.

"Princess Theresia... Doctor Kal'tsit, look, it's Princess Theresia."

However, Amiya's gaze immediately focused on the screen, on Theresia, who was standing next to Theresis. The princess was holding a tray and keeping pace with Theresis, which made Amiya's eyes momentarily lose focus.