I, the Villain, Want to Save Myself, But the Yandere Heroines Disagree - Chapter 62

Orson chased after Celineina as she left the hotel, catching up to her as she walked alone down the street.

“Celineina,” Orson said, stepping up beside her.

“What is it?” Celineina didn’t look at him, her gaze fixed ahead.

“I’m still hungry. How about we find a restaurant and have a proper meal?” Orson suggested.

—

Half an hour later, in a restaurant.

Orson and Celineina sat across from each other, enjoying the freshly served food.

Compared to the tense atmosphere of the banquet earlier, the mood between the two of them was much lighter and more pleasant now.

“Thank you for what you did earlier,” Celineina suddenly said.

She had anticipated that the banquet wouldn’t go smoothly, so she had sent Orson an invitation in advance, asking him to attend.

That was how Orson had been able to step in and help her defuse the situation.

“It’s nothing,” Orson smiled and shook his head.

No matter what, Celineina was on the same side as him. Whether for Litte’s sake or his own, helping her was the right thing to do.

“Don’t you think it’s funny?” Celineina said suddenly. She was smiling, but her smile carried a hint of bitterness.

“A family of four—father and children constantly clashing over differing values, siblings suspicious of one another over inheritance.”

“It’s more like a battlefield filled with distrust than a family. Whoever shows weakness first ends up covered in scars.”

“That’s perfectly normal,” Orson nodded. “Human desires are like that. No one is free from the drive of their own ambitions.”

“As you said, President Louis clashes with you because he sees your marriage to Donny as a way to bring greater benefits to the family. And the suspicion between you and your brothers is all because of the fight for the inheritance of the Silver Moon Trading Company, isn’t it?”

“Mm.” Celineina heard this and made no comment. “That’s true for my brothers, but all I want is the right to choose my own happiness.”

“To achieve that, I have no choice but to join this fight.”

“I understand, Miss Celineina,” Orson nodded. “Simply because you’re a woman, you’ve been subjected to such unfair treatment.”

“Mm.” Celineina heard this and nodded. “Thank you, Orson.”

“I already said you don’t need to thank me for what happened today.”

“It’s not just about today.” Celineina shook her head. “Thanks to the ideas you gave me, I had the confidence to stand up to my father.”

“You’ve already started implementing them? How’s it going?” Orson became interested upon hearing Celineina’s words.

“Mm.” Celineina began reporting her progress to Orson.

“Thanks to your suggestions, the Antica branch’s revenue has grown from one-sixth of the Prussia branch’s revenue to half of it. It can still grow further, but it won’t last long.”

“Because of timing, right? Other trading companies will eventually figure out what you’re doing,” Orson said.

“Mm.” Celineina nodded, unsurprised that Orson had seen through the situation.

“And then there’s the matter of industry. According to my plan, I’m starting with the textile and construction industries. These two sectors currently have significant market gaps and high profit margins.”

“That’s a great idea,” Orson said approvingly. “You really are something, Celineina. Compared to your father and brothers, you’re clearly the most capable.”

“Hehe…” Celineina’s mood visibly improved after Orson’s compliment.

As they delved into topics of mutual interest, the earlier tension between them completely dissipated.

“Still, Celineina, you should be cautious.” At this moment, Orson gave Celineina a reminder.

“Hmm?” Celineina tilted her head, looking at Orson in confusion. “About what?”

“Be careful of unfair competition from your rivals. Not every merchant will sit idly by and let you take their market share.”

“Commerce thrives on circulation. If they band together to oppose you and cut off your distribution channels, you’ll suffer significant losses.”

“But wouldn’t they also incur losses by doing that?”

“They would, but the problem is if they have more capital than you, they can afford to outlast you in a prolonged battle. Once they’ve defeated you, they can divide the market among themselves, minimizing their losses.”

“Then what should I do?”

“Don’t forget, you have a reliable ally,” Orson said, pointing to himself. “I’ll write a letter to my father, asking him to keep an eye on the Silver Moon Trading Company. If any other trading companies resort to unfair tactics against you, the duke can intervene politically to deal with them.”

Celineina stared at Orson, stunned. Then she lowered her head and asked softly, “Orson, why are you helping me so much…”

“I’ve told you before—we’re on the same side. All I ask is that you help Litte.”

“Why are you so determined to help Litte?” Celineina raised her head to look at Orson. “I’ve been meaning to ask you this for a long time. You said yourself that people are driven by desire. Aren’t you and Litte competing for the position of duke’s heir?”

“…” Orson was silent for a moment before smiling and saying, “Because there are things I value more than the position of duke.”

Like life itself.

“I see.” Celineina nodded, reluctantly accepting his explanation. “I understand. I’ll continue to support Young Master Litte.”

“By the way, what about you, Orson?” Celineina asked, looking at him. “Is there nothing you want?”

“Whether it’s money or something else… If I can help, I will.”

“As for me… I’m fine.” Orson shook his head. “There’s nothing I particularly want right now.”

“Alright.”

—

After leaving the restaurant, the two strolled along the streets for a while.

“Orson,” Celineina said as she spotted her waiting coachman in the distance. “I need to head back.”

“Mm, take care on your way.”

“Mm.” Celineina nodded and took a few steps before turning back.

Her hands were clasped behind her back, and she seemed to be in a good mood.

“Orson.”

“Mm?” Orson asked, puzzled. “What is it?”

“If—just if—I’m ever forced to choose a duke as my ally, I’d pick your family. When that time comes, don’t look down on me, okay?”

With that, Celineina blushed, turned away, and ran to her carriage. After greeting her coachman, she boarded and left.

“…” Orson watched her retreating figure for a few seconds before smiling.