I, the Villain, Want to Save Myself, But the Yandere Heroines Disagree-Chapter 20 - Why Are You Blushing? And Why Are You Blushing?

“Tsk...” Celineina clicked her tongue in irritation, then nodded. “Although it feels like striking a deal with the devil, what choice do I have when I’m backed into a corner?”

“So then, how exactly do you want me to support Litte?”

“Marry him,” Orson said simply.

“Huh?” Celineina’s face twisted into an expression of disbelief.

This suggestion was even more absurd than the last.

There was no way Celineina would marry Litte, a boy who looked as delicate as a girl. Even if her choices were limited, she wouldn’t pick someone so... effeminate.

That said, if the alternative was Donny Florence, she would still choose Litte—if only because her disgust for Donny was immeasurable.

“By marrying Litte, the Duke’s heir, you’d gain the political backing you’ve been dreaming of. Even though the Antica Duchy is the weakest of the Empire’s duchies, it’s still a duchy. The territory has significant development potential.”

“With that status, your position within your family would likely skyrocket.”

“But let’s not forget,” Celineina countered, “even if I were willing to marry Litte, unless you openly declare that you’re forfeiting your claim to the inheritance, the benefits of marrying him wouldn’t hold a candle to those of marrying you.”

“So, what you’re saying is that you want to marry me?” Orson asked, raising an eyebrow. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m already engaged.”

“That’s not what I meant!” Celineina stomped her foot in frustration. “I don’t like either of you brothers! Can’t we figure out another way?”

“Hey, don’t be so quick to dismiss the idea,” Orson said, shrugging. “Feelings are unpredictable. You may not like Litte now, but what if, after spending more time with him, you end up falling for him?”

In the original story, Celineina was indeed one of Litte’s companions. She had played a significant role in supporting him early on, making her one of the more prominent characters in that overpowered protagonist tale.

Because of this, Orson was confident that Celineina would eventually develop feelings for Litte—unless her affection in the original story was solely based on his future strength.

“However, if you’re truly opposed to the idea, I won’t force you,” Orson added, gesturing toward the door. “Why don’t you spend an hour with Litte? Talk to him and see if the two of you get along.”

“If, after that, your answer is still ‘no,’ I’ll provide you with another method to defeat your father openly and honorably.”

“Are you serious?” Celineina asked, her tone skeptical.

By “openly and honorably,” Orson was undoubtedly referring to the income of the Antica branch.

Could she really generate more revenue in this backwater territory than her two brothers in their prosperous regions?

“Of course.”

“Fine. Since you’re so insistent, I’ll go meet Young Master Litte,” Celineina said, standing up and heading for the door.

—

In Litte’s room, she and Celineina sat facing each other. Litte rested her hands on her knees, sitting up straight, but her gaze darted nervously away from Celineina, unable to meet her eyes.

“Tell me, Young Master Litte,” Celineina suddenly spoke.

“Yes, ma’am!” Litte replied loudly.

“I’m not your instructor. There’s no need to respond to me like that,” Celineina said, unable to suppress a chuckle. “I just want to ask you a question.”

“Ah... Alright. Please, go ahead, Miss Celineina.”

“What do you think of Young Master Orson?”

“I...” Litte lowered her head, her expression contemplative.

What do I think of Orson?

“Brother Orson is someone who takes everything seriously and responsibly. He’s incredibly kind and considerate, and he always makes people feel at ease!”

“Such high praise?” Celineina raised an eyebrow.

But she couldn’t deny it. Even from an outsider’s perspective, Orson’s treatment of Litte was beyond criticism.

He truly seemed like an excellent elder brother.

To ensure Litte could gain external support and smoothly rise to power, Orson didn’t hesitate to strike a deal with her.

Though, in reality, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

“It seems you really like Orson,” Celineina remarked, letting out a sigh.

If she were to share her personal opinion of Orson, it would probably lead to an argument between them.

Then she noticed Litte’s face suddenly turn bright red.

???

Celineina was utterly bewildered.

I just complimented your brotherly relationship. Why are you blushing?

Could it be... are you into men?

No wonder Orson is so intent on supporting you. Is he already controlling you?

This family is seriously ridiculous. Absolutely corrupting societal norms.

“Miss Celineina, you...” Litte mumbled, her head lowered. “You’ve been exchanging letters with Brother Orson recently, and just now, you even met with him alone. You must have a good relationship with him, right?”

“Huh?” Celineina quickly rebuffed the implication. “I-I don’t have a good relationship with Orson! I don’t like him at all! Sure, he’s handsome, rich, and has helped me, but I definitely don’t have any feelings for him!”

Celineina, who had been about to press further, found herself flustered by Litte’s unexpected question. Her stammering response betrayed her composure.

She quickly changed the subject, talking about various other topics to steer the conversation away.

“Anyway... I don’t like Orson, and besides, he’s already engaged. Don’t get the wrong idea!”

“Eh!?” Litte exclaimed, looking at Celineina in shock. “Brother Orson is engaged?”

New novel chapters are published on freewёbn૦νeɭ.com.

“You didn’t know? It’s a betrothal arranged when Orson was young between Duke Lucius and Duke William of Prussia. His fiancée is Duke William’s youngest daughter, Lianca.”

“I see...” Hearing about arranged marriages for the first time, Litte felt her understanding of the world expand.

At the same time, her mood began to sink.

Brother Orson is going to marry someone else...

Once he’s married, he’ll move out, won’t he? He won’t come back often, and I’ll be alone again...

Seeing Litte’s visibly sad expression, Celineina grew confused.

All I did was mention Orson’s engagement. Why does Litte suddenly look like a completely different person, like he’s been emotionally crushed?

Celineina even began to suspect that Orson had deliberately tricked her into supporting Litte, only to later reverse course and reenter the competition, crushing both her and Litte in one fell swoop.

After all, looking at Litte now, it was hard to see any possibility of him surpassing Orson.

—

After chatting for a while longer, the hour quickly passed, and Celineina returned to Orson’s room.

“So, what do you think? Isn’t Litte a wonderful child?”

“Mm, wonderful enough that I can’t help but think there’s something unusual about your relationship,” Celineina said teasingly. “Are you grooming him to be your boy toy or something?”

“Who told you that!” Orson snapped, visibly annoyed. “Is that seriously what you spent the whole hour talking about?”

“Of course! What else would I talk about with him? Litte can’t go three sentences without mentioning you. The only way I could find common ground with him was through you.”

“Alright, fine.” Orson sighed, shaking his head in exasperation. “In that case, I’ll have to resort to my backup plan and help you defeat your brothers fair and square.”