I, the Villain, Want to Save Myself, But the Yandere Heroines Disagree-Chapter 24 - Why Are You Looking at Me?

The day of the victory celebration finally arrived.

This morning, the Emperor’s carriage had arrived in Antica City. This was the first time Odysseus had come to Antica City since his accession, except for the war eighteen years ago.

“Your Majesty, please look, this is the new district of Antica City.” Before Odysseus, Litte, as the temporary person in charge of the Antica Duchy, was describing the changes in Antica City to him.

The two were currently standing on the tower of the church in the old district of Antica City. Standing here, one could overlook the entire scenery of Antica City, especially the new district, which accounted for almost half of the current area of Antica City.

Unlike the old district, which was messy and old, the new district, after the latest planning, had clearly defined functional areas, and the buildings were sturdy and beautiful. It could be said that in many places, it was even better than Saint Roland City.

“Very good,” Odysseus looked at the new district of Antica City and nodded with satisfaction.

Eighteen years ago, although Antica City was a large city in the eastern part of the Empire and its scale was still considerable, Antica City at that time already had urban problems and looked far less appealing than it does now.

Although the planning of the new district had made Antica City lose some of its common touch, as a city, the current appearance of Antica City could already rank among the forefront of the Empire.

“I heard that the initial planning for all of this was arranged by Orson, is that right?”

Odysseus said this, turning to look at Litte.

“Yes, regarding the planning of the new district, most of it was handled by my elder brother. And Miss Celineina, the current president of the Lison Trading Company, fully participated in the construction of the new district, completing the planning of the new district with the highest quality and fastest speed,” Litte stood beside Odysseus, not flustered, but calmly reported on the work of the duchy to Odysseus.

“Then, Litte, let me ask you, in your opinion, will cities ultimately continue to expand?” Odysseus suddenly wanted to test the child before him, so he thought of a rather difficult question.

“Mm...” Litte thought for a moment, then nodded. She spoke, “Yes, in my opinion, at least the current trend is like this. Cities will serve as economic centers, providing a function for the collection and distribution of goods and market supply for the surrounding villages and towns.”

“The highest level of city is the Imperial Saint Roland City. As the center of the entire Empire, for Saint Roland City, the future development should be to turn cities in other places into what are called ‘villages and towns’ of Saint Roland City, injecting economic vitality into Saint Roland City.”

“However, due to transportation issues, the time taken for many goods to be transported is too long, causing the value they should have originally had to change, making them unsuitable for the market. Therefore, the radiation of cities has a certain range. This is also why the Imperial Capital cannot radiate to the entire country, and cannot even cover the Imperial directly administered territories.”

“Mm, so, if you want the scale of Saint Roland City to expand, you must change the problem from the aspect of transportation, is that right?”

“Mm,” Litte nodded her head. “For example, the distance from Antica City to Saint Roland City, if done through magic, can be shortened to two days or even less, but if transported by goods carriage, it would take at least a week to reach.”

“If it’s bulk goods, if the transportation is slow on the way, it might even take a month.”

“Mm,” Odysseus nodded. He agreed with this. “This way, even if the price of agricultural products in the countryside of the Antica Duchy is far lower than around Saint Roland City, the transportation cost incurred on the way is too high, which will result in the price not being able to be lowered when it reaches Saint Roland City. At the same time, Saint Roland City can also supply this kind of commodity locally. There will be no profit to be made from such a commodity, and naturally no merchant will be willing to do this kind of trade.”

“But the surplus goods produced also need a distribution center, so primary towns appeared. Afterward, to facilitate economic connections and commercial exchanges between towns, cities were also born as a result,” Litte also added at this moment.

“You speak very well,” Odysseus said this, looking at Litte, showing a satisfied expression. “At least, in my opinion, Litte, my Minister of Finance would definitely not be able to say what you just did.”

“Your Majesty is too kind,” Litte said this, smiling.

“By the way, I heard you say before that Lucius is unwell. What is the situation? Is it serious?”

“Ah... Regarding this question...” Litte became a little nervous.

Indeed, what she couldn’t escape, she ultimately couldn’t escape.

Thinking this, Litte explained, “It is like this, Your Majesty. My father was injured in the assassination attempt before. Although his life is not in danger, he has suffered some aftereffects and is currently recuperating. Once the aftereffects disappear, my father will be able to handle affairs normally.”

“Is that so...” Odysseus heard Litte say this and also expressed understanding.

“Sigh, I truly didn’t expect that someone would dare to assassinate an Imperial Duke. Perhaps the next person to be assassinated will be me!” he said indignantly.

“However, Litte, you don’t need to worry too much. You are managing the duchy very well now. Lucius must be very pleased that his two children are capable both in scholarship and in warfare, one managing internal affairs and the other external affairs, keeping the duchy in perfect order.”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s recognition,” Litte quickly bowed.

Meanwhile, in the Duke’s mansion.

Vivian was guarding the door of Lucius’s room.

Litte had gone out to meet Odysseus today. Only Vivian was left at home to look after Lucius. With the experience from last time, Vivian naturally wouldn’t allow Mary to approach Lucius again.

But although she said that, looking at Mary, who appeared before her at this moment, Vivian felt a headache.

“Head Maid Vivian,” Mary’s tone sounded very serious. “I reiterate again, the person inside is my husband. Regardless of what problem my husband has, I am his wife, and I have the right to be by his side.”

“Apologies, Madam, but both Young Master Orson and Young Master Litte have ordered me that the Master’s problem is quite serious, and he should have as little contact with people as possible.”

“Since that is the case, then I’ll just go in and take a look at him, see if he’s still there. Is that not allowed?” Mary’s tone was very anxious, as if she was truly worried about Lucius.

“Madam... Please don’t make it difficult for me. Besides, you have already seen the Master before, haven’t you...”

“It’s precisely because I’ve seen him that I find it strange. Didn’t the Master eat with us just a while ago? Why has he become like this in the past few days?!” Mary grabbed Vivian’s collar, looking a little irrational.

“You tied up Randall, and now you won’t let me see the Master. What exactly do you want!?”

But Vivian’s expression did not change. She watched Mary’s performance, unmoved.

“Stop, stop, what’s all this noise!” At this moment, the door was opened from inside, and Lucius appeared at the entrance.

Looking at the two startled individuals, Lucius frowned.

“Why are you looking at me? Isn’t there a banquet today? Go prepare for the banquet.”