A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

"Given the agricultural output and pace of Pelican City, it is feasible to fulfill the entire Watson territory's food supply within two months. Within three months, while maintaining the eradication of hunger across the domain, there remains surplus capacity to provide food externally."

In the reception room, Count Watson stood respectfully before Ansel, bowing his head to report.

He dared not gaze upon the youth idly playing with the hair of a girl in his arms on the sofa, finding it exceedingly difficult to maintain a calm tone even now.

What intentions did this silent visitor, the young Hydral, harbor? Had he uncovered Watson's deliberate instigation of discord among the farmers? Would he further discover Watson's ambition to climb the social ladder through Evora?

Enveloped in immense fear, Count Watson had no choice but to remain composed, for any sign of irregularity would spell his doom.

"It appears... the food supply situation in Greenridge City must be quite optimistic."

Ansel remarked with a smile amidst the prolonged silence, granting the young noble a semblance of reprieve.

"Indeed, even in the most barren slums, basic food supply is not an issue. Anyone with the means to work can afford food," the noble eagerly responded.

"Hmm..." Ansel, embracing Ravenna, rested his chin on Miss puppet's head, "Let me guess, due to the impact of the Pelican Trading Commerce, the native farmers are forced to sell their crops at prices so low they're nearly giving them away, just to earn a meager income. Hence, even the residents of the slums can afford to eat their fill?"

At this, Ansel could feel a momentary stiffness in the soft body in his arms.

Count Watson's heart skipped a beat, his Adam's apple bobbed, and his lips trembled slightly. Explore stories on m,v l'e-m|p y r

"Yes... yes, that's correct."

Feeling as if on the brink of life and death, Count Watson stiffly replied, "Currently, the Pelican Trading Commerce's impact on the existing food market is too significant. Even with just a fortnight's effort, their production, quality, and supply speed are almost overwhelming.

Although they're not yet capable of supplying the entire Watson domain, it's already impossible for any food commerce guild in Greenridge City to compete with them."

"Unless food is sold at a price several times lower than that of the Pelican Trading Commerce, it's utterly improbable for anyone to purchase food from individual farmers or other food commerce guilds."

After all, if the prices were truly as low as to be almost free, there would still be buyers—such as those so impoverished they can't afford even the cheapest food from the Pelican Trading Commerce.

"Isn't that wonderful," Ansel said with great delight.

"To allow even the poorest among the poor to have a full meal, Count Watson, this is something even Her Majesty has not achieved."

Count Watson's legs gave way, and he knelt on the ground. The extraordinary being, who had once prided himself on his bravery and wisdom, daring to gamble on his future, now turned pale with fear, trembling too much to even speak.

"Hahahaha, don't be so tense, Count Watson. Her Majesty is not so petty," the young Hydral laughed heartily.

"I'm merely acknowledging your achievements. Don't be so frightened."

"This... how can this be considered my achievement?"

Count Watson forced a smile, struggling to stand up. "This is clearly the merit of the Tower of Babel, the merit of Your Highness. It is you who have enabled them to be well-fed. I am merely... merely fortunate enough to bask in the scattered stardust of your radiance."

He praised Ansel to the utmost, in an attempt to mask the panic in his heart.

"All those living in the slums should recognize your greatness! I think..."

"I want to see."

Suddenly, Ravenna spoke up. "Count, you said that even those in the slums can have a full meal... Father, I want to see it with my own eyes."

"..." Count Watson was momentarily stunned, then a mix of nervousness and ecstasy appeared in his eyes.

On this matter, he had not lied, nor dared to lie. It was absolutely true that everyone in the slums of Greenridge City could be well-fed.

What made Count Watson nervous yet ecstatic was that if Ansel made no reprimand and simply left, it meant he... had passed the test!

"Do you want to see? Well, that was our purpose in coming here."

Ansel put Ravenna down, stood up gracefully, and smiled at Count Watson: "Then, Helen and I will take our leave first, Count. You have done quite well during this time, keep up the good work."

"Yes... Yes! I will definitely not let you down."

Count Watson's neck turned red, his voice was high-pitched, and his tone was passionate. The same emotion, produced by different reasons, allowed him to perfectly conceal his true intentions.

"I'll see you out—"

"No need, such matters should be done discreetly. Continue with your duties, Count."

With that, Ansel left with Ravenna.

It was only about five or six minutes after Ansel's departure that Count Watson collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.

Despite the conversation being nothing out of the ordinary, and it seeming like nothing was noticed, Count Watson felt as if he could be shattered into pieces at any moment.

But, he had made it through.

His biggest worry was that Ansel would notice his movements, and now, without any warning despite possibly witnessing the discord among the farmers he had instigated, it meant the final threat had also vanished.

"Just one more push, one more push..."

No one knew how long Ansel's game would last, nor did anyone know whether the Watson domain would still possess this magical land after the game ended. Since Ansel did not take the overly intensified discord among the farmers to heart, then push one more time, a bit faster!

Count Watson covered his face, murmuring with extreme fervor: "As long as I can pique Her Highness's curiosity, as long as I can make Her Highness take the entire Watson territory into her hands..."

"Resources, prospects, and... power!"

Everything, for that further possibility!

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