Tell me if I'm dumb. But what happens when a new version is released?
Do I have to start over or will the saved files be there in the new version?
All your saves will be available in the new version. I've taken extra measures to ensure that everything will be carried over whenever you load a save from a previous version of the game.
I recommend making a save at the beginning of the day. (As soon as Celica wakes up) so you'll be able to load that when the new version comes out.