Regarding the Prime Minister’s Marriage of Convenience [R-18]

Title: Regarding the Prime Minister’s Marriage of Convenience

Original: 宰相様の政略結婚の行方

Author: たたた

Link: https://novel18.syosetu.com/n2321hv/

Summary: It was supposed to be a loveless marriage…the fate of a political marriage between a cool Prime Minister and an ordinary lady.

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“Have a nice day.”

“Okay.”

A newlywed wife saw off her husband with a smile.

Her husband, on the other hand, didn’t smile or even look at her.

Nevertheless, the heart of the new wife—Shelly, was calm.

***

Shelly was a marquess, while her husband, Marquis Wilmond, was the prime minister of that country.

She was the eldest daughter of a certain earl family, and married her husband for political reasons.

As the prime minister, her husband was in a difficult position, and Shelly was the perfect fit for him.

But the truth was, Shelly had always loved Nick, the Marquis of Wilmond.

Nick, who was two years her senior in the Royal Academy, was expected to become the prime minister. Along with the crown prince, the two became the center of attention due to their good looks.

However, since the crown prince of that country was dictated to marry the princess of a neighboring country, Nick became more popular than him.

Meanwhile, Shelly was a down-to-earth person. While admiring them felt nice, she knew that they were from two different worlds entirely.

Not only did she have nothing to offer, her father also didn’t have some sort of lofty position. Appearance-wise, she didn’t think that she was ugly, but she also wasn’t a great beauty.

As a matter of course, they never had any particular involvement with each other.

One day, she fell for him just like that.

It was her first love—

—and at the same time, one that’d never bore fruit.

***

At the royal academy, only the royal family members were allowed to commute in personal carriages. As for the other students, they were supposed to share the academy carriages.

Late due to her duty as a maid, Shelly had to go to the porte-cochere by herself.

While a man and a woman could share a ride together, considering that she was unmarried, she’d surely be condemned for it.

However, upon arriving at the carriage porch, only a certain marquis’ son and other unpopular juniors remained. 

What bad timing…

Shelly sighed inwardly.

“Hey, isn’t that Lady Shelly?”

“Are you alone? We’re about to go home, so let’s ride together.”

Since they were from the same academy, she didn’t think they’d do anything bad. Still, she was reluctant to share a ride with them. Nevertheless, she was obviously alone. Shelly couldn’t think of a way to refuse without sounding too blatant about it.

While she was pondering, the carriage arrived.

However, when she was about to relent and accept the marquis’ son’s offer, someone grabbed her by the shoulder.

“Excuse me, I’m in a hurry, so can you let me take this one?”

Upon turning around, she saw the son of Marquis Wilmond, Nick.

Although the juniors were mumbling something, Nick managed to persuade the four of them to join him in the carriage.

Left alone, Shelly returned home in the next carriage.

That was about it.

Perhaps, Nick would’ve done the same thing even if Shelly wasn’t there, or maybe he was indeed in a rush, and wasn’t trying to protect her or anything.

Regardless, the 16-years-old Shelly fell in love with him at that precise moment.

However, being painfully aware of her own stature, Shelly did nothing about it.

It was the kind of love that made her grateful to catch a glimpse of him from time to time.

A little memory that was intended to last until the day her parents arranged for her marriage.

A subtle, hidden love that was unbeknownst to anyone else.

By the time of the graduation, the number of those who hadn’t been engaged decreased. However, Shelly was still in said group. 

On the eve of her graduation, she was summoned by her parents.

When she got home, there was an arranged date.

Apparently, it was matchmaking.

As she concealed her amazement, she was led into the parlor.

“Nice to meet you, my name is Nick, the eldest son of Marquis Wilmond.”

Of course, Shelly had already known him from the get-go, but kept that a secret.

Then, the engagement proceeded smoothly.

After graduation, there was a one-year engagement period, followed by a wedding.

Like that, three months had passed ever since Shelly got married into the Wilmond family.

She fully knew that it was a marriage of convenience.

Since her father-in-law retired early, Nick had to take over as the marquis and was busy all the time. As such, they only met a few times during the engagement period. In the meantime, Shelly got along well with her mother-in-law.

The wedding ceremony, followed by the first night, was also their first opportunity to get to know each other.

Indeed, the first night.

As an inexperienced girl, Shelly was both hopeful and nervous.

While there was nothing extravagant about her first night, it went off without a hitch.

There was nothing particularly of note.

At the same time, Shelly came to a realization—

—I see, this is what marriage is all about.

Even if he returned during the first night, he’d a lot of overtime, so they only did the night activity a few times.

They only ate dinner together once.

She was able to marry the man she’d always longed for, and while the future was still uncertain, at the very least he wasn’t having an affair. 

This is enough.

Thus, Shelly spent a peaceful time hosting a tea party with her mother-in-law.

***

A few months after she got married, the crown prince was engaged to a princess of a neighboring country, and a commemorative evening party was held.

“We’re invited to the evening party as a couple. Could you please prepare for that day?”

The face of her husband, whom she hadn’t seen in a while, seemed exhausted.

She’d fully understood why her husband was busy. Then, while assuming the role of a marquess, she nodded in affirmative.

Afterward, he told her.

“I can’t return home until that day, so let’s meet at the ballroom.”

She nodded once again.

I’ll let my father-in-law escort me.

At the evening party, she entered the venue, exhausted by her preparations from the morning.

“Lady Shelly Wilmond—the wife of Marquis Wilmond, and Richard Solomon, the Viscount of Solomon.”

Because her father-in-law had injured his back, her brother-in-law—Richard, escorted her in his stead. After leaving the marquis house, Richard had inherited the title of Viscount Solomon.

Like Nick, he was good-looking, and was also her classmate at the academy, so he was easy to get along with.

However, unlike Nick, Richard was an easygoing man with a flirtatious side to him.

“Shelly, that dress looks wonderful on you. I’m a little jealous that you’re wearing Nick’s color, though.”

“It’s sister-in-law…”

“Well, isn’t it fine? I’ve been referring to you by name for a long time.”

“Nevertheless, you have to address me as sister-in-law. Also, please refrain from making such misleading remarks.”

He’d been like this ever since they were both students. If she showed her displeasure, he’d only make a point to annoy her on purpose. While they weren’t on bad terms, she’d to admit that he was troublesome to deal with.

If he hadn’t been Nick’s younger brother, she would’ve stepped on his foot. 

Since he’s my brother-in-law, I’ll have to endure it…

“After all, haven’t we been friends since our school days?”

No, let me retract my previous statement.

As she was determined to step on his foot, she could sense that someone was approaching from behind. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Upon turning around, she saw Nick.

She didn’t feel guilty of anything, but she could feel the situation worsening.

“No, it’s nothing.”

Knowing that it’d seem more suspicious if she were to act flustered, Shelly answered briefly. Even though it was just one of his many frivolous remarks… 

However, Nick probably thought that it’d be a scandal if he were to pursue her, so he sighed and took her hand.

“Thank you, Richard. From here on, I shall take over.”

—I might’ve been taken aback.

Before she knew it, that was all she could think about.

Afterwards, Nick led her to congratulate the crown prince, before greeting various people. Nevertheless, her awareness was vague at most, so she’d no recollections of it.

When she regained her senses, she was at home in the bathtub.

If she could fulfill her role as a wife, she might be treated as one. In reality, he remained indifferent. Regardless, tears welled up in Sherry’s eyes as she wondered what’d happen if mistakes like today continued.

Even if there was nothing between them, what if rumors were to spread that she’d something for her own brother-in-law…?

Even if she wasn’t loved, she wanted to be his only woman—such was her wish after getting married.

—Otherwise, if there was even the slightest doubt regarding the heir’s lineage, or if there were any disparaging rumors about her, Nick would surely come to a rational decision.

Since Nick was at home today, Shelly resolved herself to salvage the situation, and left the bath.

When she went to the couple’s bedroom, Nick was already sitting on the bed.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

To prepare for the engagement party, he must’ve had it rough himself.

However, when Shelly sat down next to him, her field of vision suddenly tilted.

She had been pushed onto the bed.

He silently nibbled on her neck.

“Ah, uh… wait—!”

Shelly was confused.

While she didn’t mind being embraced by Nick, it was too sudden. Not to mention, she intended to have a proper talk with him.

Ignoring Shelly’s protests, Nick bared her chests with one hand, while the other snaked under her nightwear, stroking her thighs.

Although he’d embraced her a handful of times, it was the first time that he attempted something like that.

Descending from the nape of her neck, his lips went to her chest. Then, as he flicked the sensitive tip with his fingers, he clung to the area that was called an armpit.

It was ticklish, comfortable, but also embarrassing…

“Ah, Lord Nick, no—…”

The moment he licked her armpit, Shelly pushed Nick’s head.

“…Noo—”

“…You.”

“Eh?’

“Do you prefer Richard?”

As he buried his face within her neck, Nick whispered.

“No—! You misunderstand—!”

She vigorously denied it. 

…At the same time, she was fully aware of how suspicious it made her sound.

“No, of course you’d prefer Richard. What the hell am I saying right now? Forget it.”

Nick lifted his face and removed Shelly’s disheveled nightgown.

Shelly panicked when Nick looked down.

—I can’t just let this go on…

…Something’s wrong with Nick!

“Lord Nick, have you misunderstood something?”

“No, I haven’t. You don’t have to try to deceive me.”

“There’s nothing between me and Richard.”

“Like I said, there’s no need to deceive me.”

Shelly was getting impatient. Nick wasn’t looking at her at all. At the same time, the misunderstanding was growing more complicated.

—Somehow, anyhow, I have to make him listen to my explanation.

—Basa!

“What are you doing—!?”

Unable to bear it, Shelly leaped off the bed and kneeled.

“Please listen to me.”

“No, it’s alright. I’m not mad with you. It’s my fault from the beginning, so please stop.”

“No, like I said, you’re misunderstanding things! However, since you’re so keen on not listening to me, I’ll stay in this position until you do!”

“Alright, I’ll listen, so raise your head and don’t sit there like that…”

Finally, the two sat side by side on the bed and Shelly could finally talk.

“This morning, Father-in-Law tripped and injured his back. Luckily, with a little rest, he’ll recover. However, he wouldn’t be able to make it for tonight’s party. I was fully aware that I should’ve contacted you about it. But considering how busy you were… After consulting Father-in-Law, it was decided that Lord Richard would be escorting me. His silly remarks at the soiree are nothing short of new. I don’t want to speak ill of your brother, but… he was just messing around. Since I know that he’s that kind of person, I didn’t pay it any heed. I apologize for my words and deeds that caused misunderstanding in public…”

With that, Shelly had said what she wanted to say. After that, she’d like to sincerely apologize and beg for his forgiveness.

Nick took a deep breath.

Upon closer inspection, he was clutching the hem of his robe.

Shelly’s anxiety grew as she pondered if he was furious.

“I understand.”

…And here she thought that she’d have to keep apologizing. She was relieved that he understood. However, Nick’s story didn’t end there.

“You don’t have to cover for Richard anymore.”

“Huh? What do you mean? …So, it isn’t about today’s party?”

After hesitating for a moment, Nick turned to face her. For the first time since she entered the room, she met his eyes.

“I knew that you’ve been in love with Richard ever since you were a student. However, seeing that he always fooled around, I justified what I did afterward. I’m truly sorry.” 

For a moment, it was as if she was underwater. 

There were ripples in her ears.

Shelly learned firsthand that people couldn’t react immediately when they were too surprised.

When he saw that she couldn’t argue back, Nick continued.

“I’m sorry that we can’t have a white marriage, but let’s get a divorce right away. I’ll make sure that it won’t tarnish your reputation. For formality’s sake, I’d advise you to wait before marrying Richard. Only marry him after it’s confirmed that there’s no child between us—”

“—P, please wait!”

Seemingly fully convinced, Nick’s divorce talk progressed steadily. 

At that moment, Shelly realized that she had to stop him.

“Why should I get married to Richard—!? There’s nothing between him and me whatsoever—!!”

Nick seemed willing to listen, perhaps because of her desperate look, or because he didn’t think that she’d lie this late in the game.

“But, according to my research—”

“—What research!? Please explain properly from the beginning! I can’t accept being questioned over something I have no recollection of!”

***

By the time Nick graduated from the academy, his parents had publicly announced their early retirement, which led him to taking over more than half of the duties of the head of the marquis family.

Since his younger brother—Richard, would be succeeding his father’s other title after graduation, Nick had to think about Richard’s marriage in addition to his own.

Due to the stark contrast in personality, it was difficult to think that Richard and Nick grew up in the same house.

Richard was no fool. He was excellent at what he did. 

…Nevertheless, Nick was concerned about him, even though he shouldn’t.

Thus, he did a lot of research on the women his brother was on good terms with.

Unlike Nick, Richard had a long history with women, usually those who were widowed, or already had a business. While it wasn’t praiseworthy, it also wasn’t frowned upon.

However, shortly after Richard had enrolled in the academy, Nick received a report that he was getting along well with a certain female classmate of his. Of course, their relationship was unlike what Richard had in the past. Moreover, she was the only unmarried lady that Richard had ever taken the initiative to approach.

She might be special.

The female classmate was none other than Shelly.

From the shadow investigator’s perspective, the two apparently harbored feelings towards each other. Upon looking into her background, Nick didn’t see anything suspicious with either her family or herself.

Since then, the two had been reported often.

“Lady Shelly was consulting with her friend, Maria—a viscount’s daughter, when Lord Richard suddenly appeared. After that, they spoke with great joy…”

“In the classroom, Lady Shelly was binding booklets to help her professor. The entire time, Lord Richard watched her work.”

At some point, he found himself looking forward to the most recent update on Shelly. 

Perhaps, it was because she was his future sister-in-law.

At the same time, he was unaware of the slight discomfort that came with hearing those stories.

One day, he chanced upon her at the carriage porch. Shelly was visibly in trouble. He intervened and helped her out of it. During that brief encounter, they hadn’t even exchanged a proper conversation, much else introduced themselves.

After listening to all her stories, Nick had approached Shelly for the first time.

Only after he had gotten into what was supposed to be her carriage did he realize it—

—he was upset.

Shelly, whom he saw from up close, was both petite and delicate—while her hand, which she had extended to receive the escort of another man, was pure white—

—It smells sweet and refreshing…

He was taken aback.

To obsess over his brother’s partner so, what kind of pervert was he…?

Despite denying it many times, he couldn’t help but think of her…

…Nick had bequeathed his heart to Shelly.

She was his first love.

But of course, he intended to keep it to himself. 

He had also ceased to listen to the report about Shelly.

However, even after the final year of their academy had arrived, the two didn’t get engaged.

At this rate, Shelly will be considered a laggard…

When Richard was about to graduate in a few months, Nick reluctantly called him over.

“Aren’t you going to get married?”

“Huh? Put yourself first before others.”

“Of course I’ll have to do it, but right now, I’m talking about you. Like they said, it’s better to get engaged after you graduate.”

In that country, to succeed in a title was the equivalent of becoming a full-fledged man. Then, only after that person got married would he be acknowledged as a full-fledged man.

Unless one had to take over a family in a hurry, marriage—or at least, an engagement, was a must.

Of course, the same went for Nick. However, it was difficult to imagine that anyone would complain, especially considering his position. On the other hand, Richard had neither the title of prime minister or a high rank, so it’d be difficult for him.

—Not like you don’t have a partner.

“I’m sure there’s someone you’re on good terms with, so get engaged soon.”

“There’s none, though?”

Nick couldn’t understand why Richard didn’t just marry such a wonderful woman when he could.

…Or, is he saying that he still wants to fool around?

Nick was about to explode.

“Then, I can propose to the daughter of Earl Dex just fine, right?”

“Huh? But the daughter of Earl Dex… isn’t that Shelly? What, were you aiming for her all along? In that case, just do it. There’s no need to ask me for permission, Brother.”

…Is he trying to deny it?

Nick doubted that a man like him could make her happy. 

…I love her more than you.

Before he knew it, he had entertained such a thought.

…Although, he didn’t exactly mean what he said. It was meant to be a joke—

—but, should he do it anyway?

“Since you have no objection, I shall propose tomorrow.”

“Again, why are you telling me this…? Do whatever you like. Then, I’m free to get married after you, right?”

—Enough.

If that’s how little you regard her, I’ll be the one who makes her happy.

He proposed the very next day, followed by engagement, and then marriage.

However, it wasn’t until the day of their wedding that it dawned on him.

In the dressing room, his brother could be seen standing behind her.

At that time, he’d settled down enough to think rationally—

—For the man she used to love to become her brother-in-law, isn’t that just hellish?

Since marriage of convenience was commonplace, he thought that he could just convey his feelings and develop their bond after marriage.

Besides, sometimes, one couldn’t just get married with their true love.

That was just how it was.

…But, to torment her with the fact that her former lover was now her brother-in-law?

From the wedding to the first night, his head was spinning—

—Why hadn’t I noticed something so obvious?

Until just before, he thought that it’d be better if he didn’t touch her on the first night. However, by doing that, he’d just be humiliating her as a woman. Thus, he ended up making love to her as painlessly as possible.

Albeit, he was probably just using that as an excuse to embrace his beloved.

Up until then, the joy of getting married was all that he could think about. Due to that, he lacked foresight, which led to him prioritizing his own desires. 

He may have ruined their future.

Thinking that he’d hurt Shelly, he was remorseful.

Thus, he decided to not disturb Richard and Shelly at the soiree.

***

Upon hearing Nick’s story, Shelly just didn’t know where to start…

…First off, what I’d like to ask is—

“—Did you intend to marry me from the start?”

“That’s correct. Although, I did deceive my father-in-law, saying that it was for the future of the family. How pathetic, right?”

“…I’m happy.”

“—Eh?”

“I fully believed that it was a loveless marriage. Also, like I said, you completely misunderstood Richard. Rather, I’ve never been in a relationship since I was in the academy…”

“Then, is it some kind of unrequited love?”

“Absolutely not. Well, this is a bit embarrassing to admit, but Richard saw me as a male friend.”

“…Male friend? Shelly?”

“Indeed. Since my personality can be said to be plain, Richard said that I lacked femininity. However, that was also why he found me interesting. Because of that, I’ve gotten entangled with him since I was at the academy…”

Shelly knew that her straight-laced personality wasn’t feminine. But of course, she was hesitant to admit that to the man she loved. If possible, she’d like to not explain it to Nick, but…

It’ll be better for me to be honest rather than make things more complicated…

At the same time, Shelly hoped that his fondness of her didn’t decrease.

“…I see. So, the shadow’s report was unreliable.

“—Then, will our marriage continue?

“Shelly, I know you don’t have feelings for me. At the same time, I was aware of how cowardly my past actions were. Even so, I swear to love you. Of course, I won’t force you to reciprocate my feelings. I’ll do whatever you want—which is why, please don’t divorce me.”

It was akin to a dream come true for Shelly.

She thought that her marriage was purely out of convenience, but she was moved to tears by the thought that Nick would strive that far.

However, when Nick saw her tears, he misunderstood.

“—! I’m sorry, I’ll keep my distance…”

“I don’t want that. Lord Nick, I, too—I love you…”

Stifling her embarrassment, Shelly continued. 

She didn’t want to misunderstand or be misunderstood any longer.

“Lord Nick, you’re my first love. But because I thought that it was a political marriage, I was convinced that you have no love for me… Despite knowing that, I was in pain. Even so, I’m grateful to be your wife. Therefore, I’m happy…”

“Sherry, forgive me. May I hug you?”

As soon as she nodded, his taut body embraced her.

Thus, Shelly wrapped her own arms around him in an attempt to hug him back. Previously, she was too scared to do so.

When she could feel that Nick had tightened his grip around her, he suddenly let her go.

“…May I kiss you?”

When Shelly nodded, he gently kissed her—

—soon, it turned fierce.

***

“Ah, nn, wait—…”

Nick touched her in a way that couldn’t be associated with his calm personality whatsoever.

…The only thing he hadn’t touched was the wet spot from earlier.

After lifting her legs, Nick kissed her ankle, before moving to her calves. She could feel his hands moving pass her knees, about to reach her thighs.

“L-Lord Nick…”

Due to the frustrating yet pleasant sensation, she spoke in a hurry.

“Nick is fine. Aah, you look about to melt, how cute…”

He stroked her slovenly languid mouth.

“I’d like to start over. I’ve always been fond of you. I truly am an idiot.”

—That’s not true, I’m glad…

Instead of saying that, Shelly kissed him for the first time, hoping that her feelings would be conveyed.

“Ah, Shelly—…”

When her lightly pursed lips refused to open, his thick tongue twisted its way in.

At the same time, his right hand gently stroked her damp spot.

As the inside of her mouth was ransacked by him, his fingers gently caressed Shelly’s most important part from top to bottom, overwhelming her.

“Nh, mm… nnh—…”

When their kiss finally ended, she took a deep breath. That was when Nick decided to bring his head closer between her spread legs.

“Eh? No, that place—aah…”

She couldn’t believe he’d put his mouth in such a place.

Despite the embarrassment, it felt so good, she couldn’t stop her voice from leaking.

“I’ve always wanted to satisfy you, too… However, you might dislike being held by a man you didn’t love. I’m not holding back anymore.”

Shelly could feel his tongue on her bud. Although she knew from experiences that it was sensitive, it was the first time she’d ever been properly touched by a man.

“It’s puffy and swollen. How cute. Look, the inside is bright red.”

—Please don’t look at my embarrassing place…

Also, please stop explaining in so much detail…

Even if she wanted to say that, she couldn’t say anything because Nick was already nibbling on her bud, sucking it.

“Ah—! Nha… Kya—! Something is—…”

As he pushed Shelly’s secret bud with his tongue while burying his fingers inside her, something was coming…

“Yes, that’s what it means to climax. Good job, Shelly. From now on, just say whenever you’re about to come.”

Before she could even comprehend what he was saying, the caressing continued.

With both his fingers and tongue, Nick made her come over and over.

“Nick, please…”

Shelly couldn’t bear it anymore.

She’d been made to climax all by herself, while Nick felt so far away.

“Embrace me—ah!”

At Shelly’s insistence, Nick disrobed himself and rubbed his manhood against Shelly’s fold.

“Ooh, please…”

As if unable to stand Shelly’s plea, Nick thrusted his lust into her.

“Aah—!”

“Guh… It’s as if I’m melting inside you… It feels good, Shelly…”

Nick whispered sweetly. Surely, it was filled with his own pleasure.

—Together, Lord Nick is also feeling good…

As she thought so, the part of her that’d swallowed Nick ached once again.

“How adorable you are… I’m, I’m going to get out of control—…”

Bucking his hips, Nick stared at Shelly. Shelly had already reached her limit. Albeit shy, she wanted him to move as soon as possible, despite not knowing what lied ahead.

“Nick, do whatever you want…”

“…I don’t know what will happen.”

Then, he pushed her on the bed, and rammed into her.

“Ooh, Nick… there, there—!”

“Hm? …So, it’s here.”

“Yes, over there…! More, more… aah—!”

As Nick pumped inside her, heat swelled within Shelly. When she was about to burst, Nick pinched her secret bud with his thumb.

“Ah—! C, cumming—!”

“…Me, too, ugh—!”

Gradually, the place where she was thrusted intensely became warm. As Shelly recovered from her long orgasm, she was breathless.

“Shelly, I love you.”

With a passionate gaze, Nick removed the hair that stuck to her sweaty forehead.

“I… love you, too.”

***

“Have a nice day.”

“I will.”

Despite seemingly the same as before, there was an obvious change.

The two lovingly stared at each other.

Shelly was happy with her married life.