My Dear Husband, Let's Keep It Business-Like! ~Countess Anastasia, Raised in The Downtown, Won't Give Up Her Way~ - Episode 1

“This is a marriage of convenience. I have no intention of loving you.”

My husband, who had just gotten married today, said a line that sounded like something out of a generic popular novel, with not a shred of originality, and he had a super smug look on his face.

“Do you understand? Don’t get the wrong idea and harbor the unworthy hope of being loved by me!”

I understand, this is a political marriage. I don’t particularly seek love either.

Rather, it’s you who doesn’t understand, my husband.

Does my appearance really look like that of a bride on her wedding night, her heart swelling with anticipation?

My figure, dressed in such a sturdy nightgown with an additional thick robe on top.

There’s no sex appeal at all, you know?

“One… no, would a few be alright, sir?”

I raised my right hand firmly and stared into my husband’s eyes. I couldn’t stand the thought of him just saying what he wanted and running away.

The pretense of being a timid and obedient young lady is over, my lord.

“First of all, do you, sir, truly understand the meaning of a political marriage?”

“…What!?”

“A political marriage is one that is formed for the benefit of the family or political purposes, even if it means ignoring the wishes of the individuals involved. … Why do you think you are the only one who has to endure this unilaterally?”

“Wh-What? That’s obvious, isn’t it!? A former commoner like you marrying into the prestigious Hamilton family and becoming my wife!? Aren’t you happy!?”

“No, not really.”

“……!?”

Ignoring my husband, who is at a loss for words, I continue speaking.

“If asked whether I am happy or not, I am not particularly happy. Furthermore, while I have no objections to having been raised as a commoner, I have now married into the Hamilton Count family as a proper daughter of the Fairfanville Duke family. Such remarks are disrespectful to the Duke family. Please be mindful of your words.”

He probably never thought I would retort.

The sight of him standing there with his mouth agape in a daze was utterly foolish, completely ruining his otherwise handsome features.

Well, it wasn’t really my type to begin with.

“Well, well, dear husband, please have a seat. It seems we have some differences in opinion. Shall we discuss it slowly?”

When I said that and smiled sweetly, my husband seemed to be pressured and slowly stepped back, then plopped down onto the chair.

Hmph, how trivial. You were only spirited at the beginning.

In this one-on-one situation where I can’t even use the power I was born with, the outcome is already clear from the start: the young master raised in privilege versus me, who grew up in the working-class district.

With graceful hands, I brewed the tea and gently offered it in front of my husband.

The scent of chamomile tea, left by the count’s maid to help ease the tension, gently envelops the room.

“Uh, th-thank you…?”

It probably didn’t turn out at all as he had imagined. The utterly confused husband hesitantly reaches out and takes a sip of tea.

On the other hand, I was a bit surprised that my husband said thank you.

As expected, this is what it means to have been well-bred.

It must have been an unconscious expression of gratitude.

Hmm, they don’t seem like a bad person at heart…

As a marriage partner, he’s quite unreliable, though.

For some reason, while we were sitting across from each other drinking tea, I suddenly made eye contact with my husband.

Eugene Hamilton.

He is the young head of the Hamilton family, a prestigious household said to possess one of the largest private fortunes in the country.

Skin like porcelain with well-defined features.

Her deep green hair, lush like overgrown trees, is glossy, and her eyes, a brighter shade of green than her hair, shine like emeralds.

There is no doubt that this count is the most handsome man in high society.

So, I guess I misunderstood.

Did she think all the women were in love with me?

As for me, I prefer a sturdy, handsome type over a delicate, beautiful type like this… At this rate, I might even be able to win at arm wrestling!

“…Even I have trained to a certain extent.”

My husband, who was drinking tea, muttered softly.

“Oh dear, was I speaking out loud?”

“Ah. Ugh, what the heck are you?”

It’s as if you’re a completely different person from when we last met.

“I apologize for that. This marriage is also meaningful for the Fairfanville ducal family, so I have been behaving quietly and gracefully to ensure it doesn’t fall through. My goal is to be of service to the ducal family.”

When I said that, my husband looked surprised.

“Did you really come here to marry because you genuinely wanted to be of service to the ducal family?”

“Yes, of course, that’s exactly right.”

My words probably didn’t sit well with him. He has a look on his face that suggests he doesn’t quite understand or agree.

However, that’s understandable.

I don’t know how much the Hamilton family knows about the internal affairs of the Fairfanville family, but at least if they know about my upbringing and how I was treated in the ducal family, they wouldn’t trust me when I say I want to be of help to the ducal family.

Even I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t have my own purpose.

“Husband, I don’t expect you to love me or anything like that, but I would like to avoid being treated coldly.”

“…therefore, I have a suggestion for you.”

I stood up, performed a deep curtsy with all my might, and smiled brightly.

“Let’s become business partners, dear.”

My proposal must have been so unexpected. Seeing my husband hesitating, not knowing how to respond, I felt frustrated and decided to throw away the mask of a lady.

Yeah, because now that we’re married, we can’t just get a divorce right away. Nobles care about their reputation!

When I slam my hand on the table in front of me, my husband flinches.

“Love is something formless, and I don’t need it either. A white marriage is more than welcome! Let’s go with a fake marriage and business partners! From now on, nice to meet you, Anata.”

When I winked with a snap, I saw my husband wide-eyed, sliding off his chair.