Unfortunately... I think he is the ML and... I accidentally read some spoiler about him though I prefer not to say it because it does not justify the way he acted towards her.
He was trying to protect her at that time? Give him a chance. He's truly a caring dude and really convincing actor.
oh AN ACTOR :0 LIKE HIDES HIS REAL EMOTIONS??
Yes. He is a royal too. There is a proper explanation to why he was cold to her before.
i hate that trop sm, it doesnt matter how he "really felt" cus at the end of the day she had to go through what she had to go trhough all alone thinking he didnt even care abt her or her son. but ig we'll see how he makes up for it #－.－)
Anyway, I still don't get what you have against him. To be fair, if the Dukedom never used her in their schemes, she wouldn't have to suffer as she did. Rather than blaming the Prince, I believe the Dukedom is an indubitable culprit here. Without a clear understanding of the situation, I can sense that the Prince was somehow "dragged" along. As much as he hid his true feelings, the FL hid her true identity. I kind of feel like the ML and the FL are both victims of the Dukedom's schemes. Hopefully, this Time-Travel would be a good opportunity to clarify their thoughts.
=_= I simply think that the hatred against the Prince is lacking a proper backbone.
In my opinion though, even though the ML and the FL are both victims of the Dukedom's schemes, the FL still had it rough. It was a very tough life, not to mention about the way the prince treated her. It almost seems like the FL is experiencing things similar to PTSD because of the Dukedom AND the Crown Prince. It doesn't change the fact that he treated her so harshly and even said words that hurt the FL deeply, it might be true that he did it to protect her but it would've been better if he trusted her and told her about why he had to do it though maybe the prince didn't want to tell her because even walls have ears, yeah coz in the end she stil died and it still irks some readers about that, maybe that is why some still say that they hated the Crown Prince.
Lacking proper backbone?? Just because the duke treated her worse doesn't mean the princes actions get a pass, thats not how it works. he had a whole child with her and he couldnt even tell her the tea she made for him tasted good?? he couldnt even show a little bit of affection towards their son? that has nothing to do with whatever the duke did. treating your family like shit then after they pass away say "but i loved them uwu" is not an excuse wth
As a deontologist, it's still lacking a proper backbone. That is just my opinion.
fuck the crown prince, i really hope he isn't the ml