
Actually, this is the second timeline because after we finish seeing the cardinal backstory they show us his thoughts about the situation and what role will FL play in his plans in future. So to explain it in both timelines Theo's mother is dead, in the first timeline Theo doesn't meet the FL and catch feeling to monopolies her, in both timeline the cardinal sees the FL as a treat to his plans to get full control over the household and nobles but now because FL in second timeline she acts different because she knows the future he got an interest in her so he plans to become allies or enemies based on what FL would choose.
I'm confused, so was it Shuli who died or the crown prince's mother?