Me too. When I first started reading the first few chapters, and believe me, I was here from the start, I thought that Tia would take the power for herself and make the Empire prosperous. But no, we get none of that and instead gets a Passive Tia who has power but is ultimately reluctant and unable use it fully. Such a shame.
I know, I feel the same way. Since the author decided to ship the prince with Tia from the very beginning, the story is what it is ┑( ̄Д  ̄)┍
Actually, I feel there were many chances where Tia could have manipulated the situation and break the engagement. Ex: the time when she hears Vitas voice, she could have made use of the situation and make a fake prophecy which would include Jieun. And then figure out the rest of the problems. Since the past events are still fresh in her mind, wouldn’t the normal reaction be to get away as far as possible? ╮( ̄▽ ̄)╭ Then again logic is just thrown out the window(〜 ̄△ ̄)〜
P.S: we can take Lucia as an example. The FL in the manga made use of her knowledge about the future and changed her fate, even she was dealt with a horrible future during her first life and went through many trials just to try and survive to live in peace.
Which is why I feel Tia could have put in a bit more effort in changing her ‘fate’ if she truly didn’t want to be the empress. Perhaps the author wanted to show that despite the horrible treatment she faced, she is still running on the lingering feelings towards the prince.
Which, I think is not right, seeing as Tia could be a strong, independent wamen without falling into the lady in love trope. The author keeps on saying that Tia's doing what she can to survive but I think the fuck not. The asshat princess is right, Tia keeps on giving mixed signals. Tia wants to break off the engagement but she still ya know stays by the Prince's side. Honestly, as much as I love this, I don't like the character building of the story at all.
For a long time now, I've hated Ruvel as the ML so damn much, but now I don't (he's different this timeline afterall). BUT I would still like it if Carsein becomes the ML. See, people are so touchy with the parallel universe / time travel thing, saying insulting things like, Ruvel is not the same person from the 1st timeline, Tia should move on bcs he's not the same one from her memories, etc.; And see, I agree with the moving on part but not with still loving him back. Even if Ruvel is not the same, the memories Tia has of the cruelty of Ruvel is still there. I find it so insulting that people are willing to sweep it under the rug just bcs Ruvel went through hardships as well, completely undermining the fact that as far as Tia is concerned in the first TL, her baby died bcs of Ruvel, Ruvel cheated on her, she was insulted by people bcs of Ruvel, Ruvel killed her father, she died seeing him looking down at her; tho I get it, Tia does not want to relive those memories, yada yada yada but come on, it would be nice for a BIT MORE RECOGNITION OF THE FACT THAT SHE SUFFERED SO MUCH BCS OF RUVEL. But no, the author and the readers have already swept it under the rug, second chances and all. Basically, tldr I'd like it if Tia gets more a backbone in her to kick everyone who insulted her even just once with the help of Carsein, who's been nothing but supportive of her life choices. But no, we'll get a Prince who imposes himself on her (even after reading her letter to Allendis) till the end. ¯_(ツ)_/¯