He is obviously doing that so that he can have their household's power still.He would be rebuked by the emperor if the engagement is cancelled and that's the only reason he is apologising. How does one sympathise with him,he is just a spoiled brat.The engagement with Melissa was because he needed her family's political support but despite that he didn't treat her nicely.If he did all those horrible things so he could end things with her it would have made sense but no,he only wanted to torment a woman in love with him whom he didn't love back.NONE OF THE ML WILL FALL FOR MELISSA BECAUSE SHE ISN'T PRETTY ND THEY ARE ALL SHALLOW.Only nine loves Melissa because she saved him and she will end with him.He(prince) reminds me of those good looking people who are disgusted and bully any ugly girl, who confesses to them but are fine if the girl confessing is pretty.it is ok to reject them nicely but to be disgusted by the fact that an ugly person dared to fall for you and then venting your anger on them is horrible.
Damn I like Ian now... I really hope he isn’t acting cuz this character development seems fishy. If he’s sincere, thought, then I’m liking where this is going