Responses
Yup I was about to comment on that. I felt the same way, like how their relationship is not legit. That she is trying to lose him, but he said he doesn't want to break it off. Plus they are still engaged so that feeling of being cheated on, is still there! He is getting worse by the second, and I was even starting to like the princess. I thought they could be really good friends. Sigh. （/TДT)/
I know that Aine is already actively trying to break up with (and is disinterested in) Duke Reinhardt. I also know that Aine wants Duke Reinhardt and the heroine to get together so the king won't kill her. HOWEVER, what kind of fiance escorts another woman around town without giving his current fiancee a heads up?! It's scandalous and blatantly contradicts his statements about not wanting to call off the engagement yet! I don't ship Aine with Duke Reinhardt in the first place, but this situation is still a punch to my emotions. He really did shoot himself in the foot this time as far as his relationship with Aine goes.
As far as the heroine goes, I don't think she owes Aine any loyalty or special treatment. But I do think it is inconsiderate to spend time alone with someone else's fiance when it isn't necessary. In this novel's setting it would be a clear issue even from a commoner's point of view. It's not like Maria and Duke Reinhardt were friends already, nor is he a guard knight.