
Both sides share the blame for the issues they’re going through.
Consider this analogy: your spouse, with zero business acumen, suddenly decides to wager your combined net worth on a business idea he just came up with. Nuts, right? Sure, he might have taken courses and consulted the most brilliant minds—but if he never communicates the steps he took to make that decision, it just sounds like foolishness.
This isn’t even a matter of trust. A noble lady—who’s never lifted a finger—decides to engage in a territorial war with a Duke, whose faction vastly outnumbers hers. Anyone would assume she’s throwing her life away, save for those that know her real identity.
She was right when she said the issue with him could be resolved if she simply admitted her true identity. His words cut deep—I felt it from here ╥﹏╥—but suddenly revealing that she’s Estelle in the heat of an argument won’t reach him. She’s better off waiting until things calm down.

Letting go after betrayal is often mistaken for weakness, but it takes immense strength and courage. Revenge might seem satisfying, but it rarely heals wounds—it often deepens them. Choosing peace instead allows for personal growth and, in her case, allows for the chance to start over.
Her character’s decision to step away from revenge doesn’t make her weak, in fact it shows emotional maturity and growth.
While she may have mastered the principles of sword fighting, training her body to match her mind’s strength would take years—a challenge she’s acknowledged.
Strength isn’t just about physical prowess or seeking revenge—it’s also about adapting, being in a better space of mind, and guiding others (like her comrades) toward happiness. Her choice to prioritize her happiness over vengeance is honestly inspiring.
Everyone copes differently and makes different choices, and I think that makes stories so interesting—seeing the different choices that characters make. ╮( ̄▽ ̄)╭

Her reaction is completely valid. I understand he's attempting to mend their relationship, and it's endearing that he draws inspiration from romance novels. However, the issue lies in the fact that even if he did paraphrase, those aren’t his words so it doesn’t seem as genuine.
In such a scenario, any woman would desire assurance that his words are genuine and heartfelt. Hearing romantic words like that will make most women feel special, but discovering they were borrowed words would likely make one feel foolish because it’s like, 'Did you try at all?'
I’m the type of reader that tries my possible best to see things from the viewpoint of both main characters, and that’s led to me eventually accepting and understanding a lot of MLs—even the ones that will get me that look—but two in particular could never leave my black book: This ML and the one from the abandoned empress.
Becoming the other woman, gaslighting, abuse, forced abortion, emotion damage—THIS IS A GENERAL LIST not necessarily pertaining to this story—but once they become the trauma of the FL, then I’m out. The novel gave such a descriptive narration of her pain that I just wanted the story to wrap up the moment she boarded that ship… but he just had to bring her back.
Again, it’s not my cup of tea. If you like stories like this, then by all means enjoy (●'◡'●)ノ