The crown prince is the ML. In the first timeline, he realized that Veronica is a fake one and he fell in love with her. He kept his feelings a secret tho cuz if people realize that she gained his favor, it will be like an opportunity for the grand duke to gain support and more connection. He considered their child, Ian, as a mistake not becuz he hates him. Since Ian is a boy and already a potential heir, the grand duchy gained more support so basically his purpose for avoiding fake Veronica and not confessing his feelings was deemed useless.
Also, it seems like in the first timeline, he killed the real Veronica after the fake Veronica died and protected their baby.
“Ian, your mother. She was the most beautiful and well-bred woman in the world. So let's remember. Even though she lived as a shadow, she was a better queen than any other. Only you and I should not forget, Ian. Do you understand?"
But in the end, he was killed (not sure) by the grand duke as revenge for killing his daughter.
[SPOILER]
The crown prince is the ML. In the first timeline, he realized that Veronica is a fake one and he fell in love with her. He kept his feelings a secret tho cuz if people realize that she gained his favor, it will be like an opportunity for the grand duke to gain support and more connection. He considered their child, Ian, as a mistake not becuz he hates him. Since Ian is a boy and already a potential heir, the grand duchy gained more support so basically his purpose for avoiding fake Veronica and not confessing his feelings was deemed useless.
Also, it seems like in the first timeline, he killed the real Veronica after the fake Veronica died and protected their baby.
“Ian, your mother. She was the most beautiful and well-bred woman in the world. So let's remember. Even though she lived as a shadow, she was a better queen than any other. Only you and I should not forget, Ian. Do you understand?"
But in the end, he was killed (not sure) by the grand duke as revenge for killing his daughter.