I mean he's the one saying "I see you as my empress uwu" while going to public dates with her competition.
Well isn’t that because Irene has something on him
Well our MC doesn't know that. And he knows she doesn't know that, so he's aware of how he is coming off. Intentions matter, but actions speak louder than words--especially when the true intensions are being hidden.
Oooh ok then
Wait is everyone in this story just gonna ignore the fact that she rejected the crown prince and danced with his brother? I thought the crown prince was gonna get mad at her but I guess not ╮(￣▽￣)╭