they've set it up in such a way that either result feels kinda disappointing? Which is a huge shame, they just didn't develop riina and the Prince together enough, and then mc and Knight spent so much time together it feels like they should be together and it would be wrong for her to be with the grand duke... But then she's gone thru ALLLLL THIS BS for that damn grand Duke.
Who is basically a ghost.
A hot ghost, but still a ghost.
All we know is he values justice and is smart and seemingly a good person. And he likes cats. Which is almost the same as nothing when that's literally the standard for "hot unachievable Prince and /or Prince like person who unexpectedly marries someone of lower status who charms them with their wit and merit rather than social or noble rank".
I guess this author just doesn't have a very satisfying style of developing characters, foreshadowing relationships or hinting at future romantic outcomes. Also lost potential for poor clarise.
It's a bit of a bummer too bc this series had so much going for it in the beginning..