I think it's more that he's in really deep denial. And honestly, he acts all egoistic and arrogant but I'm positive that's just an act. This guy was raised by a his abusive sister who taught him that his family name means more then he ever will and that he has to live up to it or he's a failure. Everyone around his seems to be constantly questioning his decisions and it appears he has no real allies that support him. The only person he really cares about is this kid that he keeps failing to protect from all the bad people that surround them. The Duke's self esteem is totally in the dumps and acting like he's the best and knows what he's doing is probably the only thing that's keeping him going. Then suddenly, he finds this person who's willing to unconditionally love him and support him. He's now worth something in someone's eyes and has been validated as his own person for what is likely the first time in his life. That high must be amazing. If he were to admit to himself that this person doesn't actually like him ... that would break him.
So it's less about that he's so egoistic that he thinks she can't help but love him ... but more so that he so desperately needs her to love him that he refuses to see that very obvious truth.
Huh I never thought about it like that . Thank you for this
Is the Duke just dumb or is he blinded by his ego? He really thought our mc liked HIM not our precious Abel when mc clearly made it clear but I am here for it <3 (⌒▽⌒)