
well, does this have a light novel? I think in a political stand point I understand why she is married to the CP.. It might be the dukedom tried to rebel at one point, and although she was still on the belly she was offered as peace offering... Either way there is a also a theory of prolonging the CP life, this is a political move... Or choosing a bride not yet same of her age... In instance the reason is the CP not conceiving his children yet (becoz she is technically a minor yet and most stories like this the conceivable age is beyond 16 that time)... This might be a political move of the opposition to not give him a lady same age as him.... I don't know how the romance will start since there is no indication from the first chapter yet, but this is gonna be a slow burn.... So far some plot points are introduce, her assassination attempt, the spying of her head maid under the wing of the bishop (3rd prince) and possible internal conflict (Duke's resident) in her maternal family...(▰˘◡˘▰)

It seems Calendula was only used as plot device to keep the story going, only plot left uncleared here is her having feelings for him.... Since he is the first to fall.... I wonder how author is going to wrapped this up... Since they never went first on dating, I think the best move if author show use why he chose her as partner for contact marriage... This is mostly the problem for contract marriage plots since you know he is the endgame... And thus no 2nd male lead on site.. The story good to be wrapped fast....

best boi for me is still Rael.. He is the best boy capable leader he can even swoon the conquered Cloyan with his fair policy (it looks like vat tax/income tax base on wealth)... With the new tax policy he had he will have enemies on the parliament (those richer guys that dots on the poor) ....
(theory this might be wrong)
the guy on the prison tower that Marie took care might be the emperor (Rael's dad)...
trap trap trap