They've got all this buildup for Lycia as the FL of the story, but they've also got the duke's daughter Fiona in the wings ready to appear in the academy arc. Is it supposed to become a harem story? Trying to make it a love rival seems like it'll fail on arrival with all the focus Lycia's had so far.
Seriously, if this became another "Elf Tensei Kara no Cheat Kenkokuki" i'm droping it in a heart beat. Author had such a great moment for the kiss, but i guess if we went that route, author woudn't be able to introduce stupid harem tag.