was there really a need for mc to behave like a cocky idiot? he could have simply set forward as a mere representative of angelica claiming being an explorer he is deemed as knight and wouldn't go well for his knights honor to leave a girl like that out while also claiming to not have any interest in prince's Harem affairs, that could have developed at least some sympathy for him or at least he wouldn't have been viewed with this much hostility, he could have also claimed to have a duel with future sword saint one of the princes lackeys as a reason but no he had to act like cocky bastard in front of everyone.
i do not what do these Japanese always have that they have to be seen as a bully victim in LN's and Manga in their school arcs. its really pathetic imo.