What if... the prince isn't really interested in the MC , just the food she makes? Her antics remind her of a cat or so, and he would much rather interact with them if he thinks of them as cats, as he is a very insure, anxiety-prone person, who stiffs at the point of interacting with human beings(like the ladies, he used to avoid during lunch break). I'm just saying that would be cool if this w.as the case, pretty sure it isnt but still