Responses
We share same opinions on this.I read some spoilers given by other commentators,the empress gets punished but the emperor gets to maintain a good relationship with Etienne,there's nothing wrong with it,but there should be a really long process of repentance on the emperor's part.(the spoilers I have seen, don't mention whether he gets to repent or not)He is a victim of rape,so his hate towards the empress is justified but all the wrongdoings of his own,where is his karma?!
I just read chapter 8 again,the way the emperor scolded little Etienne is quite disturbing, like dude he was asking you in a low voice,why did you have to react like that small child was plotting something?!
A person who hates the empress and everything related to the empress,it is unlikely that he is concerned over any matter relating to Etienne.