Responses
The reality is that even Etienne's dream of being free can't really happen realistically until the mess with the empress and emperor is settled. Right now Etienne and Rishar are both just pawns, and what Rishar wants to do is become a player himself. I think what Rishar is thinking is that if Etienne becomes emperor, he at least will have the power to change the course of his own life.
I know rishar meant well in trying to get etienne to take the throne but it just rubs me off the wrong when etienne clearly stated what he wants to him. He wants to be free. Idk if having the throne without the empress and her family there will help