Some things in comics are just purely rules that WILL happen. Nobody really cares much for realism in stories like these. That's why people will see it for what it is; an inevitable fact. And just go with it and 'pretty it up' in their mind. That's what reading these kinda plots is all about. And if done right it can be enjoyable. This one isn't well done tho. I'm a sucker for the crazy emperor finds true love trope. In fiction that is. Irl is a complete 180° tho.
The writing and art issues are a bigger problem to me tbh. The art looks like it was made with stiff 3d models just re-drawn.
If you want solid writing with complex character I will give you this gem
https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/moonlight_kie/
OOF, that's hard tbh. I am HORRIBLE with remembering titles (I read too much, titles are a blurr to me, haha).
I absolutely KNOW I have read a story like this before. Maybe with a king instead or a duke or such, but it was definitely very similar.
I posted a Question on the frontpage, maybe check that tomorrow for replies, the community is often very helpful with these things: https://www.mangago.zone/home/mangatopic/17990492/
Did you all forget how insane and manipulative the emperor is? I'm just gonna remind you that asha knows nothing about what the emperor did. Nothing about him searching his house, how he treats his employees, how his engagement to the emperor's sister was bound to be called off by the emperor, why are there was no women in the party, and the reason why he was sent away in the first place. This man is just a red flag after a red flag and you still want them to end up together??