Responses
What i think is that he actually believes that his powers actually opened the gate but it probably isn't the case. i do not believe he was threatened but i believe that sometimes when everyone starts accusing you of something you'll start believing the lie over your own truth. and yes i do agree that it probably is the empress that set him up bc he knew the emperor liked kalli.. at least enjoys kalli in bed and i also do think that kalli only sleeps with the emperor due to the power imbalance they have and he cannot refuse the emperor's wishes. which is really sad.
I think Kalli was set up by emperor or empress or got threatened that if he didn't admit something that wasn't his fault, something dangerous would happen to him, ml or those around him.