beta
I'll call the ML Richard since it's what is in the novel. Richard opened the Dad's eyes to what is really happening to Etienne by saying how sh*tty of a Father he is by not protecting his only child and not doing his best because he has trauma from the Empress' assault. Richard calls him out on his "Boohoo Woe is Me" BS by pointing out all the mistreatments he did by pushing the throne on him instead of having Etienne by his side in order to protect him from the Empress. He tries to FINALLY finally look at Etienne but he had enough and told him to just pretend they get along for publicity. Etienne gave up on his dad basically which "hurt" the dad so he tries to "help" in small ways. Dad basically defends him in public and whatnot but it isn't enough. They remain in a strained relationship up until the point where they imprison the Empress. By the time Etienne and Richard get their happy ending he still has a strained relationship with Etienne but Etienne permits him to be a good grandfather to their children.
I honestly don't have an ounce of sympathy for him since he missed so many opportunities to save Etienne but I'm glad Etienne permits him to make up for it by being a doting grandpa and remained civil till the end.