Both of the emotionless men fucked up & only started caring after finding her interesting, but I'm on Leguin's side more ╮(￣▽￣)╭
Emperor started to change bcs Phil changed herself to be more mature & useful. If she didn't have the book & just stayed as the spoiled princess yearning for his affection, he'd likely still be annoyed with her approaching him & treat her like a piece of furniture.
Leguin didn't really expect Phil to look for him bcs her birth giver rejected his offer for the reward or stay in the tower, and made it seem like she'll raise Phil herself. But we know she's a liarrr. Yet he's better bcs even if he approached her bcs she's interesting, he made it comfortable for her to be herself. Unlike with the emperor where she still subconsciously suppressed herself to look perfect all the time bcs of the trauma
Am I the only one who is team emperor? I think he deserves a second chance bcuz after the first 9 years he truly cared for her provided her with the best looked after her and protected her against his own bio daughter I think he is better thn the tower master who forgot about her n only started caring about her after he found her interesting