Controversial thought but I like the Empress, yes, she's evil and has done evil (killing Perez mom + patricide) BUT she's an impressive woman. She clearly married the Emperor out of obligation and bore him a son out of duty yet she solely carries Angenas and the Crowns burden (the men + her son) due to their own dumbness and ambition, that later becomes hers as well.
The emperor is an extremely insecure man still stuck under his father's image, his lack of legitimacy and of whits because he himself can't play the political game without, seeking aid from, the woman he despises so much cause she can outsmart all the boys he can't.
Her father for disregarding her abilities due to her gender and second born status + her brother for inheriting a title he does not deserve nor know how to handle.
She's been surrounded and forced by incompetent men all her life so she does fight to keep grasps of the thin shackles of power she has gained. I'm not saying this to excuse her actions I.e the killing, false accusation against the Brown family, exploitation of commoners, etc. but simply to admire how well rounded of a character/antagonist she is.
Also, how she is very much Tia's counterpart the only difference being Tias had more support from her family, and everyone around her, in this "second life". If we were to compare her to Tias first life I think they have a lot more in common, especially due to Tia remaining an unpolished pearl, within Lombardi, under the rule of ballsack, and his shadow, who enherit and squander the family's wealth she tries to preserve.
The Empress just like Tia fights, under disadvantaged circumstances, for their family's to not crumble under an egotistical and incompetent men's hands. Ironically, the fall she fears at a men's hands happens by her own.... (+ her extremely controlling nature)
I wanted to say more but this is already get long so I'll just keep it to myself ლ(´ڡ`ლ)










Suha: I regret to inform you
Us: He, in fact, doesn't regret anything
Suha: Sorry... We'll have to do it again
Us: Dont apologise mistakes happen