It's so sweet that the first person he goes to see is Akane. She was just the person he needed to cheer himself up and clear his thoughts. Can't wait to see them get together!
I know it's probably cultural differences but I probably would've screamed bloody murder at least twenty times with how this dude's been acting. He needs to be kicked in the nuts real hard
Probably analyzing this way too much but here we go (also I never read the novel, this is just what I'm seeing so far). I think the Emperor probably does have some sort of feelings for Navier (might not be romantic, per se, but some form of love) but because she is such a "cold" person he feels like he's not getting anything from her. Basically he's like a spoiled kid who didn't get the candy he wanted. Because of that, he latches onto Rashta quickly since she depends on him and gives him the attention he wanted from Navier but never got. It's so frustrating to read his character because dude, obviously you don't deserve Navier's attention at all and why tf do you care who she's with all the time when you have a concubine. Still, I think deep down he really wants Navier to give him lots of attention and feels jealous whenever she pays attention to other people.
YOU’RE COMPLETELY RIGHT. I AM READING THE NOVE RN.
So...I've seen some people wonder what Duke Ergy is up to and I have a theory but it might be spoilers so read at your own risk! Duke Ergy and Prince Heinley are friends, right? So it seems strange that Duke Ergy would take Rashta's side. BUT! I believe that's Heinley's plan, to help Rashta and push Sovieshu to divorcing Navier so Heinley can marry her instead. There are quite a few spoilers around but I haven't seen anyone explain Duke Ergy's actions yet so here are my thoughts :D