Responses
I haven't read the novel, so I'll answer you with the information I have from webcomic.
I find your theory very interesting. It is actually very strange about the situation that has arisen. Certainly the basic problem is communication.
Navier became more staid as the future queen. Soveishu has remained childish and does not understand her change.I don't think there's any potion involved, or maybe at first(?) . I think it's all an inability to clarify the situation.But I also find it very strange how a man so in love or obsessed with Nivier acted in that way. Seriously I would like a whole chapter that would make me understand his psychology.
Kinda off topic but, while I was reading the novel, i couldnt help but admit that the more hightension exciting parts post divorce were Sovieshu and Naviers interactions. (Of course I adore the fluff between Navier and Heinley cuz know theyre steady but if imma be honest, i feel more of that SATISFYING “sting” or heart clenches when Sovieshu is in the narrative grovelling.)
So I thought, wont it be better if the author didnt just paint us a character that was only stupid and annoying IN ITSELF (that is Sovieshu) who was supposed to be a superb emperor who stands beside our Navier in terms of skills and intelligence in ruling a country.
Besides his IMMENSE STUPIDITY, It gives us the question of why would did he treat Navier so bad, if all he was after was an heir? He couldve planned alongside Navier so she didnt feel the need to be another country’s empress to fill the void in her identity when she is established as unable to produce an heir. Why’d he have to deliberately accuse Navier of hurtful things once Trashta came into view? Was it infatuation?
Then I thought it might have to do with the magical aspect of the setting of the story. There are mages who play around with love potions that is the Duke of Ript. What if Sovieshu was under a definite influence of magic love potion that made him loyal and sooo protective of Trashta when we all know that he has SOMEWHAT romantic feelings for Navier besides their friendship?
I just cant be satisfied with a simple “classic villain” who is evil just because, or just a miscalculation of his plans in focus of producing an heir. Sovieshu must have some good reason. If you try to reread this from the beginning, he had moments of lucidity from his hostility towards Navier. He would get jealous, even tried to please Navier or draw out the vulnerability of Navier’s pride. When we see their childhood, they were actually friends!
I am in no way defending Sovieshit, i am just merely saying, this would be EVEN better if we get a complex “villain” out of the cause of all these happenings.