Responses
Spoiler (or not?)
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Well, Sovieshu is the main culprit. Rashta was only used by Sovieshu, he wanted to make the empress jealous but what happened lol. Idk I think Prince Heinley and Duke Elgy contributed on this two since they're planning for a war. That's what I thought from the novel. But still, the emperor is being stupidly stubborn because of the empress lol

If this story was retold through Rashta's perspective I think we would definitely be rooting for her. From a runaway slave to the emperor's concubine. In her mind she is doing what she needs to in order to survive and maybe find love along the way. She is new to high society so she isn't aware of people's intentions and that makes her an easy target for manipulation. I don't think she is innocent, but I think the real villain here is the emperor.