
Total coattail rider. Dude has absolutely nothing of worth to offer and has to rely on using, blackmailing and manipulating people to keep them close enough so he can benefit off them and then convince himself he's a star. The narcissism and delulu is cringy but oh man his downfall will be so sweet to watch.
I know a lot of people are wanting Courtney to go harder but I think Richard is enjoying the slow burn of her finding herself and coming into her role as his dom. He can see she's trying to please him and get a read on what he likes and how to do things. He's used to being cruel and having full control as the crown prince so there's some excitement in sitting back and seeing her discover things and grow into her own. I think he's just enjoying this part knowing they have all the time in the world to eventually go full on and maybe there's even a slight kink in submitting wholly to someone so inexperienced for him given this position in life.