I also agree that the Emperor leaving in a huff as he does is really jarring, and would much prefer there to be a showdown there and then if things didn't go his way. Especially as I found the fight with him in the finale a bit of a damp squib, given you can (and probably should) just ignore him and head for the brain.
But my friend, every story benefits from a dragon. Lol
(But I agree with you.)
