Originally Posted by stevelin7
Originally Posted by LittleMonday
Quote
I think it suggests that they were once genuine allies before he enthralled her, and that he’s mourning more than just her passing, but also the deterioration of their relationship.
When I listen to him talk, I get the impression that he is satisfied with the post-stroke situation (especially considering Descent into Avernus).
"Manipulation or not, we need each other. My relationship with Belynne was similar in this regard. Though - less dramatic."
And being a bit hard to him triggers a threat:
"Player: I really don't care what your relationship with her was like.
Emperor: And yet you emulate it so well"

I can definitely see where the relationship feels complete for you and I know a lot of players feel the same. I'm not going to comment on Decent into Avernus since I haven't played it, but satisfied or not with how his relationship was with Belynne post stroke, there's still textual clues that she was not his thrall from day one. While I'm under the impression that he's mourning more than her passing, even if he isn't, my original post was that she was more to him than a means to an end, and I think that's pretty clear in this scene even among the various dialogue choices.

i think that you must judge emperor with his behavior not his words.

for emperor, he put his survive in the hightest point, allies are tools, emperor doesn't mind if one day his allies might be turned to puppets for his survive.

I’ve written at length about The Emperor’s actions and words in the original post on this thread as well as in replies, and I do address the most controversial elements of his character.