@Fableborn Cherie Miel I say that the blame is largely on the Marquis, but not entirely. The Marquis had been poisoning his mind since youth. No matter how much someone tries to hide the way they think, it eventually slips out in their speech and actions. How did the emperor and empress never realize the change that was steadily happening in him??? Not even the uncle, the empress's younger brother. Negligence. Straight negligence.
Also, did his education never include the merits of the previous female emperor(his grandmother)? His mentality is so absolute that it seems like he had no other influence. Surely the emperor knew what kind of man the Marquis is. The fact that they allowed Ferdel to spend so much time with the Marquis without suspicion is madness. Forget a son, I wouldn't even leave a male cousin with such a disgusting man.
Also, did his education never include the merits of the previous female emperor(his grandmother)? His mentality is so absolute that it seems like he had no other influence. Surely the emperor knew what kind of man the Marquis is. The fact that they allowed Ferdel to spend so much time with the Marquis without suspicion is madness. Forget a son, I wouldn't even leave a male cousin with such a disgusting man.