All'ombra dell'imperatore

The details about the setting and magic system are incredible, but I wonder how much was planned out beforehand versus developed organically during writing.

His choices felt realistic yet unpredictable, making me question what I would do in his place. I'm curious about the creative process behind shaping such a character.

The story's momentum seemed to dip before picking up again. Do others think this was intentional to develop characters, or could it have been tighter?