The Emperor was definitely said to be as strong as an Ancient Lord. It was the one thing that Karyk was absolutely certain about. If that wasn't the case, then the Empire would have long fallen.
An Emperor who was even weaker than the Dukes, would have long been disposed of. Even if that wasn't the case, he would have at least been turned into a puppet.
The Ministers that escorted him here, wouldn't have talked about the Emperor with such devotion in that case. That left only one possibility for Karyk. It was that she wasn't the Emperor.
"How long has it been since anyone called me weak..." The woman's expressions didn't fluctuate even a little. She was neither amused at Karyk's words, or angry even when he called her weak.
"Are you sure that you are not overestimating the strength of your father? Or perhaps, are you underestimating mine based on what you see?"