Even if you do not recognize his features, dear reader, I am sure you have met him. He is the school bully too charming to get caught; the one who thinks up the cruelest pranks, has others carry out his dirty work, and still maintains a perfect reputation with the teachers.
-- Apollo (chapter 4)

Importance: This quote is meant to show the reader that the powerful, god-like emperor is simply another type of bully. This is a villain that the readers understand, which helps with the overall immersion in the narrative. More importantly, they know what to expect from him. They know that this currently unnamed emperor can charm his way to greatness, but also control those underneath him and hurt those who do not listen. He is a man with god-like powers, but an evil person who puts other people down. Readers understand this. Therefore, they understand the conflict.

With Meg, emperors were...
-- Apollo (chapter 9)