I hope he would and wouldn't just let go with something akin to a slap to a wrist.
Sadly that happens. Largely the noblewomen that have GRUDGES against Emilia (Largely the ones still SALTY and blaming her for why they weren't able to make a connection with Ophelia because they can't FATHOM why she would hang around Emilia, they refuse to understand that Ophelia had their number and KNEW they were suck ups! She's dying, why spend time or connect with such FAKES! So their acting as though Emilia was a parasite who HATED Ophelia and took advantage of her to soother their fragile egos! Even the poor girl being treated as Ophelia replacement KNOWS they look down on her and only see her as a CONNECTION to Ophelia parents and nothing more! They don't want to lose a march to Emilia so spread bad rumors that SHE did something to "deserve" that slap. Basically they're trying to PUSH ! Emilia is hated mostly because of the Ophelia thing to others feeling she's out of place being FALLEN Nobility sold as a "Toy" to a dying girl and so think her acting "OUT OF HER PLACE" is insulting to them SIMPLY existing, even the Debut was more them thinking she's "not staying in her place" since many were HAPPY when she left to "live like the commoner she is" cause "assholes!") so he does get away with his REP in tact with just a Apology that isn't even really sincere but Emilia can care less since she doesn't expect BETTER of him anyway which is funny cause....
SPOILERS NOT GOING TO GIVE IT ALL AWAY (Also I don't know how to SECTION SPOILERS, SO DOING IT THE OLD FASHION WAY, If anyone would like to offer ADVICE I'll be HAPPY and THANKFUL)
The asshole is in LOVE Emilia, He's "our friendly neighborhood" Deconstruction of the TSUNDERE trope in the WORSE Fashion (as in how the Tsundere's VILE actions and insults to their "crush" would HARM any hope or chance of a relationship forming instead of helping it cause realistically their crush isn't a MIND FUCKING READER), hence Emilia hating him. He IS the reason no one knew where Emilia was, yes she didn't want to be found, but he made it HARDER via his own people for even experienced trackers to find her. He was hoping once he completed his plans, he would get her later. Hence his surprise in seeing her NOT where she "should be!" Truth be told he actually believed she would love him. But after all his shitty actions well he's ANOTHER example of how the "Tsundere" SHOOTS THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT with how "being A JERK seems to make your crush HATE YOU MORE, NOT LESS" apprantely LOL