She feels like she accomplished something and is grateful to the emperor. She adores him as the new symbol of the new empire. He knows she is a good man, a responsible person, and fair to children and adults. Yes, she is dense, too but love is not something that she needs at the moment nor looks for it. If she became all shy and lovely dovely then the author is manipulating her. That is so out of her character. She will need more time to actually get to the point that she will want love. The emperor does know that once he finishes his war, he will be asked to get an empress. That is why even his friend wants him, the emperor, to make her just his concubine. There are many things that she needs to become an empress. Just like a doctor or a lawyer or a nurse. You don't see just anyone. This is not just about "love." She needs to get the respect from the people. She needs more time and during that time Paulina will get to know more people more guys and do believe there is a better man for her.
yes, she is a very strong and independent woman AND a rough woman. She was in the military. The emperor is too delicate. He is strong but too delicate and needs a woman like him. A strong woman but delicate to keep an image. They both are the symbols of the new empire, plus emperors, 98% end up with concubines. Paulina would want to just cut the head of any new woman. Look how "cold-hearted" she was and help the innocent princess to kill herself. I would say. Make Paulina the empress and have the current emperor as her emperor consort LOL.
I do believe she needs to be the head household, her man will be strong as if not more than her and have a docile moment just showed to her, but he will know that he can't impose his persona on her or on her people. That is why and the previous reasons mentioned, I can't accept her to marry the emperor. They are both best friends and will support each other. I see Paulina like the duchess in the manhwa, "the duchess monster and the princess." The new mother of the MC is very strong and rough JUST like Paulina and her husband is strong like the mother/ The MC's mother is the best friend and consultant of the emperor/king.