I use Bachikin sword as a reference to Damocles, a tale about the invisible sword that hung above a king’s head, said sword can fall at any moment unprompted. the meaning is that the sword represents the pure pressure of sitting on a throne, of being a ruler
despite both being manipulated leaders, unlike Jeraldy who’s blinded by hubris and desires for vengeance, Bachikin’s actions and decisions were driven by fear, and fear is one of the common reasons behind ethnics massacres in many stories.
and because of her fears, Bachikin knows that even subordinates like Sigkin isn’t trustworthy and sees flaws in others, causing her keeping herself from others, even the narrative, and using the tyrannical empress facade to hide her true emotions along with her weaknesses.