It's interesting how things evolve in this writing process. I placed them in Greece and in looking for an exact location, there was Macedonia. It cried out for a comparative narration for Napoleon's musings, the idea that someone else was entreating those who could, to come and offer aid. It's a different type of help, to be sure ;) but I like to think that Napoleon has a depth we don't always acknowledge. We allow them their foibles, but no one is immune to that still, small voice.
As for Esther, I think Illya has a sensibility that is betrayed periodically by his quoting of scripture. It's a quirk of the show that the writers had the Russian citing the Bible, but it gives us something to explore. The queen who outwitted a king and his courtiers, I think she's someone Illya would like very much; even allowing for her wisdom to reflect the God she served.