I completely understand Emilia's feelings when she heard Satan's excuse. "Your father died because I was ignorant." Yeah, it would have been better if he was an evil asshole, but instead, we have a hands off powerhouse ruler who simply did not have the time/desire to understand humans. It makes it difficult to completely hate him, making Emilia hate him all the more.

That said, I also understand Maou's situation. His (stupid) light apology for what he has done (allowed to happen) exemplifies his ignorance. He really did not know what his conquest meant. He really did not understand humans. Even now, he does not completely understand them, judging from how he handled his apology towards Emilia.

The inconsistent parts that people have been complaining about are slowly being explained. It would be unfair to say that just because this is a comedy that things don't have to make sense. They are gradually starting to.