What's the point with that quite lackluster story in Endwalker?

[Atelier-Bagur]

That is correct. Though, I would certainly say it was beyond manipulation. There was definitely a degree of actual mind control involved, but it was more in the sense of making Golbez stay in line. Zemus didn't outright puppet him so much as wind him up like a toy soldier and send him out to complete the mission through whatever means he deemed appropriate. This of course being in addition to spending years gaslighting him until he was worn down enough to be controlled in the first place.

So what your interpreting is that Golbez and Zemus is a discount Arthas with Nerzhul.

Ok good to know