and in particular his early dynamic with Penric has some similarities to very early (first half of Taltos) Morrolan and Vlad; the personality conflicts are kind of similar!

I hadn't thought of it like that but now that you mention it, I can see it! Like there's a similar "reluctant allies" thing where they don't trust each other's methods or motivations but have to work together. Of course I am very on board for that sort of thing. :D (And it probably won't surprise you that I ship Adelis/Penric-and/or-Desdemona, but like in a way where I'm happy for it to coexist with Penric/Nikys.)

and then Penric goes back to solving crimes while interacting with his broadening circle of friends, relatives, and in-laws.

That is good to know! I do enjoy Penric solving crimes as a plot driver :)