Hello and thank you for your kind feedback.
To answer some of the questions you raised. (Spoliers)
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There is no mechanic for Leopold’s trust. How I envisioned it was that the MC actually aiming for the throne herself – not just the act of it, but being the kind of person who would even think of it – is just impossible to consider for a lot of the characters.
For her whole life, the MC has done nothing but submit and she has spent the last two years being the court’s doormat. Whether what she says is insightful or stupid, that does not change the fact that, in people’s minds – be it for duty or her own spinelessness – she is resigned to her lot.
Segunda is closer to an Elective monarchy. While it is preferred, from a stability point of view, to have heirs, so they can be trained for the role of sovereign from birth (and be a shoo-in as a candidate for the throne), it is not necessary. No one will be forcing the MC to have a child.
That said, Mathys and the MC would not be allowed to marry – the difference in their rank is too great. Even after making Mathys a noble, it would be frowned upon, and he would refuse to be made a noble anyway.
“Why is Frederique so helpful/supportive this time round, but not in the romanced Guillaume route?”
In the Romance Guillaume route, the MC chooses to be with Guillaume, something Frederique was doing his best to protect her from. He feels he no longer knows who she is and it alters his view of her and leaves him feeling confused as to his role in their relationship.
In the Loveless Route, MC is still, in his mind, the same person she has always been – their mother’s unwilling pawn, so Frederique can still remain in his role as ‘brotherly protector’.
Anyway, I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the route overall, and thank you very much for playing.