Laura!!! [insert Raised Hands emoji Here] <3 I'm so Glad to see the team's flowing well for this second installment~ I also didn't mention anything for the new background(Apologies) -- I like it! My favorite bit is the Lighting from the windows, it feels Very Warm and well done. The room(looks like a Dining setting)feels practical and what it was intentioned for. I don't know where they are, but that Practicality also feels conducive to 'war times'.
YAY for accessories! It's the little things that Make It. And - Ah - on budget constraints. I read something on the additional romance options you would have if you stayed unromanced, but I didn't know there would be another SEVEN character sprites(+EXTRAS). I suppose if we get THAT much NEW in the character realm, a few old poses can be allowed. ;)
Beyond Darker Themes, another thing I'm REALLY looking forward to(and what the image you provided invoked)are the Deeper conversations/banter between the girls. In the first game, Understandably so, each of the Nobles(+Sofia)were all Wearing Masks -- the conversations were all centered on the Prince(or future unions) and who would get the Prince and Out-Daintying each other. But we all saw BLIPS of the ladies' respective Intellects. I'm VERY Sure they all have Strong Opinions on this War -- Especially all being from different homelands. I'm also MORBIDLY Curious(Get that POWA, Hunty~)on QUEEN MC who just romanced Prince to be in Position of POWER and what Greater Role SHE Might Possibly have in Negotiations(or redirecting the war elsewhere for her people's benefits). It would be nice to see if there's the option of Truly Falling for Prince after getting to Know him better(not SHOVED down her throat) -- OR: If Queen can have SECRET AFFAIR in her loveless Marriage. ^^