First of all – thanks for posting questions because they make writing a review a lot easier. This chapter was fantastic; totally worth the wait, and even better than the first IMO (which is not to say the first chapter was bad. This chapter was just that good). I especially appreciated all the several variations, even if they were just a handful of lines, based on my choices. I know that takes a certain amount of work and I really appreciate it.
+ The new sprites! Did you like them?
Yes! Especially liked seeing the Queen :) Her sprite was just how I imagined her!
+ Mandra and Curio. >8)
I liked Mandra a lot! Complex relationships are the best.
+ The new colored Illustration + the B&W CGs
Loved both! My favorite colored illustration is the one where the guard is holding the king's face back.
+ What was your favorite and least favorite part?
Least favorite: Nothing. Genuinely.
Favorite: I don't really know how to call each route, but the first one I played was with a really resentful and angry guard who ended up asking the king to stay. I was pretty sure nothing could top that for me but then I played the route where the king and guard have a more sexually tense relationship (I don't know how else to put it) and where the chapter ends by the king saying the guard should try harder or else the king'll get bored of the game. That's just – it's a sort of dynamic I love but never really see written and it's so wild to read a story and get exactly what I want from it.
+ The animations A_A' I'm so nervous about them. Still not sure if they fit the game or not.
They worked for me!