I absolutely loved the Rose of Segunda and wasn't sure how the sequel would compare, but somehow it is even better than the original (if that is possible!). Leopold and Guillaume were my favorite routes in the first game, and I suspect I’ll love them just as much once their routes come out, but so far, Bastien's route was wonderful!
(Minor spoilers) Bastien's route wasn't an easy "happily every after"- a noble woman married a servant and realistically, that makes a "happy ending" much more difficult. This route is sometimes sad and often painful, but it hurts in a good way because it makes the joy at the end even sweeter.
I wasn't initially pumped for the civil war plotline, but it was actually really enjoyable. The intrigue! The drama! The choices felt very high stakes and I was constantly second-guessing what was right. It was great! I loved seeing characters from the first game, but I have to say, MC's mother really stole the show for me- she’s callous, ambitious, and more than a little power hungry, but her dry sense of humor and exasperation at her "three children who won't listen to (her)" cracked me up (Frederick, MC and Bastien can be a handful!). This is a wonderful game, created by people who truly loved/respected the first installment. I cannot wait for the next routes! Now, please excuse me while I go replay “The Rose of Segunda” for the hundredth time.