Many thanks for your feedback on the demo – I’m glad it caught your interest for the sequel.
As for your questions…
No, I did not write Rose of Segunda knowing there would be a sequel and its popularity came as a surprise, but I am happy it worked out this way.
I’ve been asked before for some information on the world and I think I am leaning towards releasing something in the Extras menu before Thorns is officially released.
The loveless marriage route (as opposed to the MC being in love with Guillaume – pretending or otherwise) will be an entirely separate route and very different to Guillaume’s route, though I won’t go into any more details for fear of spoilers.
I probably can’t answer the last one, mostly because it depends on what you feel is ruthless/manipulative, but I will say that outright murder would be considered a very grave crime, wholly against the values of both the nobility and the Church, and one to which even the Duchess di Parisi would not stoop outside of the most grievous circumstances.
Many thanks again for your interest in the game ^_^