I always play as a female MC, so that's probably why I used the she/her pronouns. It is clear in the description that you can choose the gender, and the author did not correct me, so I don't think it's a huge deal. However, if the author decides otherwise I will happily correct my comments.
It's not like the choice makes her a skilled fighter or advisor, so it changes nothing. Still, no notable skills are to be seen.
If she became the protector/advisor later on, as she gains the prince's trust and knows what she is doing, once she develops any skills whatsoever, then that would have been a different story. But having a literal child with little to no, if any, fighting/diplomacy skills and any knowledge of the outside world protecting the most important person in the story, is an odd choice. Or just a choice that requires too much suspension of disbelief?
Admittedly, I did not go as far as chapter eleven, as the story was clearly not meant for me. And I did read it some time ago.
It made it perfectly clear, yes. But it doesn't matter. It's not like Ahlf couldn't have taught her some self-defence, once the other kids attacked her. Couldn't have built up her endurance, strength, strength or agility (which would have been useful, considering what type of life they led). Or just teach MC about the world surrounding her, about this strange and unwelcoming country, its history or people. If not himself, then I'm sure there was at least one kind grandmother in the village. It just gives you some skills, some idea of what you are up against. The lack of any of this, suggests to me that Ahlf was unconcerned with keeping her safe, keeping her alive. Especially considering his past (you mean to tell me that he wasn't aware of the possibility of his past catching up to them?) and the position that he had. You can keep someone away from something and yet give them some chance to succeed if your efforts are unsuccessful. This argument was however explained by the author (still idk how I feel abou it, but awkward daddy Ahlf seems like a real possibility).
The choices with Ahlf influence MC's behaviour, yes. But not the outcome. And you are supposed to shape the story through your choices. Now, I will acknowledge that most IF stories have some elements that are unchangeable and if this doesn't happen constantly or affects minor characters (Ahlf dies really early on, so let's call him a minor character) it's a-ok. Still, even a different letter for a defiant MC (the version we've got, if Syl is as defiant and violent maybe) and a cooperative, affectionate MC (telling her he loved her, that he wished for the relationship with her, but that was for the best) and an MC that is constantly scared would have been nice, that is all.
It could be minor. Or it could be a huge deal. Some people would forget about this instantly. Some would hold a grudge forever. Some would keep wondering if that is how the prince sees them even a month, a year, a decade later. And we are talking about a kid who was belittled, neglected and/or ignored her whole life.
The kicker is - they don't have to work together. Or at least not as equals. This particular relationship could take various forms, much like aby other in the game. But, at least at the time I stopped reading, nothing truly changes between the characters. Sure, we've got some different dialogue options, but it's not like they made a real difference. Maybe it changes later on, idk, I did not read the entire thing, which I think I've mentioned somewhere earlier?
I wouldn't say that the points are terrible. I would say, however, that I expect different things from fiction than you do. I would say that I pay attention to different details than you do. And that we simply think and analyze differently. And I would say that I stopped reading.
Then again I may be wrong, you may be right and my whole line of reasoning is shit. Who knows? Defo not me, prolly not you, so I will leave it to the people bored enough to read this thread to decide.