[Poll] [Mylene Topic] Okay, I've gotten some feedback from Patreon. (Patreon)

Let me first say that I'll always listen to feedback, but I will not necessarily follow it. Plus, sometimes it sets a bad precedent, and for me, if I'm forced to change things when I've planned a lot of these chapters in advance, I lose my eagerness to write them; they turn into chores. It took me a while to like writing These Tragic Souls again when I rewrote it.

But I understand that Mylene is a cherished part of Mobuseka, and I too think the same.

The reason I made Mylene this way is that there's no reason or scenario where this Leon/Shirou would ever flirt with or hit on the married Mylene, even if she's in a bad relationship. The only scenario Leon/Shirou I would think of that would follow that is if the king is a tyrant and he overthrows him, later somehow developing feelings with Mylene. But tbh, I like the King's character; he's the perfect foil to Leon/Shirou, and if not one, why not make it two foils (King and Queen), since cute Mylene x Leon/Shirou won't be possible.

And also, the main reason Mylene latched on to canon Leon was a misunderstanding/faux pax, which Leon did, and which, for some reason, blossomed; this Leon/Shirou would not have triggered that flag.

BUT!

I've thought of an alternative. I will poll you on it. I urge you to comment as well so I can hear your reasoning.

ALSO, even if one side won, I may not follow it, because someone in the comments might actually make a good enough reasoning not to follow the majority.

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Alternative route

No changes needed on the latest chapter.

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Origin: Both Mylene and Mercelyne were princesses of the Kingdom of Repard.

The Crisis: Mylene (the gentler twin) was arranged to marry an old nobleman from Rachelle—a political marriage neither twin wanted. Mercelyne (at that time was the closeted, bold, hedonistic twin) devised an escape plan.

The Escape: The twins fled Repard and sought asylum in Holfort. At the time, King Roland was young and ruling as interim King while his father was bedridden. Roland saw an opportunity to antagonise Rachelle and accepted them.

Roland's Condition: He'd grant asylum only if both married him.

Mercelyne's Counter: She would be the only one to marry Roland—but she would take Mylene's name and identity. The story they'd tell the world was that Mercelyne had died in an accident during the escape. This way:

"Mylene" (actually Mercelyne) becomes Queen of Holfort

The real Mylene disappears into the background as a non-entity/adviser/double to the queen—she sometimes is the one who personally goes to the Rachelle frontline instead of the Queen.

Rachelle loses their bride (the real Mylene is officially the surviving twin, now Queen—untouchable)

The dead "Mercelyne" can't be demanded back

The War: Rachelle didn't take this lying down. War broke out between Repard, Rachelle, and Holfort. Holfort—under young Roland—managed to push Rachelle out of Repard.

The Result: Repard became a protectorate of Holfort—functionally independent but under Holfort's umbrella, similar to Puerto Rico's relationship with the USA. Repard governs itself but relies on Holfort for military protection and foreign policy.

Sons and Daughters: Julius and Erica are Mercelyne's son and daughter.

Who knows: Lucas, the founding families' head of house, Vince Rapha Redgrave, Gilbert Rapha Redgrave, Angelica Rapha Redgrave (because of training), Julius, Erica, and Margot Fou Bellefleur.

What I like about this: I think the dynamic where sweet, clumsy Mylene would need to play body double and be forced to flirt with Leon/Shirou like her confident, brash, and hedonistic twin. Shenanigans would be fun, especially when Mylene starts to develop feelings, and Mercelyne would play matchmaker.

POLL: