So, before this turns into a full-on argument or anything like that: I just want to say that I appreciate both of your responses. And no, neither of you has made me uncomfortable (it’s very, very hard to make me angry or frustrated so that is off the table too).
While I feel like it could’ve been worded better, Anne is right that this question has come up multiple times, and the answer has always been no. That’s not a decision I’ve made lightly. I’ve thought long and hard about it, and I’m still standing by it, not to hurt anyone or dismiss their opinions, but because I genuinely believe it’s what’s best for the story.
Why Nemio can’t love the MC is something Anne explained and something Nemio himself says in the story. But there’s also another reason, tied to the plot, that hasn’t been revealed yet. I could technically make him a romance option just to make people happy, but I truly think that would end up hurting the story in the long run. Nemio will always see the MC as the scared, angry, fragile child he first found in Eric’s tent. Even if all those memories faded somehow, he’d still say no because deep down, he doesn’t believe the MC truly loves him. And even if they do, Nemio wouldn’t accept it. He firmly believes that choosing to love him would only end in pain for the MC - maybe not in a day, a month, a year, but eventually. It’s something he’d never want to risk.
Also, I just want to be honest about where I’m at as a writer. This is my first story. And while I’m beyond grateful that you’ve made me feel like I’ve created at least something halfway decent, I’m still learning as I go. This might seem like a lazy excuse, but the story is already dense - it’s high fantasy with a big focus on worldbuilding but also on the human condition and trauma, which are themes close to my heart. There are six romance options already, and each of them needs proper depth, development, and some kind of satisfying emotional payoff. Adding a Nemio route would require reworking so much - emotionally, thematically, structurally - that, I feel, is just isn’t something I can to take on.
So I’m really sorry if that’s disappointing. I promise I’m not ignoring feedback. I read every message, every theory, every feeling you all share with me. And they matter. They push me to be better. But this is the one place where I do have to put my foot down. Nemio will never be a romance option. He’ll have a major role in the story, and the bond with the MC can grow into something strong and meaningful - but it will never be romantic. He cannot love the MC in that way, and he won’t accept their love either.
Thank you both for reading and following the story. I appreciate your words, your honesty, and the fact that you care enough to feel strongly about these characters. I just ask that we all try to be kind to each other. Both of you brought up thoughtful points, and I want this space to stay welcoming to all kinds of opinions and feelings. The story isn’t perfect, I’m not perfect (far from it), and feedback - positive or critical - is part of what helps me grow.
This post isn’t meant to attack anyone. I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page moving forward. Please stay civil with each other, even if you feel like you’re in the right.
. I wanted to build a relatively realistic world that is very similar but still different from our own while I fill it with all the stuff I think could be cool. It does not always work, but my aim is to improve while writing this story.
surprised me too lol.
I’ve uploaded a fix so now it’ll show the correct pronoun.
