Chapter 52: The Corrupt Crown
High in the violet twilight of the Zenith Academy, Valerius Thorne stood before a glowing magical projection of the Kingdom of Iron and Steam.
The Incubus Lord swirled his blood-red wine.
He was smiling a cold, chilling smile.
The goblin thought he had found absolute safety in the Forge.
Grik was a fool.
Valerius knew the secret rot hiding at the very heart of the Kingdom.
King Alaric Hardsteel was a man consumed entirely by greed.
Alaric only wore the crown because he was the eldest.
His younger brother, Marquee, possessed all the intellect and vision, choosing the role of Prime Minister to actually run the country.
King Alaric secretly despised his genius brother.
The King neglected his people to fund a lavish, sickeningly opulent lifestyle.
To maintain his overflowing vaults of gold, Alaric had struck a hidden deal with House Vane.
The King deliberately allowed the Ashen Maw cult to operate in the lower sewers.
