The Players Attack!

Strom Mickey was a city official in Crookes.

As one who served under old Meredith, he was the noble whom everyone formerly believed had the best chance of becoming mayor—with the condition of the imperial family not interfering.

The reason 'formerly' was used there was because another faction led by Magistrate Lloyd had swiftly risen to power, following the leak of old Meredith's illness by the acolyte of the Temple of Life.

And at the moment, Lloyd's faction had overwhelmed Strom, whereas Lloyd had also taken his place as the next best candidate for Mayor.

That left Strom a little flustered.

As Meredith's deputy, he had often clashed with Lloyd who was a second-in-command, and the rift between them was publicly known. In fact, with old Meredith's silent approval, they would mutually attempt to sabotage and slow each other down.