I don't know what to say, I am so glad you liked the demo. It's such a warm feeling, having the impression someone you don't know has figured out everything you wanted to do. Like, I created Imperial Grace with the desire to write intricated choice like "I love how it goes beyond value judgement and ideal choices we all want to make and into all these consequence-driven choices." It's exactly what I wanted to do, and I am so glad when people see it.
I'm also happy you like Alden, it's true that we laugh a lot about his "murder is the solution to all problems" side, but when you see his story it's quite logical. It's not visible in the demo because it's not talked about much, but Magnus V was the kind of person who didn't mind being seen as a tyrant since he kinda was one and ruled by fear, not by love. So Alden adapted to the situation and he needs time to adapt to you and your way of ruling. He soften through the game.
Thank you again for leaving this long comment, it really made my day, I am so genuinely happy you liked the game for what I wanted it to be, I hope you will like the final game even more.
- Ayael