Joseph Astorph a 47 years old man was known throughout the kingdom as a generous and benevolent noble.
His impeccable reputation however masked a much darker reality.
He was the mastermind behind Ouroboros orchestrating heinous evil crimes while playing the role of benefactor to the kingdom.
In the shadow he was cunning and shrewd he had managed to conceal his true nature for years.
His loyalty was to himself alone, and his ambition knew no bounds.
That night, Joseph was returning from a prestigious opera soirée organized for the most influential nobles.
Seated in a gilded carriage he held his lover, Lisbeth Thory in his arms a woman as treacherous and malicious as she was captivatingly beautiful.
"By now Noah must have destroyed the kingdom's ships," Lisbeth said with a mischievous smile as she clung to Joseph's arms.
Joseph, wearing his own calculating smile, replied:
"Everything is going as i planned i ordered Ethan to increase Seylis production."
" Those damn shitty peasant won't stand a chance agains that."
" Addiction to this drug will spread like a plague, infecting the entire island of Ednia."
" While the royal family scrambles to find a way to stop it and uncover its origin we will contact foreign nations and spark a new conflict that will plunge the kingdom into chaos."
The two lovers exchanged a kiss pleased with their Machiavellian scheme.
They disembarked from the carriage and entered,Joseph's luxurious manor escorted by an armed guard.
The evening meant to be peaceful was suddenly disrupted by screams from outside.
Lisbeth frowned but Joseph, in an authoritative tone, ordered one of his guards:
"Go see what's going on happening outside."
The guard obeyed immediately, but as soon as he opened the door his head was severed in a single, clean stroke.
A dark figure stood there clad, in a black coat and a crow shaped mask with a long sword hanging on his back.
At the same moment, a stunning red-haired woman dressed as a servant enter discreetly through the back door armed with a dagger and full of determination.
"Katran, search the manor and eliminate all resistance."
I'll take care of these two," she said cheerfully.
The man in the crow mask nodded and disappeared into the hallways, while a group of black-clad individuals infiltrated the manor, scouring every room.
Only three people remain in that moment.
In the main hall, Lisbeth found herself facing the stunning red-haired woman, dressed as a mere servant.
Believing she posed no threat, Lisbeth relaxed and smiled serenely.
Before she could grasp what was happening, her head rolled to the floor, severed with precision.
Lisbeth was dead.
Nilyna, wiping her dagger, let out an exasperated sigh:
"Let's finish this quickly; I want to be at the palace before dawn."
Joseph, who had observed the scene with an eerie coldness, gave a slow clap and smiled at the woman in servant attire.
"Impressive… I must admit you are truly quite formidable for someone whose appearance contrasts so much with her skills.
Listen to me join you force with me.
I'm sure given your abilities, you must aspire to more than playing the role of a simple servant don't you ?.
I will overthrow the royal family and take control over the kingdom of Ednia and I will even make you my wife as privilege once I dominate the island."
Joseph wore a triumphant smile extending his hand to Nilyna confident in her response.
Nilyna remained motionless for a moment, listening to the man's words.
Then an odd smile spread across her face followed by a sarcastic chuckle.
Tears welled up in her eyesnot of sadness but of icy disdain.
"W-Wait… don't telle me you were serious? Did you honestly think I would accept your offer and let you leave here alive?"
Joseph puzzled by the young servant's scornful demeanor.
He tried to respond but Nilyna didn't give him the chance.
She let out a sigh closing her eyes:
"This is why I despise idiots," she said coldly.
Before Joseph could react a dagger flew straight into his forehead killing him instantly.
As Joseph's body collapsed Katran reappeared, his clothes stained with blood.
"Everything is secure. No survivors," he said simply.
Nilyna nodded and the two left the manor, leaving behind a scene of carnage.
As they exited, the moonlight bathed the estate in an eerie atmosphere.
Nilyna raised her eyes to the nocturnal orb, a mysterious smile on her lips.
"After tonight the authority of the royal family will never be questioned again" she murmured.
The Twilight of Rebellion
The fall of Joseph Astorph marked a definitive turning point in the war between the crown and Ouroboros.
With the disappearance of all its key leaders the organization was destroyed.
As they vanished into the night the stars seemed to shine brighter as if marking the end of an era of treachery and manipulation.