Chapter 1: Betrayal

Betrayal is the first chapter of Crimson Assassin.

Summary
Alizarin Crymson writes a letter to his friend Cassiopeia informing her of his future plans of leaving the kingdom of Aestagia. He asks for Cassiopeia to not share this letter with anyone, as it could get him in deep trouble.

On March 27th, Alizarin is with his comrades in southern Aestagia raiding a warehouse where a revolutionary group is stationed. Alizarin meets with his friend Daichi, who directs Alizarin to where the revolution boss is hiding. Unbeknownst to Alizarin, this is all a trap to reveal his true intentions. In the warehouse, Alizarin finds Cassiopeia who begs Alizarin to take care, because she knows what will happen soon. Alizarin takes out his sword, Rakuyo, and defeats a group of goons before confronting the revolutionary boss.

Alizarin stands before the revolutionary boss and refuses to kill him. Alizarin defends his position to his comrades by wanting to hear the boss' full story, and arguing against taking out people that the Queen wants dead. Reiko is confused, and Daichi is furious. Jomei enters and hands Daichi Alizarin's letter, which triggers Daichi further, naming Alizarin's acts as betrayal. This being brought clear brings the revolutionary boss to thank Alizarin, but he is then killed by Reiko's shadows. Then, Jomei states that Alizarin is going to be arrested and killed in a week.

Cassiopeia did not know this, and runs to try to protect Alizarin, but Reiko pulls her away with her shadows. Jomei says that Cassiopeia will be watched closely over from now on. Alizarin tries to defend himself with Rakuyo, but is knocked down by Daichi, who also damages Rakuyo.

Characters

 * Alizarin (First Appearance)
 * Daichi (First Appearance)
 * Cassiopeia (First Appearance)
 * Reiko (First Appearance)
 * Jomei (First Appearance)

Minor

 * Goons
 * Revolution Boss

Trivia

 * The Revolutionary Boss that Alizarin is ordered to kill may be from the same alliance of Valerian's Rebels, who Alizarin later joins forces with.