Emperor Joseph XI awoke from his sleep. His chambers in the royal palace were, as always, too big and he almost felt lonely. His wife, after all, had left this world a long time ago.
He was the Emperor of the Portakal Empire, which wasn't necessarily a weak nation. In this world, Emperor Joseph XII had a respectable position and his people praised him for being a generous ruler.
However, not everyone adored him as much. Up until now, he had lived a rather easy life. As he was of a high status and a member of the royal house, he wouldn't be exposed to danger.
The Emperor took his morning bath and after breakfast, his butler had approached him.
"Your Majesty."
"Yes, Clark?"
His butler, Clark, had been his most loyal servant for quite some time. He'd still remember the time when he was just a little boy, following his fathers footsteps. Clark's family, the Notars, were a notorious family, having faithfully served the imperial household over a span of multiple generations.
"Your son wishes for an audience."
"Why?"
Joseph had only two children. His son Joseph and his daughter Luisa. His son was 21 years old and at his rather young age, held important positions in the country. His daughter was only 11 years old and enjoyed playing outside a little more.
"He wishes to speak to you about the situation with the Kingdom of Olba."
One could say the Kingdom of Olba was Portakal's biggest rival. Not only had they different views, the King of Olba, Mark II, had shown constant hostility over the older Portakal Empire.
The Kingdom of Olba was a modern country, having declared their independence from the bigger Empire of Ziberia only recently.
While in comparison, the older Portakal Empire had an extensive history of old traditions and practices. They weren't as developed either but instead relied on old systems.
The Kingdom of Olba had recently made their demands to the Portakal Empire. They demanded several border provinces be handed over, including multiple prominent ones such as Oel.
At least that was what he had been told.
Joseph gave Clark a nod, before heading over to the throne room.
He had felt free to send the guards away, he was a generous ruler after all.
After all, it was only his son that was visiting, right?
Two people had entered the room. Count Albert and his son, Joseph. They kneeled down.
"Your Majesty."
"Raise your heads. What can I do for you, Joseph?"
Suddenly, Count Albert drew his sword and lunged at Emperor Joseph. He saw the expression on his face, which he would later describe as one of satisfaction.
"What is the meaning of this? Guards!"
No one came. Not only because he had sent them away, but also because Count Albert Darkinti was the military advisor to the Emperor. His son spoke up.
"Today, the 17th of August, 768, a tragedy will occur in the royal palace. His Majesty the Emperor, will be found dead at the age of 61 in his throne room. Therefore, his son, Joseph Portakal, is going to be been crowned Emperor Joseph XII of the Portakal Empire."
He was enraged. He looked around and remembered his self-defense dagger, but as he looked down, the sword came closer.
He chose to draw his dagger. In an instant, he felt a cold pain in his right wrist. He had been cut and was now bleeding. He tried to clench his hand but was unable to use his thumb.
In a panic, he held his left hand over his wrist, applying pressure on the open wound.
"What do you want?"
Count Albert, who has been quiet as of now, replied to Joseph XI.
"You have become old, Your Majesty. Or should I say Joseph? Would Jos be more appropriate? We are here to free you of your duty."
The Emperor was not a man that cared much about status, he was a generous ruler after all.
"What have you done to my personnel?"
Joseph looked out the window to see his courtyard filled with armed individuals whose uniforms he recognized very well. They wore the uniforms of the Imperial Army.
Even though the country had stuck to traditions, they had a centralized military rather than groups of mercenaries.
"Emperor Joseph XI has died today. He has been killed."
In a swift motion, his assasin slashed his throat, killing the Emperor.
At least that was what the rest of the world had been told.