Summary
Astharoshe "Asthe" Aslan, the Duchess of Odessa and Kiev, serves as an undercover operative for the New Human Empire. Initially, she is a direct, no-nonsense character who holds humans in extremely low regard, viewing them as barbaric and unintelligent. This prejudice stems largely from Empire propaganda and her limited exposure to human culture. Asthe rejects the label of "vampire" as an insult, preferring the term Methuselah. She wields the Sword of Gae Bolg, a Lost Technology relic considered the most powerful melee weapon, which utilizes ionized xenon gas to generate a high-density, high-temperature plasma blade capable of cutting through any material. Her perspective shifts during a mission in Venice to arrest Endre Kourza, a vampire mass murderer whose actions in Vatican territory risked sparking a war. Assigned to partner with Father Abel Nightroad of the AX Agency, Asthe becomes obsessed with killing Endre after he murders her partner. Her rage leads to the destruction of the Rialto Bridge, causing numerous human casualties. Abel is injured while shielding her from the sword’s recoil during the explosion. Overcome with regret, Asthe gains emotional control during their subsequent pursuit and arrest of Endre. Although she initially resented Abel’s use of the word "partner," a term of deep significance to her, she eventually respects him enough to accept the title. This experience also makes her more tolerant of humans. This partnership facilitates secret peace negotiations between the Vatican and the Empire. Asthe later protects Vatican diplomats and the Earl of Memphis following an assassination attempt on Cardinal Caterina by the Rosenkreuz Orden. Consequently, she becomes a key Empire representative in efforts to prevent further war between the Methuselah and Terrans. Adaptations differ regarding her backstory. In the novels, the partner killed by Endre was Countess Len Yearnoshe, whereas the anime changes this character to a male, implying a romantic relationship. In the anime, Asthe is initially sent to investigate a vampire-related incident and reluctantly works with Abel. While harsh, she can be caring and understanding. She is a skilled fighter who wields a large, extendable spear that fires massive energy blasts from its tip.
