I am the confused. This group kills (they think) a retainer of a visiting head of state, engages in acts of destruction and deception, and is generally not being nicey-nice while smiling and smiling and being a villain, and seems to be getting away with it. Or at least is convinced they have little to fear. This under a goddess like monarch. Something seems to be off, here.

I can think of possible explanations. They're doing this on Albia's orders. They're doing this under Albia's orders but adding their own touches which will wind up benefiting them and which they think they can shrug off as incidental. They're planning to topple Albia and compared to THAT, what's a bit of mayhem along the way? They're minions of the Other and have little choice in what they're doing. Or something.

We need more information as to motivation.