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The teleportation platform ensured Arthur wouldn't waste too much time.
However, just as Frigga was about to step onto it, Arthur cautioned her, "While this pen contains formidable magic, it doesn't hold enough power to fuel such a long-distance teleportation on its own. Some of the energy will be drawn from your own body."
Frigga nodded, signaling her understanding. She showed no concern. But just as she was about to step forward, Arthur stopped her again and added, "By the way, don't mention to Lily that Odin keeps trying to set me up with Hela."
"Of course."
Frigga smiled. "I genuinely like that girl. I have no intention of meddling in your relationship for Odin's sake."
"...Really?" Arthur eyed her skeptically. The last time he'd tried to leave, Frigga had personally delivered him to Odin. Her words didn't seem entirely convincing.
"Trust me," Frigga reassured him. "If I did that, not only would it fail to satisfy Odin, but it would also destroy any goodwill you have toward him— or me."
Arthur considered this and nodded. "That's actually a fair point. Alright then, please…"
The moment she stepped onto the teleportation platform, Frigga vanished instantly.
Arthur suppressed the urge to call Lily and turned his gaze to the other 'Frigga' lying on the ground. She was sprawled in a pool of blood, her face deathly pale, her breath shallow— on the brink of unconsciousness.
"No!!!!!!!"
Before Arthur could react, Thor burst through the door. His eyes widened in horror at the sight of Frigga's motionless body. He rushed to her side in an instant, reaching out to lift her— only to hesitate, his expression twisting in confusion.
Arthur pressed a firm hand on Thor's shoulder. "Hold onto this grief, Thor. The Queen is dead. The Dark Elves did this."
Thor, ever impulsive, almost blurted out, "This is obviously a trick!" But when he turned to meet Arthur's gaze, the weight of the moment silenced him.
"Explain." His voice was low, controlled.
Arthur smirked. "Tell me, do you want a brother?"
"...Even if I did, my parents can't exactly have another one at this point, can they?" Thor said, baffled. "And what does that have to do with this?"
Arthur sighed, rubbing his temples. "Your thought process is... unique."
After a hushed exchange, Thor's expression turned uncertain. "Is this even possible?"
"It's the perfect plan."
"Then where is she?"
"Earth." The moment Arthur spoke, Odin materialized before them.
He didn't look at Arthur or Thor. His gaze was locked on the fallen 'Frigga.' Slowly, he knelt beside her, placing a trembling hand over her 'wound.' His face was etched with sorrow, his grief so profound that he seemed unable to speak.
Seeing this, Thor's eyes reddened— then he remembered. His mother wasn't actually dead.
His father had to know that.
So what was this performance about?
Still, watching Odin's flawless act, Thor, though bewildered, decided to follow along.
But while Odin was a master of deception, Thor was not. His expressions and emotions were slightly off, not quite reaching the depth of true mourning. But it was probably enough to fool most observers.
Arthur, watching Odin's stellar performance, suspected that the Allfather's convincing grief wasn't just an act— it was a reflection of how little time he had left.
Odin looked visibly weakened, his steps lacking the strength and authority they once held when Arthur had last seen him.
Could the so-called countdown actually be referring to Odin?
...
...
The fall of the Queen.
In Asgard, this was no minor event.
The projection Frigga had left behind played its role flawlessly, mimicking death with unnerving accuracy.
That very night, a grand funeral was held.
Odin and Thor presided over the ceremony, while Arthur stood off to the side, arms crossed, his expression so serious that it seemed as if the entire kingdom owed him a fortune.
Truthfully, he knew his performance wasn't great. He had criticized Thor's acting earlier, but his own attempt at mourning felt even less convincing.
As an arrow shot through the clouds, countless flaming projectiles streaked through the sky, striking a small boat already drifting away on the river.
'Frigga' lay upon it. As the flames took hold, the vessel was slowly carried down the waterway, eventually vanishing into the void, dissolving into nothing more than a glowing ember.
"Seamless."
Arthur kept his expression grim, but inwardly, he had to admit—Asgard's funeral traditions provided far too many opportunities for faking one's death.
One by one, white energy orbs floated into the air, cast upward by the people of Asgard as their final tribute to their 'Queen.'
It all looked simple, but the orchestration had taken considerable effort.
By the time everything was complete, the night was already half over. Arthur returned to his quarters, contemplating his next steps.
Two major concerns remained.
The first was the Aether within this woman.
He had no particular attachment to her, nor did he harbor any ill will, but the Aether she possessed was crucial—and it needed to be extracted.
The second matter was the looming Ragnarok.
He figured it was best to consult Odin.
And just as he considered seeking him out, the old god appeared before him.
Arthur took a moment to think before speaking. "I have an older relative who always says that elderly people should go to bed on time for the sake of their health."
"…I imagine your relative is not particularly popular."
"Not at all. He himself is often amazed that his personality hasn't gotten him killed yet."
Arthur let out a quiet sigh. "Honestly, if you don't tell me what you expect of me, it would be best to put an end to this now. Asgard is vast, and the responsibility you're hinting at is overwhelming. I don't mind carrying some of the burden, but I can't shoulder it all."
"You can."
Odin stepped forward, sitting down with noticeable effort. "I am old, and my strength is fading. Frigga's presence on Earth serves a purpose— it allows her to avoid unwanted attention, at least for the time being."
Then, turning to Arthur, he continued, "As for the answers you seek… it's not that I refuse to tell you, but once I do, everything changes. The moment you know, certain possibilities will vanish."
Arthur fell silent.
Foreknowledge was a dangerous weapon. The causal chains it could set in motion were among the most terrifying forces in existence, capable of harming not only others but oneself as well. One misstep and everything could be lost.
He understood Odin's hesitation.
But that didn't make the uncertainty any easier to bear.
(End of Chapter)