"Loki, what happened?"
Looking at Loki sitting on the steps, seemingly lost in deep thought, Sif hurried over with the Warriors Three.
"We just heard the news that Thor was stripped of his divine power and exiled by the All-Father? What is going on here?" Sif asked, her face full of anxiety.
"Yeah, Loki, what in the Nine Realms just happened?"
"We clearly won the battle. Why would the All-Father exile Thor and strip him of his power?"
Seeing the anxious faces of Sif and the Warriors Three, Loki, who had just started to feel a bit better, felt a pang of discomfort. Especially hearing Sif and the Warriors Three "question" him, Loki frowned even deeper.
Although they were all childhood playmates... was Thor so important in their hearts? The moment they heard Thor had been exiled by his father, they rushed over to question him.
What if it hadn't been Thor who was exiled, but himself? Would they still be in such a hurry then?
Although he felt slightly uncomfortable, Loki didn't show it. Instead, he looked calmly at the four before him and said, "I'm not entirely sure what happened either, though I was in the hall just now."
"Father and Thor started arguing fiercely during their conversation. Thor even angrily accused Father, saying he is a fatuous and incompetent king, and that Asgard will meet its end under his rule sooner or later."
"It was because of such words that Father became utterly disappointed in Thor, and then stripped him of his divine power and exiled him."
Hearing Loki's words, Sif and the Warriors Three all gasped.
Insult the All-Father? How could Thor dare to do that? How could he do that!
"What do we do now?" Sif frowned, glancing at the three warriors who were anxiously pacing. "We can't just stand by and watch Thor be exiled like this."
"No, I'm going to see the All-Father and beg him to forgive Thor's impulsive, reckless words!"
"Yes, let's go find His Majesty together. Thor must have spoken out of impulse!"
Hearing Sif's words, the Warriors Three seemed to find their resolve and immediately wanted to enter the hall to plead with Odin.
"It's useless," Loki said with a feigned sigh of helplessness, seeing the four about to head into the palace. "Do you think I didn't try to persuade the King?"
"In fact, when Thor contradicted Father again, I tried to intervene, but he told me to shut up."
"And now, Father has fainted from anger because of Thor."
"Otherwise, Mother wouldn't have instructed me to perform the duties of the Prince of Asgard during this time and take charge of Asgard for Father!"
As he spoke, Loki lightly activated Gungnir, the Eternal Spear, in his hand.
Seeing the movement of the spear in Loki's hand, Sif and the others finally realized—what Loki held was indeed the All-Father's Eternal Spear!
They had been so anxious upon hearing the news of Thor's exile that they had initially overlooked the Eternal Spear in Loki's hand, the symbol of the All-Father's authority. But now, seeing Gungnir, the four finally believed that the All-Father had truly fainted from rage, and Queen Frigga had indeed tasked Loki with managing Asgard. Otherwise, how could the Eternal Spear be in Loki's possession?
"This is terrible!" Looking at the Eternal Spear in Loki's hand, Sif and the others were at a complete loss.
Thor was exiled, and the All-Father, the only one who could pardon him, had fainted from anger.
But... wait!
Looking at Loki holding Gungnir, Fandral's eyes lit up as if he had thought of something. "Loki, you are now acting ruler of Asgard in His Majesty's stead. That means you currently hold the same status as the King of Asgard!"
"Then you can use this authority to pardon Thor and let him return from exile!"
Hearing Fandral's words, the other two warriors immediately nodded in agreement.
In contrast, Loki inwardly sneered upon hearing Fandral's suggestion.
This wasn't even my plan, but I finally waited for Thor to be exiled so I could manage Asgard and prove to Father that I am no worse than Thor, that I am also worthy of his attention and love.
And now you want me to use this perfect opportunity to pardon the exiled Thor?
Not to mention whether I want to or not, just consider this: Father exiled Thor and then passed out from rage. Would I directly pardon Thor the very next second?
Are you genuinely worried that Father won't be angry enough? Should I join Thor's ranks and try to piss Father off too?
So, you only ever think about Thor, and never consider my position at all, is that it?
"Don't suggest reckless ideas!" Sif glared at Fandral after hearing his words. "His Majesty the All-Father just exiled Thor. If Loki pardons Thor now in his capacity as acting king, wouldn't that be intentionally stating that His Majesty's decision was wrong?"
Hearing Sif's words, Fandral scratched his head. He knew what he had just said was inappropriate. But right now, he really was at a loss!
"Loki, you are the smartest among the playmates we grew up with," Sif said, turning to Loki. "You have to think of a way to handle this!"
Hearing Sif's words, Loki nodded slightly.
Oh, now you know I'm the smartest one? I bet what you really wanted to say is that I'm the most scheming among you!
Although he thought this, Loki still said softly, "Although I cannot pardon Thor right now, I do need your help to manage Asgard's affairs while Father is unconscious."
"Don't worry about Thor for now. He is my elder brother; how could I just stand by and watch him exiled?"
"When Father wakes up, and the time is right, I will persuade him to calm down and then pardon Thor."
"After all, Thor is Father's most beloved son!"
"As for this period, Sif, relay my order: ask your brother Heimdall to pay close attention to Thor, to ensure at the very least that his life isn't in danger during his exile."
Hearing Loki's words, the Warriors Three felt somewhat relieved. Since Loki—the clever one, the schemer—had said so, Thor would surely return.
As for Sif, although she felt there was something slightly off about Loki's words, she still nodded.
That's right. The most important thing now was to have her brother Heimdall monitor Thor's situation closely. In case of danger, people like themselves should go to the world of exile to protect Thor as soon as possible.
Watching Sif and the Warriors Three leave, the originally calm, even "troubled" expression on Loki's face faded. The corners of his mouth lifted into an unconscious smile.
What a perfect opportunity.
Thor is exiled. Father is unconscious.
As long as I manage Asgard well and help Asgard resolve the major trouble with Jotunheim... then when Father awakens, he will surely be very pleased.
All for Asgard!