Reality May Not Be Reality

It really was that woman's token. After Odin accepted the token Evenson presented, he first carefully examined the golden lock of hair attached to it, then repeatedly traced the ancient patterns on it with his fingers. For a moment, he was filled with emotion.

Her honorific really was just as impressively grand as mine. Still, she deserved it.

Asgard ruled the Nine Realms, and most bowed their heads in submission. Even Laufey the Frost Giant King and Surtur the Fire Giant King, though dissatisfied and later launching rebellions, were beaten into submission by Odin and had no choice but to acknowledge Asgard's position as their suzerain.

Yet Midgard—Earth—was the sole exception. Though it was among the Nine Realms, its relationship with Asgard was neither close nor distant. It neither submitted nor paid tribute!

Not only did they refuse to acknowledge Odin as Lord, they even denied his existence outright, believing him to be nothing more than a product of ancient ignorance and imagination. By rights, that was a blatant insult to royal authority—a capital crime!

Yet Odin had ignored the matter entirely and allowed it to continue. Why? When Loki's betrayal had left Odin comatose, many realms believed Asgard's days were numbered and took the opportunity to rebel. They were swiftly crushed with an iron hand, and countless lives were lost.

Afterward, some even maliciously speculated that it had all been part of Odin's plan. Being angered into a coma by his adopted son, supposedly nearing death—that had merely been a ploy to show weakness and lure the snakes from their holes.

Once all those harboring treasonous intent had foolishly emerged and raised their banners in revolt, he had immediately suppressed and killed them, conducting a massive purge. Even Laufey the Frost Giant King had died on the spot.

It