Odin still refused Frigga's suggestion.
"That would be inappropriate. As king, I must distinguish between state affairs and family matters.
"Since Thor has already been chosen as the successor, we should not change that casually unless he commits some grave mistake."
Even if it was only for appearances' sake.
After pondering for a moment, Odin added,
"However, I should indeed give Loki an opportunity to prove himself."
"What kind of opportunity? Have you made arrangements?" Frigga asked.
At that moment, Odin recalled what Loki had said to him.
My childhood will be spent in contests I can never possibly win. You only test Thor's and my strength, speed, and endurance, never our intelligence or magic.
Then let the rules of this test favor Loki.
"I plan to send the two brothers as envoys to Kamar-Taj to strengthen the alliance between Asgard and Kamar-Taj."
Odin stated his plan in a deep voice.
As Russell's combat prowess became apparent, Kamar-Taj had also taken on an increasingly important place in his mind.
By evening, the celebration began.
The Asgardian royal family officially announced the theme of the celebration—
—celebrating the reconciliation between Asgard and Jotunheim.
What Russell, Thor, Loki, and the others had done in Jotunheim was also released to the public, albeit in a polished form.
For a time, all of Asgard was in an uproar.
When news of Russell thoroughly defeating Laufey, the Frost Giant King, spread like wildfire and the Asgardian royal family made no statement—
the people of Asgard guessed that the news was most likely true.
Without their knowledge, their prince and future Monarch, Thor—
had led a team into Jotunheim on his own, fought a great battle against the Frost Giants, and emerged victorious.
The greatest contributor was most likely Master Russell.
Yet the news released by