Brother-in-Law

Every word dripped with disdain and mockery. The exchange left Hela furious, yet there was nothing she could do. In the Dark Dimension, the martial prowess she had taken such pride in was utterly useless. She could only try to persuade Russell with words.

"I know Odin better than anyone. His kindness and selflessness are all an act. He's a complete and utter tyrant who conquered worlds through war and bloodshed, then rewrote history to turn himself into a kindly old man."

Hela spoke through gritted teeth. She had been Odin's sword for conquering worlds, only to be discarded once he was done with her.

"If that's how you put it, then Odin is remarkable. He's a perfect king."

"What?" Hela was utterly stunned, feeling as if Russell had been fed some kind of brainwashing potion by Odin.

"Odin was right. You aren't suited to be a king."

Russell shot Hela a sidelong glance. "A king isn't the owner of a nation, but someone born for it. From Asgard's perspective, Odin was nearly perfect because he knew what the nation needed..."

"When the nation needed war, Odin was a tyrant. When the nation needed peace and recuperation, Odin was a benevolent ruler. He continually adjusted himself for Asgard, taking on the role best suited to the moment."

"You can't do that!"

"In your eyes, the nation is merely a tool for the king. Perhaps you could make Asgard strong for a time, but it would quickly begin to decline, eventually drawing attacks from all sides and heading toward destruction."

"You can't be a king. It isn't a matter of ability, but mentality."

Russell repeatedly shook his head. From Earth's perspective, Odin was Asgard's best choice, followed by Thor, then Loki, and only then Hela.

Earth was too weak and lacked