Loki, The Regent (Part 01)
Sitting on the Asgardian Throne, Loki tightly grasped Gungnir in his hand with trepidation. Eyes bloodshot red due to lack of sleep, Loki listened to the reports various heads of various departments were recounting to him one-by-one.
"... the military suffered a significant loss. But we are still standing strong. I request several enchanted weapons from the Dwarves..." Bulwar continued. He was one of All-Father's oldest friends. After Tyr's unfortunate death, Loki handed the control of the Asgardian military to Bulwar and Rongor, another friend of his father.
"My liege. The crown won't be able to fund these expenses... The amount of upgraded war galley's and advance turrets alone would put a dent in Asgard's treasury. And this is not taking the reconstruction costs into consideration...." Whitemante, the financial advisor of the council, interrupted.
"You would deny Asgard the opportunity to defend itself?" Rongor retorted heatedly.
"I won't. But are you even hearing yourself? Enchanted swords and blasters. You would run the Uru supply of Nidavellir dry. Do you even know the cost of making an Uru weapon..."
Before the argument could go further, Loki slammed Gungnir down, bringing everyone's attention to the individual on the Throne.
"Generals. The concerns brought up by Lord Whitemante are just. Nidavellir's Uru supply won't be able to match the demand that you are requesting. Enchanted weapons are doable. But Uru armours..." Loki shakes his head, "As for Skiffs and Turrets... only acquire the amount that is needed. Not one more. I've been pondering over Asgard's lack of technological weapons. I have decided that the crown would fund an ivory tower of academia. Their task would be to design warships and mounted weapons of both magic and technological origin..."
Deep in thoughts, Loki leaned forward, "Generals, you would meet with Osmond of Phoenix Financial and test the automated technological weapons shown by him. Return tomorrow and report to me your findings."
Loki looked around for Bygir, the head of Asgard's Emissaries, "Bygir, send the missive to Nidavellir. Besides the purchase order, also send the Destroyer to be repaired and invite them to participate in the Ivory Tower."
Bygir nodded her head in conformation and wrote down the order her King gave.
"Sire." The Generals performed a military salute and backed away to allow the next person to present their report. They didn't look disconcerted by the request or the orders that it was followed by. They knew that Prince Loki is cunning and somewhat eccentric. And if he believes something will work... well, then they would have to trust him.
"But-" Whitemante tried to interrupt, but Loki raised his hand in a motion to stop him from speaking.
"Not now." The Lord of Coin relented, hearing this.
"Cosak..." Loki, now motioned the crimson-haired builder to continue the report.
"Milord, the guild has assessed the damage done to the city. We have prepared a list of all the materials needed in the reparation with their cost."
A palace guard moved forward to procure the document and bring it to Loki. Reading the list, Loki showed no outward reaction but inwardly sighed. "Done. You will have the capital to procure these materials, start working from in to out."
Loki passed the list back to the palace guard, who passed it on to Whitemante. Cosak bowed in response to Loki and left the Throne Room.
Next to present their report was Eir. She has been tirelessly working for the last two days at healing camp to heal all the soldiers injured back to health.
"My liege." Eir performed a courtesy bow.
"Eir," Loki answered warmly.
"Your presence in the infirmary would be much appreciated," Eir asked, hoping the Regent would visit the injured soldiers to boost their morale.
"Before the funeral ceremony for those who have entered Valhalla, I'll visit them. Anything else?"
"No, sire."
"Well, I suppose this concludes today's meeting. Before you are dismissed. Bulwar, Rongor. I want a list of all personnel who left us for Valhalla. The family of all these soldiers will be monetarily compensated. Same with you, Eir. Write a list of all those who are injured and present it to Lord Whitemante. And Lord Whitemante, don't let your hair go more white than they already are. Phoenix Financial will pay for half the expense that the crown is going to incur."
"Si-Sire?" Lord Whitemante stunned, barely stuttered out a response.
Now before the old man could start his rambling, Loki slammed the Gungnir down, dismissing them.
As soon as they left, Loki slumped back on the Throne and released a heavy sigh.
A body from the side of the Throne moved towards Loki and placed their hands on Loki's neck.
"My love," Sigyn said, rubbing Loki's neck and shoulder.
"Sin," Loki spoke with his eyes closed. His face now sporting a smile.
"You need to sleep. You have hours before you promised to meet the soldiers at the infirmary. Take it to rest." She stated worriedly.
"Do I now?" Loki huffs and pulls Sigyn into his embrace.
Sigyn making herself comfortable in Loki's lap took his face into her hand. "Yes, you do. Asga..."
They were both sadly interrupted by a cough. Looking up, Loki glared at the intruder.
Amora, who entered the Throne room, put her hands up in a surrendering motion. "I just came to inform you that I found Thor."
Hearing those words, Sigyn and Loki immediately stood up.
Gritting his teeth, Loki asked, "Where?"
.
.
.
Three women dressed in grey robes were sitting by a hearth.
"A plea we have received." One of the women spoke up.
"Did we now?" Spoke the other with sarcasm evident in her voice.
"And what's so special about this plea." Inquired the last women.
"The person who is bargaining."
"Who?"
"The current King of Asgard."
"Indeed, but it more of a bargain and not a plea."
"Bargain with Fates."
"How many have tried that before."
"Many. But this one... we have something to gain."
"Explain"
"Do tell."
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@KnowledgeKing Can I get the ting?