Important Talk

In the magnificent palace, two women walked side by side—a towering figure shouting at her petite companion. The smaller woman, Hela, calmly disregarded the onslaught of words, her indifference evident.

Hela: (Oh, Alice, can you please stop your incessant shouting? It was just a harmless prank. No one was harmed.)

Maid Alice: (Princess, it was not a mere prank. Your actions could be deemed criminal within the palace walls. Due to your status, you are spared from the consequences. But stealing a royal guard's sword and swapping it with a Valkyrie's weapon could have had severe repercussions. You must understand that such behavior befits neither a princess nor your esteemed position...)

As they bickered while strolling through the grand palace, their voices filled the air. Eventually, they reached the entrance to Queen Frigga's room, where two guards stood. They granted the duo access, but not before Hela attempted to pilfer the sword once again, only to be caught red-handed.

Queen Frigga: (Ah, there you are, my dear princess. I have been eagerly awaiting your arrival. We have important matters to discuss today. However, I must insist that you put an end to your mischievous pranks. Now, take a seat so that we may begin.)

Hela: (Oh, is it another one of those tiresome "princess talks" disguised as an "important" discussion? Or will we finally delve into substantial matters, such as my magical and sword training with Father?)

Frigga: (Indeed, we will address those topics, but today, your father wishes to take you to a warzone. He must have a valid reason for doing so...)

A heavy silence descended upon the room, and Hela lowered her gaze, lost in contemplation—an introvert deep in thought. Her mother, sensing her daughter's introspection, waited patiently, recognizing this characteristic behavior. After nearly five minutes of silence, Frigga broke it.

Hela: (So, essentially, I'll be visiting a warzone to witness countless lives extinguished like insignificant insects, correct? Well, no big deal then. When are we going? And to which realm are we headed? I'd like to know whom we'll be exterminating, especially if they are xenos; it might prove rather amusing to observe...)

A mischievous smile adorned Hela's innocent face as she expressed her thoughts, oblivious to the disconcerting nature of her words. Having delved into the lore of Warhammer 40k, she believed it to be a genuine universe. Thus, the prospect of countless lives and armies perishing in conflict held little consequence for her. In her mind, it was all fair in war—a concept born out of her home planet's fear of self-destruction through nuclear conflict. To Hela, annihilating an alien civilization and claiming their world, transforming it into a utopia under her rule, appeared morally acceptable. Though her intentions seemed noble, her methods were undeniably dark, and her perspective on life, profoundly twisted.

Frigga: (Oh, my dear, such harsh words! They are not mere insects to be disregarded. Though they may be our adversaries, they, too, possess life. When we emerge victorious, they will become part of our future realm, guided by our rule. We must protect and nurture them as our own. We must not harbor hatred toward them. You, my princess, must strive to be a wise ruler—a leader whose strength lies in governance rather than annihilation.)

Hela: (Oh, mother, you worry far too much. Of course, I understand that they will become our subjects. What use is killing them all when we can enslave them, extracting taxes, and utilizing their manpower as additional soldiers? A death slave serves no purpose, and we must utilize every resource at our disposal, as this universe possesses finite supplies. Why waste when we can make use of everything?)

Frigga: (Oh, my child, you misunderstand. They are not to be seen as slaves. When we conquer their realms, we shall protect them as part of our people, fostering a strong relationship. We will not exploit or kill needlessly. Violence will only be employed when absolutely necessary. Understand, my princess...)

Hela: (So, we shall establish a religion, molding them into fervent believers, eliminating any room for doubt or questioning. Through generations, their unwavering faith in us will solidify. They will accept our rule without question. An excellent plan, Mother! Your wisdom is remarkable, for a complete and loyal servant is the best kind of servant. We shall not need to employ punishment or force. You are truly astute, Mother, and your plan has sparked an idea within me...)

Having resolved to wield ultimate power as a god-like figure, Hela envisaged a future in which none would dare to challenge her authority. Those who dared dissent would be branded heretics, punished with prejudice. She envisioned a twisted rule, in which her subjects' faith in her would be unwavering. The thousands of hours she had dedicated to reading would now bear fruit, proving the supremacy of the pen alongside the sword. For Hela, the concept of possessing both power and intellectual prowess was not inconceivable—it was inevitable.

Frigga: (It's an intriguing notion, but it carries inherent flaws, my dear Hela. Remember, we are not gods, despite being hailed as such by lesser races, simply due to our formidable powers. We lack omnipotence and will age and ultimately perish. Let us remain humble and kind to those weaker than us, refraining from exploiting them. While you may possess great intellect, certain matters can only be comprehended through lived experiences. Nevertheless, it grows late. Rest now, for when you come of age—ten years from now—you will accompany your father to a relatively vulnerable realm. Prepare yourself, learn more, and utilize your intellect wisely. You have been blessed with intelligence; make the most of it. Alice, take her back. Take good care of her, my dear princess.)

As they exited the room, Hela whispered to the guards to inspect their swords. To their astonishment, the weapons had been switched without their notice, revealing their lack of attentiveness. Hela's laughter echoed through the corridors as she sauntered away, leaving the bemused guards in her wake. Her mother, amused by her daughter's mischievous nature, chuckled softly, instructing the guards to be more vigilant before closing the door behind them.