Chapter 413: The Price of an Ideal

Having studied The History of Human Torture thoroughly, Solomon Damonet was well-versed in various methods of punishment—particularly those used during the witch trials. He had a detailed understanding of the instruments used in that era, from torture devices to more symbolic implements like stocks and iron boots. He also knew how some of these instruments had evolved into objects of modern human "pleasure," thanks to certain twisted innovations in contemporary society.

Solomon's punishment for Lorelei, however, leaned heavily into psychological humiliation. Drawing inspiration from the so-called "Age of Reason" (1600–1700), where punishment became more structured and scientific, he incorporated modern elements of degradation. These punishments weren't physically excruciating but were designed to break her pride—forcing her into degrading positions, immobilized by metal supports, and exposing her most private vulnerabilities without mercy.

Lorelei's Asgardian constitution made traditional physical torture ineffective. But it also meant she could endure far more intense psychological torment without her body giving out. Compared to this, the cold dungeons of Asgard—where one was simply left to rot in isolation—seemed almost merciful.

Lorelei regretted not fleeing back to Asgard with Sif, but this regret was fleeting. Ambition soon replaced it.

Solomon's immunity to her allure was a direct rejection of her very nature. To Lorelei and her sister Amora, the more resistant a man was to their powers, the more worthy he became. Despite her failures to influence Solomon through voice, touch, and kisses, Lorelei found herself considering a new strategy: seduction through surrender. If she could offer herself fully to Solomon, perhaps she could control him in return.

However, she refused to allow herself to become a mere object of his lust. That would strip her of her autonomy and turn her into nothing more than a slave. She needed a bargain.

"No matter what your plans are, only you can possess my body," Lorelei declared. "This is a game between us. If I succeed, I will become your queen. If I fail... then I'll be your slave—but yours alone. Do what you want with me, but give me a chance to win. Otherwise, I'd rather endure torture than give you any information."

Solomon smiled and agreed to her terms, binding them with a magical contract.

Lorelei breathed a sigh of relief, unaware that this agreement was part of Solomon's plan to shatter her spirit.

Torture seldom yields reliable information from a broken mind. But forced learning—especially when applied with unrelenting pressure—was a far more insidious form of torment. Solomon didn't even bother returning her clothes, and under his watch, Lorelei was subjected to a barrage of intellectual challenges orchestrated by a master of psychological manipulation. This endless cycle of learning and mental fatigue was far more excruciating than any physical pain.

His goal? Extracting knowledge of Asgard's shipbuilding technologies—something humanity desperately needed. Time was a precious resource. While humanity could theoretically close the technological gap with other advanced civilizations over millennia, neither hostile extra-dimensional entities nor alien invaders would give them that time.

For Solomon, every sacrifice was justified. He had been taught this since childhood.

"I'll become your queen," Lorelei promised with conviction. "You said your ambitions extend far beyond this world. If that's true, then I deserve to share in your power and glory. You owe me that much."

"That position is already spoken for by many contenders," Solomon said with a chuckle.

Athena had tried to pair him with a modern-day Helen of Troy, only to reluctantly allow the witches by his side due to Solomon's insistence. The All-Father of Asgard was pushing for Hela to take the role, hoping for a peaceful transformation of Midgard. Even Bast, the Wakandan goddess, had proposed marrying Solomon into Wakandan royalty, citing the legacy of the Queen of Sheba.

But I'm the one in control now, Solomon thought. The era of peace is ending. My time is coming. Whoever can share in my power will have to win that right through their own games of influence.

For all the satisfaction that came with outmaneuvering Asgard's royalty, Solomon still had to bide his time. The All-Father was far from gone, and so Solomon found himself enduring the mundane, seated between plates of salmon and chanterelle mushrooms, waiting for his era to begin.

"You want Lorelei? Fine," said Queen Frigga, the All-Father's wife, addressing Solomon in a private meeting. "But I don't want you jeopardizing your relationship with Hela over a mere pet."

Frigga's tone was calm but stern. To her, Lorelei was nothing more than a troublesome nuisance—a manipulative "Daughter of the Rhine" who had repeatedly disrupted the royal court and stolen secrets.

"I understand why you might enjoy keeping her around," Frigga continued. "But she's not worth angering the All-Father. Hela's temperament is... difficult. You'll need to handle her carefully. If you provoke her, she'll kill Lorelei without hesitation. And even if she does, you shouldn't be upset. Hela might even allow you other women—but I trust you'll make the right choice. You're not really under that enchantress's spell, are you?"

Solomon nodded politely, concealing his true intentions. If Asgard discovered his goal of stealing their technology, relations between Kamar-Taj and Asgard would sour irreparably. It would be akin to the fallout between the U.S. and its European allies after mutual revelations of espionage—an event Solomon had studied well.

For now, he endured the misunderstanding. Even the Ancient One had taken to teasing him about it.

"If you father a child with that enchantress, I wouldn't mind," the Ancient One said with a grin. "But have you thought about how you'll explain that to the witches?"

"Master, you know that's not going to happen."

"Oh? And here I thought you were prepared to endure this kind of slander. Isn't this part of the price for your ambitions?"

"I can endure it," Solomon said calmly. "Because the rewards will be far greater than the cost. The Asgardians will eventually find Lorelei again—but by then, she won't be called Lorelei, nor will she look the same. She'll work for me and be compensated appropriately."

The Ancient One chuckled softly. "A fair trade, indeed."

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