Fighting a Different Battle

Frigga and her handmaidens stared as the palace practically bustled with activity. The princess' section of the palace seem to be the center of the everything, judging from the sight of servants, ministers, healers, builders, and even Vor hurrying to and fro from Hela's study. Fulla, her loyal head handmaiden, stepped slightly forward and tilted her head. "This is what the Princess wished to keep secret?"

Frigga sighed internally, "Indeed," they watched a servant go by with their arms stacked full with papers and scrolls, bowing quickly to her before rushing off. "I was hoping that would change now. It has been weeks, after all."

She watched for a moment more before relaxing and continuing on their walk. This most certainly a sign that Hela's big project is now in full swing.

The blonde-haired Queen found herself recalling the interesting conversation she had with her daughter weeks ago when Hela suddenly came to visit her in her study. She remembered her daughter looking very determined, her green eyes steely and sharp. Her question and request had been surprising, and although Frigga had known the princess had been handling a lot of activities and duties—even taking on some of her own!—and had her fair share of brilliant ideas, to see it in action was impressive.

Hela had asked then if it was possible for a princess to spearhead big projects for the realm—and not the ordinary sort, but the type that would change it drastically—and if she will be given the funds to do so.

"Within reason, certainly." Frigga had said, though she had been confused and intrigued. "The Princess or anyone in the royal family can organize any project they wish, provided it is important and not a waste of resources."

It seemed to be all the confirmation Hela needed because she instantly brightened. To her bemusement, Hela had also asked Frigga to vouch for her in case someone was reluctant to do as she says. She was truly covering all her bases.

Understandably, Frigga was terribly curious and inquired what kind of project it was, but Hela only grinned and said it was a surprise. In fact, the only hint she gave was that it was for the people, and implored her to trust her to do this on her own.

She relented in the end. After all, Frigga doesn't think Hela had anything malicious in mind. She admit she's very curious and worried, although it looks like Hela has things well in hand. Moreover, she has Vor with her. Frigga knows that she's in very capable hands.

Reassured, the Queen of Asgard hid a smile behind her delicate hand before heading back to the gardens, trusting her daughter to reveal the 'surprise' to her when the time comes.

…

Meanwhile, Hela is absolutely enjoying this. A concrete plan and goal, all the manpower and funds she needs, and the resources to put it into action. She has the power to change things, she would be a fool to not use it.

She hadn't really noticed it before, but since she had been reborn, she had always felt anxious, almost as if there's an axe waiting to fall and for everything to go to shit. She's spent this whole time trying to prepare herself for the worst, but what about preparing Asgard? That realization lit a fire inside her, and now she'll do everything she can to see it through.

Right after she had received permission from Frigga, she immediately went to the Minister of Treasury's office and requested all the financial documents that recorded all the transactions made in both the palace and the whole realm. After all, she should take into account how much money the realm spends and get approval for the withdrawals she'll make.

The Minister had looked dubious at first, but provided it readily enough when Frigga – true to her word – vouched for her. Hela then had to review all of those documents as well as conduct personal inspections and risk assessments to properly determine exactly what Asgard and its people need. It took her the better part of the month, but that's alright, because she now knows what to do.

According to the documents, the source of most of Asgard's funds and money come from the wars and battles the Einherjar take part in. By bringing back home their spoils of war, the Treasury is kept full. This is probably the main reason why Asgard's main focus is to produce the best warriors, weapons, and armor in the Nine; because they profit from war. Other sources were from alcohol and mead, the game animals hunted from the realm's luscious forests, fish exports, lumber, and weapon production.

It also largely operates on a barter system and is socialistic in theory due to the palace supplying  to the people, although the word doesn't seem to exist here. and currency is not usually used unless in establishments like pubs and shops.

Likely as a result, Asgard is now sorely lacking in structures and systems that can provide for its regular citizens. Not everyone wants to be a warrior; some people want to become healers, farmers, blacksmiths, and artisans, but has no means to learn because the Realm Eternal's main priority are their warriors.

Wracking her brain for memories of economic systems on Earth provided an answer: guilds.

It's perfect! Guilds allows people a place to trade their skills and energy for each other's needs, as well as acquire the skills they need to sustain themselves and rise in society. Guilds can also protect its members if they ever go through hard times. Most importantly, any goods its members will produce can be exported to other realms, making it an important source of income for Asgard.

The realm produces no new products, so the poor doesn't even have the chance to work or even achieve a higher status and wealth to make a name for themselves. The economy is stagnant, and she knows if she doesn't do anything soon, Asgard won't prosper. By then, it won't matter if the people here are immortal.

In addition to that, she had inspected and gone undercover in the lower levels again. During that, she had noticed that almost all the houses there were old. 

She then decided to also bring a little piece of Earth here and began planning to build housing units – or apartments, if you want to be more specific. Though she obviously won't call it that here. In exchange for living there, the people must join the guilds and organizations she's planning to form to produce more resources and goods, which will then be exported to other realms or bought by the people and nobility. Soon enough, the funds she expended from the project would be recovered as if nothing happened.

A small price to pay for what will be a successful long-term investment. Asgard will be exporting and trading with the other realms soon if she has anything to say about it.

Sure, without these plans, Asgard still managed to survive and prosper in canon, but it won't reach that state if she doesn't plan on letting the war go longer than it would have in the first place. 

In truth, the only notable places of work here are pubs, blacksmiths, inns, and some stalls in the market. Everything else, the King and his administration provided. Taxes are minimal, and not enough to build essential buildings and systems such as public healing wards, places for artisans, builders, cooks, fishermen, hunters, and merchants, public libraries, and even farms.

That is why Hela decided to build all of that and more. If Loki found a way to build all those theaters and statues of himself in the movie for his own amusement, then she could build structures that are actually useful.

Which leads her to now.

Ever since she delegated tasks and told Vor her plans so she could assist her, the palace has been a hive of activity. Hela knows everyone's noticing by now that something big is going on, especially with how tense everything was with the war. That just benefits her though, since spreading the word now will give time for everyone to decide on their future.

She had thought of telling Frigga her plans. Norns know the Queen would be pleased as always, but Hela wanted it to be a surprise. She wants to prove herself to the Odin and Frigga, and she really wants to show Ornulf that she's not all talk.

Hela also can't deny that there's a little selfish thought that if this turns out to be successful, then perhaps the people and her subjects would start respecting her more, not just because she has a fancy title, but because she actually did something that helped and benefitted them.

Hela may enjoy getting to spearhead this project, but she also can't deny that planning the actual thing, as well as coordinating with a lot of people, keeping track of the budget, and getting resources and materials needed is exhausting and stressful. And don't even get her started on the amount of funds needed. If the Minister of Treasury complains to her one more time, she's going to scream.

Someone cleared their throat pointedly, and Hela immediately straightened and attempted to focus again on the meeting at hand.

"–construction for the medical institution is well underway. We have taken into account what you have suggested for its location, Your Highness, and decided that it would be best suited in the middle of the city for better accessibility." The master builder explains as he points to a spot in Asgard's map. "The buildings for the other guilds will also start construction as soon as we found suitable lands for them. Everything is going according to schedule." He finishes with a satisfied smile, no doubt pleased with their work.

Hela nods; impressed despite herself at how quickly he's working. "Excellent. I leave it in your capable hands then." She smiled at him, who bowed deeply, before turning to the next person who'll report. "Healer Eir?"

The sharp-eyed head healer of the palace immediately steps forward; her grey-streaked hair held up in a particularly tight bun that Hela felt a headache just by looking at it. "Training for the healers who will take up residence in the medical institution is going well. The volunteers are all interested in the subject matter and diligent enough that we are now finished with the basics and moving on to the more difficult aspects of the program. At the rate we are going, Her Highness will have capable healers by the time the building finishes construction." She nodded curtly, "That is all."

Thorough and to-the-point, as expected of Healer Eir. Hela smiled, internally thrilled at the prospect of widely available healers. Now Ornulf can let his mother be treated for her sickness without feeling like he owed her or something. "Good work. I will be sure to trust in their expertise when the time comes." She nodded at her before moving on to the last person in the room, "Lady Vor?"

Her wise instructor met her eyes before standing, "As Her Highness commanded, I have met and talked to the list of people who have the abilities needed to run the guilds and these are the ones who passed assessment," She walked forward and slid a list of names across her desk. "Authun, as the leading merchant in the market and a well-versed traveler between realms, will be the head of the merchant guild. Lord Njord is the god of the sea and as such, will be the head for the fisherman's guild. Haldier is the most renowned blacksmith in the realm and as such, he's qualified to be head of the blacksmith's guild. As the god of poetry, Bragi will be the head of the artisans guild, and lastly, Lord Lucas will be the head of the hunter's guild after he presented the biggest game after you in the Coming-of-Age ceremony."

Hela had been nodding at the constant stream of information before that last bit. She looked up at her in surprise and recognition, "Lord Lucas? Duke Einar's son?" At Vor's nod, she frowned. "Why would he volunteer to be a guild head? Surely he has many duties to attend to?"

Vor never shrugs, but she looks like she wants to. "He has expressed interest in the position, and assured me that he is quite free."

Hela leaned back on her chair. Huh. She hasn't seen him since the feast after the ceremony and has truthfully almost forgotten about him. Also, he is apparently the best hunter among the trainees after her. Curious.

"I would suggest a meeting with all of the heads to properly inform them of their roles and duties." Vor added and Hela nodded, "I agree. Astrid, arrange missives to invite them to a meeting for tomorrow. The rest of you, thank you for your hard work."

At her dismissal, everyone bowed and left, leaving Hela alone with Vor. Finally away from prying eyes, Hela sighed deeply before slumping on the soft chair, feeling a headache building. Her instructor eyed her, "You handled that well."

"Thanks to you."

Vor returned her impassive gaze to the door, "No, this was all your work." A pause. "Queen Angrboda would be proud."

Hela dropped her gaze to the list of names she's still holding in her hands and hid a smile.

….

After that fulfilling meeting with her project heads, Hela bade farewell to Vor before heading straight below the palace and to the kitchens. Popping her head around the massive doorway, she searched the huge bustling room for a minute before finally spotting him, "Greetings, Andhri!"

Andhrímnir – a huge portly man with a cleanly-shaven face and an ever-present scowl reserved just for his kitchen aides – quickly whirled around in surprise before raising an eyebrow, "Back again, Your Highness?"

She shrugged, and trying not to giggle when the kitchen aides discreetly sighed in relief at the head chef's distraction. "Fenris is hungry."

The man heaved a sigh so loud and exasperated Hela fought the urge to snort, "Again? This is the fifth time today! I'll run out of meat at this rate."

"I'm sorry." She said genuinely.

"Bah!" He waved it off, "I signed up for this when I became head chef of the palace. Besides, that Wolf can't go around hunting forever, it'll devour everything in that blasted forest. At least this way, its intake would be controlled." He turned and hefted a huge slab of raw meat that was at least her height from a table. "Boar meat. Rich, juicy in flavor and very tough. Your Wolf will be quite occupied with this for a while."

Hela lifted the meat with ease, unconcerned with the way its blood squelched under her fingers. "Thank you, Andhri."

To her surprise, he suddenly turned and pushed a pouch in her hands, and she struggled to hold both. He leaned forward carefully and murmured, "Rumors have been circulating about your plans. Everyone's eager to see the results."

"Ah," Her lips quirked up, "Quite frankly, I am too."

He analyzed her for a moment, hands still holding the pouch, before finally leaving it in her grip. "Consider that as thanks." He stepped back, "This is a good cause, Princess, but don't push yourself so hard. You look like dritt1."

Hela barked a surprised laugh at his bluntness, "I'll keep that in mind."

He waved her off, and she turned to leave, but not before seeing all the aides flinch while pretending not to eavesdrop. Obviously noticing, Andhri turned his scowl back on and began to lord over his kitchen once again.

…

Fenris jerked its gigantic head up in surprise when Hela suddenly appeared in its abode near the forest's edge. It watched warily as the little princess stopped before unceremoniously plopping the slab of boar meat right in front of Fenris.

The Wolf didn't move. Usually, it would be lunging for the meat by now. Hela frowned in confusion before wrinkling her nose at her blood-covered hands. She quickly found a water skin and washed it away. That done, she arranged her skirts before settling beside a tree in front of the uncharacteristically silent Wolf and closing her eyes. She waited for a long moment before hearing the Wolf finally biting into the meat and chewing slowly.

Hela frowned again and almost called it out on the unusual behavior before suddenly remembering the pouch. She opened it and found honey nut cakes. Her favorite! She quickly stuffed one in her mouth and sighed happily. 'Andhri is the best!'

They continued eating silently, each in their own worlds, before a sudden movement alerted Hela. She looked up to find Fenris gazing unnervingly at her.

"What?" Hela raised an eyebrow.

To her confusion, the Wolf remained silent, with its bright green eyes seemingly staring straight into her soul.

She was about to ask again when Fenris' voice rumbled in her mind, 'Exhausted?'

Hela looked down at the intense scrutiny, before shrugging. "I'm alright; it's just been a hectic month."

A pause. 'The debt is null if you die of exhaustion.'

This time, Hela did roll her eyes. "Don't sound so excited now."

Fenris suddenly huffed something, and Hela frowned, "What did you say?"

It stilled, before huffing again. 'I was not excited.'

Hela stared blankly for a moment before realization ripped through her. "Are you… are you worried, Fenris?

Fenris stilled impossibly further, and Hela quickly spoke before she could up and bolt into the forest, "I mean, I don't mind. But there's really nothing to worry about, everything's going so smoothly I can hardly believe it myself." She laughed lightly and rested her head on the tree behind her, "Soon enough, Asgard would prosper, and its people will be able to pursue their interests and perhaps even gain their own statuses. No one would be discriminated like Ornulf had been if everyone has a chance now."

She refrained from looking over at the Wolf's direction, but it didn't seem ready to run anymore, which is good. Slowly, Fenris settled on her haunches and began tearing into the meat again. 'The Allfather does not yet know?'

"I think he has some idea," She replied thoughtfully, "But I think he'll be fine with it. It is for the good of Asgard, after all. Though with the rate the war is going, father's probably going to end up seeing just the finished product instead."

Fenris snorted in amusement, 'Tell me if he is furious and I will handle him.'

Hela chuckled, knowing the Wolf's always looking for a reason to tear at Odin. "I'll keep that in mind." She joked, failing to notice her eyes beginning to droop. She swayed.

Fenris did not dare make a sound as her head gradually fell back on the trunk, the stubborn and exhausted princess finally succumbing to sleep. The Giant Wolf, so feared in Asgard and the Nine Realms alike, quietly stood and padded closer before settling beside her, narrowed eyes keeping vigil through the night.