"I see."
The moment she saw the Wanda siblings, Artoria dispelled her clone and instantly gained its memories. Their interactions over the past few days had been quite harmonious, but the siblings still didn't seem to have dropped their guard against Artoria. This was because the weapons that destroyed their home were manufactured by Stark Industries. Although they were very grateful to Artoria for saving them, they hadn't given up on their plan for revenge. The one who made the weapons was Tony Stark, and the one who saved them was Artoria Stark. While they held hatred for Tony, they could still distinguish Artoria's life-saving grace. They were still a bit awkward when facing Artoria; after all, Tony's arrogant attitude was truly infuriating.
"I'm sorry for disturbing your rest."
Artoria apologized to Wanda with such sincerity that Wanda's guard began to lower. It wasn't the first time she had marveled at how different a brother and sister could be. Why was the sister like an Angel, while the brother was like a demon in human skin? How could there be such a vast difference between members of the same family?
"Pietro, go get some rest first. I want to have a chat with Miss Artoria."
After a moment of inner reflection, Wanda told Pietro to rest. Ever since their abilities awakened, the two had been recuperating and practicing their powers in Artoria's laboratory. Artoria hadn't restricted their movement, but the area was far too desolate. When Pietro felt like it, he would just run a few laps quickly and return. Sensing nothing urgent, Pietro nodded to Wanda, gave Artoria an apologetic smile, and left the room. He was very obedient to his sister.
"You seem to be in good spirits, so your recovery must be going well. When do you plan to head into the city? I can make arrangements."
Walking to a chair, Artoria sat down gracefully, finally taking a moment to rest. She gestured for Wanda to sit in the opposite chair as she opened the conversation. She didn't intend to keep the two in the lab forever; she wasn't some mad scientist and didn't have much interest in Mutants. Rather than letting them stay here too long and grow resentful, it was better to let them go and find something to do in the city.
As for their hatred of Tony, Artoria believed Tony would handle it. Furthermore, hating the person who made a kitchen knife because someone used it to stab you was a logic that simply didn't hold up. To hate the weapon maker instead of the killer—honestly, do you two have holes in your heads?
"Thank you for your concern. I do indeed plan to leave this place with my brother soon."
Caught off guard by Artoria's words, Wanda hadn't expected her to simply let them leave. After all, they had just come from one lab to another similar place. Wanda thought even Artoria would be fascinated by the power they possessed, but she hadn't expected this move—Artoria showed no desire to covet their power at all. Over the past two days, it had been nothing but routine physical examinations. Wanda was puzzled; this was very strange! Shouldn't she be begging them to stay for some experiment? Was it really this simple?
Still, Wanda spoke her mind. No matter how grateful she was to Artoria, the woman's last name was still Stark. If possible, they didn't want to clash with Artoria. After all, their hatred was only for Tony Stark. They had never heard of Artoria Stark being involved in weapon manufacturing. Artoria Stark's Game Company and Biotechnology Company—one satisfied people's entertainment needs, while the other was a godsend for the disabled.
"That's good. Just let me know what you need. Out of humanitarian concern, I will help you reintegrate into society."
Artoria didn't know about Wanda's internal struggle. She agreed with Wanda's words and was willing to help them. If the two really couldn't survive on their own, Artoria was willing to help them find jobs. This was also a way to soften the siblings' impression of the Starks.
"I'm very curious, Miss Artoria. Why would you go this far? We have no history with you."
Hearing Artoria's words, Wanda finally couldn't help but ask. Logically, the woman before her didn't need to go to such lengths. It was the weapons made by Tony Stark that harmed their homeland, which had nothing to do with Artoria Stark. Why would she do so much for two strangers? Wanda's originally calm demeanor faltered. Artoria's conduct truly warmed her heart, and even her hatred for Tony Stark diminished slightly. Once calmed down, anyone could see their hatred was a bit excessive; they hated the owner of Stark Industries just because they saw weapons from the company. Now, the sister of that owner was standing before them, being so kind to her and her brother.
It was truly hard to hate the woman in front of her. Thinking of this, Wanda couldn't help but smile bitterly. Could she really complete her revenge? Looking at Artoria, Wanda thought that one of the reasons for leaving was Artoria herself. She feared that if she and her brother stayed any longer, they would forget how to seek revenge.
"Consider it compensation for my brother creating so many weapons of war and bringing so much conflict to the world."
Artoria looked at Wanda's conflicted expression and spoke candidly, hitting Wanda right in the heart. Artoria's words left Wanda speechless, and her eyes even turned red. She hadn't expected anyone from the stark family to try to make amends. She really hadn't expected Artoria to say such a thing. She felt like crying her heart out, but her pride wouldn't allow it.
"Plan successful."
Seeing Wanda's expression, Artoria said to herself. The more saintly she acted, the more conflicted and miserable the vengeful Wanda would feel. Resolving Wanda's grudge wasn't something that could be done overnight. After all, their home had been destroyed; how could such a massive thing be easily forgiven? Artoria just wanted to shift the target of Wanda's revenge. Since she was clearing Tony Stark's name, it was best to let someone else take the fall—like Hydra. There was always Hydra! Anyway, any blame could just be pinned on Hydra. While it might be hard to believe, Hydra's secretive nature made it easy for the blame to stick.
"Get some good rest. When your health is better and you want to leave, let me know, and I'll make the arrangements."
Knowing when to stop, Artoria saw that she had shaken Wanda, but nothing could be completed in one go. Artoria checked the time, spoke caringly to Wanda, and then got up to leave. Wanda didn't get up to see Artoria out. Once Artoria was gone, Wanda's tears began to fall like pearls from a broken string. She couldn't help but use tears to vent her emotions.
"What's wrong, Sister?"
After Artoria left, Pietro hadn't just heartlessly gone to sleep. He came straight into Wanda's room. Seeing Wanda sobbing, he asked with concern. Everything was fine when Miss Artoria was here; why did you start crying as soon as she left? Did Miss Artoria bully you?
"It's nothing. It's not Miss Artoria's fault. Pietro, get ready recently. Miss Artoria is arranging for us to leave this place and live in the city."
Seeing her brother had arrived, Wanda suppressed her emotions and spoke to Pietro. She knew her brother had an impulsive personality and worried he might misunderstand, so she explained.
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