Internal Strife or Foreign Invaders?

Over the next few days, Tony put all his work aside and stayed by Pepper’s side until January 1, 2011.

Tony called Harvey directly. Knowing Harvey was home alone, he invited him over for a lavish meal.

Harvey did not refuse. He had been eating fast food every day lately, so it was a good chance to try something different.

During the year Harvey had been away, Stark Industries had paid him another 1.8 billion in dividends.

As Stark Industries gained a firm foothold in the energy sector, its annual profits continued to rise.

Harvey’s liquid assets had now exceeded two billion again. He could practically lie back and collect money.

Harvey went straight to Tony’s house, where Pepper had already arranged for an extravagant spread of food.

"Happy New Year, Mr. Harvey. In the new year, Tony will still need you to look after him.

When Pepper saw Mr. Harvey arrive, she gave a slight bow and spoke politely."

After the two had enjoyed themselves over the past few days, Tony had told her a great deal about Xandar.

She also learned that Tony had received a great deal of support from Mr. Harvey. Otherwise, the development of the gravity device could never have progressed so quickly.

She had also watched the footage recorded by Jarvis. Although it was not as realistic as seeing it in person,

she still saw hundreds of people worshipping Mr. Harvey.

At the same time, Mr. Harvey’s enormous body, over two hundred meters tall, had deeply shocked Pepper.

"Miss Pepper, there is no need to be so polite."

"Tony is already very capable. He does not need much looking after from me. On the contrary, his talents have made me a great deal of money."

"For now, I do not need to worry about liquid funds."

Seeing how polite Pepper was, Harvey said with a smile.

"No matter what, I must thank you for giving Tony the chance to venture into space."

Pepper knew those were merely Mr. Harvey’s polite words, but she still spoke gratefully.

"Pepper, go bring over the rest of the food first."

Seeing Pepper like this, Tony spoke directly.

"…"

Pepper looked at Tony after hearing that. Seeing the seriousness on his face, she nodded.

"Sorry, Harvey. That must have been quite a sight."

"Pepper was not originally like this. It is all because I mentioned Xandar’s New Year Pilgrimage earlier."

"After I showed her the recording, she became like this."

"If she offended you in any way, please forgive her."

While Pepper was away, Tony walked over to Harvey and spoke somewhat apologetically.

"Miss Pepper is not you. She has never left Earth to witness a broader world, so it is understandable."

"You also do not need to worry that I will be angry. I have experienced far more troublesome situations than this."

Harvey did not mind and spoke calmly.

On Xandar, Harvey could go out whenever he wanted, just as he had when returning to Earth this time.

Sonia would not raise any objections at all. The fact that she had asked when he would return this time was already an exception.

But if Harvey wanted to take a stroll around the island, Sonia would take it very seriously and constantly remind him to mind his conduct.

Even if Sonia left for a while, even if it was only half a day, she would still worry.

"No wonder you said you were returning to Earth to have some fun."

"You are free over there, but not completely free, right?"

After hearing Harvey’s words, Tony thought for a moment and understood.

On Void Island, he had good relationships with many Void Cult members, but few of them had been fortunate enough to meet Harvey.

Clearly, Kassadin’s identity meant Harvey had to pay attention to his conduct.

"Yes. On Xandar, I eat well, drink well, and sleep well, but when it comes to freedom, being Harvey is more comfortable."

Harvey did not stand on ceremony in Tony’s house and sat directly at the dining table.

"I feel more at ease on Xandar."

"Because I do not need to hide the fact that I have become younger there, and I can display my power to my heart’s content."

Tony spoke with a hint of emotion.

On Earth, he had to wear his Iron Man armor whenever he went out and could never take it off in public. The moment he did, his secret would be exposed.

"Tony, you only returned a few days ago. Even if you want to go into space again, you should stay home for at least half a year."

Pepper came over carrying food at that moment. Hearing Tony’s words, she spoke up.

"I know. You do not need to be so nervous. I may be gone for even longer next time."

Tony was not afraid and answered calmly.

"Tony, what did you need from me? Just say it."

"I do not like people beating around the bush in front of me."

Seeing Tony like this, Harvey continued eating as he spoke.

"Fine. I wanted to ask what trouble I will face this year."

"I know the secrets of fate cannot be revealed, but you can at least give me a general direction, right?"

"Otherwise, I will not be able to sleep peacefully."

Seeing that Harvey had noticed his intentions, Tony no longer beat around the bush and asked what he had been considering and agonizing over for days.

"A general direction? It is related to the Avengers Initiative."

Harvey had known Tony would not seek him out without a reason. Still, he looked up at Tony and gave him a little guidance.

"An invasion by foreign enemies?"

When Tony heard Harvey mention the Avengers Initiative, he frowned deeply.

At present, he was the only member of the Avengers Initiative, but he also knew the conditions under which it would act.

That was when foreign enemies threatened Earth. As for conflicts between nations, Nick Fury could not persuade him to act.

"Whether they count as foreign enemies depends on how you define foreign enemies."

Harvey paused his movements, thought for a moment, and replied.

Strictly speaking, Earth belonged to Asgard’s territory. Although Loki had been adopted, he was still a prince of Asgard.

However, Loki would indeed bring Thanos’s army over afterward.

So Harvey did not know whether it was more appropriate to call it internal strife or an invasion by foreign enemies.

"Will God King Odin or Ancient One, Sorcerer Supreme, not intervene in this matter?"

Hearing Harvey’s words, Tony’s expression turned serious.

"They will not."

Harvey could give a definite answer to that question.

Odin would be deceived by Loki, and Ancient One would find it inappropriate to interfere when Thor was willing to step in and resolve the matter. That was why Loki would get to have so much fun.

"Then I can handle it."

Hearing that it would not alarm those two major figures, Tony knew the foreign enemy was not that powerful. His expression relaxed as he spoke with ease.

"If nothing unexpected happens, the current you can handle it."

Harvey did not deny it.

Loki would only become truly powerful after growing old and studying countless spells.

But the Loki they were about to encounter at this stage was merely physically stronger.

He could toy with some heroes, but against those who were truly strong, Loki’s strength would not be enough.

Thor was different. Ordinary Thor’s strength was one thing, but once Thor entered his wanting-his-dad mode, his power would soar to an outrageously absurd level.

Second update delivered.