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Chapter Eighty-Six: Transactions in Space

It was cool for a while, but it was always cool. Tony Stark was enjoying himself immensely.

Until Thor and Steve arrived…

"I, Tony Stark, Iron Man! Announce that I will cover the expenses for everyone here tonight!"

Tony Stark, having had a couple of drinks, declared loudly. With all the pent-up emotions released, he decided to let loose completely tonight.

Then his smile faltered as he saw the face he least wanted to see…

"Look, it's him, Howard's son, just like his father when he was young!" Thor said with a look of disdain, pointing at Stark on the stage.

He then introduced Steve to him: "Hi, big nephew, long time no see! Let me introduce you: this is your Uncle Steve, Captain America, one of your father's best friends. His invincible shield was your father's masterpiece!"

He emphasized "your father," reminding Stark of his generational gap…

Stark's expression turned sour, and War Machine Rhodes struggled to contain his laughter, turning his head away.

Steve, oblivious to Stark's discomfort, greeted him warmly.

"Are you Howard's son? That's wonderful. When I first met him, he was still a young bachelor, claiming he had no plans to marry or have children! I didn't expect you to grow up so fast."

As he spoke, Steve even patted Stark's shoulder like an elder…

Stark's forehead was lined with irritation—didn't you have a clue, old man? Do you have the nerve to claim seniority in front of me, a 30-year-old man with a youthful face?

Stark shivered: "Stop, stop! Biologically, time nearly froze during suspended animation, so your biological age is actually younger than mine. Please don't try to assert generational superiority!"

He then shot a glare at Thor: "Knowing my father doesn't count as such! This old relic is from our ancestors time , thousands of years ago. Isn't it just a cheeky old coot bullying on young people?"

Speaking of which, it was painful. Natasha Romanoff, who had posed as a legal department employee a few days ago, had made Stark, who fancied himself a lover, look foolish and embarrassed him in the boxing ring. He was determined to get back at her…

Only later did Stark discover that this striking woman who could fight was actually a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, closely connected to Trudheim Manor (the name given to the manor by the protagonist)…

Not just Natasha, but many women at Trudheim Manor who "clearly could rely on their looks but chose to work hard"—Thor's ally Jane Foster, who showcased her skills recently, Sif, the top female warrior of Asgard… even a great scientist like Maya Hansen was considered ordinary.

In comparison, the models he met back then with only pretty faces seemed dull…

This distraction had dampened Stark's good mood considerably.

Sure enough, whenever he saw this guy, nothing good happened. Bad old man, really bad!

…

In contrast to the calm on Earth, a shady transaction was taking place in the distant void.

Loki muttered to himself, "I'm coming back, my brother; you won't see this coming!"

He gazed toward Earth and tightened his grip on the scepter in his hand.

At the end of the scepter, a golden gem sparkled.

Mind Stone!