"Is something the matter, Professor Richards?"
Artoria drank the coffee Jean had brewed while gratefully glancing at Richards. What a good person! Compared to that Nick Fury who only wanted to scam people, this "duck egg" was clearly much better. She was just stuck in a situation of being pressured into marriage, and unexpectedly, Richards had provided a god-like assist by inviting her over as a guest. Artoria didn't say a word and immediately had Saturday fly her private jet to take her away from home to the talented X-Academy. Although she wasn't very clear on Richards's purpose, Artoria felt that this time she owed the Doctor a favor, and if it wasn't anything major, she would help.
"We haven't seen each other in a long time, Ms. Artoria."
Looking at Artoria's curious expression, Richards sighed with emotion. The last time Artoria had come over, he was still a person who could calmly shoulder the future of the Mutants. Now, he was just an old man with health issues and special abilities. And Artoria was still the same, so vibrant, beautiful, and lovely. He couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion in his heart. It seemed he was truly old; he was no longer the spirited youth of yesteryear, nor was he a qualified leader. Richards's sigh also indirectly showed how big of a blow the results of the rescue operation after Hydra had been to him. Even Artoria, who had been quite happy, could feel that something was wrong with Richards.
"Professor Richards, your health?"
Seeing that Richards's state was off, Artoria frowned and asked with surprise. It had been less than two years since she last saw Professor X; how had this person aged so much? From the outside, there hadn't been any major changes, but Artoria could feel that Richards's spirit and energy were not as good as before, like an old man entering his twilight years, like a candle in the wind that could kick the bucket at any moment. What on Earth had happened to make Professor X turn into this state? Could it be that Magneto had a new boyfriend and didn't want Professor X anymore, and the Professor had been hit hard by that? Artoria thought about it and gave up on that wild imagination; if she kept thinking like that, some fujoshi stuff was going to come out.
"My health is fine, I can hold on."
Facing Artoria's inquiry, Richards smiled lovingly at Artoria, but his heart tightened. It seemed his condition had already developed into a serious problem. If even Artoria, an "outsider," could see it, then the people around him must have discovered it long ago. Therefore, some things must be handled as soon as possible. If the handling wasn't adequate, the blow to the Academy would be even greater than external persecution.
"Jean, you go out first! I want to talk to Ms. Artoria alone."
After thinking it over, Richards asked Jean to go out for a stroll first; he prepared to have a good chat with Artoria. Hearing Richards's request, Jean nodded obediently and walked out, leaving only Artoria and Richards. This action made Artoria very puzzled. What kind of matter was it that even Jean couldn't listen to? Could it be related to the future? The news Wolverine brought last time had shocked her; she hadn't expected that her future self could be controlled by power. What kind of news would there be this time? It was truly something to look forward to! Artoria looked at Richards, feeling a bit uneasy inside.
"Since you've seen it, Artoria, I won't hide it from you. I intend to have someone take over my position."
Just as Artoria was full of anticipation for news about the future, Richards suddenly said this in a deep tone, leaving Artoria bewildered. Where was the news about the future? How did it turn into this matter? If you want to hand over your position, just do it! What's the meaning of calling me here? Knowing this, Artoria felt instantly bored. You called me over for such a trivial matter? Professor X, are you overthinking things? Am I that kind of person? You dare tell me this, aren't you afraid that my cooperation with the Military would wipe you all out in one go?
"Please wait a moment, Professor. Me joining in on your Mutant affairs like this, isn't it a bit inappropriate?"
Artoria, having realized what Richards meant, interrupted him as he was about to give instructions. Artoria was absolutely right; even if the authorities recognized her as the 'Flashy Knight' and a superhero, she had no intention of accepting such a stupid title. Artoria also had no plans to be a philanthropist. Although she didn't care about the bad reputation of Mutants, nor did she care about how weird their appearances or bizarre their abilities were, this matter offered her no benefits. Artoria had no intention of wasting her effort on something futile.
"I understand, Ms. Artoria, don't be anxious."
The older the ginger, the spicier it gets. Richards saw at a glance exactly why Artoria was resistant. He might not be an expert at negotiating deals, as he wasn't a businessman, but he understood the principles of fixed pricing and that to get something, one must pay a corresponding price. He was very clear that if he wanted the protection of this princess of the stark family, he had to bring something to the table that would pique her interest. There was nothing else, but Hank's creative ability among them was extremely powerful; everything from aircraft to the X-Men's uniforms was his responsibility.
"I didn't expect that I would ever be played like this. People really are not what they seem; these smiling guys are all old foxes."
When she walked out of Professor X's room, Artoria's expression was very ugly. She had been played by this old guy. She was as angry now as she had been happy earlier. She hadn't expected Professor X to be so glib, twisting her around until she was confused. In the end, Artoria agreed to Richards that she would help when she could, but Professor X also had to provide some of Hank's research data. Although Artoria hadn't lost anything, the feeling of being calculated by someone was very unpleasant. Seeing Richards's smiling face, Artoria viciously cursed him in her heart—a curse that his best friend would run off with someone else.
"Ms. Artoria, shall we walk together?"
Just as Artoria was planning to head back, Jean suddenly appeared and called out to her. She smiled and invited Artoria for a stroll. Although she was quite unhappy with Richards's behavior, Artoria had no ill will toward Jean. As it happened, she would definitely be forced into an arranged marriage by Maria if she went back now, so Artoria pondered for a moment and nodded, indicating her agreement.
"Actually, I know what the Professor said to you... It wasn't by using my ability to eavesdrop. Everyone has more or less guessed it, but no one dares to face the truth."
As the two walked along the long path of the academy, Jean spoke the words she had been holding back for some time. Everyone could see Richards's condition, but no one dared to truly think about what they would do if the Professor fell. Jean was very worried about Professor X's current physical condition. As one of the members who took care of Professor X's daily needs, Jean could see the frail side of Richards more directly. The rescue mission for humanity had gone wrong, and the Professor had not blamed anyone, taking all the responsibility upon himself. The heavy responsibility made the old man unable to catch his breath. It was because of this strong sense of responsibility that he had climbed out of failure, but this great man, who worked for harmony between Mutants and humans, was now showing signs of being unable to hold on.
"Don't worry! Since I promised the Professor, I will fulfill my promise."
Artoria did see a bit of Jean's purpose—hoping for her understanding and implying that the Professor had his reasons. Such emotional manipulation and moral pressure made Artoria quite unhappy, but Artoria had indeed decided to help the Mutants. As for when to help, that was up to Artoria. Artoria didn't plan to scam anyone. The two walked a bit, enjoying the silence. Artoria's mood recovered slightly. After saying goodbye to Jean, she left the academy; she had things to do.
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