Marvel Magic Case Files

Chapter 641 The Penthouse (Second Update)

People were much more genuine in the days before the internet, a point Steve Rogers often made.

Years of living on the streets had taught him that words don't represent a person's true thoughts; actions do. His previous mission with Salomon had given him a glimpse into the iceberg of hell. Captain Rogers understood the horrors of the magical world, and Salomon's willingness to enter hell to save the Sokovians made Steve Rogers forgive his inaction during Ultron's creation. Even if Salomon expressed disdain for this forgiveness, Captain Rogers would consider it hypocrisy—mystics, bound by the rules of the magical world, couldn't act directly and could only achieve their goals through indirect means. Could defeating Ultron be harder than going to hell? He didn't believe Salomon was a two-meter-tall, muscle-bound idiot; he must have his reasons for doing so.

Honestly, even Stark didn't have much of an opinion.

They all believed that Salomon's aggressive behavior stemmed from his inability to forgive himself; otherwise, Captain Rogers wouldn't have brought Falcon, who had finished training, to talk to Salomon. They wanted to address the sorcerer's psychological issues and help him stop torturing himself. After all, even Tony Stark, the creator of Ultron, didn't feel such intense guilt, so Salomon had no reason to. After the Ultron incident, Nick Fury also mentioned Salomon's psychological problems to the Avengers—a recurring topic, but the Avengers' understanding differed greatly from Nick Fury's. Only a few knew that Nick Fury saw Salomon as one of their own, because they were ruthless enough. But to others, Salomon possessed a fiery soul. He was a contradiction, his obsidian eyes looking at the entire universe and the human race, not just an individual. Only those who truly understood him could comprehend what Salomon had rejected.

When Salomon mentioned his age, almost everyone fell silent. The reason was simple: Salomon was the youngest and tallest person in the entire base, leaving the others speechless.

"Anyway, there are no law enforcement officers here, so drinking under the age of 21 isn't a big deal." Falcon noticed the passing staff stopping to stare at him. "Are you all like that?" He shrugged awkwardly. "Okay, we can have non-alcoholic beverages!"

"Don't mention anything illegal in front of Agent Hill, these are all her people." Captain Rogers patted Salomon's arm. "These are Nick Fury's secret agents; they're never on the SHIELD roster, so neither Hydra nor Congress can find them. Wanda, come on in, you haven't seen the bar yet!"

"I'll take Wanda with me. Only I can give her real training. I bought a penthouse in Manhattan for her; it's fully furnished and ready to move in," Salomon said calmly. "Did you really think magic would improve while fighting street crime and Hydra?"

"Of course, no problem. We also think she needs a real teacher." Captain Rogers nodded. "You can stay here too; there's always a room for you."

"Perhaps you could see if I have any magical talent. I've always felt I have a knack for it; when I was little, I always thought I could talk to animals, or dream about witches and magic," Falcon said, successfully lightening the mood. He added with a laugh, "Actually, the main reason is that Manhattan penthouses aren't for everyone. Just how much money do you have?"

"I don't know either. He should be richer than Tony Stark, because the entire island of Manhattan is mine. I'm not lying, His Excellency bought Manhattan a long time ago, and I still have the land deeds."

"Are all magicians this rich? Do you have a younger sister?"

"Wanda, you'd better not stay here, lest you become mentally disturbed and develop a liking for robots. I can't afford to lose face like that." The arcane mage suddenly looked at the silent Wanda. "Let's go. We still need to talk about Vision and the Infinity Stones. It's important. But don't ask too many questions. I can't reveal the future. I must abide by the rules of Kamar-Taj."

"certainly."

Captain Rogers and Salomon talked for a long time.

The conversation was intense, but no one else could make out what they were saying. Wanda, the only one capable of breaking through Salomon's magical defenses, sat listlessly to the side, showing no interest in their discussion. After downing three bottles of whiskey, Captain Rogers and Salomon's conversation finally ended.

This amount of alcohol wasn't enough to make them both slightly tipsy.

When Salomon and Wanda finally had their private conversation, Wanda hesitantly confided in him about the disagreements between the siblings. Pietro knew Salomon was there, but he was too embarrassed to see the sorcerer because he wanted to stay with the Avengers—he felt no place was more suitable for him, after all, he was well past school age, and Salomon's plan to send him to school wasn't for him; he intended to do something with his own abilities. Only Wanda agreed to go with Salomon, not only because he could teach her magic, but also because she was moved by the parts of the truth and grand vision he showed her.

But Wanda doesn't want to be separated from Pietro for the time being.

“We can use a portal.” Salomon easily eliminated the obstacle. The witch smiled, convinced, and turned to return to her room to pack her bags for the penthouse Salomon had prepared for her. “There’s a yoga mat and all the appliances you need, plus a huge round ceramic bathtub in the bathroom, and all the toiletries are provided.”

Salomon's gentlemanly spirit urged him to come over and lend a hand. That being said, all the work was delegated to a dozen invisible servants; as a spellcaster, he had no need to do it himself. "I've also given you the phone number of a top-tier supplier in New York. Whenever you need anything, someone will deliver the finest ingredients to your door. You can have whatever you want, all on my tab. Perhaps you could try cooking yourself, if you like."

"And what about this magic?"

"This is a simple spell, I can teach you."

"So, are you planning to have dinner with me?" Wanda gazed at the sorcerer, crimson chaotic energy flowing in her eyes. She liked this protection; perhaps in the future she would complain about Salomon's interference in her life, but she was certain she wouldn't reject it.

"Okay, I like Maine lobsters. Someone will deliver them to my door soon."

Wanda gave a warm smile.

"Aren't you planning to say goodbye, Wanda?"

"Just as you said, the portal can solve everything."

"That's right, as long as you remember the coordinates, we can come here anytime." The sorcerer winked, a cheerful smile spreading across his charming face. "Let's watch the French version of 'Beauty and the Beast' together tomorrow. Besides your heavy magical studies, you should also cultivate your aesthetic sense and have your own life, shouldn't you?"

Please vote for me!

(End of this chapter)