Chapter 291: Hearing (Patreon)

Upon hearing Tony's words, Charles pondered for a moment and didn't immediately reveal anything. Instead, he said:

"New elements, huh? I have some clues related to this. However, it will take some time to investigate. When I have results, I'll let you know."

Hearing Charles's response, Tony thought for a moment and then said, "How about this as my next mission request? As for the price, feel free to suggest."

"I'll wait until I have concrete information before telling you. As for the mission request, there's still time."

Charles planned to see if the Whiplash would continue to target Tony. He could inform him of what he knew just before the S.H.I.E.L.D. does.

There is no need to tell Tony today, especially considering the substantial help given already. Later on, he planned to smoothly lead Tony into the magical world and assist him in resisting the impending invasion of hell.

"OK, I'll leave this matter to you. If you get any information, remember to notify me."

"See you at the hearing tomorrow!"

"See you tomorrow!"

Afterwards, Tony bid farewell to Charles and then drove home with Happy.

Seeing Tony leave, Tsunade spoke up, "Are you planning to have him join in resisting the attacks from Hell?"

"I don't think his strength is that remarkable. Even though the armor looks good, it's just..."

Apparently, Tsunade wasn't very impressed with Mark III. She had seen videos of Tony saving people and had a rough understanding of the armor's parameters. Besides its flight capabilities, she didn't consider it superior to some special puppets.

Charles shook his head and said, "With his intelligence, the armor gets upgraded quickly, and his strength increases rapidly."

"Besides, don't you find him interesting?"

Tsunade rolled her eyes. She didn't find him interesting at all. He was even more of a jerk and playboy than Jiraiya.

After giving Charles a glance, Tsunade said, "I hope you won't be like him."

With that, Tsunade left the recovery room.

Hearing Tsunade's parting words, Charles touched his chin.

Don't be like Tony? Was she referring to sleeping with cover girls?

...

The next day-

As soon as Charles woke up, he went through the system check-in.

"Ding! Check-in successful. Received 50,000 bronze coins!"

After collecting the coins, Charles withdrew from the system. After freshening up, he had John Wick drive him to the venue of the hearing.

Washington, D.C., Military Court Hearing-

At this point, Charles had already arrived at the scene. He wasn't entirely sure why he was issued a subpoena. Could it be to have me testify against Tony?

Charles sat next to Tony, with Ginny and Pepper Potts also present. The two were now secretaries, though Pepper Potts had transitioned to the Executive CEO of Stark Industries.

"Mr. Stark, please continue with the previous topic. Thank you."

A senator sitting at the table tapped the gavel, reminding Tony.

Tony, who was turning his head to whisper something to Pepper Potts, turned back.

"Yes, dear!"

Tony's words made everyone present burst into laughter. The senator knocked the gavel again and said, "Could you please pay attention to what I'm saying?"

"No problem."

"Do you possess a special weapon?"

"No."

"You don't?"

"I don't. It depends on what you consider a weapon."

The senator looked at Tony seriously and said, "Iron Man is considered a weapon."

"The devices I invented are not weapons!"

"Then, how would you describe it?"

"Senator, it is what it is."

"What is it?"

"It's a high-tech prosthetic limb," Tony answered.

With Tony's response, laughter echoed again in the hearing room. Charles, sitting on the side, leaned back in his chair, uninterested, hoping the boring meeting would end soon.

Ignoring the laughter, Tony continued, "That's the best adjective I can think of."

The senator countered, "It is a weapon; A weapon."

"If you prioritize the well-being of the people, then it's a prosthetic limb."

"No, I prioritize handing the weapon, Iron Man, over to the American people."

Hearing the senator's words, Tony immediately refused, "Impossible. I am Iron Man; I am one with the Iron Man suit."

"Handing over Iron Man is handing over myself, like forced labor or sale, depending on the state."

"I can't give it to you."

More laughter erupted from the crowd at Tony's words.

The senator said, "Listen, I'm not an expert..."

"You're certainly not an expert on selling others, come on, you're a senator."

After speaking, Tony slapped the table and made a victory sign toward the people behind him.

The laughter from the audience increased.

The senator quickly explained, "I'm not a weapons expert, but we have invited a weapons expert."

"I want to summon Justin Hammer, the current main arms dealer for the Department of Defense."

Hearing the senator's words, Tony looked over and saw Justin Hammer walking in.

"I see Justin Hammer has entered, but I didn't see any weapons expert."

At this point, Justin Hammer walked to the audience seats and said with a smile, "Haha, that's right."

"I'm not an expert. You are, Tony, you're a genius!"

"Senator, please let me speak."

"Tony, maybe I'm not an expert, but you know who the real expert is."

"Your father, Howard Stark."

"He is not only our senior but also the father of the military-industrial complex."

"But please understand, he's not a hippie; he's a lion."

"We all know why we're here. In the past six months, Tony Stark has created a sharp sword, but he insists it's just a shield."

"He wants us to trust him, to hide behind him."

"I really wish I felt safe, I truly wish."

"I wish I didn't have to lock my doors when I go out, but this isn't Canada; we live in a dangerous world."

"And Mr. Stark may not always predict danger."

"Thank you all. God bless Iron Man, God bless America."

"My speech is over!"

As Justin Hammer finished his speech, the senator was the first to applaud.

"Well said, Mr. Hammer."

"Now we invite Colonel James Rhodes to attend the hearing."