While the Rodrix Manor was busy cleaning the swimming pool, the three parties had already made their first contact. Sitting in that luxurious motorcade were nobles from the Shi'ar Empire, who were also shrewd and cunning businessmen. While touring Hampton in the car, they discovered that this indeed was an incredibly desirable residential area.
The weather was perfect, with gentle wind and sunshine. No one could have imagined that just a night before, this place was like Hell on Earth. The beautiful manor stood elegantly under the blue sky. The bay's blue waves rippling, and the wind rustled the fallen leaves across the ground.
The businessmen gazed at the scenery outside the window, estimating the value of these houses. Of course, all calculations were based on the interstellar universal coins system. There was no doubt that each home's price was extraordinarily high.
But soon, they noticed something out of place. That was the witches brought by Wanda to the estate where Augustus resided.
The Augustus family was entirely wiped out, and the visiting relatives and servants in the estate had all dispersed, leaving the vast manor completely empty. This became the first stop for the witches.
Although many valuable items had been taken by fleeing servants, compared to the witches' previous living conditions, this place could truly be described as Heaven on Earth.
The town of New Salem on the Colorado Plateau was a rather desolate and rundown Western town, where the only plant within several kilometers was tumbleweed. How could such a place possibly compare to New York's most beautiful affluent neighborhood?
"My God, Wanda, I can't believe it. What kind of man did you marry to own such a large estate? Is he a noble?"
"Yeah, Wanda, are you now a Baroness or a Viscountess? Where is your husband? Can we meet him? I've never met a noble before."
"Can we really live here? Will there be servants? I can actually do some work myself, but it would be even better with servants..."
Wanda was a bit helpless. The witches had been isolated for so long that many still believed society was under a noble system, having no clue about a federal system. However, there was one thing Wanda had to clarify for them.
"This isn't my house," Wanda said. "My husband is just an ordinary person, and I don't have any noble title. I brought you here because the house is temporarily vacant, so you can settle here first. Once you're adjusted, you should each rent a place and move out."
Although Wanda knew they wouldn't leave, she still tried to persuade them as much as possible: "This is a wealthy area, even if you stay here, you can't afford it. New York is vast, with many decent places. You could find a job to sustain yourselves first, then rent a house. It will definitely be better than New Salem."
Upon saying this, everyone had different thoughts. Many grassroots witches had enough of being oppressed in New Salem and didn't want to stay with others anymore. So someone asked, "Do you have any job introductions for us? We'll definitely work hard."
"It depends on what you're capable of. Right now, I'm just an emergency room nurse at a hospital, and my husband is a programmer. You could try working in a restaurant. I do know a few restaurant owners and can introduce you."
Wanda actually did not know any restaurant owners—they were contacts provided by Greed. These restaurants were all in the southern part of Long Island, namely places like Flushing. Greed often bought stuff and dined there and was familiar with many Chinese owners.
The witches had no status and could only work illegally. Coincidentally, Flushing was the sanctuary for illegal workers in New York where most stowaways worked illegally in Chinese restaurants, so the witches certainly could too.
Under such circumstances, those willing to go out to work were mostly hardworking and diligent grassroots individuals. Washing dishes didn't require any technical skill, aside from being tiring and paying little, it was a stable livelihood.
After Wanda's introduction, a few were tempted. Some didn't want to work in restaurants as they planned to try their luck outside and see if they could find a better job.
But a portion of them, primarily around the aristocratic class of New Salem under Nicholas, included his lovers and descendants, didn't feel the need to work for a living.
They had already planned it out: such a spacious estate would be very comfortable to live in. Since it's vacant, whoever takes it gets it. Wasn't it the same case with the little town back then?
Moreover, they were superpower users, even if the army came, they wouldn't fear. Wanda found them such a wonderful place, and getting her to help deal with those trying to oust them would be straightforward.
"Wanda, do you have money?" someone asked. Although they lived rather secluded lives, many resources unattainable in town were bought from outside with money. They understood the importance of money.
"I don't have money. I already said, my husband and I are just ordinary people. I have to support my child, too; where would I get money for you?" Wanda shook her head.
At this moment, a Black woman with an afro wearing a white robe stepped out. Wanda knew she was "Dizziness" from the Salem Seven, with some ability in spiritual control.
"Wanda, we didn't bring much basic supplies, probably only enough for a few days. It would be great if you could help gather some supplies."
"I don't have that ability." Wanda continued to refuse, "If you guys can find ways to get some stuff, I won't stop you. But I can't stay here much longer, I have a husband and kids."
After saying that, she walked away. The witches seemingly didn't expect her to be so unkind. After she left, many people's faces darkened, and there were unspoken complaints in their words. But Dizziness seemed thoughtful after hearing Wanda's words.
"We can look around," she said, "maybe we can find something useful."
Everyone actually understood what she was hinting at. Although the small town was isolated from the world, some adventurous backpackers accidentally ended up here. The witches would take their gear and money, and then throw them out.
It's not like they haven't committed robbery, but the folk here in Colorado State are quite fierce, and there are many other forces. The witches couldn't overpower anyone, so they didn't get away with it often.
After coming to New York, although they didn't think everyone here was an easy mark, they wanted to try their luck. So, in the group of seven, Dizziness, Spikes, and Crawling led a team of combat-capable witches out of the estate.
As soon as they went out, they encountered Shi'ar Empire nobles leisurely driving around. The nobles of the Shi'ar Empire could tell that these people's attire was out of place here, as if they came from some primitive forest, and immediately slowed down their car.
Because of this, the witches could clearly see what they looked like. Shi'ar Empire's nobles truly exuded wealth and opulence, everything they wore or adorned was obviously valuable even to Monkey on the tree. The witches immediately showed greed.
As expected, conflict erupted. The Shi'ar Empire nobles didn't expect a group of savages to emerge from this place, and these witches were quite skilled. Completely unguarded, they really managed to rush into the convoy and a great commotion broke out.
"Alright, that's about it," Greed checked the children's work on the shore, "everyone come out, we'll drain the water for a wash then refill it, then you can go swimming."
The children cheered and flew out of the pool. As Greed was changing the pool water, Frank walked in from outside. He took off the gun hanging from his body and said, "There's trouble outside, did you know?"
Greed paused in his actions: "Did things escalate that quickly? Could it be those two groups ran into each other?"
"It's really about you guys," Frank said, "Those two groups don't look like humans to me. One has feathers on their heads, the other is even stranger, some have spikes and some look like snakes. Really don't know what's going on."
The Punisher, feeling avenged, was in a good mood, and after putting the gun aside he said: "You've got the pool sorted out so soon? Can I go for a swim later?"
"Of course you can." Greed nodded. Steve hesitated, as he actually didn't want the kids to get involved with such dangerous characters. But after thinking about it again, no danger could surpass Shiller, who these kids almost treat as their uncle.
Whether it's Greed or Arrogant, they seem to be very liked by the children. Needless to say, Greed has won all their hearts over with several Christmas gifts. With the next Christmas approaching, the children are even more eager towards him. Their curiosity isn't about what gifts they will receive but wanting to ask Greed what gift he desires so they can prepare in advance. Everyone wants to ensure their gift is the best.
And Arrogant can actually get these little rascals organized to do their homework. God knows how moved Wanda was when she saw the twins sitting at the bar for a full ten minutes without lifting their heads. She and JARVIS together couldn't have achieved that.
Mind you, these children are quite wild. Except for Little Morgan, none of them really love reading, much less doing homework. Who would bother looking at textbooks when they can make waves in the cosmos? So their learning habits aren't very good.
To put it nicely, they've lost out on the opportunity to be future villains, to put it bluntly, their academics don't reach the supervillain standard line. Forget about a mad master's degree, even a mad bachelor's degree is tough.
Parents worry endlessly trying to correct their study habits and attitudes. Susan is seeking a family tutor, Wanda and JARVIS chase the brothers around the cosmos, Steve has held numerous family meetings, and even Stark has to burn the midnight oil to tutor Little Morgan on subjects beyond engineering and science.
These children are like wildfire when together, scattered like stars when apart. Hardly focusing on studies individually, they are less inclined when together. Arrogant can actually organize them to sit and do homework for half an hour—he has no choice but to be treated as an honored guest.
Actually, Franklin played a big part in this. Franklin was essentially the leader of these kids, being the strongest among them with the most ideas. The twin brothers and Little Thomas followed his lead.
Franklin willing to sit obediently and do homework forced the others to sit and keep their temper in check. Everyone was curious about Franklin's sudden change, but Franklin maintained a mysterious aura as if the secrets shouldn't be disclosed. Always leaving them to feel Franklin has either seen the past or the future, both revealing the same conclusion to him—definitely follow Arrogant's lead.