After hearing Thanos out, Hermione barely resisted rolling her eyes.
Arms folded, she sized up the purple sweet potato before her and decided that his mind really did work in peculiar ways.
"Join your side?" Hermione repeated. "That certainly sounds grand. But..."
She paused. "I worked hard to collect all these Infinity Stones, and you think a few words will get me to join you and throw in the Stones to help you achieve your great balance? Lord Thanos, aren't you being a little too obvious about what you're after? Even getting something for nothing has its limits."
Though teasing, her words cut straight to the heart of the matter-if he wanted what she had, he needed to offer something worthwhile.
Before Thanos could speak, Corvus Glaive and Proxima Midnight could no longer contain themselves.
"Insolence!" Corvus Glaive barked, wielding his long-handled Glaive. "Lord Thanos has bestowed the highest honor upon you by inviting you to take part in the greatest undertaking in the universe, and you dare spurn his generosity!"
Proxima Midnight also stepped forward, a cold gleam in her eyes. "Hand over the Infinity Stones! Since our lord values talent, he might yet spare your life!"
The two had disliked Hermione from the start.
Some little brat who had appeared out of nowhere had received such courtesy from Lord Thanos, whose power spanned the universe. He had even waited for her personally on Titan, forcing them to stand guard alongside him. It was an utter humiliation!
Now that Hermione had indeed rejected his favor, their pent-up resentment erupted.
Ebony Maw's expression shifted slightly. He hurried forward, trying to smooth things over. "Please, both of you, calm down..."
"Shut up, Ebony Maw!" Proxima Midnight snapped, turning to cut him off with disdain. "That so-called Cabbage Witch has scared you