Seen that way, Hermione's behavior seemed to make sense, and the threat she posed seemed greatly diminished.
"Very good." Thanos put away the Space Stone, a trace of genuine warmth appearing on his face, though the smile looked somewhat out of place on that purple sweet potato face. "In that case, here's to our cooperation. As agreed, I will retrieve the Soul Stone and deliver it to you as soon as possible."
He paused, but couldn't resist asking, "But the remaining stones in your possession..."
Before he could finish, Hermione waved him off.
"Don't bother thinking you can trade something for the rest." Hermione pursed her lips. "I haven't finished studying them yet, and you don't have anything that interests me anyway."
In truth, she hadn't finished analyzing them.
Then she changed tack.
"But once I've studied them thoroughly, there won't be much point in keeping them. I'll probably send them back where they came from, or just hide them somewhere. When that happens, whether you can find them and take them by your own strength will be up to you."
At that, Hermione gave him a mischievous smile.
The corner of Thanos's mouth twitched.
Still, this proposal was undoubtedly the best outcome he could have hoped for.
He didn't need to fall out with Hermione over the remaining stones right now. He only needed to wait patiently. Once Hermione finished her "research," he would have a chance to gather the remaining stones through his own strength.
"I agree to this proposal." Thanos nodded, fully accepting their arrangement.
Among the ruins of Titan, two of the most powerful beings in the universe had reached a temporary alliance of sorts through a peculiar negotiation.
Hermione laughed inwardly.
Despite a few minor clashes, their formal meeting had been fairly harmonious.
That was