XElenea
patreon
Ch. 156 Gwen's Small Doubts
🕑 Added 2023-11-18 16:03:00 +0000 UTCIn simple terms, Kara was a bit of an 'admire the strong' type and didn't like to lose.
Although this might seem strange, that's how it appeared based on the current situation.
After guessing Kara's true thoughts, Russell had no intention of teasing her further. He released his right hand from around her and allowed her to stand up.
"Choose one of the uniforms and change into it. You'll attend the press conference in the afternoon."
Russell had just finished speaking when Kara, still blushing, picked up the three sets of uniforms from the desk with extraordinary speed and practically fled the office.
Bang!
Hearing the loud closing of the door, Russell shook his head and smiled.
Even though Kara had been trapped in the Phantom Zone for 24 years, her time and space had remained relatively static. Those 24 years hadn't allowed Kara to mature. So, strictly speaking, Kara's real age was only 19.
Russell had no knowledge of how Kara had lived in the DC world before. But just by considering her Kryptonian physiology, it was evident that her upbringing was vastly different from that of a normal girl.
In this context, Kara appeared somewhat childish and immature, which wasn't hard to understand. Russell, at least, could relate.
At noon, after having a decent lunch with Kara, whose true thoughts had been exposed, Russell didn't return to the office with her. Instead, he let her go back to the company by herself.
As for himself, he summoned his armor in full view of the public, donned the Endosymbiotic Battle Armor, and flew towards Gwen's apartment.
Diana had already agreed to his temporary relationship with Kara, but Gwen was still unaware of Kara's existence. To avoid unnecessary surprises, he decided to inform Gwen about Kara before the press conference.
Looking back, he realized he had neglected to do so.
Several days ago, he had introduced Kara to the Hulk. But until now, he hadn't told Gwen about Kara's existence.
This was partly due to his oversight and partly because Gwen didn't stay at the official headquarters of the Justice League frequently.
Russell was already a well-known superhero, and it wasn't very convenient for him to visit Gwen's apartment.
Although Gwen had announced her membership in the Justice League, her true identity had not been made public.
After confirming that he hadn't attracted any attention, he landed on the balcony of Gwen's apartment, wearing the Endosymbiotic Battle Armor.
After entering the apartment, he promptly removed the Endosymbiotic Battle Armor.
He had called Gwen before coming over and knew she didn't have classes this afternoon.
As soon as he removed the Endosymbiotic Battle Armor, Gwen, dressed casually, walked out of the bedroom. Without saying a word, she threw herself into his arms.
Before he could say anything, Gwen furrowed her brow and glared at him, her expression displeased.
"What's wrong?" Russell asked in confusion.
"Did you just go to see another woman?"
Gwen's captivating eyes stared at him intently, and she quickly asked.
"Uh... no, I just had lunch with my secretary."
Russell quickly explained.
"Secretary? Since when do you have a secretary?"
Gwen asked with a puzzled expression.
"Just this week!"
While Russell's statement was technically true, it was clear that Gwen didn't entirely believe him.
Although Gwen hadn't visited his office this week, she knew that Russell hadn't intended to hire a secretary. With Artificial Intelligence No. 3, he didn't need a human secretary.
"It's true. She's Diana's fellow countrywoman, recently arrived in New York, and has no one to rely on."
"Diana asked her to be my secretary to help her, and she's now living next door to our apartment."
Russell explained briefly.
Although what he said wasn't entirely true, it also wasn't entirely false.
Kara was indeed Diana's fellow countrywoman, and both of them came from the neighboring DC universe. Kara had indeed arrived in New York recently, or more precisely, she had just arrived in this world. And Diana had arranged for Kara to be his secretary.
"Okay."
While Gwen had the ability to sense things like Spider-Sense, she couldn't necessarily tell if someone was lying.
After Gwen released him, Russell took her hand and led her to the living room couch, continuing the conversation.
"Like Diana, Kara is not an ordinary person. So, I invited her to join the Justice League. This afternoon at 3 PM, I'll arrange a press conference for her to officially join the league, just like the one you had."
Gwen knew that Diana wasn't an ordinary person, so she didn't show any surprise when she heard that Kara was also extraordinary. However, when she heard that Kara was joining the Justice League, she frowned again.
Even though she had some small doubts, she didn't say anything and just nodded silently.
The Justice League continued to invite new members, and Gwen had known this for a long time.
"Did you come here today just to tell me this?"
Gwen asked Russell.
"One reason is to inform you in advance so you won't be upset when you see the news."
"And the other reason, of course, is that it's been a while since I've seen you, and I've missed you."
Russell said earnestly.
"Hmm."
Hearing his words, Gwen made a habit of making a noise with her nose and gave him a flirtatious eye roll.
Seeing Gwen's slightly sassy expression, Russell lifted her up and headed towards the bedroom.
"Don't you have the press conference this afternoon?"
Gwen didn't stop him and asked, her pretty face blushing.
"The press conference starts at 3 PM, so there's no rush!"
Russell smiled.
...
After staying in Gwen's apartment until 2:30 PM, Russell was urged by Gwen to leave the bedroom.
He had considered taking Gwen with him to the press conference, but Gwen declined.
After taking a shower in the bathroom, Russell changed into his clothes, donned the Endosymbiotic Battle Armor again, and flew to the headquarters of Octopus Monster Indsutry.
At 3 PM, in a large conference room at Octopus Monster headquarters, Russell, dressed in a sharp suit, stood at the podium and began his speech, following the script prepared by No. 3.
This was already his fourth time hosting such a press conference.
The previous three press conferences had introduced himself, Hulk, and Gwen joining the Justice League, respectively.
After some pleasantries and answering a few reporter questions, he introduced Kara with great fanfare.
Although Kara wasn't from this world, No. 3 had prepared a dossier that was flawless to the naked eye. Of course, this apparent flawlessness was only for ordinary people; for organizations like S.H.I.E.L.D. or villainous groups like Hydra, finding holes in Kara's identity wouldn't be a problem.
"Now, let's give a warm welcome to the newest member of the Justice League, Supergirl, Kara Zor-El!"
Russell finished speaking and raised his right hand, pointing towards the large door next to the podium.
Under the flashing lights and the gaze of cameras, Kara, dressed in her new uniform, entered the room confidently as the door slowly opened.
With her red and gold-trimmed knee-high boots, blue mini-skirt with a golden belt, blue crop top, and a red and gold-trimmed cape, Kara appeared entirely unreserved as she walked in amidst the blinding camera flashes.
The reporters in the room had expected Kara, using her Supergirl moniker, to conceal her true appearance and name, just like Gwen. However, to their surprise, Kara had no intention of hiding her identity. In the midst of the flashing lights, she walked in with a self-assured demeanor.
