"Fury, after all these years, I see you're still the same—straight to the point, never one for formalities." Peggy looked at Director Nick Fury in front of her and said with a touch of emotion.
Hearing his old boss's sigh, Nick Fury didn't show the usual cold face he reserved for his subordinates. Instead, he managed to squeeze out a smile on his typically stiff face and responded, "Ms. Peggy, you know I've always done things efficiently. Even after becoming the director, that hasn't changed."
Though his tone was gentle, during the conversation, Nick Fury subtly shifted his address from "Director" to "Ms.," perhaps implying something.
Hearing this, Peggy smiled and replied, "It's good that you haven't changed. I always liked that about you. I gave you many tasks, and you always completed them well. As expected of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top agent—I remember your completion record was even higher than Pierce's, almost close to 100%."
Nick Fury silently smiled at Peggy's compliment and chose not to respond.
During the long period of Peggy's administration, he had indeed gained her trust and handled many missions successfully. This was something he couldn't deny.
If he were to deny it, his reputation among the various agencies in the United States would surely suffer.
Seeing Nick Fury's silence, Peggy seemed to recall something and suddenly said, "By the way, Fury, I should also thank you for taking Steve to find Professor Lockhart. Otherwise, I might not have the opportunity I have today."
Well, asking her boyfriend to seek out a wizard of unknown strength for her—although the outcome was good—was certainly a risky move. And taking advantage of Steve's slightly unclear state of mind to deceive him was definitely bold. It was a move befitting Pierce's promising successor.
As if he didn't catch the underlying meaning in Peggy's words, Nick Fury shamelessly and modestly replied as if he were being praised, "This was mainly due to Professor Lockhart's abilities and the captain's deep affection for you. Without them, how could you have returned to youth?"
Peggy looked at Nick Fury with a half-smile, observing the thick skin he had developed over the years.
Immediately, Peggy's demeanor straightened, and she decided not to dwell on these topics any longer.
After all, she had stepped away from her original position, and Nick Fury was now the director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Fury, I've started cooperating with Professor Lockhart. Due to the magical contract, I can't disclose specific information," Peggy said seriously. "However, I now need S.H.I.E.L.D. to arrange for some business experts to help with creating a high-end cafe."
"I want to discuss with them how to elevate the Book Cafe to a high-end standard."
After hearing Peggy's request, Nick Fury tapped his fingertips on the table thoughtfully.
Hearing the mention of a magical contract, Fury felt a slight disappointment, but he didn't let it bother him too much.
For agents like them, being restricted by confidentiality agreements or other means was all too common.
Just like most agents, they trained themselves to navigate these situations, and experienced superiors like Peggy were no exception.
Sure enough, Nick Fury understood what Peggy said next.
What did it mean to create a high-end Book Cafe?
That revealed a lot of information.
Why aim for high-end? Doesn't that suggest there's competition?
And the fact that there wasn't a direct conflict indicated that either both sides were equally powerful, or there was a very stable order in the magical world that no one dared to disrupt.
With these thoughts in mind, Nick Fury nodded slightly and said, "Okay, Ms. Peggy, I'll immediately arrange for business consulting experts related to cafe management to be brought in."
"S.H.I.E.L.D. will cover the costs, and you can hold your discussions wherever you like."
Having said this, Fury lightly tapped his fingertips on the desk, as if implying something.
In response, Peggy shook her head, indicating that it wasn't possible.
This left Nick Fury slightly disappointed, but he didn't dwell on it.
After a moment of silence, as if he had thought of something, he tentatively asked, "Ms. Peggy, now that you've returned to your youthful state, are you interested in returning to S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
Hearing the suggestion in Nick Fury's words, Peggy looked at him with a teasing expression and slowly said, "I don't plan to return to S.H.I.E.L.D. for the time being. After all, it's been a long time, and many things have changed. Right now, I just want to relax and teach my students—a break from the busy schedule."
Hearing this, Fury breathed a sigh of relief.
Peggy Carter was an agent active during World War II and later founded S.H.I.E.L.D.
He couldn't fully anticipate the political resources and connections she might still have at her disposal.
Not to mention Peggy Carter's lingering influence in S.H.I.E.L.D., which extended to both him and his superior, Alexander Pierce.
It could be said that if Peggy decided to return to S.H.I.E.L.D., there was a real possibility that she could oust him from his position.
Although Fury was confident he could retain his role as director, it would undoubtedly require significant effort on his part.
Now that Peggy had made it clear she wouldn't interfere with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s affairs, he was naturally relieved.
The next moment, something surprising happened to Nick Fury.
He saw Peggy take out something resembling a branch. If his guess was correct, it should be a wand—a wizard's tool.
Sure enough, he heard Peggy say, "Besides, Professor Lockhart mentioned that I have strong mental talents and could become a wizard. So, I'll be focusing on practicing magic in the future."
"As for S.H.I.E.L.D. matters, they'll be in your hands. You're someone Pierce and I trust, and I believe you'll make the right decisions."
Magic? Peggy is actually learning magic?
At that moment, Nick Fury's mind was racing as he processed this crucial information. With the most gentle smile of his life on his face, he said kindly, "In that case, I'll try not to disturb you while you're teaching your students and practicing magic. However, since you were once the founder of S.H.I.E.L.D., if you ever encounter any troublesome situations, S.H.I.E.L.D. is obligated to assist you."
"In this way, as the director, I can grant you the authority of a Level 7 agent. On the one hand, I'll try not to disrupt your life, and on the other hand, if you need any information, you can access it directly through S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intelligence system."
Hearing the goodwill in Nick Fury's words, Peggy smiled faintly.
But at the same time, she sighed softly in her heart.
Now that she could practice magic, she had made the decision to align herself with Lockhart.
In the future, she wouldn't only be responsible for teaching students but also for organizing and constructing the wizarding world, and even conducting wizard training.
On top of that, she'd have to maintain communication with S.H.I.E.L.D.
While it wasn't impossible for Nick Fury to achieve his goals, based on her understanding of Lockhart, if he wanted something, he would have to pay for it.
So, to accomplish Fury's objectives, S.H.I.E.L.D. would undoubtedly have to pay a steep price in the future.
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