A magical journey that begins at Hogwarts

"I can get you to fulfill my promise, but not now."

"Why?" Bilbo asked anxiously.

"Because the elven army is stationed in River Valley, I will absolutely not open the city gates until we defeat them."

Bilbo was speechless. Thorin could allow them to help the residents of Lake-town rebuild their homes, but he would never compromise with the elves.

But if they don't open the city gates, how can they send the money to rebuild Changhu Town?

Even if you go to Vale and explain to Bard, they might not believe you, since Thorin refused so decisively before, almost to the point of starting a war.

“I’ll handle it,” Aaron volunteered. “I’ll go to River Valley and explain things to Bard. As for how to get the gold out of the city, that’s not a difficult task for a wizard like me.”

"You can decide that yourself, but before you set off, I need to give you something." Thorin said, turning to look at the crowd. "Come with me."

armory.

There were all sorts of armor and weapons, but they were all covered in a thick layer of dust.

However, the dwarves' forging techniques are unparalleled in the world. Even after many years, the weapons and equipment here can still look brand new after just a wipe.

"Choose suitable armor and weapons; we can't protect Irubor without them."

Without the slightest hesitation, the dwarves began selecting the equipment that suited their needs.

“Lord Baggins.” Thorin opened a box and took out a pale silver vest. “You’ll need this.”

"My goodness!" Aaron stared in astonishment, his eyes widening. He touched it and exclaimed, "This is made of mithril; it's impervious to blades and spears!"

“You have a good eye,” Thorin said with some pride. “This was made by my ancestors using a silver alloy.”

Wear it! It symbolizes your friendship with the dwarves, who will treat you as their most honored guest.

Bilbo was flattered and took off his coat, putting on the vest.

“It suits me well,” Bilbo said with an awkward laugh, “but it feels a little strange, after all, I’m just a hobbit, not a knight.”

"You'll get used to it." Aaron patted him on the shoulder. "Nothing is more suitable for you than something that can save your life."

“Gaius, there’s only one Mithril Vest, but I’ve thought of something more suitable for you.”

Hearing this, Aaron was overjoyed, feeling that he was about to acquire a powerful weapon.

But soon his expression became quite interesting, because Thorin placed a jet-black key in his hand.

"This...this isn't appropriate!"

Aaron's eye twitched slightly; he hadn't expected Thorin to give him the key to the secret door.

This key is indeed priceless, as it is a family heirloom passed down through generations of Thorin's family and is the key to the back door of Irubor.

But to say it's not precious, it really isn't worth much money.

At least that's how Aaron sees it. He'll leave this world sooner or later, and a key that he'll never use will only have sentimental value for him.

“How about…we switch them?” Bilbo said. “I quite like this key.”

"Let's forget it. We're likely to face a war soon."

"The mithril vest isn't very useful to me, but if you didn't have it, your mortality rate would probably skyrocket."

Bilbo: ......

That's the truth, though it's a bit harsh.

Chapter 274 The News Brought by the Grey-Robed Wizard

A rope was thrown down from the walls of Irubor, and Aaron and Bilbo followed it down to the outside of the city.

The two walked along the main road all the way to the city of River Valley. Neither humans nor elves stopped them. They simply went about preparing their weapons or practicing fighting. Almost the entire city was in a state of armed conflict.

Alfred emerged from a dilapidated house and, seeing the two men, impatiently approached them, saying, "You actually dared to come here."

“We’re here to negotiate with Bard,” Bilbo explained.

Alfred immediately revealed a mocking smile, "Do you think you're in a position to negotiate right now?"

"You only have a dozen or so men; you can't possibly hold onto that gold. You'd better surrender and hand it over to Irubb."

“I hate lackeys.” Aaron rolled his eyes, then drew his wand and pointed it at Alfred. “I’ll only ask once, where’s Bard?”

Alfred looked at the wand, then took a few steps back guiltily. "I... I'll take you there."

"If we had done this earlier, it would have been fine," Aaron said dismissively.

Alfred cursed inwardly, but still led them into a large tent. "My lord, they want to see you."

"My lord?" Aaron raised an eyebrow at Bard. "Has he been promoted?"

"He was elected by everyone; he was appointed to this position in a time of crisis!"

“Understood, but it’s best to avoid using this guy if possible.” Aaron pointed at Alfred and said, “He’s only good for bullying others and damaging your image; he serves no other purpose.”

Alfred: ......

Bard gave an awkward laugh, dismissed Alfred, and then looked at the two of them seriously, "Has Thorin Oakenshield changed his mind?"

“He won’t,” Thranduil said as he entered the tent. “Oak Shield wouldn’t part with that gold.”

“That was how it was supposed to be,” Bilbo nodded. “But we managed to persuade him that Aaron would use the proceeds from his expedition to fulfill the king’s promise. One-fifteenth of the treasure would be enough to rebuild Lake-town or even Dale.”

"Are you telling the truth?" Bard was extremely excited. He didn't plan to start a war unless absolutely necessary, since the people of Longlake Town could only muster a few hundred soldiers, and they couldn't afford any losses.

“That certainly surprised me,” Thranduil said, sitting in his chair and asking curiously, “How did you manage to persuade such a stubborn dwarf?”

"Move them with emotion, reason with them," Aaron said seriously, but seeing Thranduil's teasing look, he couldn't help but add, "The most important thing is... to be sincere."

Upon hearing this, Thranduil's perpetually cold face showed a few more dark lines.

If you're going to be perfunctory, at least consider who you're dealing with. Does he really think he doesn't know who Thorin is?

However, the king's composure kept him calm. He didn't immediately launch into a tirade, but instead sneered, "That's unbelievable."

“Dwarves may be stubborn, foolish, difficult to deal with, and suspicious and secretive.” Bilbo shook his head and laughed, somewhat speechless. “They have many bad habits that are hard for ordinary people to imagine, but they are not without courage, kindness, and a loyal heart.”

Gandalf was right; you'll like them once you get used to them.

“Can you tell me why you did this?” Bard looked at Aaron in confusion. “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have been able to kill Smaug by myself. You have done a great service to the people of Lake and don’t owe us anything.”

“In fact, I owe you a promise.” Aaron shrugged. “Thorin made the promise under my guidance, and I have a responsibility to make him keep it.”

"Thank you, really, thank you so much."

“It’s too early to say thank you,” Thranduil interjected. “How is Thorin going to get the gold out? Open the city gates?”

He won't open the city gates.

But I will use magic to bring the gold out; Bard, you just need to take the wagon and go get it.

“Yes.” Bard nodded with a smile, then looked at Thranduil somewhat awkwardly. “King Thranduil, I may have to apologize.”

If the king of the mountain is willing to keep his promise, I have no reason to lead the people of Long Lake to attack the city.

“No need for further explanation, I understand.” Thranduil waved his hand and said, “The elves will not abandon us just because humans do. You only need to remain neutral.”

Bard sighed softly, inexplicably feeling that he was being a bit unfair.

When the people of Longlake were most lacking in food and clothing, the elves provided them with aid, bringing enough supplies for them to survive. But now they have withdrawn from the League.

Although there was a valid reason, it was somewhat unreasonable from a sentimental standpoint.

“Aaron, Bilbo,” Bard looked at the two solemnly, “I wonder what price we will have to pay to obtain the white gem?”

"We can ask for half the gold if the King of Lonely Mountain is willing."

Thranduil's pupils dilated slightly, a sense of relief rising within him.

Humans do know how to repay kindness, and regardless of the outcome, Bard's performance did not disappoint the elves.

Aaron and Bilbo exchanged bewildered glances. Given Thorin's prejudice against the Elves, he wouldn't care even if you gave him an extra mountain of gold, let alone a smaller portion.

“This… it’s not just difficult, it’s extremely difficult,” Bilbo said. “The elves’ refusal to help him back then left a deep thorn in Thorin’s heart.”

“It was the dwarves who were unjust first,” Thranduil said dismissively. “They seized our national treasures and have no intention of returning them.”

Now I just want my things back, is that wrong?

“Yes, that’s only natural,” Aaron said, then changed the subject, “but the timing is wrong.”

"Really? I think there couldn't be a more suitable time."

"The dwarves have no way out, but the elves can reclaim their national treasure with minimal cost." Thranduil said righteously, then looked at Aaron and Bilbo, "I don't want to wage a major war either, as that might give others an opening, but I can't miss this opportunity."

You can try to persuade Thorin that if he returns the white jewel to us, I will immediately withdraw my troops, and the elves can reunite with the dwarves.

“King Thranduil,” Aaron pursed his lips, “I must admit you are very rational, but you may have misunderstood me.”

"What did you say?"

"This is our main purpose for coming here..." Aaron was about to explain when he was interrupted by a voice from outside.

"Pointy hat, I'm talking to you!"

Lazybones, beggars, and hooligans are not allowed to loiter here. We're already having enough trouble without you.

"Let's go! Mount your horse?"

Who's in charge here?

Aaron and Bilbo exchanged a glance. They could tell that the first sentence was spoken by Alfred in an extremely arrogant tone, while the second sentence was asked by their old acquaintance.

“Gandalf?” Bilbo murmured. “He’s back.”

"Heh! He came back just in time," Aaron said, speechless.

Gandalf didn't appear when the dozen or so of them were risking their lives to fight Smaug, and he couldn't help in the slightest.

Now that the dragon has been slain and everything has settled, he knows to come back and make his presence felt.

If Aaron hadn't known that Gandalf's departure midway through the journey might be related to the peace of Middle-earth, he would have had every reason to suspect that this cowardly old scoundrel had shamelessly come to share the spoils of victory.

Bilbo gave a wry smile, opened the tent, and waved to Gandalf. "Gandalf, we're here."

Upon seeing Bilbo, Gandalf's expression softened somewhat, and he disdainfully shook off Alfred and went into the tent.

Aaron had intended to give Gandalf a good scolding, but seeing the blood and grime on his face, he swallowed his words. "What happened to your injuries?"