The meeting with Gondor's Steward ended hastily, with the result being that Levi and Turgon accomplished nothing. They simply exchanged barbs and parted on unpleasant terms.
"Treat our honored guest well!"
This was the Steward's final command.
"We wish to be on good terms with you."
Outside the palace, Ecthelion hurried after them, saying: "Please forgive my father. He's simply overly concerned with power and glory. He means no enmity toward you."
If it were an ordinary lord, a simple bow would settle the matter, followed by proper friendship, gift-giving, and good publicity. As for commanding Gondor's forces without authorization, could that really be considered an issue?
But unfortunately, he encountered Levi.
If the Steward had conversed with him as an ordinary old man, he would have responded with respect and courtesy. But he insisted on using authority to intimidate...
"This is the first time anyone has spoken to me like that."
"Even elven lords and dwarf kings are more reasonable than him."
If Ecthelion hadn't intervened to mediate, this affair's conclusion might not have been very dignified.
"But it's understandable. Many elderly people suffer from ailments that make them obstinate."
Levi said with a smile: "Your father is quite an interesting person."
Though the surface interaction wasn't harmonious, Gondor's reputation had genuinely increased, reaching "ally" status, the level where they'd willingly send troops if Levi needed assistance.
Though spoken casually, these words carried different implications for Ecthelion.
Hearing Levi's words, Ecthelion felt complex emotions surge in his heart. This legend didn't take any of this to heart, or more bluntly, didn't regard so-called royalty or power at all.
Even if today's scene were changed to a small village with the village chief questioning why he stole radishes from the vegetable garden, his attitude would be the same. No, his attitude might even be lower, since he actually ate the village's radishes.
"The Steward summons you."
After briefly chatting with Levi, a guard suddenly approached to call Ecthelion away.
"I'll visit you again shortly."
After saying this to Levi, he departed with the guard back into the palace.
"Listen, Ecthelion."
Beside the throne, Turgon rose briskly and walked before his son, looking at him seriously:
"That northern lord harbors ill intentions. Stay away from him in the future."
"I understand, Father."
Ecthelion responded earnestly, then asked: "What do you think we should give him? I feel he and his domain lack nothing. Perhaps opening a trade route would be good practice?"
"Did you listen seriously to what I just said?" Turgon's old face darkened.
"What?"
...
Ecthelion, full name "Ecthelion II," was Gondor's twenty-fifth, meaning the next Steward. The current Turgon was the twenty-fourth.
But his retirement wasn't far off. Turgon was now ninety years old. He wouldn't continue as Steward for more than ten years. He was well aware of this, which is why Levi could see Ecthelion before the throne. He was training his heir in advance.
"In recent years, Father has had me observe during his rule, even participate in some decisions."
In the royal garden, Ecthelion conversed with Levi. This Steward's son in his prime differed greatly from his father. His presence wasn't as overwhelming, his eyes showing more gentleness.
"I clearly understand the pressure on Father's shoulders."
He said: "Since my father took office, Gondor enjoyed peace until a few years ago, when news came of the great enemy's return. Mordor suddenly revived, and southern pirates became rampant."
"Only then did we realize that past peace was all pretense. Our enemies were merely dormant, gathering strength."
"Mordor began sending troops into Ithilien, the Haradrim grew unsatisfied with merely harassing Harondor, and Umbar's pirates eyed Gondor's southern shores hungrily."
"They started spreading rumors that Gondor would be destroyed, claiming that surrendering to them would spare people from destruction and allow them to enjoy the wealthy southern life."
"Many young people were deceived by such rumors."
"Oh?"
Levi raised an eyebrow without saying more.
"Actually, under fierce attacks from southern pirates and barbarians, even among the great nobles there were waverers. Some fled with their entire fortunes to join the enemy, leaving my father to confront this crisis."
At this point, Ecthelion smiled bitterly, the weight of betrayal evident in his expression.
Looking at this Steward's son, Levi said: "I imagine your pressure won't be less than your father's."
After all, he'd be next.
"I trust you can maintain Gondor's glory."
Levi recalled information in his mind. In later times, Ecthelion was recognized as a wise Steward with quite open governing attitudes, encouraging all talented people far and near to serve Gondor against Mordor.
During his reign, Aragorn served under the alias 'Thorongil' as one of Gondor's commanders, achieving considerable merit.
"Thank you."
Ecthelion thanked him sincerely. "Having your approval is my honor."
"Father!"
As the two conversed, a slightly immature voice came from the garden entrance. Looking up, they saw a youth about ten years old running over. He first bowed to Ecthelion, then looked at Levi with some hesitation, seemingly unsure what to do.
"I was just about to introduce you."
Ecthelion placed his hand on the youth's shoulder, bringing him before Levi: "This is my son, Denethor."
"Denethor, quickly greet Uncle Levi."
"Hello there, child."
Before Denethor could speak, Levi stood up first, attempting to lift this youth who despite being underage, was nearly as tall as himself. Then he was stopped by resisting hands.
"Uncle, please don't do that. I'm no longer an infant learning to walk."
"Ah ha ha..."
Levi laughed somewhat awkwardly. Great, he'd missed another chance to say, 'I held you when you were little.' Like Aragorn, both children were equally stubborn.
...
Inside the palace.
After dismissing his disobedient son, Turgon stood quietly, taking several deep breaths to calm his spirit. As tranquility settled over him, his mind wandered.
"When exactly did my son stop listening to me?" he wondered.
Lost in reflection, Turgon suddenly realized that since border troubles had intensified and regional conflicts multiplied, he had neglected his family entirely. He had gone too long without meaningful conversations beyond the palace walls.
A soft sigh escaped him. Somehow, the stern old man softened. He summoned a guard to prepare a plate of fresh grapes, then took the tray himself and headed toward the gardens beyond the palace.
"Around this time... I remember he likes strolling in the garden. Sometimes Denethor joins him too."
"They both love eating grapes, especially green ones. I wonder if their tastes have changed."
The old man rarely smiled, but for this brief moment, he cast aside all worries—even that more troublesome figure. This rare tranquility lasted until he reached the garden entrance.
Clatter.
The silver plate crashed to the ground, fresh grapes scattering across the stone path.
The sight before him made Turgon's smile freeze instantly. His son sat pleasantly conversing with that Levi on the garden bench, while his grandson stood respectfully before the man, seemingly seeking guidance.
The commotion at the entrance drew immediate attention from all three in the garden.
Ecthelion's heart sank.
"Father, let me explain..."
"Ha! What a harmonious scene!" Turgon's smile vanished as he swept his wide robes, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Please, continue your charming conversation. I have urgent matters requiring my attention. Don't let me interrupt."
He turned and departed swiftly, leaving only scattered grapes glittering on the ground.
***
About Gondor's Stewards:
Since Gondor's king went missing and the royal bloodline was severed, Gondor has been governed by Stewards.
Due to the nation's special nature, only those with true royal blood can become king—others are not recognized. This is why Stewards can only be Stewards, no matter how many years or generations they govern Gondor.
"In the name of the king, I hold this rod and rule this realm until the king returns."
—Oath of Gondor's Ruling Stewards
Boromir, eldest son of the 26th Ruling Steward Denethor II, once asked his father as a child:
"When can a Steward become king?"
Denethor answered:
"In other places less particular about kingship, perhaps after just a few years; but in Gondor, even ten thousand years wouldn't suffice."
—The Lord of the Rings