"Levi!"
Outside the golden great hall, Thengel called out and strode toward that familiar figure.
"Long time no see. You look well."
"You too..."
Levi originally wanted to exchange pleasantries, but when he saw Thengel's haggard face, the words died on his lips.
"You look somewhat busy."
"Yes." Thengel smiled and caught his breath.
"Rohan has too many matters requiring attention. I've only just managed to clean up those legacy problems my father left behind."
"The previous king must have left quite a mess. You've really worked hard."
"It's alright—at least they're all internal matters."
Thengel didn't mind too much.
"Rohan's people are very united. With that man's precedent, their views and demands of me are much more lenient. I've encountered basically no obstacles when implementing various orders."
"Heh, that's one of his few contributions."
Facing this statement, Levi just smiled without speaking.
He didn't delve deeper into this touchy issue, instead asking, "Since various matters are going smoothly, what has made you so haggard?"
Facing Levi's question, Thengel was somewhat helpless.
"Internal problems are manageable, but besides internal issues, some problems appeared at the borders. Those Dunlendings seem to have reached some cooperation with orcs, frequently conducting harassment raids at the border since several years ago."
"Oh?" Levi raised his eyebrows.
"But this past year they've become much more docile. Whether Dunlendings or orcs, they very suddenly retreated. Quite strange."
"Mm." Levi nodded, silently crossing out an itinerary item.
Good. Saruman kept his promise.
"That sounds quite good—internal and external peace. Is there some other matter troubling you?"
Thengel paused, not answering for a moment.
After sighing, he finally said, "Yes, internal and external peace, so they—the nobles in the great hall—have turned their attention to me."
"They have many opinions about my private life, just because I prefer using Gondor's language in daily conversation."
"Did you compromise?"
"I refuse. Let them gossip."
Regarding this matter, Levi couldn't say much.
"Let's talk about you instead, Levi. Do you have any business this visit?"
"Yes."
Moments later, in the council chamber, Levi spread out a map and discussed with Thengel matters regarding the North Undeep and South Undeep opposite the Wold.
"Of course, as you wish. I support this matter completely. I believe no one will have objections. I'll make an announcement afterward."
Thengel very quickly agreed to this matter, without even consulting with Rohan's high officials.
The council had already been gossiping about him for several days. He couldn't wait for new matters to divert their attention elsewhere.
"That's good then."
With matters settled, Levi put away the map and stood up.
Thengel looked up following this movement, asking, "You're leaving already?"
"Yes, business is finished. I plan to wander elsewhere."
"Your actions are always so swift and decisive."
Thengel stared at Levi, seeming to want to say more.
But Levi waited a long time without hearing what he wanted to say.
Finally, the king just smiled lightly, saying, "Safe travels, my friend."
Several days later, in Gondor's White City, Levi again came to the highest palace after a long absence.
This time the person sitting in the Steward's seat had become Ecthelion, while standing beside the seat was Denethor.
The changing of the guard—just like that.
Levi felt somewhat moved by the passage of time.
He greeted them warmly. "How have you been recently?"
"Better than ever before."
Ecthelion smiled in response, walking over to shake Levi's hand firmly.
"Development has been quite good these recent years. Mordor hasn't had much movement either. I truly hope this situation can continue indefinitely."
In this era, no war meant good times.
Very few places could enjoy absolute peace, even Levi's territory included. Though it looked incredibly peaceful with no enemies daring to approach—that was all because Roadside Keep's Blade walked dangerous edges daily, paying in blood and steel.
Without these people, the situation would be entirely different.
Ecthelion shared the sentiment.
"Time has flown by. I truly envy you, Levi. You can wander everywhere without restrictions, while I must constantly watch everything here to prevent any accidents, even during peacetime."
Moments later, all three walked to the garden, drinking afternoon tea while chatting about various recent events.
At this moment both Ecthelion and Denethor listened very attentively—across from them, Levi was recounting Roadside Keep's first Legion Competition.
When hearing about the Legion Champion battling him, especially Yawen's various dangerous evasions and counterattack operations, both exclaimed in amazement.
Ecthelion marveled at Levi's powerful strength—consistent as always. As a lord, he possessed overwhelming power. Anyone before him could only be a challenger, never an equal.
In his own case, even when young and vigorous, he could at most be called 'skilled,' not 'champion.'
An all-powerful ruler possessing both authority and absolute strength—truly enviable.
Unlike Ecthelion's focus, Denethor immediately noticed Legion Champion Yawen's various tactical operations.
Very strong—even Ithilien Rangers' most outstanding members might not reach that level.
After discussing Roadside Keep's grand occasion, Levi mentioned Rhovanion's developments—like the new outpost, plus the North and South Undeeps and roads from Rhovanion directly to Gondor.
"River and sea transport..."
Mentioning this, Ecthelion became quite interested.
"I'm planning to strengthen Pelargir's defenses and rebuild Cair Andros."
Cair Andros—a small island in the Anduin north of the White City, an important defensive point against Mordor's invasions.
Many years ago, when Levi led Roadside Keep merchant caravans from Gondor toward Dale, he had passed there.
Two places—one royal shipyard, one river defense fortress.
It seemed Ecthelion quite valued these matters. This era was indeed when corsairs were rather rampant.
His prevention was wise.
Levi also expressed support.
"Then how about we go see it?"
Ecthelion proactively proposed, surprising Denethor beside him.
"Of course."
Levi readily accepted.
Somehow, Denethor had a bad premonition about this sudden plan.
That day, the three mounted their horses and departed, heading north straight for that river island.
The next day, the three arrived without incident.
This matter didn't attract much attention. People just took it as an ordinary territorial inspection and investigation.
Until the three, while looking around the fortifications, suddenly disappeared without a trace.