WebNovels

Chapter 217 - Chapter 218: Witness of Friendship

Though the Steward's invitation carried undeniable importance, before heading to Gondor once more, Levi still drew out a quill and carefully signed his name across the young Ranger's travel cloak.

"If writing my name could provide some measure of protection or encouragement, I'd gladly continue until every drop of ink ran dry."

He patted the young Ranger's shoulder with genuine warmth, his voice carrying the weight of sincere encouragement.

"May this cloak serve its proper purpose and help you remain hidden when the wilderness grows dangerous."

"My heartfelt gratitude to you, my lord!"

The young Ranger gazed at Levi with burning intensity, his smile nearly crooked with overwhelming joy. The signature seemed to glow against the dark fabric, a tangible symbol of legendary favor.

Meanwhile, the steady Ranger beside him, who had faithfully delivered the Steward's message, showed visible hesitation. His hands fidgeted nervously, occasionally stroking his weathered beard as internal conflict played across his features.

Perhaps I should ask for an autograph as well?

...

Woooooo.

Gondor's ceremonial horns echoed across the white stone walls as the massive city gates swung wide to welcome their honored guest. The deep, resonant tones carried across every level of the tiered city, announcing arrival to all who dwelt within.

Whoosh.

Large flower petals scattered into the afternoon air like colorful snow, drifting down in lazy spirals to carpet the stone-paved streets. The sweet fragrance of roses and jasmine filled the air, mixing with the excited chatter of thousands of voices.

Residents lined both sides of the thoroughfare, waving enthusiastically at the approaching black-armored warrior. Their cheers transformed the entire city into a festival of sound and movement. Every balcony, window, and elevated platform that could observe the gate area overflowed with celebrating citizens.

But Levi, standing at the center of this overwhelming display, felt genuinely stunned by the scale of the reception.

"Is today some special holiday?" he asked the Ranger walking beside him, his voice barely audible above the crowd's roar.

The older Ranger considered the question thoughtfully. "It can be, if we choose to make it so."

Levi slowly nodded, processing this diplomatic response. "Then my timing proves quite fortunate indeed."

"Whenever you arrive in Gondor, the timing will always be this fortunate."

"Is that truly so?"

Levi glanced left and right, feeling countless gazes focused upon him with such burning intensity they seemed capable of melting through his netherite armor. The weight of their admiration was almost overwhelming.

The young Ranger couldn't tolerate their cryptic conversation any longer and addressed Levi directly with refreshing honesty:

"Today isn't any traditional Gondorian holiday, my lord. These residents gathered specifically because of your arrival. Word has spread to every corner of Minas Tirith about how you returned the humiliation Gondor suffered a thousand years ago directly to the Witch-king himself."

A crucial connection suddenly clicked in Levi's mind like pieces of a puzzle falling into place.

Hiss.

He drew a sharp breath, carefully reviewing his memories of Middle-earth's complex history.

Indeed, there had been such a significant event. The reason Gondor had entered the Steward era was precisely because their final king had been destroyed by the Witch-king's cunning provocation. That particular monarch had been obsessed with martial prowess, spending all his time perfecting swordplay techniques while neglecting to produce any legitimate heirs.

"Ah, yes... I understand completely. I'm simply surprised by the depth of the Gondorian people's enthusiasm."

Levi smiled warmly in response, raising his hand to wave at residents on both sides of the street and the packed upper levels, acting as though he'd grasped the historical significance from the beginning.

Internally, however, he felt quite shocked by the magnitude of unintended consequences.

If I admitted that I was simply annoyed at the Witch-king pouring corrupted water into my territory, and I merely wanted to call him out for a thorough beating... would anyone actually believe such a mundane explanation?

It felt remarkably like casually defeating a random monster encountered on the roadside, only to inexplicably trigger an important storyline quest with kingdom-wide ramifications.

"Let us cheer for the Legend of the North, ally and champion of Gondor, Hero Levi!"

"OHHHHH!"

The thunderous roar of approval shook the very foundations of the ancient city.

Hearing these triumphant cheers soaring skyward from the streets below, Turgon immediately knew who had arrived at their gates. The old Steward rose swiftly from his ornate chair, walking with determined strides all the way to the fountain plaza, where he could gaze down from the White City's highest level.

"Why have so many people gathered in celebration..."

Though he harbored no opposition to residents honoring heroic deeds, wasn't this display somewhat excessive in its scale?

This magnitude of welcome ceremony rivaled what he'd witnessed when victorious armies returned after recapturing important frontier settlements from enemy forces.

"Our people deserve this moment of joy, Father."

Ecthelion approached from behind, taking his place beside the old Steward as they both gazed down at the spectacular scene unfolding below.

"Since the great enemy's return and the southern powers began stirring with hostile intent, everyone's nerves have remained taut as bowstrings. You, the soldiers, even ordinary residents, all of us have lived under this constant tension."

"These past years, everyone has feared that our hard-won peace might vanish without warning."

"Allow Gondor to celebrate this victory. Such news will strengthen the hearts of every soldier still fighting at our contested borders."

"Even the finest bowstring cannot remain drawn indefinitely, can it?"

Sigh.

"Very well, you're absolutely correct."

Turgon exhaled heavily and gestured with resignation, though his expression carried grudging approval.

"I've grown old; my judgment is no longer as sharp as it once was. Many decisions should have been transferred to your capable hands long ago."

After speaking these words, the aged Steward chuckled softly, slowly raising his weathered face to gaze toward the eastern horizon, where shadows of ancient enemies stirred.

"If that accursed Dark Lord had returned decades earlier, he would have found me waiting on the battlefield itself."

Ecthelion lowered his head respectfully, studying his father's slightly stooped shoulders in contemplative silence.

Neither he nor his father possessed pure Dúnedain bloodlines. A hundred years represented their natural limit, and his father had already surpassed ninety winters.

The celebratory clamor gradually approached the palace district, finally halting at the base of the stairway leading to the highest level, where the royal residence stood.

The Steward and his heir moved to the stairway's entrance, waiting in dignified silence as footsteps echoed against ancient stone.

"Welcome, our valued ally and friend."

As Levi's imposing form gradually ascended to the topmost level, Turgon's face brightened with genuine warmth.

"Today, Gondor's gates stand open in your honor."

What's this?

Seeing Turgon transformed from his previous stern demeanor into someone far more gracious and welcoming, Levi needed a moment to mentally adjust to this dramatic change in attitude.

"Thank you for such kindness. Should the opportunity arise, the gates of Roadside Keep can likewise be raised to welcome you."

The two leaders clasped hands firmly, sharing genuine smiles that erased any lingering tension from their previous awkward encounter.

The minor unpleasantness from before dissolved completely in this moment of mutual respect.

Ecthelion observed this diplomatic reconciliation from a respectful distance, his lips unconsciously curving upward in satisfaction and relief.

Gondor's reputation and standing rose another significant notch at this historic moment, now comparable to relationships with distant kingdoms like the Woodland Realm. Military alliances could be formed if circumstances demanded such cooperation.

Theoretically, if Levi chose to exercise his influence, he could immediately raise an elite army composed of dwarves, men, and elves from various allied kingdoms, simultaneously gaining military support from multiple powers across Middle-earth.

"To this day, I find myself uncertain how to properly repay your tremendous kindness to Gondor and her people."

Turgon spoke with heartfelt sincerity, gesturing behind him as palace guards approached bearing an ornate chest crafted from precious woods and adorned with silver fittings.

He opened the container with ceremonial care, revealing an exquisitely crafted short sword. Its golden hilt gleamed with inlaid gems that caught and fractured the afternoon sunlight into brilliant rainbows. The blade itself appeared sharp enough to cut through silk or steel with equal ease.

Levi lifted the weapon carefully as supernatural knowledge flooded his awareness.

[Steward's Short Sword] Attack +6, Attack Speed +50%.

What exceptional craftsmanship!

Examining the blade more closely, he noticed a blank heraldic frame embedded in the hilt's design, containing no symbol or crest within its borders.

"That represents our family's unique heritage," Ecthelion approached and explained quietly, his voice carrying the weight of historical significance.

"Stewards govern only during the King's absence and therefore cannot claim heraldic symbols of royal power or authority."

"So it remains blank by necessity and tradition. Over time, this very blankness became our family's distinctive identifier."

"Corresponding to our empty crest is the Dark Lord's black heraldic symbol. We have sworn eternal opposition to all forms of darkness that threaten the free peoples."

"Such historical matters can be discussed at greater length later," Turgon interjected, stepping closer to Levi with solemn purpose.

"I hope this gift will serve as a lasting commemoration of our friendship and alliance. Additionally, that blank heraldic symbol represents myself and my family's honor. When the need arises, simply display it, and anyone familiar with Gondor will understand its meaning and significance."

"I realize this token may seem modest given your legendary status, but please accept it as a symbol of our deepest gratitude and respect."

Meeting the old man's solemn and utterly sincere gaze, Levi's own expression grew equally serious and formal.

"Then I accept this witness of friendship from Gondor with great honor, on behalf of myself and all the people of my domain."

The gift ceremony concluded beneath the withered White Tree at Gondor's highest point, witnessed by the entire city's population spread across every visible level and balcony.

Thunderous applause erupted like a summer storm, rolling across the white stone terraces in waves of sound that seemed to shake the very mountains beyond.

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