Chapter 303: Many Years
In 2973, Levi ventured out visiting Rohan and Gondor in succession, reuniting with two old friends.
That same year, Gondor Commander "Thorongil" led forces in a surprise attack on Umbar's harbor, destroying vast numbers of ships and eliminating a harbor captain, greatly reducing threats from southern seas.
Many people learned of this, yet what puzzled them was that after achieving such great things, "Thorongil" departed without a word, never appearing in people's sight again.
Even in Rohan, it was so. The people remembered having such a skilled general who fought alongside Marshal Théoden, defending borders with considerable bravery.
Some attempted to track the grey-robed wizard, who was both mentor and friend to the young general, but subsequently discovered the wizard's whereabouts to be even more mysterious than Thorongil's, eventually abandoning the search.
Yet even as "Thorongil" disappeared from view, people remembered there had been such an excellent young man making significant contributions to the Free Peoples' humans. His deeds would be recorded and passed down through generations.
Time rushed forward. People each traveled their own paths, unsure what lay at the end.
In the blink of an eye, many years passed.
Recently, Levi barely ventured out. Most of the time, he remained within his territories, especially Dale, where people constantly saw his presence.
It seemed Dale had become his preferred residence. Roadside Keep's dwellings and Water City's Riverfold consequently emptied, remaining unoccupied for extended periods.
Yet whether Roadside Keep or Water City, their subjects had already grown accustomed to their lord's absence. Over the years, through specialized education and institutional reforms, each territory had adapted, developing mature operational systems.
Even without Levi present, territories flourished and developed, growing ever more prosperous. The difference was that when he was present, territories occasionally experienced dramatic developmental leaps—like the Great Wall's establishment and Water City's construction. In his absence, development proceeded more steadily.
Regardless, Levi's ability to remain peacefully within his territories long-term benefited the people. Whichever territory, as long as he stayed within the lands it sufficed.
As for residing in Dale, it mattered little. After all, travel time from either Roadside Keep or Water City to Dale wasn't excessive. Even urgent matters could be communicated promptly without delay.
Well... probably without delay.
Another winter arrived.
Levi walked along snow-covered roads cloaked in a cape, occasionally responding to residents' greetings. Snowflakes fell gently, melting away before they could touch him.
Knock knock knock.
When he knocked on that familiar door again, sounds came slower from within.
Creak.
Bard opened the door, welcoming Levi inside.
"Cough cough..." He coughed twice, sitting at the table, pushing a steaming cup of tea toward Levi.
The weather grew increasingly cold.
"How have you been recently?" Levi spoke first.
"Everything is as usual... quite well," Bard answered simply, then fell silent.
Levi observed his completely white hair and gaunt frame, remaining quiet for a long time.
Moments later, the door was knocked again.
This time, Levi went to open it.
"Bain, and Bran."
While greeting them, Levi changed his armor and held the lively, active young Bran. This four or five-year-old was at that playful age, brimming with curiosity about everything, quite mischievous.
Although he typically only displayed this around his parents. Before Bard or Levi, the little fellow would behave obediently.
"Good child, have some pastry."
Bard smiled, handing him a soft, small cookie.
"Thank you, Grandfather."
Bran reached out, accepting it, his large eyes bright and sparkling, nibbling it gently.
Bard stroked his small head, his face full of affection.
And reluctance.
Levi sat back in the chair by the window, facing Bard across the table.
Bain, meanwhile, held Bran—still nibbling his cookie—sitting at the table's side.
"A new, large bridge was built east of Bree. It will be more convenient to travel to Dunland now."
"The borders remain peaceful, no disturbances."
"This year too has been peaceful."
"Mm." Hearing Bain's brief report, Bard nodded.
He could no longer handle overly complex matters, nor could he personally travel to construction fronts or borders for inspections. These tasks naturally fell entirely to Bain.
He managed excellently, no worse than Bard.
"You'll watch over this land well for me, won't you?" Bard smiled toward Bain.
"Father..."
"If you want to see, look for yourself. Nothing is truer than what your own eyes perceive."
Levi interrupted them both, clearly unwilling to delve deeper into this topic.
Bran looked left and right, somewhat confused.
"The prosperity of this region is inseparable from you."
In recent years, when truly settling down here with careful observation, Levi discovered Dale's true circumstances. Good friendship with the Lonely Mountain, thriving trade flowing up and down the Running River, the territory's flourishing development—these certainly owed considerable parts to his influence, yet reaching today required substantial credit to Bard's management and representation.
When Roadside Keep was established, people went there having heard of a legendary figure willing to shelter the displaced, giving them new lives.
The various towns of Dale were different.
Considerable numbers willingly traveled far distances to settle here. Partly because they'd heard of Levi's name, but another part—even a significantly larger part—came from admiring Bard's personal charisma and being moved by the various policies and plans he implemented.
He wielded the authority of "deputy lord," generously distributing wealth, creating better lives for the people, while simultaneously maintaining good relations with various forces, continually raising Dale's, the Free Peoples', and Levi's reputation among numerous allies.
This vast territory, this enormous realm—Levi had never worried or felt troubled about anything here.
That winter and new year, Levi remained in Dale.
Peaceful and ordinary, nothing particularly noteworthy—merely gatherings and displays of cooking skills, seeing close companions.
Of course, in Dale, his closest people were simply Bard and Bain's family.
At the table, several people tasted the various delicacies Levi personally prepared, eating quite joyfully, especially young Bran. The child had never seen so much delicious food, nearly too full to walk afterward.
Clear collision sounds rang from the table as several people raised their cups, lightly clinking together.
Drinking in one gulp.
After the meal, when Levi departed, Bard sat before his desk again, pouring himself a cup of tea, picking up his pen to record something in a notebook.
But as he wrote, he paused, shaking his head.
Taking a long breath, he leaned back, beginning to rest with closed eyes.