Chapter 022: Negotiating Terms

"Gandalf the Grey, and Thorin Oakenshield, welcome to your arrival."

Wang Bo was well aware that the gap between himself and Ilúvatar was immense; to Ilúvatar, he was but a tiny ant. After all, he did not yet possess the power to create a universe.

Even if this universe were only the size of the solar system, he still lacked such power.

Sometimes, creation is far more difficult than destruction.

Even if Ilúvatar paid no heed to him, a mere ant, Wang Bo would not act too arrogantly. What if he provoked Ilúvatar and was casually killed?

For this reason, after Wang Bo occupied the Lonely Mountain and subdued Smaug, he established ties with the dwarves and elves. On one hand, he abhorred slaughter; on the other, he likely intended to keep a low profile.

Wang Bo extended goodwill to Sauron and Gandalf, and the two, not overly haughty, respectfully returned his greeting.

"Greetings, King under the Mountain."

"No need to be so formal; guests are welcome." Wang Bo smiled slightly, inviting Gandalf and Thorin's company to sit, and feigned ignorance as he asked, "May I ask what brings you here?"

Thorin squinted, hesitated for a moment, then said, "King under the Mountain, decades ago, the Lonely Mountain was our kingdom."

Wang Bo nodded and said, "Yes, I am well aware of that. The Lonely Mountain was once your kingdom, but later Smaug occupied it, forcing your dwarves to migrate. It became Smaug's territory."

"But not long ago, I came to the Lonely Mountain, found the scenery pleasant, subdued Smaug, and took possession of it. So now it has become my territory. Is there a problem?"

Thorin was momentarily at a loss for words.

He wanted to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from Wang Bo, but he knew he lacked the strength.

After all, the other was a wizard who could defeat even Smaug.

Moreover, he had learned from his companions that the King under the Mountain was not a tyrant but a very benevolent king, who had hired his companions with wine and gold.

He gave the dwarves rooms, food, and respect.

If he rashly demanded the return of the Lonely Mountain, he would have no just cause, and likely few dwarves would answer his call.

Helpless, Thorin could only turn his gaze to Gandalf.

He hoped this Maia could help him.

Gandalf noticed Thorin's plea, took a few puffs of his pipe, and probed, "The Lonely Mountain was once the kingdom of the Durin's Folk, and all the wealth there was the dwarves' treasure. The dragon Smaug seized that ill-gotten wealth. Now that Your Majesty has defeated Smaug and occupied the Lonely Mountain, it is naturally Your Majesty's domain. But I wonder if this ill-gotten wealth might be..."

"No problem." Wang Bo interrupted Gandalf with a wave of his hand. "Since it is the dwarves' treasure, I can naturally return it to them."

Seeing things go so smoothly, Gandalf said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Thorin Oakenshield also breathed a sigh of relief. With that wealth, he could use it to rebuild a dwarf kingdom without clinging to the Lonely Mountain.

After all, Middle-earth was vast.

"But..." At that moment, Wang Bo changed his tone. "This wealth was not taken by me from the dwarves, but from Smaug. There is no such thing as giving it away for nothing in this world."

Gandalf's face darkened. Thorin's eyes flickered with thought, and his tone gradually turned cold. "Then may I ask what the King under the Mountain requires to return this wealth to us?"

Unfazed by Thorin's tone, Wang Bo said slowly, "Well, the dwarves are skilled craftsmen, and I greatly admire your forging arts. I have already hired many dwarves to work for me. How about this: if you can forge for me five unparalleled treasures, I will return your wealth to you. What do you think?"

He paused and added, "Of course, I will provide the materials and costs. You need only contribute your craftsmanship. Thorin Oakenshield, what is your opinion?"

Gandalf mulled over the terms, his eyes shifting, but he remained silent. He found the conditions reasonable; the King under the Mountain had shown his sincerity. It remained to be seen what Thorin thought.

After hearing Wang Bo's terms, Thorin slowly lowered his head and finally said, "Very well, I agree. But we must sign a contract, and you must not go back on your word."

"Of course." Wang Bo replied readily.

Gandalf said, "Let me be the witness. How about that?"

"No problem," said Thorin.

Wang Bo had no objections either. Though he was stronger than Gandalf, he still wanted to show Gandalf respect, so he agreed.

Thus, with Gandalf as witness, the two signed the contract.

After signing, Thorin breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "What treasures do you desire?"

Wang Bo said calmly, "Any treasure will do, as long as it is unparalleled."

To be honest, Wang Bo did not really care what treasures these dwarves could forge. Even if it were a white elephant, as long as it was unparalleled, he would acknowledge it and collect it.

After all, the myriad worlds were vast, and sometimes even a white elephant might prove useful.

Moreover, he believed that the dwarves, eager to reclaim their treasure, would go all out and would not produce anything mediocre.

Thorin studied Wang Bo for a moment, then nodded. "Agreed. But I must summon all the dwarves scattered abroad. Only with their united efforts can I forge unparalleled treasures."

"Agreed." Wang Bo did not refuse. He was not at all concerned that summoning so many dwarves might affect his position.

In Wang Bo's view, the more dwarves in the Lonely Mountain, the better. Ideally, all dwarves would work for him.

Thorin thought for a moment and added, "We need water, food, and rooms."

"I can grant all of that." Wang Bo was easy to deal with, as these things meant little to him. If they could make the dwarves work for him wholeheartedly, he would come out ahead.

Seeing Wang Bo so accommodating, Thorin could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.

He unbuckled the sword at his waist and handed it to Wang Bo. "This sword I found in the trolls' cave. It was forged in the First Age and is a very powerful blade. When enemies approach, it glows to warn its wielder."

"I wish to present it to you, King under the Mountain, as the first unparalleled treasure."