Chapter 022: The Deal

Seeing Gandalf's awkward flattery, Wang Bo knew that Gandalf hadn't taken the Gourmet Tablecloth seriously, after all, the Gourmet Tablecloth was not particularly conspicuous.

But Wang Bo didn't call him out; instead, he said, "Gentlemen, for this banquet, I have prepared an endless supply of delicacies for you. You may order whatever you wish to eat."

With that, he said to the Gourmet Tablecloth, "Give me a cup of honey water!"

The next second, a cup of honey water appeared in front of Wang Bo's table.

Wang Bo picked up the honey water, gestured to everyone present, took a small sip—it was quite sweet, definitely made from top-quality honey, with a flavor beyond imagination.

Gandalf seemed to understand something, set his staff aside, and said, "Then give me a cup of black tea."

At the same time, a cup of black tea appeared on the Gourmet Tablecloth in front of him.

Galadriel looked at the Gourmet Tablecloth before her, as if analyzing something, but after staring for a long time, she couldn't figure it out. She tentatively said, "Perhaps I should try some honey bread."

Thus, a honey bread appeared.

Círdan and Radagast, seeing the demonstrations of the two before them, imitated them in a proper manner.

"I need a roast chicken," said Círdan.

"Honey, black tea, and some desserts."

As soon as Radagast finished speaking, the table was covered with all kinds of desserts, from cakes and dorayaki to pastries and bread, almost everything imaginable, nearly filling the space around him.

Wang Bo said, "When ordering, try to be specific, like 'a cup of black tea' or 'a roast chicken.'"

"Some desserts"? Who knows how many desserts that is.

Galadriel picked up the bread, tore off a small piece, and took a bite. The soft bread and sweet honey blended perfectly, giving a unique texture.

"Delicious!" Even the Sorceress Queen, who had tasted many fine things, couldn't help but brighten up.

Wang Bo smiled and said, "I'm glad you like it."

Galadriel asked curiously, "What kind of magic is this?"

She had never heard of magic that could conjure food, and what was even more奇妙 was that she didn't sense any magical fluctuation from the Gourmet Tablecloth.

Wang Bo replied calmly, "This is not magic, but technology. The Gourmet Tablecloth comes from a highly advanced technological world. I'm not entirely clear on the specific principles, but it's certain that it can satisfy most people's cravings for food and drink. Anytime, anywhere, as long as you tell it what you want to eat, it can fulfill your request."

Gandalf asked thoughtfully, "So, it has an endless supply of food, flowing continuously, right?"

Wang Bo said, "Yes, unless it breaks down, it can continuously produce delicious food."

Everyone present felt a stir in their hearts.

They were either Maiar or Elves, with long lifespans, and over countless years, they had witnessed countless tragedies.

Middle-earth was ultimately a backward time; when harvests were good, people could sing and dance.

But if the harvest was poor, people went hungry, and countless lives were lost. Gandalf had seen such scenes many times.

Gandalf had come to Middle-earth over a thousand years ago, and basically every few decades or so, he encountered such events.

If there were a Gourmet Tablecloth at such times,

then famine would no longer be a great enemy of humanity.

Perhaps Middle-earth would become more prosperous.

Galadriel said, "A thoughtful gift, Your Majesty. You are truly a generous human."

She decided to accept the gift. Although the Elven population was not large, not every year was a bountiful harvest; there were not a few times when they went hungry.

This was a meaningful gift.

"I am honored that you like it, my Lady," Wang Bo said with a smile, then ordered a glass of red wine from the Gourmet Tablecloth, raised his glass, and toasted Galadriel.

Gandalf also ordered a glass of red wine and said loudly, "Let us welcome the King of the Lonely Mountain to join us."

Having received Wang Bo's gifts, the others naturally did not object. They showed their respect and warmly welcomed Wang Bo's membership.

The subsequent banquet was naturally a pleasant time for both host and guests.

With the genuine acceptance of the others, Wang Bo quickly integrated into the group, officially becoming a member of the White Council and gaining a voice in its proceedings.

Although this council actually had little real power.

After a lively banquet, Wang Bo arranged for everyone to stay in the finest rooms.

The next day, Círdan found Wang Bo, wanting to return the Horse Talisman.

He was not a thick-skinned person; after using the Horse Talisman to heal his wounds, he had realized its importance and naturally could not keep such a precious item for himself.

But Wang Bo had no interest in this unenhanced Horse Talisman. He smiled slightly and said, "Círdan, I would like to make a deal with you."

"A deal?"

"Yes, I've heard that you are the best shipwright in Middle-earth, so I would like to ask you to build a magic ship for me. Of course, I will provide the materials, and the payment will be this Horse Talisman. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Círdan thought, shipbuilding is my forte.

In fact, Círdan's original name was not Círdan; Círdan was his epithet. He was called Círdan, meaning 'shipwright,' because of his superb shipbuilding skills.

He had great confidence in shipbuilding; in Middle-earth, he was the best shipwright.

No one could surpass him.

Hearing that Wang Bo was willing to exchange the Horse Talisman for his services in building a magic ship, Círdan agreed without hesitation.

"No problem. As a member of the White Council, I am willing to build a magic ship for you. I will use all my skills and will not disappoint you, Your Majesty."

"Then I thank you, Lord Círdan." Wang Bo smiled slightly and continued, "If you need any materials, you can go directly to the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain. If the Dwarves don't have them, you can come to me."

"I understand." Círdan nodded and took back the Horse Talisman.

After Wang Bo saw Círdan off, not long after, Galadriel came to return the Horse Talisman. Wang Bo used the same explanation as before.

He hoped to exchange the Horse Talisman for some magic.

Galadriel did not refuse; in fact, she also wanted to exchange magical knowledge with Wang Bo. Both parties could get what they needed, and they quickly agreed. They sat down and engaged in an in-depth discussion on the topic of magic.

Wang Bo learned quite a few spells from Galadriel.

Correspondingly, Galadriel also learned some magic from other worlds from Wang Bo.