Chapter 161 Rumors from Both Sides

Chapter 161 Rumors from Both Sides

"It's an honor to meet you. Over the years, Dorwinian has maintained good trade relations with the towns in the river valley."

“Both parties have seen their wealth grow as a result.”

In a manor, Levi successfully met the owner.

——As the founder of free city-states and lord of multiple cities.

Although due to geographical reasons and the lack of human traffic, this easternmost land of Dorwinion knows little about rumors from afar.

Levi's claims about his identity cannot be verified in the short term.

But when Levi revealed his nemesis and changed to the corresponding title, none of this mattered.

Because - unlike the guards in the tavern, the owner of this winery is an elf.

Elves are naturally close to magic and are very sensitive to mysterious things.

It just so happens that Levi is a being who is almost immersed in mysterious things. Without deliberately hiding, he is as conspicuous as a light bulb to the elves.

With such characteristics, the owner of the manor has now determined that even if the person in front of him is not a lord from afar, he is definitely someone worth entertaining.

"This is the best quality wine in the estate. How does it taste?"

In the manor hall, the elven owner of Dorwinion handed Levi a glass of wine.

"It's pretty good. I don't have many words to describe the taste, but I feel very happy drinking this wine."

"Pleasure is the best way to describe it."

The elf said:

“If a wine doesn’t bring pleasure to the person who drinks it, then there is no point in its existence.”

"That's right, I couldn't agree more."

The elves of Dorwinion...are a little different.

Compared with the elves in the valleys and woodlands, the elves here not only have the elegance that is typical of their race, but also have a more urban style.

Or to put it another way: down-to-earth.

This may be due to the strong business atmosphere here.

"Welcome to Dorwinion, the easternmost of the Elven realms still left in the world."

"Elfland? But I see there are more humans here."

Hearing this, the Elf Manor owner smiled and said, "In the beginning, this was indeed the kingdom of the elves, and all the people living here were elves. Until later, some humans migrated here, and we allowed them to live here and build their homes."

"At that time, humans were still a minority, but in the blink of an eye, they developed into a huge group, and the elves became a minority."

"I see."

Levi tasted the fine wine and felt that his historical knowledge had increased.

This kind of thing does happen to immortal species and those with a limited lifespan.

To the former it seemed as if they were just living their life as usual for a while, but to the latter they suddenly multiplied for several generations and were everywhere.

"I have always been able to talk to elves, whether they are reclusive, warlike, or have left their homes, but this is the first time I have talked to an elf from the Far East."

"Western elves..."

The owner of the manor said: "As far as I can remember, many relatives in the west thought we were unworthy because we had never seen the light of the two sacred trees."

"No, no, no, the elves I'm talking about are not that far west. I mean the elves that are still on this continent."

Levi was really choked by the elf's words, and his eyelids were twitching.

What’s going on today? Why does everything I say become the other person’s pain point?

Every topic pierces the heart of this Far Eastern elf.

"Even the elves on the west side of the continent are very different from us."

"The most notable thing is that few of our compatriots migrate to the West. For us, this place is beautiful enough."

"Pride has brought ruin to our kin, yet Dorwinion has stood from ancient times to this day."

"Many human kingdoms have laid claim to this place over the past thousands of years, but we all chose to comply, knowing that it would not last, that humans are always fragile and easily corrupted."

Time is the best weapon of resistance.

"Well... there's a saying that goes 'Everyone has his own ambitions', and that's good."

Levi quickly ended these not very harmonious topics and directly mentioned the main purpose of his visit.

That is, it is about the Dongyi people.

"Don't go further east."

The owner of the manor gave the same answer as the guard.

"The enemy is spreading rumors further east, where humans have long been deceived."

"I have long feared that their blind obedience would bring us ruin," he said.

"Even though we are still good trading partners today, all elves know, including some humans, that all this is only a temporary appearance, and this 'temporary' is getting shorter and shorter."

"Sooner or later the horn of invasion will sound on the border, along with the horn of Mordor..."

"That day will never come."

Levi said this in a rather calm tone.

The owner of the manor did not answer.

He said, “Let’s have a drink!”

The sound of glasses clinking could be heard.

The identity of this elf may not be ordinary.

When he walked out of the manor, Levi obtained a pass to the eastern ferry and a handwritten letter.

"May you be able to reunite with your two companions. I haven't heard of the two blue-robed staff bearers for a long time, but I know they have made many contributions to peace in the East."

“May the sun and moon light your way.”

Wait, did this guy misunderstand something? Levi hesitated.

Forget it, strictly speaking, we are companions, although we haven’t met each other yet.

"Thank you very much, and please forgive me for my negligence in not asking your name."

"Orohir, an ordinary manor operator - from two eras ago to now, always has been."

After leaving this wine estate, which might be the easternmost one in Dorwinion, Levi and Farodan met again at the agreed time and place in a nearby town where most of the people lived.

"How about it?"

"It went smoothly. At least there is no problem at the ferry. We can use some relatively normal methods to get there."

"More normal?"

Farodan looked at Levi and said:

"I'm a little curious about what the abnormal method you mentioned is."

"From the sky, or from underground, or by hiding, or... as long as no one sees us, our stealth is successful."

I don't understand a bit.

Farodan shook his head and changed the subject:

"Well, it would be best if it passes normally, then my plan won't be used anymore."

He said: "I have learned detailed information about the topography of the Dongyi border area, which will help us in our operations after landing."

"At least it won't be like last time, when I was sent back not long after because I went to some place I shouldn't have been."

One day later.

A ferry crossing where Dongyi and Dorwinion meet.

"During this special period, caravans are not allowed to enter. I hope you can understand."

A Dongyi guard stopped the merchant ship and prohibited the people on board from going down.

The head of the caravan on the ship responded: "I know. We will leave immediately after the transaction is completed."

The guard nodded.

A moment later, when the money was delivered to the ship, a batch of wooden barrels rolled down and were loaded onto the carriage.

It was a fine wine from Dorwinion.

The roads in Dongyi were quite flat, and with unified and efficient transportation, it wasn't long before the wooden barrels filled with wine were moved into a cool, dark warehouse and guarded by several guards.

"Someone will be here to relieve us soon. We'll have something to drink later."

"Those wines look great, and the Dorwinians deserve some credit for that."

The guards outside the door were discussing.

"But not the elves."

"They've lived too long, and everything is under their control..."

"What's going on?"

A guard suddenly raised his hand alertly, signaling his companions not to speak.

Clang.

The door of the warehouse was opened, and the two men walked in and found nothing.

There is nothing unusual.

"It seems to be a sound coming from underground."

"It's probably a mouse."

"I guess so."

Pop.

Not far from the warehouse, a big hole suddenly appeared on the ground.

"This method will never become obsolete even if you use it a hundred times."

Levi set up several ladders and climbed up, followed closely by Farodan.

"Hiding in a barrel is the most classic method."

Farodan added: “Just a little dizzy.”

"While it's night time now, we have to disguise ourselves well."

While Levi was filling the tunnel, Farodan took out some small accessories he had prepared in advance, took off the Star of Dunedan on his left shoulder, modified his clothes, and put on local-style clothes.

Finally, take out some powder and apply it on your face, then rub it.

After all the operations, it is completely unrecognizable from its original appearance.

As soon as he turned around, Levi almost thought that this guy had been replaced. Just a few changes in clothing and facial details could make the feeling he gave people so different.

At this moment, Farodan no longer looked like a member of a certain force or country. He looked like an ordinary traveler or a vagrant.

Whatever he resembled, it was not Gondor or Rohan, nor did he look like a Dúnedain.

During this period, as long as you were not from these places, you would not be treated hostilely by the Dongyi.

"It's your turn, Levi, you..."

He disguised himself well, and when he turned to look at Levi, Farodan was suddenly stunned.

"You... don't have to pretend. Forgive me, this is the first time I noticed..."

"It's not what you think."

Levi waved his hand and said, "I don't belong to this world."

"Understood."

Farodan was immediately relieved.

That makes sense.

For some beings, appearance is never fixed or determined; their appearance only represents their choice.

Just like those wizards.

They have the appearance of old people, but they are more vital than any young people.

At daybreak, the two split up again, each looking for the information they needed.

Farodan walked towards some dark alleys and places where vagrants gathered, and sometimes he was seen near farmland.

Levi walked straight to the largest and most luxurious-looking tavern in the town.

Sometimes slow information flow has its advantages, just like now, the people in the tavern just glanced at Levi who pushed the door open and turned their heads away.

Just at this glance, it was because of the black armor and linen robe vaguely revealed on his body.

Whether in terms of dress or temperament, this person exudes an unusual meaning.

But it is unusual at best, not abnormal.

"He is not dressed like an ordinary person, so he must be someone of status."

Many people thought quietly.

"A glass of wine and a serving of roast rabbit."

"Okay."

The bartender agreed, looked at Levi, and suddenly asked, "Sir, would you like wine in a copper cup, a silver cup, or a gold cup?"

“Are they different?”

"The cups are different, and the price is more expensive."

“…”

The bartender's words made Levi silent for three seconds.

“Why should I spend the extra money?”

“It will be very impressive.”

"Then let's leave this thing to those who care about face."

A moment later, under the bartender's regretful gaze, Levi ate the carefully cooked roasted rabbit and drank the wine freshly drawn from the barrel with a copper cup.

“This rabbit meat is pretty good.”

Levi praised.

"It's much better than the roast rabbit I had in Dorwinion."

"You have been to Dowinian?"

At the counter, the bartender who had been paying attention to what was going on here asked.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing that Levi was not opposed to chatting during the meal, and even seemed willing to talk a few more words, the bartender immediately came closer and asked quietly: "I heard that the place is controlled by a demon with a very long lifespan. Is it true?"

Levi's mouth twitched.

"It's fake. Where did you hear this weird rumor? There are people who are called elves instead of demons."

"The nobles said..."

"Come on, don't mention it."

I'm afraid your nobles have long been controlled by Sauron, so of course they have to say this...

But the residents here seem quite normal.

Thinking about it, Levi waved his hand and said, “Anyway, this dish is really good.”

"It's our honor that you like it. If it tastes good, please come more often."

Not coming.

Levi glanced at the newly unlocked entry in the crafting table.

Do it yourself next time.

"My Lord, you said you were in Dorwinian. Have you ever been further west than Dorwinian?"

The bartender continued chatting with Levi with great curiosity.

“I haven’t been to places that are too far west.”

True, but not entirely true.

The bartender understood everything. He whispered mysteriously:

“I heard that Westerners are very weird.”

"I heard that in some places further west, people there respect horses more than humans."

"And those people in the southern desert areas who survive by eating snakes."

"well…"

At this point, the bartender couldn't help but sigh and shook his head: "This world is simply crazy, are we the only normal people?"

The corner of Levi's mouth twitched.

This guy's words are indeed a bit secretive.

How to offend both enemies and friends with one sentence.

If there's a Rohan or a Harad in the area today, this bartender will be in trouble.

"Do you know Oak?"

Levi suddenly asked.

"Oak? If you mean those ugly looking guys, then I know them."

"Yes, that's them. What do you think of those orcs?"

“It’s annoying.”

The bartender said, "No one will like them, your Excellency, even if they are our allies."

"I heard that they are gathering in our capital, and it seems that they are going to deal with someone. God, I hope it won't become a mess there. I was thinking that I would go to see the scenery of the capital if I have the chance."

Wangdu, who are you dealing with?

Levi distilled two key points.

After talking for a long time, this guy finally said something useful.

(End of this chapter)

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