"Arduous?"
Levi did not really agree with this word.
This wizard's behavior of searching for Isildur's body was purely malicious.
From when news spread of Isildur's death and the One Ring's loss, what Saruman thought about was monopolizing the Ring, not destroying it after finding it.
Therefore, when he found the Star of Elendil, he immediately hid it in secret instead of announcing the discovery.
Although this Dúnedain treasure was only found incidentally and was not his main purpose, it was still a rare material imbued with ancient magic, which he locked away as a private collection.
As for what meaning it held for those Rangers fighting to protect Middle-earth's freedom, he did not care. If some research required the Star of Elendil, Saruman would most likely not hesitate to break it apart.
"Your so-called 'arduousness' means you happened to pick up the Star of Elendil while searching for something else, then privately hid what belonged to others?"
"Some words should not be spoken carelessly."
When certain thoughts were exposed, Saruman clearly could not sit still, to the point where he brought magical resonance into his continued speech.
The room's light dimmed as thunder-like sounds rumbled through the tower.
"I merely happened upon this object while exploring the valley—no other thoughts. Everything you have said is merely your own wild speculation without factual basis."
"Do not try that with me. It will not work."
Levi waved his hand, and the darkness in the room receded while the magical resonance echoing in the tower dissipated.
Had an ordinary human sat here now, even a Dúnadan or some elves with weaker willpower, they might have been controlled by Saruman's voice, their cognition shifted.
But Levi... when he first arrived in this world, perhaps he would have been affected. Then he was still fragile with nothing outstanding about him, no different from ordinary humans.
Now though, years of deeds and battles had changed that fundamentally.
Setting aside the runic shield, just the legendary aura brought by countless tales surrounding him—whispered in taverns, sung by bards, spoken in awe across Middle-earth—could naturally suppress such magical influence.
Whoosh.
Realizing he had lost composure, Saruman took several deep breaths and immediately appeared calm again.
"Let us return to business," he said, forcibly changing the previous topic.
"Fine. I will consider that just now as you are losing control due to old age." Levi seemed unconcerned.
Saruman automatically filtered out this mockery, acting as if he had not heard.
No choice—he was indeed at fault first. Lightly put, he had not controlled his power well; seriously speaking, it was an attack.
Someone with a worse temper would have drawn their sword by now.
"Speak. What will it take for you to return that Star of Elendil?"
Saruman replied, "Before discussing this gem's ownership, you must know that precisely because I found and preserved it, it did not fall into malicious hands."
Levi nodded.
That was true, because this man himself was one of those with malicious intent.
After all, if he truly cared, he could have directly returned it instead of hiding it away.
"I do not deny your safekeeping provided some protection, but now it should return to its rightful owner's hands."
"What do you want?"
Preliminaries complete—finally the pricing stage.
Saruman fell into thought.
Levi's territory had many wondrous treasures. Setting aside the wealth divided from the Lonely Mountain dwarves, just the items they created themselves were quite considerable.
Like the rings on his hands, those golden apples, the healing potions his soldiers drank, the enchanted equipment they used...
And those 'beacons' that emitted light beams.
Beacons.
Reportedly these things could continuously provide healing power without interruption—power that could even halt elven decline. Moreover, they could grant various strengthening effects to nearby creatures.
Increased speed, greater strength, and more resilient bodies.
This must contain some explorable magical principle.
Things more precious than beacons might exceed Levi's acceptable baseline, and just for one Star of Elendil—important to Arnor's remnants perhaps, but unlikely to be worth better treasures to Levi—the exchange should end with beacons.
After much thought, Saruman spoke, "I hear your territory has a miraculous thing called a 'beacon.'"
"I want one."
"Acceptable."
Levi nodded in agreement.
"I also heard you have a strength potion even soldiers have not drunk. Could you give me some?"
Seeing Levi agree so readily, Saruman continued releasing his greed.
"Indeed."
Strength potions required blaze powder as main material for brewing—something that could not yet be widely popularized or equipped to everyone.
"How much do you want?"
Seeing Levi ask, Saruman raised his hand, extending three fingers.
Levi's expression changed.
"That many?"
Saruman's expression also changed.
"In your view, does the great Northern Kingdom's hereditary treasure not even equal this small amount of..."
Levi interrupted, "Thirty bottles? You want to drink it like water? I only brought six bottles. Take it or leave it."
Saruman swallowed his remaining words.
Actually, he only wanted three bottles.
"But speaking of which," he said, "I think you are right—six bottles are enough."
"Let us settle on that then."
"Acceptable."
Business concluded, and both rose together.
Saruman led Levi toward the secret chamber. While walking, his eyes could not help glancing back, his thoughts becoming active.
So easy?
Looking at his unconcerned manner—like casually buying roast meat and ale at a tavern, quite ordinary.
Should have asked for more.
This would not do.
Before the secret chamber, Saruman suddenly stopped.
"I feel our negotiation has some unreasonable aspects. The Star of Elendil has higher value."
"Oh?"
Before the secret chamber door, Levi looked at this fellow somewhat playfully.
"So you are backing out?"
"Backing out? Not backing out—I just think we can discuss more."
"What if I do not?" Levi stepped forward.
"Then you will never get that gem."
Saruman blocked the entrance.
"I must remind you, this door is incredibly solid. Without my permission, no one can open it—not other wizards, nor stronger beings."
"Not necessarily."
Levi narrowed his eyes.
"Saruman, I warn you one last time—do not play tricks. Give me the Star of Elendil."
He drew his sword.
"If you want it, you must take it yourself."
Saruman drew his dark staff, stubbornly guarding the door.
Moments later.
A black figure walked out of the tower, mounted a horse, and rode west at full gallop.
"Violent maniac, bandit, thug!"
A white figure loudly denounced while closely following that figure out of the tower.
But too late—he had already ridden far.
Hiss.
Saruman covered the right side of his face with his hand, watching that retreating figure and sucking in breath through clenched teeth.
Yet helpless.
This time he had been rash.
A robed wizard choosing to fight in a cramped space with a powerful warrior wearing hard armor and moving with terrifying speed.
Moreover, that warrior had those strange golden runic shields.
With the White Wizard's magical power, breaking such shields was not difficult, but the distance was too close—no time at all.
"My lord, I have brought back what you requested."
Just then, the dispatched servant returned. He bowed his head and stepped aside, displaying the goods in the barrel behind him for Saruman.
"Mm, move them into the storeroom."
"Yes."
The servant agreed and retreated.
But while retreating, he could not help lifting his head to glance at Saruman, who kept covering the right side of his face with his right hand.
"My lord, your face..."
"Shut your mouth."
Saruman sternly rebuked, "Ask about things you should not again, and I will tie you up and throw you in the river."