Arwen suddenly got ahead of herself. I had made that for her just in case she lacked power, but for her to misunderstand it like this!
Having lived together for two years, I could feel that she had feelings for me. However, I wasn't quite sure if it was because she was intrigued by something new happening in her mundane daily life, or because of the delicious food, or perhaps because of the magical knowledge I shared.
'Wait a second. If it's like this, what happens to Aragorn? And what about Frodo?'
Arwen was an incredible beauty, we communicated well, and she had a great personality. But she was destined to marry Aragorn. Moreover, she was supposed to be the one to rescue Frodo later on.
'Is this really okay?'
While I was caught in my thoughts, Arwen asked.
"What are you thinking about so deeply?"
"Ah, it's nothing. Yes, let's get married."
I didn't know anymore. I decided to just follow my heart. I figured things would work themselves out later. Anyway, hearing my words, Arwen was overjoyed and threw herself into my arms. I smiled and hugged her back.
We informed Elrond in Rivendell of this fact. To my surprise, Elrond accepted it quite easily. It seemed he had expected as much, given that Arwen had been visiting the Dragon's Tower for two years.
"It's a headache, but I suppose it was bound to happen. You both belong to races that live forever, so there shouldn't be any major issues. However, let me ask you one thing. We may migrate to Valinor, the Undying Lands, in the future. Do you intend to go with us?"
Elrond had apparently been planning to take the Elves and migrate to Valinor for some time.
"Hmm... I'd like to, but I wonder how the Ainur would receive me."
"If it's you, I don't think it will matter."
"I see. Understood."
With the discussion over, the wedding was arranged very quickly in Rivendell. The Elves scattered flower petals and sang songs to celebrate our union. What was interesting was that the young Aragorn was also present at the wedding. He was easy to spot—a human boy in the middle of an Elven realm. Here, his name was 'Elessar.'
After the wedding, we stayed one night in Rivendell. Since Elves have such keen hearing, we simply slept and returned to the Dragon's Tower with Arwen the next day. From then on, we decided to live together in my quarters. Arwen had stayed at the Dragon's Tower for several days at a time before, so she was already familiar with the modern facilities and had no trouble living there.
Five years have passed since I arrived here, enjoying my life as a newlywed.
'Hmm... The original story should be starting about now.'
I decided to just wait. I assumed Thorin and his company, the protagonists of The Hobbit, would pass through either Rivendell or the Dragon's Tower.
Sure enough, as expected, Thorin's company arrived after a few months. Instead of going to Rivendell, they came straight to the Dragon's Tower. Since Gandalf was among them, he announced their arrival by knocking on the door.
"It's been a long time, Gandalf."
"Yes, it has been a while, Arcard Cassian."
That was the name I had acquired living in the Misty Mountains. 'Cassian' was the name I had chosen for myself, and 'Arcard' was an epithet I was given, meaning 'Guardian of the Mountain.'
"Oh! You're the guest who visited my house back then!"
At that moment, Bilbo recognized me and spoke up happily.
"And you are the friend who had that wonderful house in Hobbiton when I was traveling."
"That's right! I'm still using the teacup you gave me back then."
"Friends I haven't seen in a long time have come to visit. Come in for now. You Dwarf friends, come inside as well."
I welcomed them warmly. Arwen, who was inside, also greeted them with a smile. It was then that Thorin spoke to Gandalf.
"You were right. A dragon that isn't arrogant... I can hardly believe it. Is that man really a dragon?"
"Yes, he is. He is quite special."
They entered the living room, unpacked their gear, and sat on chairs to rest. There was still plenty of room left; the living room was just that spacious.
"Has everyone eaten?"
Gandalf then spoke up.
"We had a bit of trouble on the way and lost some of our supplies. We'd appreciate a favor."
"I see. I'll take care of it."
I provided them with warm food, soft bread, and liquor—and in very large quantities. They immediately sat at the table and began eating and drinking ravenously.
"It looks like you've had a rough time."
When I asked, Bilbo replied while eating.
"You're right. We ran into trolls on the way and almost died. As for what happened then..."
Bilbo shared the stories of their journey as if he were catching up with an old friend.
"But it's amazing that you're the master of the Dragon's Tower. So, are you really a dragon?"
"Yes. Come to think of it, I haven't introduced myself properly. I am Arcard Cassian, the dragon living here, and the beautiful Elf lady beside me is my wife, Arwen."
"Oh~ I see! It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Bilbo Baggins."
"Nice to meet you."
Thorin then asked me while he was eating.
"For a dragon, you don't seem to covet gold and jewels."
"Every dragon seeks something different. Isn't it the same for Dwarves? Some are interested in ornaments, some in gems, and others love gold. Even dragons are all different."
"I see... I understand."
This time, I turned to Gandalf and asked.
"But why did you come here instead of going to Rivendell?"
"That's because the Dwarves dislike Elves. Of course, they didn't exactly like dragons either, but we needed to resupply, so we decided to head for the nearest location, which was here."
"So that's how it was. Well, I'll make sure you can rest well."
"Thank you."
While they were eating and drinking, I prepared a large guest room I had built for such occasions and opened the baths. I could have given them individual bedrooms, but I decided on this because cleaning up would have been a hassle.
After finishing their meal and resting for a bit, they used the baths. Gandalf, who had experience with them, showed the others how to use the facilities. And so the first day passed. They rested deeply and woke up late the next morning to eat together and talk.
"Wow, this place is really great! The baths are big, the beds are soft, and the food is especially delicious."
As his fatigue melted away while resting comfortably in the tower after the grueling journey, Bilbo began praising the tower.
"I'm glad to hear it. It's been a while since I've had guests, so I put in some effort."
After finishing the meal, I looked at the swords they were carrying and asked.
"Those swords... where did you get them?"
"Ah, we found these in the trolls' cave I mentioned yesterday."
"May I take a look?"
At my request, Bilbo showed me the sword he had found. I examined the blade and spoke.
"Hmm... This sword looks like it was made in Gondolin, the ancient city of the Elves. However, the script is so old that I cannot interpret it accurately. In my opinion, it would be best to stop by Rivendell and ask Elrond. It's close from here, so it won't take long."
I could actually translate the ancient languages, but I judged it would be better for them to visit Rivendell, hear the history of the swords from Elrond, and plan their future steps. I tried to guide them there, but Thorin immediately objected.
"We came here specifically because we didn't want to go to an Elven realm. More importantly, can't you kill Smaug for us? You are a fellow dragon, after all."
When Thorin made that request, the other Dwarves looked at me expectantly, hoping the task would become much easier. I pretended to think for a moment and then spoke.
"Fine, I'll help you. On one condition: I take half of the gold in Erebor as payment."
Hearing this, Thorin and the Dwarves were shocked and began to protest.
"You said you didn't covet gold and jewels! So why are you setting such a condition?"
"Of course, I don't really care whether I have gold and jewels or not. But Smaug's case is different. Even if our personalities and thoughts differ, he is still a fellow dragon. You are Thorin, correct? Could you kill a member of your own race if you were given that much gold?"
Thorin fell silent, contemplating my words, and then answered.
"...I couldn't..."
"You understand well. Therefore, I must receive something you consider precious as payment."
Hearing my words, the Dwarves began to whisper among themselves, looking distressed. Opinions seemed to be split right down the middle among them.
"Wouldn't it be a good deal if we could slay Smaug for just half the gold?"
"Right, we might not be able to reclaim Erebor at all if we go on like this."
"Exactly. It might be better to just leave it to him..."
"But giving away what we worked so long for just like that is a bit..."
"Quiet!"
Thorin silenced the bickering Dwarves and turned to me.
"I'd like some time to think about it."
"Very well."
They stayed at the tower for two more days, holding heated debates. It didn't matter to me which way they decided. During that time, Gandalf asked me.
"If they agree, do you truly intend to help them?"
"I must. A dragon's promise is heavy. But the question is, will they actually do it?"
"Hmm... I too am curious to see what they choose."
Even Gandalf knew that, given how fanatically obsessed Dwarves are with gold and treasures, it was not an easy decision.
During their stay, someone arrived at the tower. Opening the door, I saw Elrond had arrived on horseback.
"It's been a while, father-in-law."
"Yes, son-in-law. My daughter called for me."
It seemed Arwen had simply summoned her father while the Dwarves were debating. After greeting Gandalf, Elrond appraised the swords found in the trolls' cave.
"Hmm... you've acquired truly excellent swords. These were undoubtedly forged in Gondolin, the ancient Elven kingdom. These two in particular are marvelous."
Elrond spoke while looking at the sword Thorin held and the one Gandalf had obtained. He picked up Thorin's sword first and explained.
"This sword is 'Orcrist,' which means 'Goblin-cleaver.'"
Then he held up Gandalf's sword.
"I didn't expect to see this sword here. This is 'Glamdring,' meaning 'Foe-hammer.' It was a sword once wielded by the King of Gondolin himself. I cannot fathom how such blades ended up in a place like that."
Once the appraisal was over, Thorin quickly snatched back his sword. Knowing it was a masterpiece, he was clearly acting out of fear that the Elf might ask for it back, though it was quite a rude gesture. However, Elrond didn't take offense.
"Legendary swords are bound to find their true masters, so it may be destiny that you found them."
Afterward, Elrond also interpreted the map the Dwarves had brought by holding it up to the moonlight to reveal hidden moon-letters. He also advised them on the route through the Misty Mountains.
I served Elrond tea and simple snacks. While eating the food I provided, Elrond remarked.
"My son-in-law seems to be quite the cook."
"It's nothing to brag about, but living alone for a long time made me that way."
"I see."
"It's getting late, so let's talk more tomorrow."
I provided a separate room for Elrond.
When the next day came, Elrond departed first, and the Dwarves also packed their bags. I provided them with various food supplies and items. Thorin spoke to me in gratitude.
"To be honest, I had prejudices against other races, but seeing you and the Lord of Rivendell has changed my mind somewhat. Thank you for making me realize that it is just 'bad people who do bad things.'"
"Indeed. But the fact that dragons are dangerous still remains true."
I handed Thorin a ring.
"What is this?"
"It's a magic ring used to send a signal to me. You seem to still be deliberating, but if you wish to accept the deal, break the gem on the ring. I will come to assist as promised."
"Understood."
I called it a magic ring, but in reality, it was just a signaling device with a gemstone attached. If the gem was broken, a signal would immediately be sent to the [Nano Buckle] I carried.
Once they were ready to leave, Arwen and I went outside to see them off. Bilbo's expression wasn't very good, likely at the thought of the hardships ahead.
"Thank you for the help. We shall meet again."
Gandalf also bade farewell, thanking both Arwen and me.
"I wish you luck."
And so they departed. Watching them leave, Arwen asked me.
"Do you think they will ask for help?"
"Well, I don't know. Dragons are greedy, but Dwarves are quite a match for them in that regard."
"If you fight Smaug, can you win?"
"I would win. There is no dragon in this world stronger than me."
"I suppose that's true."
Having lived with me for a few years, Arwen had a good grasp of my strength.
"Now that I think about it, I've never seen your actual form. Could you show me once?"
"Sure. I'll show you."
I immediately transformed into Safi'jiiva. Then I spoke to Arwen.
"How is it? Don't I look magnificent?"
"Wow~ how beautiful."
"Want to take a ride?"
"May I?"
I lowered my body to let her climb onto my back.
"Hold on tight, I'm going to fly."
"Okay."
Once she gripped the spikes on my back firmly, I flapped my wings slowly and took off, mindful of her safety. Because I had a rider, I didn't fly very high; I just cruised slowly around the vicinity.
"How is it?"
"This is so much fun! I'll have to ask you to do this often. Oh, look down there! It's the party that just left."
Looking in the direction Arwen pointed, Thorin's company had stopped and were staring up at the sky. I could see them waving, likely realizing it was me. Arwen waved back at them.
I circled once over Thorin's group before returning to the tower and letting Arwen off.
"That's the first time I've ever experienced anything like that. Please do it again next time."
I had a feeling this would get tedious in the future, but as long as Arwen was happy, I was satisfied.