With the completion of the magic lock circle, Wayne temporarily relaxed once again.
It wasn't that he had nothing to do—there were many matters requiring his attention: the construction of his territory, the task of rescuing the elves, the rebuilding of the Witcher Order, and the dealings with the Chamber of Commerce in Vizima City. All these affairs demanded his involvement.
However, Wayne now had reliable people to help with these tasks. They weren't matters that could be completed quickly, nor were they particularly urgent at the moment.
Thus, Wayne was finally able to focus his energy on another pressing matter—the Lonely Mountain Expedition in Middle-earth. By his calculations, it had been almost two years since he discovered this world. Due to the time difference between his world and Middle-earth, ten years had already passed there.
According to Wayne's estimates, Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist of The Hobbit, would be about fifty years old now—the very age when his adventure was set to begin in the original tale.
A year ago, Wayne began laying the groundwork for this. Though he spent most of his time outside Middle-earth, he had set many things in motion. Now, it was almost time to reap the rewards.
Though he predicted this journey would only last a couple of weeks, Wayne made all the necessary preparations. He also devised an excuse for an urgent mission before bidding farewell to everyone.
Wayne contacted Francesca and arranged for a team of dwarf craftsmen from the non-human races she managed. They signed a ten-year contract at a price 50% higher than the market rate. Through the portals of Triss and Francesca, the dwarves were transported to Kaer Morhen via Vizima.
The sight of these dwarf craftsmen entering Kaer Morhen was certainly remarkable. Francesca had once quietly grumbled to Wayne about how he could have simply invited her to visit the Wolf School's stronghold, much like she had invited him to the Valley of Flowers, rather than concealing things from her.
Unfortunately, Wayne wasn't ready to reveal the magic array to the elven sorceress, so he had to give other reasons for his secrecy.
However, as time passed, Wayne sensed that Francesca was genuinely sincere toward him. She treated him as a true companion. Perhaps soon, he would be able to trust this beautiful elven sorceress more and not let the biases from his previous life hold him back.
Little did Wayne know, though, that many of his hidden strategies had already been seen through by the elven sage, Ida Emean, Francesca's mentor, who had lived for tens of thousands of years. He had greatly underestimated the wisdom of this ancient elf.
...
At Wayne Manor, time flowed differently. By Middle-earth's reckoning, more than a year had passed since Wayne last visited. After returning from Toussaint, he had briefly stayed for half a month.
Old Ford, the hobbit butler, remained in good health. Enthusiastic to see his master, Ford didn't ask too many questions. With his life experience, he understood that Wayne was a man of mystery. Despite the passing of a decade, Wayne's appearance hadn't changed much, and he still maintained a youthful charm. After the master left, Ford rarely heard any news about him from the outside world.
But this didn't concern Old Ford. After many years in Wayne's service, the old hobbit knew one thing for certain—his master was a good man, both generous and trustworthy.
Because of Wayne Manor, large quantities of pipeweed were purchased annually, providing plenty of jobs and wealth to the nearby hobbits. Compared to ten years ago, Hobbiton Village was now more prosperous, and many hobbits lived better lives thanks to Wayne's contributions.
This is why, despite Wayne's infrequent appearances in recent years, the legends surrounding him persisted. He was respected by the villagers, known as a powerful adventurer who had helped many people by slaying dangerous monsters. To many, he was nothing less than a hero.
On this day, Wayne was riding his Deathclaw, Robin, which had grown to a towering height of seven or eight meters, weighed around four tons, and had a shell as tough as steel. He had just returned from a hunt, carrying a massive wild boar that had already been cleaned and gutted.
As he approached his manor, he spotted his old butler, Mr. Ford, standing at the entrance alongside a thin, elderly man with a white beard. The old man was dressed in a gray robe and held a curious wooden staff in his hand, as though waiting for Wayne's return.
Seeing this, Wayne felt a stir in his heart. It seemed that the visitor he had been anticipating for quite some time had finally arrived.
Upon reaching the manor's entrance, Old Ford was the first to greet Wayne, followed closely by the old man with the white beard.
Ford had seen Robin grow from a hatchling and showed no fear of the fearsome-looking Deathclaw. Gandalf, the wizard who followed behind him, however, had a more solemn expression. His eyes carefully examined the creature before him, his entire presence brimming with a sense of power and intensity. Gandalf was clearly both shocked and intrigued. What was this beast, so monstrous yet so magnificent? In all his long years in Middle-earth, Gandalf had never come across such a creature.
After studying Robin for a mere ten seconds, Gandalf shifted his gaze toward Wayne, who was perched atop the Deathclaw. As Ford introduced them, Gandalf removed his hat slightly, offering a polite bow, and said:
"Mr. Wayne, my name is Gandalf. I am a wizard, and this is the first time we meet. I come recommended by Prince Thorin of the dwarves, and I have come specifically to pay you a visit."
Upon hearing this, Wayne gracefully dismounted from Robin with a smooth jump, then whistled. Instantly understanding his master's command, Robin trotted off into the manor's grounds, proving just how well-trained and intelligent he was.
Though Robin the Deathclaw didn't always live at the manor, preferring the forest behind it, the creature always seemed to want to be close to Wayne whenever he returned, eagerly seeking his master's favor.
Wayne welcomed Gandalf with politeness, expressing his pleasure at the wizard's visit.
He then led Old Ford and Gandalf into the manor's living room, where their formal conversation would begin.
Though Gandalf looked quite serious at first, his personality quickly revealed itself to be more lively and charming. Initially, he had intended to dive into the matters that had brought him here, but after sampling some biscuits made by Wayne himself, Gandalf's eyes lit up with delight. He almost forgot his purpose, savoring the biscuits one after another until half the plate of biscuts had vanished.
It wasn't until Old Ford gave a light cough and handed Gandalf a glass of juice that the old wizard chuckled and turned to Wayne with an apologetic grin.
"Sorry, sorry, Wayne. These cookies are just too delicious, I couldn't stop myself."
After a brief cough to regain his composure, Gandalf's expression turned serious once again. He continued:
"I've come to you today not merely to enjoy your excellent hospitality, but because I've heard much about you. Your reputation as a powerful adventurer precedes you. Many refer to you as a Witcher, even calling you a hero."
"Prince Thorin and Balin speak highly of you and have always admired your skill. It is on their recommendation that I come to invite you on a grand adventure."
Wayne maintained a calm and gentle demeanor, masking any hint of prior knowledge. He responded with a mild curiosity:
"I do enjoy a good adventure, and I've fought all manner of monsters over the years."
"But still, I must ask, what exactly is the nature of this great adventure you wish for me to join?"
Gandalf meeting Wayne's gaze, his tone became more deliberate as he answered:
"Our destination is the Lonely Mountain, and the goal is to face the evil dragon, Smaug, who resides there."
At this, Wayne laughed, his tone turning playful.
"So, we're headed to take on Smaug, the legendary dragon who brought ruin to the dwarven kingdom? Is this adventure really about slaying such a dragon?" he asked, half in jest but with an edge of seriousness beneath.