"However, none of the above are the main reasons I suspect him."
Gandalf paused thoughtfully, gathering his memories before continuing:
"The more significant point is that his recent behavior has become quite abnormal and secretive."
"During the time I was searching for useful materials in the tower of Orthanc, Saruman would frequently dispatch servants to the upper levels of his fortress."
"They would depart with mysterious orders and return many days later carrying things wrapped tightly in rough burlap sacks."
"When I inquired about what was concealed inside, Saruman reacted like some wild animal whose tail had been stepped on, responding in a very agitated tone that I had no right to inquire and had better not investigate further."
"From that point onward, he would often shut himself away in the upper tower chambers, never taking a single step outside. Whenever I attempted to approach, I would be ordered to halt immediately, and many times I could only communicate with him from outside his locked door."
"After several more days of this strange behavior, because I went to find him again with legitimate questions, he directly expelled me from Isengard, claiming I was disturbing his crucial research."
"But what research could possibly exist that I'm not allowed to know about?"
We're all wizards sent by the Valar. Shouldn't our ultimate goals be perfectly aligned?
Gandalf shook his head with obvious frustration, unable to understand the situation no matter how extensively he analyzed it.
"Indeed, very suspicious behavior."
Levi's brow furrowed slightly as he fell into deep contemplation.
Could Saruman already be studying Sauron's forbidden dark magic at this early stage? Wasn't this development far too premature according to what he knew of the timeline?
Something definitely felt wrong about this timing.
But speaking of which...
"Magic," Levi murmured, catching this crucial keyword.
In the eyes of others throughout Middle-earth, Levi was constantly employing magical abilities. With that extraordinary frequency of supernatural feats, calling him the "most magically gifted person of this age" wouldn't be an exaggeration by any measure.
But only Levi himself knew the truth: magic-related abilities, especially in direct combat, had always been his greatest weakness. After all, no matter how thick one's armor might be, it couldn't reliably resist damage caused by hostile magic.
There were numerous magic-using beings scattered throughout this world.
For instance, various elven lords, the five wizards, or people who had experienced significant adventures or possessed certain bloodlines. These were manageable threats since they belonged to the free peoples' faction, and even when they possessed magical abilities, they didn't employ them frequently or maliciously.
Looking at Sauron's corrupted side, however, seemed quite unrestrained in their magical applications. The Nine Nazgûl, Mordor's various lieutenants, and countless dark minions scattered across the lands...
Not only could they wield potent dark magic freely, but they could also roam Middle-earth without restriction, harming innocent people with various malicious spells, casually cursing whoever they pleased with impunity.
"I'm extremely interested in investigating this matter personally."
After hearing Gandalf's detailed account, Levi declared: "I don't believe Saruman would refuse a visit from me."
"I believe he probably wouldn't dare," Gandalf answered, though he felt somewhat uncertain in his heart.
He wouldn't refuse, would he? Surely not someone of Levi's reputation.
"When do you plan to make this journey?" Gandalf inquired.
"I can accompany you then. If Saruman raises any objections to your presence, I'll attempt to persuade him diplomatically."
No, it might actually be better if you don't come along, Levi thought privately.
Though he considered this, Levi weighed his options and replied: "Next month would be ideal. Let's meet in Dale next month and visit Isengard's tower of Orthanc together."
"That arrangement sounds excellent. I also want to visit Erebor to observe how Thorin and the other dwarves are recovering from their recent trials. I'll be there at the beginning of next month."
A diplomatic foreign visit itinerary was thus decided through simple conversation.
That evening, Levi and Gandalf attended an intimate banquet specially arranged by Thranduil, consuming quite substantial quantities of fine alcohol.
All of it was Levi's personally crafted wine.
Before departing from his territory, Levi had prepared over a dozen barrels of homemade wine from Roadside Fort's extensive cellars, carefully packing them in his dimensional storage. The quantity wasn't enormous, but he had brought one barrel representing each major variety produced.
Some are potently strong, others refreshingly mild, and several were purchased from the Dorwinion merchant caravan during their memorable visit.
"This is truly exceptional quality."
Thranduil sampled the various wine types with obvious pleasure, his refined palate clearly appreciating the craftsmanship.
"Especially this particular barrel."
He indicated the strongest vodka with obvious respect and said:
"It's been far too long since I've tasted wine I could genuinely describe as 'powerfully strong.' Though the flavor profile is somewhat harsh, it's certainly potent enough to command attention."
"If you find it appealing, I can bring substantially more next time, or when the sky road is eventually constructed, our trading company will also transport wine along this route."
Thranduil chuckled softly with amusement, deliberately not engaging with this persistent topic.
Still obsessing over that impossible road of yours.
But setting aside the fantastical road project for now...
"Your trading company?"
"Yes, our commercial enterprise was officially established last year. We sell various goods, mainly high-quality leather, silk thread, plus fresh vegetables, fruits, and preserved meats. Recently we've added wine production, like what I've presented today."
"I can guarantee that all merchandise maintains the highest quality standards, with absolutely no inferior products mixed into our inventory."
Hearing Levi's confident business introduction, Thranduil's eyes clearly brightened with genuine interest.
Most of the goods Levi described were essential materials and survival supplies, categories that remained consistently popular across all markets.
Not to mention the exceptional wines gracing today's table.
This trading company would definitely generate substantial profits wherever it established operations.
"If your trading company can someday reach the forest vicinity, I would be delighted to dispatch some soldiers to protect their safety, if only for the sake of our friendship."
The king spoke while gently swirling the wine in his elegant goblet.
Thus, the official trading permit was also successfully obtained.
After discussing commercial possibilities, they briefly chatted about various inconsequential matters, and the intimate banquet concluded on a pleasant note.
Levi didn't extend his stay, departing the following day to return to Dale.
Gandalf traveled south for a while, investigated some areas of interest, then crossed back through the forest, following behind Levi toward Dale.
But when he finally reached Dale, Levi had already departed first, returning to Roadside Fort through his dimensional portal.
Saruman possesses quite a few valuable things. Better make comprehensive preparations before going to confront him.
This was both to prevent unexpected dangerous situations and to prepare for possible beneficial transactions.
Whoosh.
As the Nether portal twisted and flickered with purple energy, Levi emerged from the transport chamber.
Seeing their lord finally return home, Vide, who had been tending crops nearby, hurried over to deliver his report.
During Levi's absence, more refugees guided to their territory had arrived outside the city gates. Roughly a hundred people in scattered groups seeking sanctuary.
The territory could certainly accommodate these new arrivals, and there was sufficient experienced manpower to guide fresh residents through integration.
But after receiving this latest batch, an awkward logistical situation had finally emerged:
There weren't many available houses remaining.
"Sir, we might not be able to continue accepting more people at our current capacity."
Old Vide appeared genuinely troubled. He chose his words carefully and said:
"Actually, many current residents occupy houses that are somewhat oversized for their needs. Multiple people could comfortably live together, including myself."
"I have no living relatives, so maintaining such a spacious house entirely for myself feels rather wasteful, and it's become somewhat lonely. Having more people sharing living spaces would also..."
"Stop that line of thinking immediately."
Levi raised his hand decisively: "Why force people to squeeze together when there's still plenty of empty land available? Simply build more houses."
"Organize whoever possesses construction skills. Materials and tools are readily available."
"Launch a new house construction project directly."
"Build exactly as many as needed, or build extras for future growth. Doesn't matter either way."
There were numerous empty areas throughout the territory, completely sufficient to support upcoming housing expansion work.
When houses became insufficient, they could continue extending the protective walls, expanding territorial boundaries, and constructing additional dwellings. If there wasn't enough level ground available, they could directly modify the terrain to create suitable building sites, then expand further outward.
Under the extraordinary characteristics of his abilities, there was never a situation of insufficient space.
"I understand completely, sir."
Regarding organizing new territorial development projects, Vide had managed similar undertakings so many times he possessed considerable expertise. He quickly began spreading this exciting news.
Those who had participated in previous construction projects suddenly realized that another of their valuable skills could be applied practically, giving them yet another lifestyle choice and career path.
Some residents immediately decided to discuss possibilities with their neighbors during free time, showcasing their past craftsmanship accomplishments to their lord.
"Back in our old village, which of the houses I supervised building wasn't both structurally sturdy and practically functional?"
"They wouldn't allow cold wind to leak inside during harsh winters, wouldn't feel stuffy during hot summers, and never permitted even a single drop of rainwater to seep through the roof."
In the central square, residents who had finished their work early gathered in animated small groups for conversation.
Though the territory offered remarkably diverse lifestyle choices, after becoming accustomed to such abundance, daily routines could occasionally feel somewhat predictable.
At this moment, their lord's new directive was like launching some exciting activity, immediately capturing many people's attention and dominating their conversation topics.
"You're absolutely right about that."
Someone enthusiastically picked up on that person's proud words, then added with dawning realization: "But aren't all the houses here already like that? Sturdy, durable, no drafts, and perfectly comfortable temperature regulation."
"Uh..." The resident who had wanted to showcase his traditional building skills to their lord visibly deflated.
Yes, all the houses throughout their territory were constructed using their lord's supernatural abilities. Which one wasn't already excellent in every practical aspect?
"Then, then we'll make them more beautiful!" he declared with renewed determination.
As he spoke enthusiastically, he gazed toward other houses scattered throughout the territory.
If houses could be built with perfect structural integrity regardless of construction methods, then traditional engineering considerations would become completely unnecessary.
Only aesthetic beauty mattered now. Simply creating something beautiful was sufficient.
The pursuit of architectural beauty bloomed brilliantly at this inspiring moment.