Harry Potter: The Bard of Hogwarts

In a simple, unadorned room.

As Ino finished speaking, Theodred was the first to stand up.

"You're back. We didn't mean to intrude, but the door was open when we arrived..."

The young crown prince of Rohan appeared slightly uneasy.

"Relax, my friend," Ino said with a smile as he walked into the room. He placed a large bag of stones in the corner, the sound of the stones hitting the floor ringing clearly.

"What are these? Those stones?" Éowyn asked curiously.

"Yes! They are stones, but they are also the result of many people's hard work."

As he spoke, Ino waved his wand, bringing the ceramic teapot on the table to life, which then poured water into three cups that had split from one.

After the teapot filled the cups, Éowyn glanced at the pile of stones wrapped in linen in the corner.

"Very clever. I heard about this in the afternoon. But unfortunately, I don't have anything of comparable value to offer..."

"No! They are different things," Ino interrupted.

"The weapons were something I willingly gave, but the children's Christmas hats were something they asked for."

"Never measure the nature of things by their value. Never do that."

Considering he would visit Middle-earth again in the future, he decided to give the three of them a lesson.

It seemed that while Rohan never lacked brave warriors, the country had always been short of wise leaders throughout its history.

"Like aiding Gondor?" Theodred asked thoughtfully. "Rohan paid a great price, but in essence, it was to uphold an ancient alliance."

"In theory, yes!" Ino nodded approvingly, then changed the subject. "Let me tell you a story about a charcoal seller..."

The story of the charcoal seller was being told in Middle-earth for the first time. While not particularly exciting, it vividly depicted the hardships of life for the common folk.

Often, decisions made casually by those in power could directly impact the lives of countless people.

"...Thin linen, frostbite-covered feet in straw shoes, yet the old man still lamented that the weather wasn't cold enough..."

The story itself was short, and he had made changes and abridged it. It took him less than five minutes to tell the whole tale.

"That's why I oppose aiding Gondor," Theodred immediately stated his stance once the story ended.

From the River Isen at the western border, over six months, he had witnessed too many tragedies enacted with the blood and tears of the people of Rohan.

"But Rohan cannot afford the label of betrayers! Everyone would isolate us, all trade would cease. Moreover, if the forces of darkness conquer Gondor, we wouldn't be able to avoid the flames of war either."

Éomer, the ever-silent commander of the King's Guard and nephew of Théoden, expressed Rohan's unavoidable reason to fight.

"There are many who have alliances with Gondor: the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain, the Elves of Rivendell, even the Elves of Lothlórien..."

Theodred strongly rebutted his cousin.

"Yes, I know the forces of darkness will ultimately have another target, but are other factions unafraid, while only Rohan fears? Should we sacrifice the lives of Rohan's people for the peace of others?"

"Hah! Be grateful I'm not the king."

As he finished speaking, Éowyn felt a pang of sadness. The last thing she wanted to see was happening: a conflict between her brother and cousin over differing political views.

Rationally, she agreed with Theodred's point. Gondor wasn't just a White City but a great nation. Even if the Orcs of Mordor pushed all the way through, it would take them several years.

In those years, as long as they guarded the southern borders of Ered Nimrais and the river Morthond, Rohan could recover somewhat.

Then, on these vast plains, the Riders of Rohan would fear no dark forces.

On the other hand, after hearing both their opinions, Ino did not take a clear stance.

"You need not argue over what is already decided. I know Théoden; what he has decided is not something you two can change. Instead of arguing, think about how to respond."

With that, Ino stood up and walked to a nearby suitcase.

A moment later.

A finely crafted one-handed sword was placed on the table. It was an alchemical weapon from Old Davis. Though merely a gift, it was imbued with magic, characterized by its resilience and sharpness.

"This was a promised gift to you! Rohan's shieldmaiden!"

...

On the third day after the Battle of Helm's Deep ended.

In the capital Edoras, a new blacksmith shop was established.

Unlike other blacksmith shops, which had many workers and clear divisions of labor, this spacious blacksmith shop was manned by only one person.

The fire lit itself, the hammer struck on its own, and the sword blanks on the anvil occasionally turned over by themselves...

After Éowyn received the alchemical weapon, Ino didn't forget his promise to Theodred and wanted to do something more.

Thus, it was only natural to open this blacksmith shop.

Although it wouldn't produce many alchemical weapons in a short time, it could certainly mass-produce well-crafted ordinary equipment.

The magical duplication spell came in handy.

Perhaps the duplicated items wouldn't last more than a year or two, but familiar with the story's progression, this timeframe was sufficient.

By the time these items disappeared, Middle-earth would have entered a new era, the Fourth Age—a time of human self-governance.

In the blacksmith shop.

After completing a new spear, Ino stopped his work.

The room was filled with longswords, hand axes, flails, spears, longbows, round shields, and chainmail.

Although these weapons and armors were ordinary, their quality, refined by magic, rivaled the finest works of the Dwarves.

With the samples completed, Ino casually extinguished the flames and then turned to look at a corner of the ceiling.

"If you don't need them, I'll send these guys to the battlefield."

From a blue web in the corner of the ceiling came a voice in response, "What makes you think I need these bugs' protection?"

With the words, a blue halo flashed in the room.

Immediately, a tall figure slowly emerged.

A familiar voice, a familiar face, a familiar attire...

After many years, the White Witch appeared again. Unlike before, her face now showed less coldness and sternness, and more relief and gentleness.

"You... you succeeded?"

Incredulously, Ino was astonished by the scene before him. It seemed the White Witch had truly reversed her transformation.

Back when he had her stay in the forbidden section, he had this idea in mind.

Putting himself in her shoes, if he had turned into a spider one day, he would also try to change back.

But surprisingly, in just one year, she had actually achieved it.