Elsewhere.
The two of them kept walking for quite a distance. Only after Gandalf had calmed down a little did he speak to Li Wei.
"Whether those Dwarves are willing or not, we have to go to Rivendell. Only Elrond, the lord of Rivendell, can decipher the secret writing on that map. We can't accomplish the ultimate goal of this journey on our own."
"We need the Elves' help."
"Li Wei, when necessary, I hope you can help persuade them, by whatever means."
"Alright. If it's necessary, I'll do it." Li Wei agreed without hesitation.
"But where are we going? Aren't we heading back?"
Seeing that it was already getting dark, Li Wei asked Gandalf.
Gandalf fell silent for a moment before replying, "I don't really want to see the Dwarves right now. How about this—you go back first. I'll keep going ahead to scout the road and return later."
"Alright."
He was still sulking.
Li Wei turned and headed back.
Elsewhere, near the ruined house.
Bilbo was carrying two bowls of soup, preparing to bring them to Kili and Fili. But when he got there, he found the two standing still, staring blankly ahead.
"What's wrong?"
"We've lost two horses. There should have been seventeen horses here, but now there are only fifteen."
Besides the fifteen horses meant for riding, there had been two specifically used to carry supplies.
"Should we tell Thorin first?"
"Uh, no. We don't want him to worry just yet."
"Li Wei's horse—the one that looks a little stupid—is missing too..."
Kili and Fili were deeply troubled. This was a serious problem. They couldn't afford to compensate for the equipment on that horse.
"As the expedition's burglar, I think you should help us investigate this."
Hearing that, Bilbo had no choice but to put down