In essence, he was not concerned with wealth or knowledge. He had casually proposed a "reasonable" condition when he said it. If he were truly uninterested in anything, Gandalf would likely have suspected hidden motives and ill intent. Why would a man who sought neither wealth, power, nor knowledge join a dangerous expedition? They were either truly virtuous or pursuing more concealed motives.
He did not want to be seen as lacking in character, nor did he want to be suspected of malicious intent. Therefore, it was necessary to put forward some reasonable conditions so that Gandalf would feel that "this deal was feasible." With that in mind, Karl spoke again, in a calmer tone: "Of course, I don't actually need these things at all."
Gandalf looked up, a questioning glint in his eyes. Karl leaned back in his chair, lightly tapping his fingers on the armrest: "I can do without treasures and knowledge."
"But I have a few conditions. If you agree, I will join."
Gandalf stroked his staff and asked quietly: "Tell me what you think is appropriate, as long as it's not too excessive."
The first condition Karl put forward made Gandalf's lips twitch. "First, I have the right to leave the company under certain circumstances without anyone's consent, and I have the right not to inform others."
Gandalf's fingers tightened around his staff; he understood all too well what this condition meant. But he suppressed the urge to object immediately and simply nodded slightly, signalling Karl to continue.
Karl noticed Gandalf's reaction but did not stop: "Second, no one in the group has the right to command me; I may act as I see fit."
This point was more straightforward than the first — it was not about consultation or advice, but about the absence of authority to give orders. This meant that even in life-and-death situations, Thorin, as the leader of the company, could not force Karl to take or refrain from any action. At this point, Gandalf's brows were furrowed.
"Third, all spoils of war obtained from enemies I kill belong to me." Karl raised his third finger. He paused for a moment, as if considering whether to add anything. But seeing Gandalf's face and feeling the pressure rising, Karl decided to stop there. "Alright, that's all for today, nothing more." He spread his hands.
Gandalf took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and frowned slightly, as if trying to process the shock of the situation. When he opened his eyes again, his deep gaze was filled with complex emotions. Gandalf shook his head and slowly said: "Mr. Karl, you have truly created a great difficulty for me."
"The conditions you have put forward, especially the first two..."
"Almost certainly, they will lead to disputes between you and other members of the company, and even internal conflicts due to distrust."
"A company succeeds through unity, trust, and a shared purpose."
"If one of them has such a... special status, what will the others think?"
Karl did not answer immediately, but simply looked silently at Gandalf.
"Moreover, this adventure was not organised by me."
"I am a mentor and advisor, but not the leader."
"I need to discuss your situation with him before I can give you an answer."
He paused, then placed his hands on his knees and rose from the chair. "Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Karl. I will contact you as soon as possible." Gandalf gave a slight bow.
Karl stood and nodded politely: "I understand, good luck."
After seeing Gandalf off, Karl returned to the house and sat down again in the chair by the fireplace. He stared absently at the flames in the hearth. He had not made it difficult for Gandalf by setting these conditions for him. On the contrary, it was a matter of principle and ultimate purpose, carefully considered.
He genuinely wanted to go on an adventure, to witness these stories unfold. But he did not want to be a babysitter for a bunch of stubborn dwarves, cleaning up after them and dealing with the problems they created due to their character flaws. He knew full well that the dwarves of Middle-earth were famous for their stubbornness and unyielding nature. Oh, and one more trait: greed, deeply rooted in their blood, though usually not manifesting. Because of these three character traits, dwarves had offended many people and caused considerable trouble throughout Middle-earth's history. Their irreconcilable enmity with the Elves, their obsession with treasure...
Now that he had stated his terms in advance, he could avoid problems in the future. He needed relative freedom, the right to act at his own discretion when necessary. Rather than being dragged into unnecessary trouble because of the dwarves' stubbornness and greed. If Thorin and the others didn't agree... then they didn't agree. He didn't have to stay with them or be unable to function without them. With such abilities, he could choose another path: secretly observe events and intervene at a crucial moment. Or simply go his own way and participate in this story on his own terms. But that would be more complicated, more problematic, and prone to misunderstandings, as the Valar kept a close watch on Middle-earth. Therefore, the best option was still to join the company, but on his own terms.
"It all depends on how Gandalf persuades Thorin," Karl said, closing his eyes.
---
That night, the chaos Karl had expected unfolded in Bilbo's home. As before, the dwarves discovered the magical mark Gandalf had left on Bilbo's door. They arrived one by one at Bilbo's door, regardless of whether their host was happy to see them. When he opened the door, they pushed past him and stormed into his home. Boots left dirty marks on the meticulously cared-for wooden floor of Bilbo's home.
"Hey! Watch out, my carpet!" Bilbo tried to stop them, but a balding dwarf easily pushed him aside. "Don't worry, Mr. Burglar! We won't break anything," the dwarf laughed.
Soon, Bilbo's home had become a noisy dwarven camp. The dwarves began helping themselves to food and drink, rummaging through chests and cupboards in search of something edible. The clatter of pots and pans came from the kitchen, and the pantry was in complete disarray. Several dwarves in the living room had already begun pouring ale from Bilbo's tableware.
Bilbo stood in the hallway, surveying the mess in his home. The floor was covered in mud and dirty footprints, and the dwarves wandered through the rooms, shouting, singing, and arguing. His expression changed — from initial shock to bewilderment, and then to resigned acceptance. He stood alone in the hallway, shaking his head and sighing. Then, as if remembering something, a look of relief appeared on his face.
He muttered to himself: "Thank goodness I've almost finished the vegetables Mr. Karl gave me, otherwise these dwarves would have thrown them away."
The vegetables Karl had sent were not only very delicious but also seemed to have special nutritional properties.