Their pair was inherently striking—in dwarven society, it was uncommon to see two grown men walking so closely and affectionately in public. This drew curious stares and inquisitive glances from passersby, though many also offered warm, knowing smiles.
Upon entering, Balin came to a halt near the reception counter. Crossing his thick arms over his chest, he leaned against a stone pillar and gave Yggdrasil a small nod, signaling for him to handle the business himself.
Yggdrasil understood his intent and replied with a reassuring smile before heading toward the counter alone.
Lisa, the clerk, brightened up the moment she saw him. "Good evening, Mr. Yggdrasil. Welcome back. The Guildmaster has already given instructions; your reward for the goblin subjugation is ready."
She led him to the reward counter, where several heavy coin pouches and a parchment ledger filled with data were already laid out.
"According to the final tally, you submitted five hundred and forty-two goblin ears, thirty-five high-grade goblin tusks, and the obsidian canine of a Goblin King." Lisa’s eyes still betrayed a hint of shock as she spoke. "The total reward is one thousand eight hundred and fifty silver coins, and fifty gold coins. Additionally, you've earned ten contribution points, and the records on your Rank C card have been updated."
Yggdrasil nodded calmly, stowing the massive reward into his spatial storage. Then, his tone shifted to one of quiet seriousness. "Also, I need to report the completion of my gathering quest, and I have a piece of urgent intelligence."
He produced the Frost-star flowers along with the claws of the Shadow Wolves, placing them on the counter.
"This afternoon, I encountered three Shadow Wolves in the southwestern hills."
Lisa froze, her expression turning grave instantly. "Shadow Wolves? In the southwestern hills?"
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"Yes," Yggdrasil stated the fact plainly, without speculation. "I’ve checked the archives here in the Guild. The bestiary records Shadow Wolves as high-level monsters that only inhabit the dark forests of the North. Yet, I encountered three of them there today. I thought the Guild should be aware."
Lisa immediately gathered the items and nodded solemnly. "I understand. I will categorize your report as a high-level alert immediately. Thank you for this information."
Once the business was finished, Yggdrasil returned to Balin’s side. Balin didn't ask questions; he simply took Yggdrasil’s hand naturally, and the two left the Guild together.
On the walk home, Balin remained silent, though he held Yggdrasil’s hand a little tighter than usual.
It wasn't until they pushed open the door of the house and lit the oil lamp that Yggdrasil realized with a start that Balin was no longer wearing his familiar guard uniform. Instead, he was clad in a sturdy set of adventurer’s armor made of thick leather and reinforced chainmail.
"You're back," Balin said, his tone light and a smile playing at the corners of his lips.
Yggdrasil stepped closer, asking with uncertainty, "This outfit... what is this?"
With an expression that was both shy and resolute, Balin picked up a neatly folded letter from the table and handed it over. "My resignation. While you were at the Guild, I stopped by the guard headquarters and got everything settled."
Balin stepped toward him, his gaze intense and sincere. "I don’t want to just be the one waiting behind the gate for you to return. I want to fight with you, travel with you... and protect each other."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Yggdrasil couldn't help but step forward and pull him into a deep embrace. Their full bellies pressed tightly against each other, their rounded forms meeting in the warm glow of the lamplight.
"Thank you, Balin. I’m truly... so happy to have you by my side."
Balin gently rubbed Yggdrasil’s back, his thick, heavy palm providing a sense of grounding strength.
"From now on, I am your partner. Not out of duty, but because I want to be. Wherever you go, I’m going with you."
Yggdrasil looked into Balin’s dark eyes, which were filled with a mixture of determination and tenderness, and felt a warm current surge through his soul. He whispered softly, "Then let us walk this path together... no matter what lies ahead."
He reached up, cupping Balin’s bearded cheek, and stood on his tiptoes to pull him close.
Their lips met softly in the gentle light. It wasn't a kiss driven by raw desire, but a quiet, profound confirmation of their bond.
Balin kissed him back, his large arms wrapping around Yggdrasil’s waist. They held each other for a long time until the distant tolling of the night watchman’s bell drifted in through the window, signaling the end of this long, transformative day.
They pulled apart and shared a smile, needing no more words. Their hearts were perfectly aligned.
From this day forward, they would no longer be alone. They were partners and comrades, standing side-by-side. The next adventure was about to begin.
"A new beginning! Balin has officially hung up his guard uniform and donned the gear of an adventurer. The 'harbor' has truly become a 'ship' ready to sail into the storm beside Yggdrasil.
The rewards from the Goblin King were massive, but the omen of the Shadow Wolves suggests that their journey won't be a peaceful one. I really loved writing this quiet moment of confirmation between them—sometimes a simple kiss and a steady embrace say more than a thousand words.
Thank you for all the support as we reach this milestone! If you're excited to see our stout duo hit the open road, please Follow and Rate! See you in the next chapter!"