The streets of Kagurem remained bustling, with people of all races—adventurers and merchants alike—weaving through the stone-paved paths, exuding the unique vitality and weightiness of a Dwarven city. Sunlight spilled from above the high walls, illuminating the ancient and exquisite dwarven architecture and shining upon a pair of stout, burly figures who had just entered the city.

  Yggdrasil followed closely by Balin’s side as they walked shoulder-to-shoulder. Balin’s large belly swayed slightly with his movements, rounded and full of presence; with every step, his thick hips shifted in a gentle rhythm. To Yggdrasil, this steady and grounded physique was nothing less than the physical embodiment of his dream partner. Every few steps, he would find a natural excuse to lightly brush against Balin’s arm or the back of his hand, or even "accidentally" touch that rounded, large belly with his palm during a turn.

  "Oh, my apologies, I’m walking a bit too close," Yggdrasil said, offering an apology while his eyes sparkled with irrepressible joy.

  Balin turned his head, his black beard swaying slightly with the motion, a faint, imperceptible smile touching the corners of his mouth. "No worries, no worries. This street isn’t wide to begin with. If you’re used to staying close, I don’t mind."

  These words seemed to ignite something deep within Yggdrasil. He bit his lower lip and whispered softly, "If you say that, I might start pushing my luck."

  "Then I’ll let you have a bit of luck," Balin replied, his tone carrying a dwarven brand of hearty tolerance, though his eyes were filled with warmth.

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  They chatted as they walked, discussing where Yggdrasil had come from, his first impressions of the city, and how enticing the roasted meat at a nearby dwarven stall smelled. Yggdrasil would steal glances at Balin’s belly and thick chest from time to time; those fleshy contours were like magnets, drawing his gaze and his fingertips.

  "By the way, Balin... walking the streets like this, don't you feel a bit... conspicuous?" Yggdrasil asked tentatively, his tone hiding a hint of teasing.

  "Conspicuous?" Balin arched an eyebrow and looked down to pat his large belly. "You mean this physique of mine? Around here, a build like this is the orthodox form of a dwarven man. Why? Don't tell me you’re thinking of training to look like this too?"

  Yggdrasil couldn't help but burst into laughter. "No need to train. I’m already there."

  The two shared a laugh, the atmosphere becoming increasingly relaxed and intimate. The fluttering in Yggdrasil’s heart grew more pronounced; every light touch felt like testing a boundary, and Balin’s consistent lack of rejection—even his encouraging attitude—made the joy in Yggdrasil’s heart burn like a searing flame.

  The building of the Adventurer’s Guild finally appeared ahead—a towering structure forged from solid rock and precision iron pillars, with a massive iron guild emblem hanging over the entrance. Balin stopped and turned to look at Yggdrasil, his tone gentle. "I’ll explain the situation to the receptionist in a bit. Since you don't have an Adventurer’ card, you’ll need to get one to have basic identity recognition in this city."

  "Yes, thank you for the trouble... truly," Yggdrasil responded softly, his eyes fixed on Balin’s face and beard. His gratitude and affection had already spread through his heart like a soft, rising tide.

  "Don't mention it. Helping a... cute and clumsy fellow like you is my pleasure."

  With that, Balin took the lead up the Guild’s steps. Yggdrasil lingered behind for a moment, lightly touching Balin’s large belly one more time—a silent vow toward this newly sprouted bond.

  This fluttering of the heart was perhaps only the beginning.