The morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting mottled patches of light across the wooden floor and the bedcovers. The air still held the lingering warmth of the night's passion. Two thick, warm bodies lay intertwined on the low wooden bed, clinging to one another in the quiet of the dawn.

  Yggdrasil slowly opened his eyes, finding himself pressed against Balin’s broad, solid chest. Balin’s arm served as a natural pillow, encircling his back, while Yggdrasil’s own rounded belly pressed comfortably against Balin’s equally full midsection. It felt as though they were two pieces of a puzzle, designed by nature to fit together this way.

  "...Good morning," Yggdrasil whispered, his voice still thick with sleep.

  "Mmm... morning, little cutie," Balin replied, his voice a deep, gravelly rumble of morning laziness. He lowered his head and pressed a kiss onto Yggdrasil’s forehead; his beard tickled, yet it was filled with an overwhelming tenderness.

  Yggdrasil’s cheeks instantly flushed crimson. He didn't pull away; instead, he buried his face deeper into Balin’s chest, his voice muffled. "...Don't call me names like that."

  "But I do think you're cute. Cute from head to toe—especially here," Balin chuckled. His broad palm gently stroked the warm curve of Yggdrasil’s rounded belly, his fingertips tracing the soft lines of his midsection, causing Yggdrasil to let out a slight, involuntary shiver.

  "Ugh... so early in the morning..." he protested softly, though there was no hint of rejection in his tone. If anything, he sounded like he was basking in the attention.

  "Last night... you were unforgettable," Balin whispered, leaning down to kiss the tip of Yggdrasil's nose.

  After their shared warmth, the two eventually had to face the new day. When Yggdrasil finished washing up and stepped out of the house, he carried the faint, herbal scent of soap. The heavy soles of his boots clicked against the stone tiles with a steady, confident rhythm.

  He looked back toward the doorway. Balin stood there in his dwarven guard uniform, his broad frame as reliable as a mountain. Although a warm smile played on his lips, there was a visible trace of struggle and reluctance in his eyes.

  "I’m going to report to the Captain later and return my guard’s badge," Balin said, his voice deep and steady, yet resolute. "But before that... you head to the Guild first. Remember, pick a simple commission. Don't push yourself."

  Yggdrasil smiled and stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Balin’s rounded waist and resting his head against that soft, warm chest. "You're worried about me, aren't you? Relax. I'm just going to see if there are any gathering quests. I won't go far from the city."

  Balin reached out, ruffling Yggdrasil’s brown hair and beard. "I’m just afraid you won't say a word and then run off to solo another Goblin King..."

  The two shared a laugh, the atmosphere thick with a gentle, lingering reluctance to part.

  "If you're heading out of the city, stop by the main gate and let me know," Balin said softly, his voice full of affection. "I’ll be waiting for you there. Whenever you leave... I want to be the first to know."

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  Yggdrasil looked up and unhesitatingly kissed Balin’s bearded cheek, then pressed his lips against Balin’s warm mouth in a brief, soulful kiss. "I promise."

  With that, he turned and headed toward the Adventurer’s Guild. Balin stood at the threshold, watching that stout and burly silhouette grow distant. The sunlight hit Yggdrasil’s tousled brown hair, outlining his thick shoulders with a halo of warmth. Pride and love swelled in Balin’s heart; he couldn't help but whisper to himself, "Look at how he walks... every step so steady, so confident... Truly... mine."

  But that pride lasted only a moment before it was replaced by a deeper concern.

  This was the same back that, only days ago, had walked alone into a nest of hundreds of goblins. This was the same reliable frame that had returned covered in exhaustion and scorch marks.

  Balin instinctively reached down and touched the old copper guard’s badge at his waist, worn smooth from years of use.

  This uniform, this job—he had done it for nearly ten years. He was used to the wind on the city walls, the rough laughter of his comrades, and the honor and stability that came with protecting this city. He had once thought this would be his entire life.

  But... if I don't let this go, then what?

  Stay here? Spend every day with my heart in my throat, waiting to see if he returns alive from some suicidal mission? Spend every day wondering if he's hurt? If he's eaten well? When he needs someone by his side the most, will I just be a helpless neighbor, peering anxiously from behind the city gates?

  No. Balin growled internally. I can't live like that.

  Watching Yggdrasil’s back as it began to disappear around the corner, the last trace of hesitation in his eyes was finally replaced by an unprecedented, unshakable resolve.

  I have to be by his side. Not waiting behind a gate, but standing right next to him. To use my shield to block the attacks he doesn't see; to use my axe to clear the troubles he doesn't care to handle.

  "This fellow..." Balin finally spoke aloud, a helpless yet doting smile curling his lips. "He's starting to walk more like an adventurer every day."

  "And I suppose it’s time for me to become an adventurer once again."

  Yggdrasil’s heart felt as though it were wrapped in soft sunlight. He took Balin’s advice to heart while listening to his own inner desires. After that thrilling subjugation, he truly needed a few days that weren't quite so bloody—to truly feel and touch the daily life of this world.

  He walked toward the Guild alone, his heavy boots making a rhythmic sound on the damp stone tiles.

  When he entered, it was the peak hour for the morning shift. Several adventurers were lined up at the counter. Yggdrasil stood quietly in the queue, hearing the whispers of those around him. Some had already recognized him.

  "That's him... the dwarf who took out the Goblin King..." "I heard he jumped from Rank E to Rank C in one go. Is that for real?"

  Yggdrasil heard the voices but paid them little mind. Soon, it was his turn. A male clerk with glasses, looking calm and scholarly, offered him a polite smile.

  "Good morning, Mr. Yggdrasil. What kind of commission are you looking for today?"

  "I’d like a gathering quest. A non-combat one," Yggdrasil replied steadily. "Preferably something near the town."

  "Understood. These are the current unassigned quests," the clerk said, handing over a thin booklet. "Mostly herb gathering, monster material residue collection, or environmental observation. You may choose freely."

  Yggdrasil flipped through the pages and eventually settled on a "Frost-star Flower Gathering" quest. These flowers grew in the small hilly areas southeast of Kagurem and were an essential ingredient for crafting recovery potions.

  "I’ll take this one." He pointed to the Frost-star flower entry.

  The clerk recorded it immediately and handed him a temporary quest permit. "The mission is a same-day return. You only need to gather ten Frost-star flowers and bring them back. Upon completion, you will receive one silver coin and an extra recovery herb as a bonus."

  Yggdrasil nodded, stowed the permit into his spatial storage, and turned to leave the Guild. His steps were no longer as heavy as when he faced the goblins; instead, they were filled with a sense of lightness and ease.

  Today, he would be a companion to nature and a traveler with the wind. No battle, no slaughter—only a moment of peaceful life. Perhaps for him, such a day was also an indispensable part of his journey toward becoming a true adventurer.

  "A morning of tenderness and major decisions. I wanted to show the 'Aftercare' between Yggdrasil and Balin—it's not just about the passion, but about the small moments, like rubbing a belly or a shared breakfast.

  Balin has finally made his choice. He's hanging up the uniform to pick up the shield once more. Sometimes, the greatest adventure isn't fighting a dragon, but choosing to walk beside the one you love.

  Yggdrasil is taking a peaceful day to gather 'Frost-star flowers.' A little Slice-of-Life before the next big arc! Please Follow and Rate to support our stout heroes. See you tomorrow!"