Seek the lotus.

A lot has happened today. It's starting to wear on you a little bit. It took days to arrive, and that doesn't take into account the exhausting fight before you even make it to the woods. Then, you had to travel through a portal, fight an army of undead, beat a necromancer, and then after all of that, you had a threesome. That part was pretty great though. Either way, the hot spring has left your body feeling like Jell-O. This might be a nice change of pace. Both you and Amara head out into the forest, all the way around the hot spring, where things become quiet and it's just the two of you around.

"This is nice," Amara whispers.

You look over as you walk. "The forest?"

"Taking a walk, with just us. Though of course I do not mean to be possessive... I actually do not mind sharing, but--"

"I understand. Especially with all the chaos going on in our lives right now."

"Indeed. And I am so happy you and my mother are getting along."

That's one way of saying it.

There are no monsters around. You spot birds, lizards, and other animals scurrying about, but they leave you alone. It reminds you of Earth in a weird way. There isn't anything fantastical around at the moment, besides the elf beside you, but can be a sweet, rather ordinary girl.

I still can't believe how much I've gotten off in this new world. I thought in isekai stories, the guy just got teased. I've boinked all three of the girls in my party, and some of the others at the house. Though for some reason, they're still quick to frustration when it comes up. I do feel more confident about it though. At the start, I was scared I was gonna be labelled as a pervert or something, but everyone I meet seems to be one anyway. I've caught myself kinda feeling... more bold, I guess? Like, with the things I say to them. But I don't want to be too blunt either. They might be a headache, but they're sweet to me. Her mom brought up grandkids. That's weird to think about. I do care about these girls. Can I see myself being with one of them someday? Or maybe more than one. Would that be okay?

"What are you thinking about?" asks Amara.

"Oh not much. I just haven't really considered my future here. For a long time, I thought I was either gonna die, or maybe become some kind of hero of the world, but in the way where it would just kinda happen to me. Like in a video game."

"What is a video game?"

"Never mind. Just something from Earth."

"Do not fret. Your life has been so uncertain. I do not blame you for not having a plan ahead of what is currently happening."

"Life throws a lot of curve balls. It makes me not want to plan at all."

She smiles. "There is nothing wrong with thinking about the future regardless."

After all of this, I wouldn't mind getting to know some of the girls a little bit more. They do live with me after all. Though for the most part, I didn't exactly seek that out... Either way, if we can defeat Demon King Sa'dis, I might have more free time on my hands.

"There," Amara speaks up. "I believe there should be some frost lotuses up ahead."