"H-How rude and insensitive of you!" Lotus folded her arms across her chest tightly and frowned at Benjamin, her golden eyes flashing with indignation. "I understand completely that I have seen quite a lot of moons pass by over the course of my long life, and I do not deny that I am the oldest person in this village. But mistaking my age for immortality? That is essentially the same as calling me an old, ancient, and decrepit woman who is barely clinging to life!"

In response, Benjamin shook his body slightly, his shoulders trembling and his face contorting.

Then he began to tear up, his blue eyes growing wet and shiny with moisture. "I’m... I’m sorryyyyyy!! I’m sorry for calling you an old lady and implying that you were ancient and decrepit, mummy!!"

"Eh? Ah, there, there, do not cry, my sweet boy. I was not truly angry with you, only a little frustrated," Lotus immediately caved into her strong maternal feelings, unable to resist the sight of his tearful eyes and his apologetic expression.

She began to pat his head and shake him gently in her arms, rocking him back and forth like a baby being comforted by its mother after a nightmare.

While Benjamin internally laughed at how easily and predictably Lotus fell for the childish act he was putting on.

[But seriously, is she actually immortal now? She can live forever? I hope there’s no strings attached] [Ben]

"So..." Benjamin asked, still being held in a baby style against her chest, his body cradled in her arms like an infant, "you’ll be unable to die, for real?"

"Nothing so grand, of course," Lotus shook her head slowly, her expression thoughtful. "If I am killed by violence or accident, I will surely perish just like any other being. My immortality is not invincibility or invulnerability. However, if I am not killed by external means, I will never perish on my own.

"Basically, I do not possess a natural lifespan anymore. There is no timer counting down to my eventual death from old age. I could theoretically live forever, if I am careful enough to avoid being killed."

[Uhm... Should I be celebrating this news? She looks a bit melancholic and uncertain as she stares at the fact of her new existence, as if she is not sure whether this change is a blessing or a curse.] [Ben]

"Are... are you happy about becoming immortal, Lotus?" Benjamin probed gently, his hands now moving to fondle the large breasts that were visible through the opening of Lotus’ deep green robe, his fingers kneading the soft flesh through the fabric.

"Happy? That is not quite the right word. It is more like... I do not know what to think of this new situation. I am still processing it and trying to understand what it means for my future," Lotus patted Benjamin’s head more as he continued groping her, her hand moving in slow and rhythmic strokes through his hair while she spoke. "Everyone in this village, and in the wider world, thinks that I am so ancient and powerful that I am basically immortal already. They look at me and see someone who has lived for thousands of years without changing much, and they assume that I will continue living for thousands more without any issue.

"But to me, to my own understanding of myself and my place in the hierarchy of beings, I am but a little girl standing in the presence of the truly immortal. Women like Queen Sakura and Queen Titania are the real immortals."

Benjamin gave Lotus a bright, warm, reassuring smile that lit up his entire face.

"Guess what, Lotus? I have some news for you that might make you feel better... I am also immortal now, just like you. Free from the constraints of a natural lifespan. Ehehe... so we can both keep being lovey dovey with each other for the rest of... eternity, I suppose. So if nothing else makes you happy about this change, at least be happy that I will always be here with you, by your side... forever."

[Well, that’s the real reason for all of this power I have been accumulating and pursuing. Not for glory or satisfaction, but for folks like you, Lotus. I never want to expire and leave you guys behind. I want to be here with all of you for as long as you will have me.] [Ben]

Lotus’ golden eyes crinkled at the corners as she made a sad but happy smile, a complex expression that held both gratitude and sorrow.

"Thank you, Benjamin. Truly. I love you with all of my being," Lotus then raised him up slightly, adjusting his position in her arms, and leaned in for a kiss.

It was a warm and tender kiss initially, just lips pressing gently against lips, soft, sweet, and full of affection.

Benjamin and her beheld each other’s eyes from close range, their gazes locked and their breath mingling in the small space between their faces.

Then the kiss intensified dramatically, their mouths opening wider and their tongues emerging to meet each other, slurping and licking and exploring intimately, tasting each other’s flavor and texture and warmth.

Benjamin’s arms went up and around her neck, pulling her closer against him, while his body remained cradled on her lap like a baby being held by its mother, the contrast between the childish position and the adult passion creating a strange and unique dynamic between them.

They broke the kiss after a long, breathless moment, both of them huffing and panting slightly, staring at each other with flushed faces, dilated pupils, and swollen lips.

Lotus soon pressed her lips into a thin line, her expression shifting to something more serious and questioning.

"You... You said earlier that you shall be my baby boy...? That was not just a joke or a tease to make me feel better, yes?" She muttered quietly, her golden eyes searching his face for any sign of hesitation.

Benjamin, still a little dazed from the intense and muffling kiss, nodded his head slowly in confirmation.

"Yes. Go ahead and treat me however you like, Mummy... Eat me..."