In the silent hall of the palace, Meliodas stared at the ancient tome, still open to the erased page.
He furrowed his brow, then looked up at Zeldris and Gelda.
"Besides this book... are there any other clues? Any other traces… of this so-called 'third son'?"
Zeldris shook his head, arms crossed.
"So far, the only solid proof of his existence… is what you're holding in your hands. Nothing else."
Meliodas gently closed the grimoire.
An erased name… a forgotten brother… and silence spanning millennia.
Gelda broke the moment, her gaze shifting between Zeldris and Meliodas.
"Maybe we could question some of the ancient demons. Those who served during your father's time… Maybe someone knows something."
Zeldris met her gaze and sighed, irritation slipping through.
"I don't know if that's a good idea. Even though the Holy War ended four years ago… peace is still fragile. Our people are barely healing."
He walked slowly toward the stone balcony, where a burning wind blew from the demon wastelands.
The view offered a breathtaking panorama of the dark capital.
"And if this 'third son' really exists… revealing his name could cause chaos. The people would start asking questions. About us. About our entire bloodline."
Meliodas pondered. A heavy silence stretched between them. Then a spark lit his eyes.
"Tell me, Zel… you mentioned rebels still loyal to our father?"
Zeldris slowly turned toward him.
"Yes. A handful. Scattered, but active… Why?"
A smile spread across Meliodas's lips.
"Then… what if we pretended? If we claimed a hunt for those rebels to search the lands and question the people? Without mentioning this son's existence. Just… watch and listen."
Zeldris understood immediately.
"You want to gather info without raising suspicion… Clever. This plan might work."
He grabbed his coat.
"Let's get ready."
But just as they were about to leave the room, he stopped.
"Now that I think about it… That name. The one that was erased. Do you know what it was?"
Gelda picked up the grimoire, squinted, and gently traced the damaged page with her fingertips.
"It's hard to read… but I believe it says… Ze… Zep… Zephyr. Yes. Zephyr."
"Zephyr…" Meliodas repeated softly, as if the word burned his lips.
A strange shiver filled the air.
Zeldris exchanged a heavy look with his brother.
"If that name was erased… it means it bothered someone. It's time to find out why."