The Fairy King's Forest pulsed with songs and the cheerful laughter of children.
Beneath the glowing foliage, fairies danced, played, or busied themselves preparing for an impromptu feast.
At the heart of the great living throne, King and Diane were enjoying a rare day of peace.
"This is nice…" Diane whispered, her eyes drifting up toward the soft lights that floated along the forest's natural canopy.
"We've earned a bit of rest," King replied, leaning back against his throne, his expression calm.
Suddenly, the doors opened.
Gowther stepped in, looking as neutral as ever.
"I happened to be nearby," he explained plainly. "So I thought, 'Why not drop by and say hello?'"
Not long after, Ban strolled in—already wobbling slightly—Elaine close behind him.
"So this is where you guys hide the good booze?" Ban grinned, eyes gleaming.
"Ban…" King sighed, clearly exasperated. "Can't you behave yourself in front of your wife?"
Elaine crossed her arms and stepped closer to her brother.
"Big brother, I hope you're not overworking yourself again."
King gave her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, Elaine. I'm taking care of myself."
But she raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"Hmmm… You always say that."
Ban laughed and threw an arm around Gowther's shoulder.
"Hey, you wouldn't happen to have another bottle lying around, would ya? I'm running dry over here!"
"Here. Take mine," Gowther said, handing him his mug.
"I'm a doll. I don't suffer from intoxication, no matter how much I drink."
"Now that's a real brother!" Ban cheered, downing the drink in one gulp.
"Ban!" Elaine scolded, shaking her head.
The room filled with laughter.
But then, a voice called out from deeper within the forest.
"King? Have you seen the kids? I can't find them."
It was Diane, returning from the pond.
King shrugged.
"They're probably hiding. They love vanishing whenever there's a crowd."
"Most likely," Diane replied, smiling warmly.
He motioned to a few nearby fairies to help with the search.
But just then… a strange chill swept through the hall.
A new magical presence had appeared.
"You feel that?" Ban asked, his voice suddenly serious.
"Two demonic signatures…" Gowther murmured.
King shot to his feet.
"Stay here. I'll check it out."
But Diane, Ban, and Gowther were already on his heels.
They burst out of the hall, soaring above the sunlit clearing.
There, just beyond the edge of the forest, two figures floated in the air.
One of them raised a hand, a crooked smile on his lips.
"Yo, King. Been a while, huh?"
King's eyes went wide.
"…Meliodas?"