After Zéphyr's clear refusal to return to the Demon Realm, Meliodas and Zeldris hadn't insisted. On the contrary… they had decided to stay two more days.
Not to convince him — but to get to know this brother they had only just rediscovered.
Those two days were far from their usual royal lives.
Meliodas and Zeldris took part in the simple routines of island life: chopping wood, hunting… which quickly turned into absurd contests of speed and strength. With every victorious shout, Zéphyr would watch them silently, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
Sometimes, he would leave the worksite to help Miranda and Rebecca gather medicinal herbs. It was there, between patches of wildflowers, that he finally told his daughter the truth about his origins. Rebecca's eyes widened with amazement, learning that the two men staying at their home were none other than her uncles — brothers her father had rarely spoken about.
Come evening, after long, fulfilling days, Meliodas and Zéphyr would meet Boros at the port's tavern. They'd drink, laugh, sing… until, as usual, Meliodas ended up passed out drunk on a table. That final night, Zéphyr and Zeldris carried him together, one arm each, their faces tired but their hearts light.
And then… the morning of departure arrived.
The ship bound for Britannia waited at the dock. The wind was gentle, the sky clear. A perfect day… for a farewell that was anything but.
Miranda approached first, a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Take care of yourselves… I'll miss you both."
The baby in her arms squirmed, letting out little noises as if protesting the departure of his uncles.
Rebecca ran up to them next, holding out two bracelets woven from local flowers.
"Uncle Meliodas, Uncle Zeldris! Here! They're good luck charms… and something to remember us by!"
Zeldris crouched down, a genuine smile on his face. He gently ruffled Rebecca's hair.
"Thank you for the gift. But… we'll never forget you. Okay?"
Miranda gave Zéphyr a discreet nudge with her elbow — he remained silent. But Meliodas stepped forward before he could speak.
"You don't have to say anything," he said, placing a hand on his brother's arm.
"Even if you don't really consider us your brothers… to me and Zel, you always will be."
He smiled.
"If you ever need us… know that we'll come. No matter what."
Zéphyr's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by those simple, sincere words.
"After all," Meliodas added, "even if our paths are different… we're still family."
The ship cast off.
Meliodas and Zeldris boarded, waving one last time to Miranda, Rebecca, the baby… and Zéphyr, who stood still at the edge of the dock.
Standing at the railing of the ship, Zeldris sighed.
"It's a shame… I would've liked to convince him to come back."
Meliodas placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Even with the best arguments… or threats, no one can force a man to abandon something he built with his own hands."
He watched the island slowly fade into the distance.
"He fought alone for three thousand years. He's earned the right to choose his peace."
Zeldris smiled, calmer now.
Meliodas turned to the horizon.
"Come on… Let's go home. There are people waiting for us."