The courtyard of Liones Castle basked in the golden light of the afternoon.
Tristan, wooden sword in hand, was training with the zeal of a future Holy Knight. He laughed by himself, striking down imaginary enemies with flourish.
From the terrace above, Elizabeth watched him with tenderness. But behind her soft smile, a faint shadow clouded her gaze.
It had been nearly a week since Meliodas had left for the Demon Realm… and though their son remained energetic, he wasn't as joyful as before.
A familiar silhouette approached her gently.
"Elizabeth, are you alright?" asked Margaret, the kingdom's first princess and Elizabeth's older sister.
"Yes… well…" Elizabeth murmured. "It's just… Meliodas has been gone so long. I'm starting to worry. And Tristan… he hides it, but I know he misses his father."
Margaret placed a reassuring hand on her sister's shoulder.
"It's only natural. Meliodas is his hero."
"And the captain of the Seven Deadly Sins," added a voice behind them.
Veronica had just arrived, Griamore by her side. Confident as ever, she wore a knowing smile.
"Don't worry. Your husband is the King of Liones. Nothing can happen to him."
But at that exact moment… the air shifted.
Griamore looked up, suddenly serious.
"This magic… I recognize it."
Tristan stopped playing and turned toward the castle's main gate.
A familiar light shone in his eyes.
He started running.
"Dad?!"
"Tristan! Come back here!" Elizabeth shouted, running after him, heart pounding. She had felt it too… That warmth, that unmistakable energy…
It could only be him.
The great doors of the castle opened.
In the entrance hall, the Holy Knights parted to let a familiar figure pass.
Short, muscular, with a mischievous air — yet carrying a strength that reassured all who met his gaze.
Tristan leapt into his arms.
"Dad! You're back!!"
Meliodas hugged his son tightly, affectionately ruffling his hair.
"I'm back, big guy. You waited for me, huh?"
Elizabeth arrived next, followed by Margaret, Veronica, and Griamore.
She threw herself into his arms, eyes brimming with tears.
"I missed you so much…"
"I missed you too," Meliodas replied… placing his hand on her right breast.
Smack.
Veronica, furious, had just slapped him.
"You pervert! Aren't you ashamed?! In front of everyone — and even your son?!"
Meliodas staggered back, a red mark blooming on his cheek.
"Ouch… I was just saying hello…"
The hall burst into laughter, including Elizabeth — embarrassed but amused.
Even Zeldris, who had remained at the doorway, cracked a discreet smile.
Elizabeth composed herself.
"So? Did you find what you were looking for… over there?"
Meliodas took Tristan's hand and nodded.
"I found… far more than I expected."
"Tell us," said Elizabeth.
Zeldris stepped closer. Together, they walked toward the royal dining hall.
Seated around the grand table, Meliodas recounted everything.
The old book, the forgotten prison, Kaelis the demon, the blood compass…
Then, the Isle of Renewal. The erased brother. Zéphyr.
Elizabeth and Tristan listened in awe.
Another adventure. A lost truth, now recovered.
And a new chapter in their story… had just begun.