-Chapter 10-

Still holding onto his past sins, Meliodas' answer is…?!

Bartra was staring intently at Meliodas, awaiting a response. Meliodas returned his gaze with equal intensity.

Meliodas looked down and a shadow was cast upon his face that prevented Bartra from seeing his expression. "I don't think that being with me will be the best for Elizabeth's well-being," he finally said in low voice.

Bartra was surprised at his response. "Why?" Bartra questioned after getting over the initial shock. "I thought you would want to protect her?"

"I didn't say I wouldn't protect her, I just said that she shouldn't be with me." Meliodas' voice was quiet and composed- something rare for the usually mischievous bar owner. Bartra tightened his lips. Even after being friends with him for so long, the King still had difficulty knowing what was going on in his mind. But he trusted him. These recent events, if anything, had served to strengthen that trust even further. Bartra was certain Meliodas wouldn't refuse his request unless he had a reason to do so. So the King remained quiet and did not push the request any further.

Unbeknownst to the King, Meliodas held an even stronger desire to protect Elizabeth than even the King himself. However, flashbacks of the recent battle with Hendrickson were running through his mind. The image of Elizabeth lying on the ground, covered in wounds, set his blood boiling. He never wanted her to suffer like that again. If things were as he suspected and things truly weren't settled, Meliodas was sure he would soon find himself in an even more dangerous situation. If he allowed Elizabeth to stay with him, she would be in harm's way. Yes, it's best for her to stay in the Kingdom. Here, she will be safe. If she's here…I won't lose her.

Meliodas made his way to the door. "If that's all then I'll be leaving now." Bartra stared at his frame from behind.

"Meliodas, I'll see you tomorrow at the festival." There was a pause of silence. Meliodas opened the door and just before he left, he turned and grinned at Bartra.

"There better be enough barrels of beer. I plan on drinking the whole day." And with that, it was if the serious atmosphere that had filled the room just minutes ago had vanished.

…

Back at the boar hat, Elizabeth was sitting on a stool, eagerly awaiting Meliodas' return. She held the bag with Meliodas' gift on top of her lap. Despite her attempts to contain her excitement, she still had difficulty sitting still on her seat and she found herself fidgeting. Hawk was sitting next to her, gobbling some apples she had bought for him on her way back. She kept her eyes on the door-unwilling to remove them for even a second.

At last, Elizabeth saw the door handle turn. The door opened and Elizabeth held her breath. Did Meliodas finally return? Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Meliodas standing in the doorway. He stepped inside and spotted Elizabeth sitting on the stool.

"Yo Elizabeth," he said. He walked over to her. "What are you still doing here?"

"I was waiting for you Lord Meliodas," she blushed as she tightened her grip on the present on her lap. She got off the stool and extended her arms to offer him the gift once he was in front of her. With her head bowed, she exclaimed, "Please accept this!" Her cheeks were burning and she scrunched her eyes tightly, too nervous to look up at him. Meliodas was surprised at the sudden presentation. He noticed Elizabeth's arms shaking slightly and her red cheeks. He took the bag from her hands.

"What's this?" he asked curiously while opening the bag to uncover its contents. Elizabeth beamed at him.

"I wanted to give you something Lord Meliodas." Meliodas carefully took out a neatly folded set of clothes. It was an outfit similar to the one he always wore: a long-sleeved white renaissance shirt with a green collar and green laces on the front. On the collar were golden designs that matched the color of the emblems on the sleeves. The green color was in synch with the green shorts and boots that were included. From a first glance, they appeared to be just the right size.

"Turn the shirt around, Lord Meliodas," Elizabeth with glee. Meliodas did so and saw the words "Boar Hat" sprawled along the back. In addition, there was a solid figure of a pig above the lettering. Meliodas grinned brightly. "Wow!"

"Wait just a minute," he called behind him as he entered the back room to try on the clothes. Elizabeth's heart was pounding. She had already envisioned Meliodas wearing the new clothes but now she would get to see the actual thing.

"Is that what you were looking for in town yesterday, Elizabeth?" Hawk questioned.

"That's right!" Her heart was still thumping in her chest, excitedly awaiting Meliodas' return. I wonder if Meliodas liked my present she thought to herself. Meliodas came out from the back room and jumped over the counter to land in front of her.

"Ta Daaaaaa," he announced as he showcased the new outfit. "How's it look, Elizabeth? I think it can be used as the new uniform at work too!" Elizabeth swooned at him. Her heart was beating so fast that she felt like it would leap from her chest.

"Y-Yes! It's wonderful!" He looked just as how she had envisioned him, no, better! Meliodas smiled. He liked these new clothes very much and they were just his size too. Damn, she knows me too well he thought.

"Will you wear these clothes at tomorrow's festival?" Elizabeth asked him hopefully. There was a sparkle in her eyes. Meliodas nodded his head, "Yep!"

He was rubbing the soft material of the clothes when he looked up at her. "Thanks, Elizabeth." Elizabeth stood surprised, absorbing the words he ha just uttered. The she smiled cheerfully at him.

"Lord Meliodas," Elizabeth began, "Would it be okay if we walked together at the festival tomorrow?" Meliodas stared at her.

"Wasn't that a given?" he said surely. Elizabeth was startled at his answer. Could it be...that he wanted to be with her so much to the point of expecting it? Before she could draw any more conclusions, he continued, "All the seven deadly sins will enjoy the festival together."

"I wanna walk with Elizabeth too! I just hope I won't be overwhelmed with thanks from all the citizens." Hawk chimed in. Elizabeth felt a bit crestfallen, Oh, so that's what he meant… But she quickly lifted her spirits. Even if it was with other people, the fact still stood that they would be together at the festival tomorrow. That was enough for her.

After saying good-bye to Meliodas and Hawk, Elizabeth returned to the Kingdom. She was determined to make the most of the festival. She would make more dear memories with Meliodas.

Next Chapter will be the day of the festival!