.

Epilogue

.

"do you think I can learn about how to use a weapon for self-protection?", Margaret tapped her chin lightly and hummed excitedly "I'd prefer to learn how to use a rapier. Gwen said she rarely fought using weapons since she's using her magic power like Lady Merlin, but she's learning how to wield a sword from Sir Tristan and always have been training with Arthur. Don't you think it's cute?".

"yes, it is. Well, I don't mind teaching you, but…", Gilthunder grabbed her hand "you don't force yourself, right? Ah, don't get me wrong! I just don't want to see you push yourself too hard, not that I'm against it".

"of course not, Gil", Margaret shook her head and smiled brightly. She squeezed his hand "know this, Gil. After what happened for these past 10 years, I don't want to always be protected and only be a burden. I want to be stronger until I'm strong enough to defend myself and protect my beloved ones. Just like you who always protected me, someday… I hope I'm strong enough to stay by your side and protect you".

"Margaret, you've saved me. Always. Ever since that day 10 years ago, in the middle of despair, you've been the light of my life. You are the reason for me to live", leaning his forehead on hers, Gilthunder smiled "that's why, everything's going to be okay, as long as we're together".

Margaret smiled fondly "yes, together".

Before they kissed, they heard someone said from the side "Lady Melody, why did you close my eyes and tried to drag me back?".

Margaret and Gilthunder kept the distance with a blushing face right away, when they saw that Melody and Bianca were there, nearby. When Bianca looked doubt and hesitant, Melody sent a staring dagger down to her.

Nervously, Bianca pleaded "ack! I understand, Lady! Please, stop staring at me like that!".

After Melody smiled in an amused manner, she pushed the younger girl lightly on the shoulder, like she had tried to encourage the younger one, whatever the little girl was up to. Next time, Bianca bowed her body and apologized to Gilthunder and Margaret. Bianca had heard what happened from Diane, Tristan, and King where the two formers apologized to her because Bianca's parents died as the post-effect of their battle against Gilthunder. Meliodas, who was assisted by King, told Bianca about what Gilthunder and Margaret had to go through and Bianca understood.

"don't get me wrong. I haven't forgiven you yet!", Bianca crossed her arms before her chest "but… after I listened to what happened to you, I can't bring myself to hate you".

When she felt the disapproval stare from Melody, Bianca groaned "what else, Lady Melody? I have properly apologized to them for my misbehaviour, right?".

Gilthunder and Margaret chuckled before they convinced Melody, it was alright. In his heart, Gilthunder noted to give thanks for his comrades later. After Bianca left to play with her friends, Melody turned to the couple and approached them. Right now, Melody wore her official uniform in the Canterbury Cathedral. It was unlike the uniform of the Sisters here, because as the Saintess, Melody wore a plain white dress with a transparent, Lily-flowers-embroidered white veil.

Cupping Margaret's cheeks, Melody kissed her forehead. In her head, Margaret could hear Melody's voice whispering gently "may God bless your innocence soul and grant you the happiness you deserve. I bless Thee".

The sparkles of glistening white stars spread around Margaret's body before it disappeared. Melody glanced sideways to Gilthunder before she squeezed his hand and smiled warmly, tilting her head "make sure you treasure her for the rest of your life. Your Sins will be forgiven, as long as you thrive to repent your Sins. Never think that you can't be forgiven because this world is full of forgiveness".

Because Melody was mute, she spoke with the other people using her telepathy. Margaret also could hear her voice, so she knew why Gilthunder was so touched. They were under her mercy right now and at this moment, they thought the very same thing, that Melody was truly worthy of the title as the Saintess. They even thought they had been delusional as if they saw there was a halo ring above her head.

Meliodas came from behind, lifting his hand "yo, Melody! What are you doing? Why did you wear your official uniform?".

Melody instantly turned her head, running to him "Dad! I wear this because I need to do my job".

Elizabeth, who had stayed by Meliodas' side, complimented her before hugging her, rubbing her cheek against hers "wow, you're so beautiful and lovely!".

Normally, Elizabeth would hold back herself, but she could not help it because her cuteness overloaded!

Melody grinned brightly (which resembled with her father, so much, Elizabeth noted) to her before she waved her hand to say goodbye for a while "I still have a job to finish. Someone wants to have a confession of his Sin in the Chapel, so I must attend for it".

After Melody left, both Meliodas and Elizabeth turned to Margaret and Gilthunder because Gilthunder told them "Meliodas, your daughter is really a Saintess".

Margaret nodded her head vehemently in agreement "she's so lovely and cute, too".

Meliodas brightened and exclaimed proudly "right? She's just like her mother!".

Unbeknownst to them, Melody's expression darkened once she entered the darker part of the hallway "but unfortunately, father... my Dark Side is closer to you".

Ban was panting with his knees and palms on the ground. Guinevere barely could pity him. She wondered if her senses were dulled because of the years of solitude.

"that's what happened", Guinevere dropped with her knees on the ground beside him "poor Melody could not maintain the guilt and shock she earned from those tragedies, thus she refused to heal her vocal cord. I and my sisters who possessed healing power… We can heal it easily, but she refused adamantly to heal her vocal cord, so her voice would be locked for eternity. She decided to endure it as her punishment".

To her surprise, Ban pushed her to the ground. She only needed a second to regain her composure before Guinevere narrowed her eyes "…you have the right to be angry to me, for dragging you to witness it as I please".

"you know that's not the point here, Gwen", Ban frowned in agony "why did you show me this? Why? WHY! Answer me, Gwen. To punish me?".

Guinevere retorted sarcastically with a poker face etched on her face "of course not. Besides, isn't this what you were trying to do? To kill my father, regardless of the risks".

Ban felt his breath stuck in his throat "that—!?".

"don't worry. I don't blame you. I know you're not at fault", rolling to the side, Guinevere sat and cleaned her clothes off of the dust once she broke free "it was not your fault to fall into one of my Grandmother's tricks. She's a wicked old hag, after all. That wretched bitch would not stop to make our family miserable, only because she enjoyed it, just the same with the certain old bastard".

Ban jaw-dropped "your… what?".

Guinevere scoffed sarcastically "why would you be so surprised, Sir? Even if my biological mother is a Goddess, but my biological father is a Demon. Obviously, I needn't tell you about how much my mother's Clan members hate and resent my father, am I right? Just the same with the ordinary humans would react".

Ban groaned and covered his face. How many times these children got betrayed, to the point the oldest one said that she had gotten used with it so casually like this, as if this was the common occurrence?

"…if you want to make me feel guiltier, then congratulations, you succeeded".

"…for your question, no, it's not my intention from the beginning", Guinevere raised her forefinger and middle finger one by one "First, as a warning. I believe you must have realized how powerful and dangerous Melody's magic power can be, especially when her 'Dark Side' appeared. So, don't you dare to do something stupid in front of her. With confessing your Sin and asking her to kill you, in the name of your guilt towards my father, like the one you did with Merissa, perhaps? If she wanted to, probably, Melody could kill you easily but we can't let Melody's 'Dark Side' arise from the Abyss and risk all living beings in the Britannia. Above everything else, I don't wish to see my little sister staining her hands with blood, again", at this, Guinevere was looking down to her palms solemnly before she continued "second, to make you think and choose, which side you will stand? Will you leave us like my parents and my siblings' old friends and trusted comrades, or will you stay by our side?".

Instead of answering her question, Ban asked back "about Elizabeth, your mother... Do you… never wish her to remember?".

"…I wish she never remembers. Why should she remember when it only will hurt us?", at his questioning looks, Guinevere answered before turning her eyes, trying hard to make the topic about the curses out of their conversation "I and Lily didn't even have the chance to be raised by her because she passed away due to our birth. Tristan was only 9 years old when she passed away due to the assassination and in the process, even Tina also passed away not too long after that in her 9 years old. Merissa was only a toddler who barely could walk when our mother must have sacrificed herself to relieve King Zale's anger. Melody… well, you just witnessed it. I don't have to mention it unless you've been senile. Lancelot was only 10 years old when she passed away, was killed by the bastard Demon. Given how we lost her at such a young age, we have no choice but to force ourselves to be more mature faster, for our father's sake as well".

Ban frowned "don't you miss her?".

"yes, of course. I do miss her. It would be a lie if I said 'no', but even so...", for the very first time after they entered this place, Guinevere smiled sincerely "with or without memory, she is still our mother".

Ban remembered that Elizabeth had said similar things to Meliodas when they discussed the curses on Tristan and Isolde. The looks on the Captain's face that time. Why would he not realize it sooner? He always thought that Guinevere was just like her Godmother Merlin or Meliodas, but now...

Like parents like daughter, it seemed.

When Ban didn't continue to speak, Guinevere stood and gracefully, she put her hand on her chest with a resolve on her eyes "the main reason I've dragged you all the way to show 'that', the most important thing you need to know, Ban… to let you know what we are capable of".

What they were capable of. She, her father, and her siblings.

They alone would be enough to conquer the land of Britannia if they wished so.

That was what Ban concluded after what he just witnessed, but somehow, he felt this bad feeling crawling from his gut "…and after you let me know, what do you expect of me?".

"The truth is, I and my siblings… we have been fighting tooth and nails to keep our sanity. After we lost our mother, our father has been the last restraint of our sanity. If we lost our last restraint… I don/t have to tell you because more or less, you know exactly what would be or could be happened next, right?", Guinevere smiled despite the faint tremble of her body, just like the fluttering flower petals which glistened in the Darkness "when we lost it, I trust you and your comrades to stop us, Ban. I don't need to explain how or what you should do. Don't doubt and when you have the chance to stop us, do it".

With a trembling voice "…even if it means we have to kill you?".

"even if it means you and the Sins have to kill us, as long as you think it is needed", Guinevere smiled sadly before she offered "oh, I can explain about how to kill us in case you need to".

"I don't want to hear it!", Ban shouted indignantly "and of all Sins, why me?".

"because you are our father's best friend and my father trusts you", tilting her head, Guinevere coldly said, "do not waste the chance I've given you, the Fox Sin of Greed, Undead Ban. I or any of my siblings can kill you if we feel like to and I really mean it".

"allow me to ask one last thing, Gwen".

"what is it?".

"What did your mother mean with 'the Dark History' of the Cameliard Kingdom? Obviously, ss the sole princess of the Cameliard Kingdom, you must know about it".

From how she froze, Ban knew that perhaps, she didn't expect it to come from him. Or, she expected him to ask her about it, only not this fast. From how fast she could regain her composure and put on her poker face again, Ban believed it was the latter.

"…I could have let you know, but I'm afraid, it seems like after witnessing my sister's past, it might have taken too much toll on you. If you're that curious, you may visit the Cameliard Kingdom. Go to where my Godmother found me and figure out about it yourself" before Ban could protest, Guinevere raised her hand and poked his forehead with her forefinger "for now, just go to sleep".

After Ban fell asleep, Tristan appeared behind her from the shadow "if other people were to overheard your conversation with him just now, they would wonder who is the real evil one here. You sounded like the Villainess back there".

"I don't care", Guinevere raised her forefinger on her lips "as long as it's needed and meant to protect our family, I don't mind to be the Villainess here".

"no matter what the Villains do, they are always wrong in the eyes of the beholder, even when they do nothing. I don't think it's a good idea, to make yourself as the Villainess", Tristan scratched his nape before he smirked sarcastically "that's exactly what I want to tell you, why do I dislike that idea, but... I can't tell you no, because I also can be the Villain when it's needed. I never consider myself as a good person, after all".

Guinevere smirked "Oh, is that so? Even if our parents and your wives always consider you as a good man?".

Tristan deadpanned "you seriously brought it up again?".

She shrugged "being the oldest one in our family, it gave me the privileges to tease the younger siblings. I believe you can deal with it that much".

Tristan rolled his eyes "I have such a beauty disaster as my older sister, huh?".

"then, I will take that as a compliment. Thank you very much", looking down at Ban, Guinevere asked, "alright, I don't want to be mean more than this. It would be a great help if you just helped me to get Ban into the chapel".

When they arrived at the chapel, though, they met with Tristina and Medeia (Melody's Dark Side Mode On).

Tristina tilted her head "…I've been wondering what do you want to do. Are you testing him now?".

Guinevere clarified "I want to give him the second chance".

Medeia scoffed "ha… I don't understand you and older brother, sometimes. Why do you bother to give the second chance?".

"I think we've talked about this, Medeia. I don't want to see the meaningless bloodshed when my wedding is nearby", Guinevere hardened her expression and slid her forefinger on her chin "unless you want me to entirely seal your Darkness power away, behave. Otherwise, I will have no choice but to do so".

"tch! That human should be thankful because he's lucky this time. Otherwise, I'll have his hide", Medeia clicked her tongue before she transformed back into her Light Side, Melody who frantically asked, looking around "huh? Sis, since when did I arrive in the chapel room? Don't tell me… my Dark Side appeared again? She didn't do something horrible, right?".

Guinevere, Tristan, and Tristina thought how cute Melody was, compared to Medeia, her Dark Side who could be a handful and annoying sometimes.

Guinevere smiled reassuringly before ushering her to the chair, the nearest one to the door "of course not, Dear. You don't have to worry as long as I'm here. Now, can you help us to heal him? Let's put him down on the chair before you can heal him".

Melody nodded "sure, but what happened to him?".

Guinevere smiled thinly "…motion sickness".

Tristan burst out into a burst of laughter "pfft! Bahahaha!".

After Tristan put Ban on the chair and Melody healed him, once they were sure that they were out of ears, Tristina said "well, not that I don't understand the reason why Medeia behaved that way. 'Do not expect anything, so you would not get hurt and you would not feel the pain when your hope was shattered into pieces'. That's what I've always told myself, after all those betrayal and crucible we've been going through".

Guinevere sighed exasperatedly "Tina, not you too".

Seriously, what happened to her siblings these days? They were too emotional lately. Well, maybe she was not in the place to say it, since she did the same thing.

"Can you really blame us for being sceptical of the other races especially the Human Clan after what we've been going through?", Tristina lamented "Tristan and Isolde were betrayed by Mark, their best friend, a human. Merissa was captured by a certain Greedy King. Lily barely died after those hunters tore her wings off and she could have died, if not thanks to Dahlia who had saved her life. Last, Medeia… Melody, she was betrayed by her friend and first love, the humans as well".

"Tristina, stop right there and go back to your brother", Guinevere scolded her and squeezed her shoulders "true, humans keep betraying us, but ironically, the ones who save us, are also humans. You must not forget about it, sister. There are still many kind-hearted humans outside there who stand on our side".

Tristina cut her off "I know, but… for how long?".

Tristan called out "oi, Sis! Melody said she wanted to have a sleep-over with you later. Let's go to prepare the bedroom in the Boar Hat!".

Tristina outright brightened "nice idea! I will go to the Boar Hat and check Aunt Gelda in the process!".

Guinevere tapped Tristan's shoulder after Tristina ran outside "make sure to soothe them till they sleep later, please".

Tristan sighed "…I'm always baby-sitting, huh?".

Guinevere smiled with the ominous aura around her body, cupping her cheek "did you say something, Triss?".

"Nothing!", Tristan turned to the corner, grumbling "when it comes to this, she's just like Dad".

Maybe because he still got in touch with Guinevere's magic power, Ban witnessed this. Something that he should never witness.

Guinevere floated on the air "I still don't think this is a good idea, Melody. Are you not afraid?".

"I am afraid", Melody stood in front of a pond, shimmering under the moonlight "but this is something I have to go through".

To get her body used to the Holy Water, every day, Melody jumped into a pond of the Holy Water with a high concentrate, which strong enough to melt the body of a pure-blooded Demon like Meliodas into nothingness. Half of her blood belonged to a human with high resistance to the Holy Water, not to mention, Melody possessed the Divine Power and still partly the descendant of the Goddess Clan member. Thanks to that, Melody could survive when she was drowning within a pond of the Holy Water. However, it didn't mean that she would able to get out of the Holy Water pond without injuries.

Wrapping the bandages around the burn marks on Melody's hand, Tristan frowned deeply "to be honest, I can't stand to see your condition like this. Just stop this".

Through the telepathy, she told him "don't look, then".

"Melody!".

"brother, please! This is something I have to endure, at least… until I can get the resistance to the Holy Water!".

It was just like an effort when you were trying to gain resistance to the poisons. To get the resistance of the poison, you would need to consume it to a certain dose and you could raise the dose frequently. For the Demons, the Holy Water was just like a deadly poison which able to melt their body. Melody was trying to gain the resistance towards it, even if it burned her skin and her organs, every day.

Until one day, Tristina could not bear to see her like this anymore and she went to pick her father "Dad, please… ask her to stop".

When Meliodas went to see her, Melody cried without sound and hugged him.

Meliodas grabbed her hand "stop this. You can't do this to yourself. Don't hurt yourself more than this".

"But I have to. I need to do this, father. If I work for the Cathedral and give proof that I have the resistance towards the Holy Water as a Saintess, then people would not feel suspicious of your real origin as a Demon, and they would not kill you, right?".

Meliodas looked like on the verge of tears himself "you idiot child, you should not hurt yourself just because of me".

"but I don't want to see you die again! I don't understand at all, father. How could they kill you? How could they despise and hate you, turning their back against you, even after everything that you've given to them, just because knowing that you're a Demon? Human or Demon, hero or traitor, you are my father!", holding his hands, Melody cried harder "no one can replace you in my heart… that's why… forgive me… but at least, allow me to do this, father. I can't afford to lose you anymore, not after mother… If you were gone, I would not want to live again… don't leave me alone… if you die, then I'll die as well… that far I need you in my life… especially given what happened to mother…".

When he jolted with his eyes shot open, Ban gasped to see the spitting image of the Captain. His guilt crushed and he tried to get away from him, only to get pushed back into the chair by a pair of gentle hands which tried to calm him down.

"Hey, hey, calm down. You're fine".

When Ban totally sobered up, he only found Melody was here. She grabbed his hand and through her telepathy, she told him that everyone had gone back to the room first and he might come back as soon as possible once he was awake.

Looking down to Melody, despite his conversation with Guinevere just now, Ban admitted his Sin out loud in front of her because he thought she had the right to know "…I tried to kill your father".

As expected, Melody froze. What Ban did not expect, Melody smiled as she touched the back of his hand. It felt like he was scalded, but she cleared her intention through her telepathy "…I know what happened. Don't be afraid. I don't blame you".

Ban covered his eyes and laughed severely, hysterically as if he wanted to laugh at how pathetic himself in front of the girl. He was under her mercy and how could she absolve his Sin to her father? "hah, I've prepared myself to be killed by you, but seriously… you and your father… I tried to kill your father and you're fine with it? How could you and your father be so forgiving and merciful?".

"but my father is still alive. I think my siblings are afraid, that what you did to my father, will trigger my Dark Side. No wonder. After all, compared to my siblings, I have a fragile heart like the glass. I guess no wonder they're so worrywart", Melody shook her head before her expression turned into a solemn one "and no, it's not that I'm a merciful and forgiving person, because it belongs to my mother. I'm just… too tired…".

Melody's expression right now was similar to the one Guinevere had shown in front of him just now when the oldest daughter of the Captain had asked him to stop them with all cost. Ban disliked it because it felt hurt and he didn't know why.

"compared to my siblings, I'm such a coward. You said I forgave you. Yes, I do, but for myself. Holding the grudge and hurt people are just the same as wielding the double-edged sword or holding the raging fire in my hands. It will hurt me in the end, and I don't want it...", Melody closed her eyes, thinking of the time when she lost her parents, Demetrius, Daisy, and Gracia. Lifting both her hands in a praying position, Melody declared "…the truth is, despite how I look and how everyone considered me as the Saintess, I have sinned greatly. Thus, I decided to help the people in despair who require a guide from the brighter side of this world. I'm so sick and tired of bloodshed and the meaningless battle, of losing my precious people. I've reached the point where I lost all my desire to live my life. However, the next day still comes and I'm still alive. So, I chose to forget and forgive, to live my life, helping the people in despair. I don't hope to live my life happily and to die peacefully, but I hope... no one will be sad and they can continue to live even without me in their side, so when I die and I have to leave this world someday, I can die without regret".

When Melody met with Margaret and Gilthunder, she was so happy that she thought she would cry because she could meet again with them. In their previous life, they were just unlucky. Demetrius had one-sided love for her when she lived her life as Medeia. Daisy lost her life when she sacrificed her life for Medeia. In this life, where Daisy reincarnated as Margaret and Demetrius reincarnated as Gilthunder, Melody hoped they could spend their life together, happily ever after.

Despite her self-condescending speech, it only made Ban see more part from Elizabeth and Meliodas on her "…you really take after your parents, huh?".

In his eyes, rather than to think lowly of her, Ban respected her instead. Without complaints, she offered her body and herself wholeheartedly, carrying the same burden which she shared with her siblings to move forwards down the bloodied path for whatever their resolution. She truly was an amazing girl who definitely worthy of the name Saintess.

"Please, don't make that face and stop blaming yourself fiercely like this. It feels hurt as well, for those who care to you and watches you like this", cupping his face, Melody smiled apologetically and bowed her head slightly "I apologize for my siblings who have given you the hardships, but I trust my father and my siblings in your care".

Ban could not help it at all. Her words and her gentleness burned his eyes. He apologized to Melody and hugged her gently with his trembling body "…forgive me, and thank you…".

It was Elizabeth who reminded them when they visited Gelda in the Boar Hat "ah! Didn't we have a promise to have a vacation to the beach near the Purple Hill?".

Tristina pulled Meliodas by the back of his collar "that's right! Dad, don't tell me you've forgotten it?".

Tristan shrugged "well, we did have a plan to do it, after saving the Liones Kingdom. Why don't we just go there today? We still have four days before King Arthur's wedding".

Lancelot stood behind Tristan with a broad, mischievous grin "and three days before your wedding~".

"that's true! We need to play to our heart's content before being busy again with our wedding preparations!", Isolde turned to her sister and Escanor "you're coming, right?".

Merlin gave up "fine, it would be lovely to have a refreshing with my sister before her marriage, I guess".

Escanor helped to prepare the spare clothes, but he was confused when Merlin didn't bring one "Merlin, your spare clothes?".

"why should I? I can simply dry my clothes right away using my magic", Merlin shrugged before wrapping her hands around his torso, looking up with a suggestive smirk "or… you can warm me up~".

Lily shook her head, covering Oberon's ears "a-hem. Please, remember that there's an underage kid around here".

Oberon sounded offended "mom, I'm already 20 years old! How could you call me an underage child?".

Lily just arrived here today with Oberon after Elias and Jericho picked them. Silky and Spriggan also came to guard them. Melody and Tristina had the excitement of a child, even.

When they arrived on the beach, though, they were surprised. Not because Merissa appeared suddenly, but because something jumped out of the sea and landed on top of Meliodas' body.

It was Meghan in her mermaid form "grandfather!".

"whoa!", Meliodas startled when she was landing on top of his body. Looking up to her innocence doe-like eyes and broad smile etched on her chubby face who smiled brightly without remorse, Meliodas could not get mad at her "hello, Meg!".

Meghan brightened, waving her tail up and down "Hello, grandfather!".

Merissa burst out of the sea, water soaking her body down to her hips. Scolding her daughter, she came out of the water slowly and changed her body into a human form "Meg! What I told you before not to jump out of the sea and land on top of your grandfather like that? Well, duh… forgive her, father".

Meliodas grinned broadly, patting his granddaughter and daughter's head "really, it's nothing bad. No need to apologize".

Just like Isolde's advice, they were playing to their heart's content. Ban didn't miss the sight of love on his Captain's eyes when Meliodas smiled fondly. Turning his head, Ban smiled at such a lovely sight. Melody and Tristina grabbed each of Elizabeth's hands. Elizabeth smiled brightly and spun on the white sand of the beach. The three of them laughed brightly as both Melody and Tristina excitedly ran in a circle around her and holding her hands.

Meliodas shook his head, walking closer to them to stop his daughters when he saw Elizabeth's eyes started spinning "now, now, kiddos. I know you are excited, but let's stop before she collapses, okay?".

Elizabeth waved her hand, holding her head "ah, it's fine… in fact, I was quite having fun…".

Meghan wrapped her arms around Elizabeth's waist "don't worry! I'm holding her!".

Oberon copied his cousin, wrapping his arms around Elizabeth's waist from behind "me, too! Me, too!".

Looking down at the lovely sight, Gelda smiled before looking up "Zel, it won't be long… when we meet again, hopefully…".

Wrapping his arms around Merlin's waist, Escanor asked "do you fight against Lady Gelda or what? I can feel the tense atmosphere between you two lately".

"no, we just…", Merlin shook her head before she remembered about her confrontation with Gelda "…have a different opinion about something, that's all".

When everyone in the Liones Kingdom fell asleep, they had talked in Merlin's laboratory.

Gelda leaned her back on the wall "I met your twin brother".

"is that so? To think that Willard has gotten out of his hermitage…".

"Lucifer said the same thing", Gelda snickered before her eyes turned red, glinting dangerously "before Willard said something about wanting to help you in your atonement".

Merlin went rigid before she closed her eyes in understanding "…so, you know".

"I don't want to believe this", Gelda stood up and narrowed her eyes "you started this?".

Around the time when Meliodas and Elizabeth just knew that Elizabeth got pregnant with Guinevere in her womb 3.000 years ago, Merlin told the Demon King and Supreme Deity about Elizabeth's pregnancy with a condition that they would let Lilith, Merlin, and her siblings alive. Lilith was so enraged when she knew what Merlin had done. Merlin, Willard, and Isolde followed Lilith who went outside their hiding place, to find Elizabeth and Meliodas. Supreme Deity and Demon King were so enraged because of their children's notorious deeds which could bring their downfall.

Yes, to bring Chaos back, you needed to fulfil several conditions. However, there were two easiest ways to revive Chaos.

First, it was with using 'The Key Of Solomon'.

They just needed to break the seal using 'The Key Of Solomon', but to create that key, it was needed a beating heart, blood, and flesh from the half-breed child between a Demon and a Goddess which soaking with the blood from the five Clan members (Goddess, Demon, Human, Giant, and Fairy).

Second, trying to create the 'Chaos' itself.

'Chaos' basically was an existence feared by the Demon Clan and worshipped by Goddess Clan, because they possessed both Darkness and Light in their existence.

Long story short, the first child of Elizabeth who pure-blooded Goddess and Meliodas who pure-blooded Demon, would be born as a child who possessed the power of Chaos, whatever her grade later.

Lilith had slapped her when she told her "because of you, we could have lost our chance to revive Chaos!".

Lilith had been madly obsessed with Chaos, just the same with Merlin, to the point that the mother-daughter cooperated to revive 'Chaos' together, even if people would see them as the Villainess. Willard joined them, but only to make sure that his sisters were alive. Sophia was too busy with her life in the Demon Castle already, so she was clearly out of the group. Isolde, as the youngest and purest one, was kept out of all this 'Chaos' matter.

Willard did not talk about 'Chaos' at all to Gelda, thankfully.

However, Gelda was so shocked to know that Merlin was the reason behind the curses, indirectly. The last time she felt this mad, was when she saw how broken Zeldris who just lost his beloved sister, Sophia.

"do you even realize what you have done? Had you not told the Demon King and Supreme Deity about the child in her womb, they would not have got cursed, and those children would not have to lose their parents multiple times and suffer like this!".

"I knew this is only an excuse, but I was still too young!", Merlin gritted her teeth "had I known this would befall to them, I wouldn't have to… I wasn't thinking…".

"of course, you weren't thinking at all!", Gelda was so furious, slamming her fist on the wall. Panting, she turned her back to her "just be happy with Escanor. He's such a good man that you don't deserve if he would still choose you over everything, even after he knew about your Sin".

"are you going to tell him or everyone?".

"don't be ridiculous. Gwen and Arthur's wedding is coming. Not to mention, Tristan and Isolde also will marry only a day before them. I may be a Demon, an existence made by the Darkness which usually people consider as 'evil', but I am not that mean and mindless, to the point that I will ruin their wedding day just because of my temporary anger", Gelda gritted her teeth before leaving "you, just keep this secret to your grave, and remember… what kind of the tragedy which befall on a family because of your trivial feeling? You should have thought about what would have happened to Meliodas, Elizabeth, and their children, especially Gwen who could have lost her life as two Gods cursed her parents when she was still in her mother's womb".

Gelda gave up understanding Merlin. The Vampire princess resolved to herself, that she would do her best to protect her niece, no matter what the cost.

At Tristan and Isolde's wedding, Isolde wore a white dress with the concept 'elegant and mature', befitting with people's impression of her. Looking down to the A-Line white dress with the embroidery of white roses, Isolde accepted the bouquet consisting of the White Lily, White Roses, and White Tulips.

"Wow, you're so beautiful in white", Elizabeth thought back there suffering, their cruel curse, until they arrived here and could finally reach their happiness after breaking their curse "I wish you will be happy forever with Tristan, Isolde".

Isolde could have cried in joy and happiness, but she knew that she should not cry now, so she smiled at Elizabeth, the reincarnation of the woman who biologically gave birth to Tristan "…yes, we will".

"Now, let's go", Merlin, who wore the dark blue gown, reached out her hand to her little sister "we can't let the groom wait too long".

In the room for the groom, Meliodas patted his son's shoulder "relax. This is not the first time for you to marry her. Just remember, this will be the last time. Just be happy with Isolde. I believe your mother wishes the same".

Tristan smiled, lifting the tie on his neck "…yeah".

Just like Isolde, Tristan wore a white tuxedo. Merlin led her sister down on the aisle, and Meliodas did the same for Tristan. After Tristan and Isolde said the marriage vows to each other and kissed, the audience stood up and applauded loudly. Tristan whispered to her ear, about how beautiful she was and how he loved her deeply from his deepest heart, wiping her tears.

Turning their back against the audience, Tristan and Isolde shared a mischievous grin before they threw the bouquet "One, Two, Three!".

FLOP!

"eh?", Tristina who got the bouquet in her hands, her face turned into a bright red "EH!".

Guila and Gowther laughed in amusement when Jericho, Elias, and Veronica pushed Howzer from behind, jeering to him about to be a man and just propose Tristina after that. Elizabeth giggled at such a cute scene, but Meliodas was not amused. Howzer patted Tristina in the head when the latter buried her red face on the white bouquet.

"nee, Jericho", Elias whispered near her ears, clasping her hand "I'm leaving the Capital".

"oh, I see. I will go with you, then", Jericho pouted "and don't you dare to leave me behind".

Later, that night Guinevere and Meliodas met on the balcony when Guinevere was walking in the hallway to have a midnight stroll. They talked about her wedding the next morning. She was too nervous to sleep, she said, thinking how ridiculous it was.

"I did not this nervous when we were going to fight in the battle lately. How strange".

"Nishishi, you've got a good man as your husband. No need to worry. Just relax", after patting her head, Meliodas gave a light peck on her forehead, cupping her cheeks "be happy with Arthur".

"of course, I will", Guinevere smiled and waved a good night "good night, father".

Later, after Guinevere was out of his sight, Arthur came from behind "Sir Meliodas".

Meliodas turned his back and hummed, asking him to continue before Arthur asked "can I ask you to do a favour for me and Gwen?".

In her room, when Guinevere prepared to sleep, Merlin came to her room.

Guinevere sat back, her blanket dropped from her torso "Godmother?".

Standing in front of the door, Merlin looked unsure "may I come in?".

Guinevere nodded "oh, sure. What brings you here? Do you need something from me?".

Merlin sat on the edge of the bed "I know what you did to Ban in the Paintings room underground".

Guinevere turned her head and pouted "tch, Tristan must have informed you. The heathen...".

Merlin squeezed her hand "Gwen, I know that you don't give that many credits and never fully trust humans. Even if you've changed a little after meeting with Arthur, but I know you aren't fond of the people who dare to hurt your family, but I'm afraid you've pushed yourself too hard lately".

"But we must be prepared with any contingency, Godmother. You always taught me to never let my guard down and I believe I—".

"Dear, please. It's only the two of us here. It's fine to call me 'Mother' like you used to be when you were a child", cupping her cheek, Merlin leaned her forehead on hers, intertwining her fingers into her knuckles "I know, it goes without saying. It's been hard for us. For me, your parents, and your siblings. You've been doing a great job, trying to protect your parents and your siblings. However, it seems like you've forgotten one thing. You don't have to be always strong for us. You can rely on us more", slipping Guinevere's bangs behind her earlobe, Merlin smiled motherly, caressing her cheek "I feel like it was just yesterday when I saved you and carrying your tiny body from that place. Now, you've grown big so much and you're going to marry the man you loved. I can't believe my beautiful daughter has grown into a mature woman".

Guinevere grabbed her wrist, giving a light peck on her Godmother's palm "now, it's so cunning of you, Mother. I can never win against you, especially not after you said it".

Merlin hugged her "just relax and don't think of anything else. Just focus on your marriage. I know, we aren't related by blood, but I always consider you as my own flesh and blood. I hope nothing of you, but if I am allowed to pray, just one thing... be happy with Arthur, Gwen, my dearest daughter".

"…yes", Guinevere blinked a single tear, leaning her head on her shoulder "and please, never forget this too, Mother... that I always consider you as my own mother. You also have to be happy with uncle Escanor. You must".

At that, Merlin broke the hug and grinned "of course, I will. Because, you know what? Right now, I—".

Guinevere brightened at the news from Merlin "really?".

The next morning, after Elizabeth praised how beautiful Guinevere was, Meliodas came in. Meliodas froze, he was awestruck when he saw how beautiful his daughter. Guinevere wore the golden ivory wedding dress with the embroidery of Lily and Camelia flowers, the symbol of her and Arthur's Kingdom. She held a bouquet fulfilled with the various golden and white flowers, tied by the white-and-golden-laced blue ribbon.

Elizabeth asked him because she thought he would be with Arthur this time "Sir Meliodas, what are you doing here?".

"Arthur asked me last night to fill your father's place", Meliodas smiled fondly "because Merlin will take the role in his mother's place, he said. I can see how he loves you sincerely and hopes for your happiness solely".

Nothing made Guinevere feel happy more than this. Arthur never failed to make her happy, like this time. She barely could hold back her tears, if not because Meliodas and Elizabeth stayed by her side, comforting her.

After Guinevere and Arthur entered the aisle with their Guardians in charge of their parents' place, Diane offered her handkerchief to King "don't cry, King".

Elias waved his hand, handing over the handkerchief for Diane "you too, sister-in-law".

The Arch Bishop said to the bridegroom "Arthur Pendragon, will you take Guinevere Cameliard to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?".

Arthur abruptly exclaimed, "yes, I will!".

Guinevere buried her face on the bouquet to hide her blushing face, not forgot to pinch Arthur in the hip "honey, seriously?".

The audience instantly laughed brightly because of Arthur's instant reaction and Guinevere's reaction after that.

Lancelot laughed in mirth and wiped his tears "that's a really fast reaction".

The Arch Bishop cleared his throat and asked the bride "Guinevere Cameliard, will you take Arthur Pendragon to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?".

More composed and calmer, Guinevere said with a sweet smile "yes, I will".

Arthur and Guinevere exchanged glances. It was unneeded, to tell it out loud. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death does us part.

"then I pronounce you as husband and wife. You may—".

Even before the Arch Bishop finished his speech, Arthur kissed Guinevere whom her eyes widened. Tristan, Merlin, and Tristina facepalmed. Gelda and Escanor shook their head in amusement. Merissa, Elizabeth, Lily, and Isolde giggled. Lancelot laughed out loud. Morgan shouted about how his stupid brother should have kissed her after the Arch Bishop finished his speech. Meliodas crossed his arms before his chest and smiled warmly at his flustered daughter.

"—kiss you wife", the Arch Bishop Gio casually waved it off "oh, well. Whatever".

"do you think… how should we do when we hold our marriage?", clapping her hands, Merlin whispered, "you hear me, right?".

Escanor whispered back with a blushing face "it's piercing right into the deepest bone marrow of mine, my Lady".

Gelda moved to stand beside Ban "you are leaving, right?".

Ban didn't answer it "…how about you?".

"I will stay to serve her, of course", Gelda lifted her chin and smiled fondly, looking straight to where Arthur carried Guinevere bridal-style "it's not like I have a place to go home right now, other than to their place".

"ready?", Guinevere wrapped her arm around Arthur's shoulder. Her other hand, which held a bouquet, threw it "go!".

This time, Morgan got the bouquet.

Meliodas didn't live it down "Lancelot, just marry her already!".

Lancelot raised his thumb "you don't have to tell me that! Just wait for the date!".

At that, Morgan buried her face on the bouquet.

On their first night, after Arthur pushed her to the bed, Guinevere wrapped her arms around his shoulders and smiled "make me your Queen".

"I will make you the happiest woman alive", Arthur smirked, his hand already unbuttoned his shirt when the other hand was unzipping her dress "be ready because I'm not letting you go, no matter what".

They kissed passionately for a while before they made love.

It was said in the prophecy.

When the skies are filled with crossing shooting stars, Britannia will be visited by an immense menace

It is an omen of the beginning of a trial of ancient origins, a Holy War between the guiding hand of Light and the bloodline of Darkness

When the balance of Light and Darkness crumbles, the time of Chaos follows

The era of Gods will come to an end, and Chaos will come forth

Then, the World shall be reborn anew

With the King's death as the catalyst

The human chosen by the priestess of Chaos will be the one to rule and control Chaos as the King of Chaos

The descendant of the guiding hand of Light and the bloodline of Darkness will be the one to guide the path for King of Chaos and stay by the King's side as the Queen of Chaos

Cameliard Kingdom

Gelda came out of the shadow, following the Lady she served when Guinevere showed her what was hidden in the underground below the throne room of Cameliard Kingdom's Castle "my Queen, this is…".

"Bionics Humanoid Weapons. This is the Sin of Cameliard Kingdom. This is the reason why, sometimes, I don't even feel bad at all, even if this Kingdom has fallen. After all, even if one Kingdom has fallen, I still can rebuild it", Guinevere looked up with resolve in her eyes "no matter whatever it takes, I am going to build an empire of my own, as the Queen of Chaos".

Somewhere In Britannia

A woman cladded in black shadow, the purple fire, and the red colours of her hair, walked down the gaps in between the cliff. She snapped her fingers to heal the struggling creature on the ground. Putting both her hands on her hips, she smirked, tilting her head "you look pathetic, Dreyfus. Or should I just call you Fraudrin?".

"at least, we can break the seal now. You have my greatest gratitude, my Lady", Fraudrin bowed to her "it's time to revive the Demon Clan. It won't be long for our glory. Thanks to your help, we can break the seal now, Lady Sophia".

"of course, I will. I am the next Queen of Demon Clan, after all", a woman with long wavy red hair smiled and put her hand on her chest, glancing sideways "thank you very much for your aide, Willard".

The Druid Wizard, who had the resemblance with Merlin, came out from the shadow "you don't have to thank me, older sister".

.

To Be Continued

to the Book 2

.