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Chapter 16 – Redemption

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Bedivere begged urgently "The Lady Of The Lake, please. You have to save her—".

The Lady Of The Lake raised her hand "Calm down, Sir Bedivere. I know what for you come here. She has been sleeping in her deep slumber because her soul has gotten lost in The World. To wake her up, just put her into the Lake, so I can help her soul back to her body".

Bedivere nodded his head numbly and slowly, he let Arthuria's body sink into the Salisbury Lake, like the last time he let her go. This time, Bedivere whispered weakly before he kneeling in front of the lake with both hands in a praying position "Please… You have to make it and come back this time, My King".

Arthuria opened her eyes. She found herself in the middle of a grass field. Looking around, she found a blonde-haired girl sitting on the grass field and she called "What are you doing here?".

"I reminisce my childhood, abandoned dreams", Arthuria, in her early reign as Saber Lily, smiled to her older self "We have been going through a lot of things, haven't we?".

"Yes, you're right", Arthuria chuckled. Her life as the King Of Britain, her participation in The Holy Grail War, then transported into the past in another universe, where she was not the King. The burdens on her shoulders were not disappeared, only replaced by the new one "Even so, I do not regret it at all. My choice to come here. Thanks to it, I can see my old comrades and Mordred again. We even have earned the new parents and got the chance to be raised by them. Although, not for a long time".

"But we've got to see Mom again, and this is not the end", Arthuria who wore the dark gown, the Alter version, "This is only the beginning of our next journey and that… is the goal of our next journey".

Arthuria looked straight to where the Alter version had pointed.

It was her mother, Elizabeth. Liz. She was speaking with her younger self.

With tears cascaded down her face, the triskelion symbol was visible on Liz's eye before she covered her daughter's eyes "You can just forget everything… until the time comes, when you have to face your Fate".

Arthuria covered her mouth and gasped in shock as tears cascaded down her cheeks after she found the dark truth of her parents.

How could she have forgotten about this?

Bedivere closed his eyes and raised his hands in a praying position for only-Gods-knew-how-long when he heard the Lady of the Lake warned him "She's back. Get down".

When the earth shook greatly, Bedivere kneeled on the ground. Looking up, he breathed in awe "My King".

Arthuria's body floated on the Lake's water and grew up with more mature features. Her body got taller and curvaceous. Her long straight blonde hair started to tie itself in a braided bun. She wore a formal navy-blue dress where the skirt only reached her thigh with the white cape and blue thigh-length socks. As she landed on the ground and stumbled forward with both her eyes still closed, Bedivere caught her, wrapping his arms around her body securely.

When Arthuria opened her eyes slowly, she smiled and greeted him warmly "Bedivere".

Bedivere felt it. She was no longer the same as the Arthuria Pendragon who wielded the Holy Sword Excalibur. She was not the Heroic Spirit, but she felt so much more like the Heaven Spirit, a Divine being as a Goddess. She was capable of doing it now. She could do everything without his help and she would not need him anymore.

Kneeling in front of her, Bedivere lowered his head and begged "Please, render your judgment on my Sins. That is the only reason I am here, my King".

Arthuria narrowed her eyes and tilted her head "…What do you mean with your Sins? What for I should punish you?".

"because I do not do as you command, my King".

"It's so chivalrous of you You constantly look after me even when you have no obligation to, anymore. Does it because of your guilt or responsibility, I wonder?", when he lifted his head, even before he said something, she already knew his answer. Crouching her body in front of him, she hugged him "Stop trying to shoulder this burden alone. For these past 1.500 years, you've been waiting for us, only to serve me again and plead a punishment from me. How could I punish my most loyal Knight? You should live freely, even more so in this time called the present, together".

Bedivere's eyes widened "…Together?".

He always considered himself as a Sinner for her. Yet, here his King, absolved his Sin and asked him to live freely, together?

"Yes, of course. Please, do not cry, Bedivere. Raise your head. We may no longer ourselves in the past, but looking at your tears… those often pierce into my heart", wiping his tears which unconsciously fell, Arthuria stood up. Holding his hands, she smiled "I am not a King anymore and you are not a Knight responsible to serve me. We can just live as ourselves in this timeline freely, as who we are. Even so, will you stay by my side? Let's start over everything, together. I need you to live".

Ah.

Looking at her sincere smile, so bright and warm, without burdens and any hate to the worlds, Bedivere remembered. Because he wanted to see her smile again, because he still remembered her smile on that day, he trudged forward, waiting for 1.500 years, just to meet her again.

Bedivere accepted her hand and smiled "Yes".

When he stood up, suddenly, there was a bright light enveloped between them.

Bedivere realized this bright light was coming from his body "Huh? What—?".

Arthuria gasped "Bedivere!".

Leaning her chin on her palms, Mash sat on top of Lancelot's lap "Father, did I do something wrong? Am I supposed to apologize?".

Yes, due to Mordred and Tristan's suggestion (think of it as their revenge, they said), Mash was using her ability as the descendant of Druid to show them about what happened on Danafor at the tragedy. It was replayed in front of their eyes. How Liz died at the hands of the purple-skinned Demon. How both their oldest daughter and Meliodas witnessed Liz's death. How Arthuria killed the purple Demon before she met with Bedivere and these children's effort to run away from the fallen Danafor.

They witnessed it with their own eyes, how the purple-skinned Demon killed the people of Danafor and how Meliodas lost control of his power, which as a result, destroyed Danafor.

They knew and they understood that it was not entirely their Captain's fault. However, what was the point of knowing it now, that their Captain had dead?

Glancing sideways, Lancelot leisurely combed his daughter's hair "No, you aren't. You don't have to feel guilty, too".

Right now, the Sins members devastated. They sat on the chair, thinking hard.

Sitting beside Lancelot and Mash, Gawain scratched the back of his head and yawned "So, I guess they are overwhelmed, correct?".

Lancelot raised his eyebrow when he only found his twin "Where are they?".

"If you're looking for Mordred, Tristan, and Princess Elizabeth, they're sleeping on the bed in the other room. Hawk promised that he will stay on guard nearby and not let them sleep in the next room. It's not like I can let them sleep with the corpse in the next room like how they have so persisted to", Gawain knew, his words probably were too harsh. However, it could not be helped. He was too tired because the trio had refused to sleep and cry overnight near Meliodas' body until they fell asleep in exhaustion. Glancing sideways, he asked, "…Then, what should we do?".

"Well, perhaps we should wait for Lady Merlin to—".

Without waiting for Lancelot to finish his words, a door opened wide, revealing two people who had disappeared as long as they were faced with this mess. However, they looked totally different from how they looked before they left. Both Arthuria and Bedivere had appeared with their adult version that they never saw. No wonder they tensed and on guard when a couple of strangers entered the tavern.

Bedivere raised his hand, speaking with his manly voice "Relax. It is just the two of us. You don't recognize us?".

More composed, with placidity in her demeanour and voice as an adult, Arthuria shrugged "Well, I guess it can't be helped. Last time they saw us, I was just a child and you were still a teenager".

Ban gawked, wide-eyed "Oh, f*ck… You… Alexandria and Oliver?".

"Yes. Now, we're asking you kindly, would you please put your weapons down?", lifting her hand, she offered them a warm smile. The Sins believed her because her attitude and good manners were perfectly the same as the 'Alexandria' they knew. She felt more at ease after the Sins lowered their weapons. Looking around, Arthuria pondered "Now… Where are my siblings and my father?".

They felt the dread creeping over their stomach and went rigid. Oh, f*ck. How could they explain it to her?

Looking at their reaction, Arthuria demanded with the authority which she had always held as the King "What's wrong? Answer me".

Gowther stood up and ushered them upstairs "Come with me. I will show you since the others would likely not want to do it".

In the room where they placed Meliodas' body, both Arthuria and Bedivere said nothing as long as they listened to the full story from Gowther.

After Gowther finished his explanation, without looking back, Arthuria ordered "Leave us".

Gowther complied and left. Outside, after Ban pulled him and covered Gowther's mouth, all of them peeked through the gap of the door and like the hell they could forget how she froze in front of her father's corpse.

Walking closer, Arthuria put her hand on top of Meliodas' body before she said "Invigorate".

They were shocked to see the healing magic, the powerful one, coming from Arthuria.

However, it did not work well. The wounds on his body had fully healed, but that was it. He did not open his eyes. He did not move. He did not breathe anymore.

Once more time "Invigorate".

This time, she spent more concentrating and powerful healing magic of Goddess within her body which she had put in her magic spell until she was exhausted.

Bedivere gently put his hand on her shoulder and shook his head, supporting her from behind "My Lady, please stop. Your healing magic power does work to heal people, no matter how grievous it is. However, it does not work to bring back the dead to life".

Arthuria sat on the chair which Bedivere had pulled, looking down with those solemn poker face.

"You can feel it too, right? My magic power enhanced greatly after I came back. However…", looking down to her palms, Arthuria smiled bitterly with a twisted expression "What's the point of possessing this strong magic power… when I can't even save my parents?".

Bedivere dropped one knee in front of her, holding her hand "Everything will get better. We just need to endure it".

Lowering her head, she focused on her hands on her laps which Bedivere still held "Do you remember how the people in the Capital of Liones Kingdom sometimes would bad-mouthing my father?".

"Yes, of course. Later, your twin sister or my adopted father always beat them", Bedivere smiled thinly at the fond memories "Though… it's only the scenes from the past".

"Truthfully, I don't care whatever they said about my father. I don't care whether it's the truth or not. Hero or Traitor, he is my father", looking up, she did not have to tell him. Meliodas was her father in this timeline, the one that she finally had after a long time. Now he had gone, she felt her heart shattered into pieces as her tears fell one by one "He is the one and only… after my mother… Who else I can trust? Should I trust everyone or never trust anybody? Tell me, I am at lost...".

"my Lady... We may not able to gain back our parents. However, we're still alive. The ones who are alive only can continue their life. That's what we've learned together", cupping her wet cheek, he gently leaned his forehead on hers "You give me a reason to live when I hope nothing but to die in your hand. You asked me to live my life freely and you said you need me to live. I am the same. I will never betray you. You're not alone anymore. You do not have to hold back your tears or hide anything in front of me, my Lady. You can live freely and find your happiness. I believe it is exactly what your parents hope for you".

Wrapping her arms around her shoulders, Arthuria buried her face on his shoulder. Wordlessly, he did what he was always supposed to do. Bedivere let her cry on his shoulder, patting her head. The more they heard her heart-wrenching sobs inside, the more the Sins felt guilty.

When her sobs subdued into the silent tears, from the room beside, Mordred ran and barged into this room "Sister!".

Looking down at her with her tear-stained face, Arthuria reached out her hand "Sister".

When Mordred lunged into her and hugged her tightly, crying out loud, the sleep-deprived Elizabeth and Tristan came into this room and joined Mordred to cry and hug Arthuria. Bedivere stood behind Arthuria, supporting her as usual.

They stayed up for the night.

When the morning came, Merlin woke up and massaged her head "Ouch, my head...".

With the bloodshot eyes, clearly deprived of sleep, Arthuria greeted her "Good morning, Lady Merlin".

Looking to the side, Merlin's eyes widened slightly before she smiled fondly "Oh, my... Welcome back, Alexandria. Before you ask me, I can recognize you from your magic power which resembles your mother's, Dear. Though, I think it will be more helpful for me if you can explain what happened to you. I wonder what make you experience such a growth spurt, but I'm relieved that you're back".

"Of course, I will. However, I need you to do a favour for me beforehand", Arthuria asked timidly, patting Mordred's head when Mordred was asleep on her warm embrace "Please, teleport us to the Magic Lake of Salisbury".

Even if Merlin did not know why and what for, the Sorceress teleported the Boar Hat Tavern with its occupants to the Magic Lake of Salisbury, as she requested. When they arrived there, all of them wondered what Arthuria would do with the Captain's body.

"Rest, father. Until the time we can meet again. If Fate wished to, then we would reunite again in no time, someday", Arthuria crouched in front of the Lake and let his body drowning into the Lake. No-one stopped her. They had their separation, after all. Arthuria, Mordred, Tristan, and Elizabeth had kissed his forehead before they brought his body here. Lowering her head further, she clenched her fists "This is an only temporary separation. He's not gone for good. As long as father's absence, I need to take his mantle for a while. Even if I have no idea, for how long we have to wait?".

As if sensing her concern, Merlin wrapped her arms around Arthuria's shoulders, giving her the comfort they both needed wordlessly. Looking behind over her shoulder, Arthuria smiled reassuringly, patting her hand.

After she broke the hug first, Arthuria told them all, even if it was a difficult task and it was only for the temporary time "Started from today, in my Father's stead, The Seven Deadly Sins are disbanded".

Merlin went rigid, but she quickly regained her composure and covered her lower face. Knowing this Merlin, Arthuria didn't need to see it, to know that she was hiding her smirk in excitement, observing the situation.

King was the first to react "Wait, you can't decide it one-sidedly like this, Alexa!".

"One-sidedly, you said? What do you mean? Isn't this exactly what you want? You can't follow the leader you do not trust, no?" at her logical statement, even if it was a harsh move at this time, it was needed. Looking at their remorse expression, Arthuria smirked sarcastically "I only decided the most logical one of all options we have. Now, my father's gone. I think it's not like there's a point to keep the Seven Deadly Sins intact. Can you tell me if I am wrong?".

Before any of the Sins could protest, Bedivere bowed behind her "My Lady, I understand your choice and I will not go against it. However, princess Elizabeth Liones is still here with us. What should we do?".

Elizabeth instantly hid behind Mordred and Mash "I am not going back home even if you tried to send me away!".

Mordred spread her hands to the side, protecting Elizabeth "That's right! I'm not letting Ellie go home, too!".

"Speaking of which, it will not be a problem for the four of us who are still kids, since we're small", Mash referred to her, Mordred, Elizabeth, and Tristan before she wondered "But... How about the others?".

"First of all, because the Boar Hat belongs to our father, it means the right of the owner falls to us, his children", Tristan pointed out the matter of fact and raised his forefinger "Or to be more precise, to our oldest sister. The Sins do not have the right to claim the Boar Hat as theirs".

Gawain could not help but to furrow his eyebrow "When you open your mouth, you hit hard, huh?".

"That's right, brother. Thank you very much, for mentioning the obvious thing", Arthuria crossed her arms before her chest after patting his head. Looking up, Arthuria narrowed her eyes "Lady Merlin is a different case because she's our parents' close friend and they have been like a family. Sir Ban, you are my father's best friend after a long time, so it's your choice to leave or to stay with us. About the other Sins... Let's listen to my siblings and my friends' opinion".

Tristan scoffed "You asked my opinion? I don't care. They can stick close with us or go away, it's up to them. Even if they stick close with us, I will simply ignore them as if they don't exist, until I can forgive them".

Mordred said sharply "And if you ask my opinion, I don't want to see them, for a long time, in case 'for good' is impossible. I don't see the need to forgive them, because why should I? Perhaps, I would forgive them if father came back to life and said that he forgave them, which is impossible!".

Lancelot facepalmed "Mordred...".

Arthuria should have known Mordred's temper. Why should she ask their opinion? Not that she could be blamed, though.

Wait. Asking their personal opinion?

King clenched his fist, lowering his head further "What about you, then? Do you... hate us? Because—".

Arthuria cut him off sharply "Your doubt indirectly killed my father. Is that what you want to say?".

They flinched and lowered their head further in shame. Except for Merlin and Ban.

Arthuria narrowed her eyes "Indeed. That Demon killed the people of Danafor, but my father lost control and at the outburst of his power, he destroyed Danafor. His Wrath is so powerful, enough to destroy everything. That is his Sin. It is the fact. As his daughter, I can say nothing against it".

Merlin said in warning "Alexandria. You are not the only one who is at loss. Do not cross the boundary".

"What? Am I supposed to apologize? Am I at fault now? When I am so angry, to the point that I want to kill you, rip your limbs apart, tore your body into shreds, and shatter your heart into pieces. Which boundary I've crossed when they, not only crossed the boundary but totally ripped it apart. How could you blame and judge my father for his Sin, treated him as a monster, when you are just the same? We are just the same. My father is not the only Sinner here. We possess our Sins and each of us trudged forward to repent our Sins. Tell me, how could a team member follow their leader when they lost their trust in them and blame him over something unwanted and out of his control? How could you demand him the truth of his Sin when it is crystal clear that you can't acknowledge and hide your own Sins!", panting, she glared at them. That was it. She had let out what she truly wanted to say. Looking down, she exhaled heavily and covered her eyes. Time to stop. Looking up, she shakily smiled "Don't worry. I do feel angry, but I don't hate you and resent you. Now, it's your choice to leave or stay. I don't have a plan to let this problem be".

Merlin perked at that "Then, what are you planning?".

"To answer Bedivere's question, too. I do not intend to let this be. I do not have a plan to send princess Elizabeth away back to her home in the Liones Castle right away, or return to the Liones Kingdom, either. It's too dangerous for her", turning her body, she crouched in front of Elizabeth, looking down fondly at her. She pulled out the long sword in her hips and dropped one knee in front of Elizabeth. She closed her eyes "With my Sword and princess Elizabeth Liones as the witnesses, on behalf of my Father, I swear to give the Divine Punishment to Sir Hendrickson and Sir Dreyfus, the main culprit behind the assassination of the Great Holy Knight Zaratras who served the Liones Kingdom. I vow in my name to bring up the truth to the surface and reveal their evil deed as the Knight".

Behind her, Bedivere shakily asked, "My Lady, what did you say? So, the one who killed my…".

Without looking back, she narrowed her eyes "…Sadly, I witnessed it my own eyes".

Looking back, she saw Bedivere and the others were shaken by this fact. She let them discern it before she continued.

"I know Elizabeth would be in the utmost danger, thus we can't send her back to home. My father and the Seven Deadly Sins serve the King of Liones. Now the leader, my father's gone, I've planned to create my own team. To solve this assassination case and to protect you as the third princess Liones Kingdom, it's only the first step of our missions", Arthuria tilted her head and smiled sweetly as she reached out her hand to Elizabeth "Would you approve it, princess?".

Elizabeth stared at her hand "Does it mean… Would you catch the bad guys someday and let me stay?".

"Yes, of course. You should know by this point, that your presence is always welcomed as the part of our family", Arthuria chuckled and caught Elizabeth who hugged her "Whoa, there. Be careful".

Looking behind Arthuria's shoulder, Elizabeth blinked her eyes "Uh, but… how about them?".

"I think I already have told them what to do very clearly. Sir Ban and Lady Merlin are always welcomed because we consider them as family, especially Lady Merlin, but the others are free to go or stay as they please. Either they stay or leave, it's up to them", Arthuria tilted her head and casually said. Caressing Elizabeth's cheek and pulling her into her embrace, Arthuria glanced sideways to them with an icy glare "Oh, no hard feelings between us, okay? I hope no one will ask me to repeat my words".

Diane lowered her head in defeat, totally at loss "But… to where else we should go?".

She coldly said, leaning her head on the crown of Elizabeth's head "I don't care. It's not like you care about what my father's feeling when you accused him fiercely".

Escanor squeezed her shoulder "…We're fully aware that we're at fault. What should we do to alleviate your anger?".

"Only under one condition. Just like Mordred said. We want our father back and he tells us, that he's forgiven you and The Seven Deadly Sins are re-grouped", Arthuria gently put Escanor down before she was walking to the edge of the Lake, carrying Elizabeth with those sad eyes "How strange. I thought I would be relieved, looking at you are at a loss after I vent up my anger. However, it only makes me feel nothing but hurt instead…".

King tried to reach his hand to her "Alexa, we still can speak—".

"Leave. I still want to stay here. It's too late. You should have talked with my father, not me", sitting down on the edge of the Lake and looking up, Arthuria started to sing into the sky. As if she was singing the requiem, or simply crying her heart out loud through her vibrant voice, which sounded like a broken angel's song "Daddy, we've been on my own~ Can you see how much we've grown?~ Taught us everything you know~ So, when will you be coming home?~ Mommy's no longer here~ We can't make it on my own~ I have to bring my Daddy home~ Follow me, Little Sis. Time to leave this Abyss~".

Bedivere, who had said nothing as long as he stood behind Arthuria, moved closer to her and hugged her from behind, burying his face on her shoulder "…Thank you. I will follow you, no matter what".

Arthuria smiled when she squeezed his bicep "We still haven't started yet. This is only the beginning of our new journey. You can thank me later, after we have thrown the ones who killed your father to jail, no matter how long it takes. Just remember, Bedivere. Don't try to burden everything alone".

Bedivere chuckled "I believe it's my line".

Diane turned to leave first, being followed by King, as they left without words.

"Oi, Alexa. You said that only under one condition could alleviate your anger, right?", Ban slipped his hands into his pocket "You wanted your Dad back. Very well, then, I will find a way to resurrect your Dad, no matter what the cost".

Arthuria simply said, "…I'd like to see you try".

She wanted to tell him, that he didn't have to. However, she was too tired of this maelstrom right now.

Ban and Escanor asked what was Gowther and Merlin planning. Merlin planned to stay in the Camelot Kingdom, but she would frequently visit these kids. Ban wanted to set on his own journey, now he needed not to worry about these kids. Gowther, who had nowhere to go, decided to follow Ban because Gowther knew that Escanor would want to go with Merlin and going with Ban to find a way to resurrect their Captain would be more interesting.

Ban only narrowed his eyes at that before he started to drag the Goat Sin "Whatever… let's go find King and Diane. Perhaps, we can drag them to join us, too".

No matter how crazy it sounded, it seemed like Ban had made up his mind. After realizing that Elizabeth had started to doze off, Arthuria asked Hawk to bring Elizabeth back to the Boar Hat and put her into the bed. Merlin and Escanor came back to the Boar Hat with Hawk and Elizabeth after that.

"Now, it's only the seven of us, finally", Arthuria glanced sideways to the five persons, who had been silent like the statue ever since her return, stood nearby. Sitting on the rock, with one of her legs crossed over her thigh, she was looking down to her former comrades from the past who reincarnated into here along with her. Leaning her chin on her palm, she started "…I did say that we need to talk. However, what's wrong with you all?".

Except for Bedivere, who had expected this ever since he knew that they possessed the memories of their past lives, and Mash, who had predicted this and not surprised at all, also stared to where their King had stared down. The four other Knights of The Round Table, Tristan, Lancelot, Gawain, and Mordred had dropped to their knees and heavily bowed their body and head to their King.

Arthuria was totally confused "Even you joined them, Mordred? What's the matter?".

Mordred spoke first, bawling her eyes out once she raised her head, crying out loud "That! How could you not say something, even if you remembered everything? Blame us, or punish us. Anything will do, father! Especially to me! How could you forgive me? After I—".

Mordred didn't get the chance to finish her words, because Arthuria had pulled her into her embrace. Blinking her tears away, Mordred choked "…Father?".

"Still calling me that, huh?", Arthuria chuckled before patting Mordred's head "You moron child. Why should you apologize to me? I would never blame you for your actions. No, because I get it, why did you do it. I was the worst kind of a King and the worst father who abandoned and neglected their son who only craved for their love. The one who pushed you to betray me and went such length to go against me, it's no one other than me. I just earned what I deserve, because I'm at fault for everything".

At that, the other six chorused "NO!".

Bedivere kneeled beside her and took her hand "My Lady, what I told you before that it's not your fault?".

Mash interjected "My King, do you remember… the first time we met?".

"Human's hearts are easily swayed and tainted by Darkness. Even so, I want to trust the power of the bond between the hearts who believe each other. Let's search for a way for humanity to survive".

"That's what you said when I joined the Knights of the Round Table. From the deepest of my heart, I do not hate the Knights of the Round Table. I… until now, I've been grateful to you, my King. Because of you, who created the Knights of the Round Table, I could meet and fight alongside my father in my previous life. I've been given the chance to reconcile and fight by my father's side again this time, even", Mash clenched her fist, looking up to her "I have failed you once, my King. I truly regret it in my previous life. This time, I will not fail again. Allow us to serve you again".

"Whichever version of you, you have always been kind-hearted and sincere, Galahad", Arthuria giggled as she covered her mouth "Though… I should say, it's so cute of you now, looking at your form in this life… I hope Lancelot treats you better and would not be disappointed just because you're born as a girl now?".

Both father and daughter blushed "My King, please…".

"Of course, he treated her better now and they even have their reconciliation already!", Gawain chirped before he smirked darkly "Otherwise, I would lose my faith in him again…".

Tristan waved his hand "Gawain, I don't think it's your place to say it. We haven't properly apologized to her, too".

"I don't think I want to hear it from someone who left the first", Mordred croaked, ignoring the fact of how Tristan flinched. Looking up, Mordred asked doubtfully "So… Father doesn't hate me?".

"Like I said. Instead, I am the one who should apologize and ask you. I know, perhaps… I should not do this, because I don't deserve it. However, I still think of you as my child", Arthuria reached out her hand, clumsily asking "Mordred, I was the worst father who neglects and abandon you in the previous life. In this life, would you like to start over everything with me? As a mother and a daughter, that is. Otherwise, people will be confused with the genders. We don't need to hide our true gender anymore, after all. Would you… allow me, to love you more and be a good mother for you?".

When Mordred didn't say anything and only lowered her head, Arthuria sighed in resignation "…As I thought, to think I even asked you to… I get it and I will not force you if you don't want to—".

Next second, Mordred lunged to hug her, toppling both of them into the ground. Looking down to the crying child on her chest, Arthuria hesitantly hugged her "Uh, Mordred?".

"I… Always want to get your love and attention… Now, you're gonna give me that… There's no way… I'd say no, right?", hiccupping, Mordred cried harder and hugged her tighter "I love you, too! I don't need anything! The throne, the Kingdom, the title as the King, I don't need it all! I only want you to love me more… Mother!".

Arthuria tearily hugged her and kissed her head "…Thank you".

Bedivere sniffled and turned to see his comrades, except Tristan and Mash, crying mess "…You cried too?".

Tristan offered a handkerchief to Gawain "Man, you are so softy as usual".

Gawain took it and snorted "Thank you…".

"There, there. Don't cry, father", Mash patted her father's head before teasing him "You haven't apologized properly and earned your punishment from the King, Papa~".

Mordred blinked her eyes "…Mash, have you ever been yandere like that before? It's quite scary, you know".

Arthuria raised her eyebrow at that "I think we have cleared it when we fought in the Fourth Holy Grail War?".

Mordred was confused "Huh? Is there the Fourth, too?".

Lancelot admitted, he hadn't felt relieved at all, especially after they reunited and got the chance to spend their time like this again. Lancelot bowed his body heavily with his forehead and both palms on the ground "Please, render your judgment and punish me, my King".

Gawain bowed to her, a hand crossed over his chest "You should do it to me as well, My King! Because of my selfish desire, even if you had not had the intention to fight against Lancelot, the war started and our Kingdom had fallen".

Tristan casually pointed to himself "Me too. I left the first, after all".

"…First you, and now them? What's wrong with your tendency of getting the punishment from me?", Arthuria rolled her eyes to Bedivere who blushed. Stretching her body after putting down Mordred on the rock safely, Arthuria pulled out the long sword from her hips and smiled, cracking her knuckles "It can't be helped, I guess. Since you guys wished it fiercely and asked it from me badly, I have no choice but to do it, right? I am not going to restrain myself, at all~".

Lancelot, Gawain, and Tristan shuddered "Eh?".

Several minutes later…

BOOM!

KAPOW!

Arthuria fiercely shot them with the Strike Air "What am I to you? That you wanted me to punish you for your fault. Am I your mother too, now? You are my Knight! As my Knight, you should have had more endurance and steeled heart, you moron! Are you a man or not?".

Lancelot fell into the hole nearby "Ack! Forgive us, my King!".

Arthuria stomped on Lancelot's face "And I said, I am not the King anymore! Don't call me that!".

From his spot where he was hiding behind the tree, Gawain asked hesitantly "Okay, then… How about my Queen?".

"Do you wanna die?", Arthuria smiled sadistically before wriggling her hand "Bedivere, my Lance".

Bedivere bowed his head and gave it to her "Here, my Lady".

Tristan caressed the bump on his head, trying hard not to cry "…I guess I should be thankful because I only got a smack on the head?".

Mash applied the herbs on his head "There, there. You asked for it, right?".

"I did, but…", Tristan glanced sideways to where Arthuria still 'punished' Lancelot and Gawain "…I think the King is far fiercer and more radical compared to her previous self".

Bedivere nervously chuckled "Isn't it good that our King is more expressive and livelier compared to her old self? Thankfully, she's still as lovely as her previous self, too".

"In your eyes", Tristan snorted and wordlessly said, "You've been in love with her for a long time now, after all".

Mordred shuddered "I never saw her like that. I should not make her mad from now on…".

When Gawain and Lancelot fiercely blamed themselves and scolded themselves for being selfish and unaware of their King's real gender as a woman, Arthuria reached out her hand "No, wait… I mean, I was at fault, too… Lancelot, Gawain, honestly… Geez, you guys are so handful…".

When Mash smiled, Mordred rolled her eyes "What's so funny, Mash? Having fun to see your father got beaten by my Mom?".

Mash giggled before she smiled sincerely to Mordred "Well, don't you think it's good? I think the King is more open to us and being honest with herself now. I think it's so human of her. My father can get his peace too, at least".

Mordred scoffed "With getting my Mom's punishment? I wonder if your father is a masochist or something".

"Now, let's discuss our real problem here", Arthuria carried Mordred and put her on her lap as they sat on the rock "I won't lie at all. After witnessing Sir Dreyfus and Sir Hendrickson killed Sir Zaratras, I was with Elizabeth. I knew it would be dangerous for us, so I pulled her, running away from there. What I never expected, was because of how long I needed to sleep, due to my grievous injury".

"Are you okay now, father?", Mordred sincerely concerned. Looking at her roll of the eye, Mordred corrected herself "I mean, mother".

Arthuria smiled, patting her head "Really, I'm fine. Though… we have a serious problem here".

After Arthuria explained what she witnessed as long as she was asleep and her soul got dragged to the World, she found the dark truth of this world.

The Ancient Holy War.

The Advent of Second Holy War.

The curses on Meliodas and Elizabeth.

"I have always been thinking about it, ever since I've got thrown into this world. There must be a reason for me, to be born as their children. However, this—", Arthuria narrowed her eyes, looking to the Boar Hat tavern where Elizabeth had stayed "—is exactly not what I expected… To think my dead mother has reincarnated… and my parents in my second life have to go through such sufferings… I have no idea of how our father's been feeling".

"Ah… It's also the reason why you did go fiercely to them just now, right?", Gawain nodded his head in understanding before he raised his arm "No wonder. I always thought that you're not the type of someone who will rub the salt on the gash, after all".

Tristan totally lost at it "If you already knew that father would come back, why did you do it to them? Not that I want to complain or disagree, though. I approve, instead".

"Do you think how do I feel? To find my father's corpse only when I just woke up from my comatose sleep, nothing I could do to wake him up but to wait for his resurrection? Just think about it as a punishment from me. I don't care if you call me heartless or cold-hearted woman, but I can't let it go without punishment now", a vein popped on Arthuria's head. She brushed Mordred's hair, tying it into the ponytail "Who knew if they would do it again in the future? Had it not been for our father's curse, he would have gone for good. I would have killed them myself if it had been the case".

"Since it's not the case, then… We just need to wait, right?", turning her back, Mordred grabbed her hands, bouncing "Then, we will not lose Dad for good, right? Daddy's going back home, right?".

"Well, the problem is… How long? I'm not certain", Arthuria shook her head, looking down to the Lake "Let's just hope that the Lady of the Lake can help his body fully healed faster and his soul will return as fast as possible before the advent of the Second Holy War succeeds".

Next second, Bedivere, being followed by Tristan, Lancelot, Mash, and Gawain, pulled the Sacred Treasure that they put down on the ground. They dropped one knee in front of Arthuria, one more time, trusting their life and their Swords to her.

Crossing one hand over their chest, they vowed their loyalty to their King one more time "In our name as the Knights, we vow with our heart and our Sword as the witnesses. We shall bet our lives for our wish to serve you, Arthuria Pendragon, as our master, for the rest of our lives".

Arthuria did not expect this from them. To get their loyalty for the second time…

Looking down to her daughter, Mordred smiled and did the same for her "I am your daughter now. I will gladly offer my sword and myself to serve you as your Knight and your daughter, mother".

Arthuria smiled and grabbed her hand "Alright. Let's go home, and let's wait".

No one knew, how long it passed by. It could be hours, days, weeks, months, or years, even.

When a hand came out of the lake and a body of a man resurfaced, Merlin welcomed him "Welcome back. Very clever move, to die in front of your daughters and our comrades. Now, they think you're dead already".

Meliodas flinched "Where are they?".

"Your grieving daughter was too angry and disbanded the Seven Deadly Sins. Now, the Sins dispatched, but fret not, I can easily find them. I keep their track, after all", Merlin rolled her eyes "Now, what are you gonna do?".

After he got the full explanation about his comrades and his daughters' movement, Meliodas casually tucked his hands behind his back "Nishishi, I guess I'll watch my daughter become stronger than her Daddy now!".

Merlin sighed and put her hand on her hip "Idiot, as usual".

A/N:

Welp, I know it's been a long time, but finally, I've got this out! Started from the next chapter, we will jump into the next 10 years, from the beginning of season 1. Bye~