While waiting for Gowther, I sensed that Elizabeth had returned—with guests. 'Well,' I thought, 'it seems Gowther is done as well.' With a wave of my hand, I opened a gate and stepped through. On the other side, I found Gowther and Nadja holding hands, smiling at each other. Putting on a warm smile, I approached them.
Sora: "Have you made your decision, Nadja?"
They both bowed—Nadja first, then Gowther after she nudged him subtly. With a confident and determined voice, Nadja spoke:
Nadja: "Your Holiness, I would like to return to the world of the living with Gowther—if you would allow me."
Sora: "I've already prepared an elf body for you, as I was fairly certain you'd agree." Summoning the body, I continued: "Before proceeding, there are two things you need to know. First, your memories of what occurred in the Realm of the Dead up until the moment I summoned you here will be sealed. Knowledge of what happens after death is not meant for the living. Second, this body is elven—not human. You won't be human anymore. Do you accept these terms?"
Without hesitation, Nadja replied:
Nadja: "I agree."
Sora: "Very well."
I pulled her soul toward me, sealing the specified memories before placing her into the new body. Moments later, she awoke, thanked me, and immediately embraced Gowther. Watching them, I couldn't help but think of Matrona. 'I wonder… Are you thinking of me too, my dear?'
Sora: "Now, come with me. We're heading home."
Nadja: "We're coming!"
Gowther stepped closer, bowing once again—which surprised me.
Sora: "What is it, Gowther?"
Still bowing and holding Nadja's hand, Gowther shocked us both with his next words:
Gowther: "Please marry us."
Nadja gasped, turning beet red.
Nadja: "Eeeeh?!"
Sora: "Come again? Did you just ask me to marry you?"
Gowther (unwavering): "Yes."
Sora (amused): "You know, Gowther, you were the last person I expected to say those words—and yet, here we are. What do you think, Nadja? I'm sure this idiot didn't even ask you first."
Nadja stammered, still blushing furiously, but defended Gowther instinctively:
Nadja: "I—I agree! I mean, I don't mind marrying Gowther, and… and I'd be honored if you married us."
Sora: "Rise, boy. I don't mind, but let's go back first. This isn't the place, and I'm sure your friends would want to attend such an event. Besides, a wedding is a woman's special day—you can't have it here like this."
He rose uncertainly, looking to Nadja for clarification. She turned red again, prompting me to interject:
Sora: "Ask Meliodas about it when we get back."
Crossing the gate, they followed me. On the other side, I saw Elizabeth and the guests engaged in heated arguments. One pleaded with Elizabeth to spare Dreyfus and Hendrickson, claiming he bore no grudge against them despite their role in his death. Another defended Dreyfus, insisting his father wasn't involved—it was solely Hendrickson's doing, and therefore, his father should be spared.
Sora (thinking): 'Well, this is going to be eventful. Oh, and it seems Meliodas will arrive soon with Ban and Escanor. It'll be problematic if Meliodas meets Fraudrin, given what happened in Elizabeth's past life. Let's get this over quickly.'
As soon as I was noticed, Elizabeth knelt, shocking everyone around her—including the prisoners. Her father, the king, followed suit, and the others mimicked their actions.
Elizabeth: "My lord, the mission has been accomplished."
Sora: "Everyone, rise. Elizabeth, you've done well. But where is King?"
Gilthunder answered this time:
Gilthunder: "My lord, he came with us, asked Lord Jarvis for Diane, and upon learning she was with the giants, he went to her."
Sora: "That's fine. It's exactly what I expected of him. Now, let's see what we have here." My gaze fell on the captives. "I see you've captured Dreyfus, Hendrickson, and Aldrich. Do you two understand the gravity of your sins?" I released a fraction of my aura, pressing down on them heavily. "Hendrickson, Dreyfus—even though each of you acted out of loyalty to save your friend, that doesn't excuse plunging the interworld into chaos."
Everyone except Hendrickson and Dreyfus looked puzzled by my words but remained silent.
Sora: "Even if you were victims of Fraudrin, that doesn't absolve you of your sins."
At this point, I noticed Zaratras and Griamore attempting to intervene. Using my power, I locked them in place and silenced them.
Sora: "Fraudrin, I know you're hiding within Dreyfus. Come out—or I'll force you out."
A dark mark appeared on Dreyfus's face as Fraudrin's voice emerged:
Fraudrin: "Never. The demon clan will rise again—with or without me. And I'll take this body with me to hell. I'm dead anyway."
Sora: "Is that so? Then allow me to make that happen." Testing my suspicions, I released Griamore and conjured a spear aimed at Dreyfus. Fraudrin wore a defiant grin, expecting death—but Griamore stepped forward, using his magic to shield his father. Keeping everyone else subdued with my aura, I observed silently.
The barrier cracked under the spear's pressure. As it neared Griamore, Fraudrin shouted:
Fraudrin: "Out of the way, kid! We'll die either way, so move!"
Griamore: "No! Please spare my father!"
Sora: "You should listen to him." Pushing the spear slowly, I watched as Griamore refused to budge.
Fraudrin's voice grew desperate:
Fraudrin: "GRIAMORE, GET OUT OF THE WAY RIGHT NOW!"
Griamore: "No!"
Just as the spear neared the boy, Fraudrin snapped:
Fraudrin: "STOP! I'LL LEAVE THE BODY—SPARE THE BOY, PLEASE!"
Withdrawing from Dreyfus's body, Fraudrin shoved Griamore aside and stood protectively between him and the spear.
Lowering the spear, I remarked:
Sora: "To think that someone who sought to revive the demon clan and kill countless innocents would defend a human. Did you see that, Meliodas?"
Meliodas nodded, his expression torn between happiness and sorrow.
Meliodas: "I did, my lord. I truly did."
Sora: "Good. Then I leave Fraudrin in your care, Meliodas. As the Demon King, it's your duty now. As for Dreyfus and Hendrickson, my punishment is simple: starting today, you'll lose your magical powers. You'll live as ordinary civilians. The rest of you…" I glanced at the others. "…Your punishments will be decided by the King of Liones."
Mixed reactions greeted my words—some relief, some confusion, and sheer horror from Fraudrin upon hearing about Meliodas's new title. Turning to Aldrich, I softened my tone.
Sora: "Hey there, little Helbram. You've been through a lot, haven't you? It's time to rest—but first, let me give you the choices I can offer." Returning him to his true form and releasing Hendrickson's control, I explained: "I can revive you fully, sealing away the horrors you've witnessed, and send you back to the Fairy Forest. Or, I can release your soul to the Realm of the Dead, ensuring no one can ever revive or manipulate you again."
After a moment's reflection, Helbram responded:
Helbram: "I'd like to rest. I no longer wish to live in this world. But may I ask one favor? Could you deliver this to Harlequin?" He handed me the helmet he'd intended to gift King.
Sora: "You can give it to him yourself." Waving my hand, I opened a portal, bringing King—who had left earlier to chase after Diane—back to the scene.
King: "What? Why am I back here?! Helbram—but how are you alive? You're supposed to be…"
[Sora POV ]
Leaving them to their reunion, I headed home. Helbram's soul would return to the Realm of the Dead on its own once he finished speaking with King. Entering the mansion, however, I sensed someone behind me.
Ban: "Hey, I heard what you said to the fairy out there. You can bring back the dead, right? Then can you bring back Elaine? I'll exchange my soul for hers."
I sighed deeply, exhaustion weighing heavily on me.
Sora: "Listen, kid. I know this world hasn't treated you kindly, but trading your soul for anything means enslavement—not salvation. People with the power to revive the dead don't need your soul. As for Elaine…" I paused, softening my tone. "I can—and I will. Take this gate; it'll lead you to her body in the Fairy Forest. Bring her here, and I'll revive her."
Without hesitation, Ban leapt through the portal. Sighing again, I muttered to myself:
Sora: "Everyone's getting their love lives sorted out—but Matrona and I still haven't had our wedding yet. Huh… I'll fix that soon. But I want everyone to attend—every race, every ally. When the time comes, it'll be a worldwide celebration."