I Will Eventually Embark On The Path Of No Return Called A Hero

[Arc5] - 52. How to Make Elizabeth Happy

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In the Kingdom of Liones, two Great Holy Knights appeared to be having an urgent discussion—or so the other Holy Knights believed. Inside, two figures spoke, though it was more like one person talking to himself. The being that had taken over Dreyfus's body and controlled Hendrickson—the one who orchestrated the plot to frame the Seven Deadly Sins—was preparing its next plan.

"Meliodas, you've been hiding for ten years. Your biggest weakness is that you won't harm the innocent. It's those unnecessary emotions that made you betray us."

"Dreyfus" crushed a letter in his hand and tossed it to Hendrickson, who, using his corrosive ability, [Acid], disintegrated it instantly.

"You can't stop me. What right do you have to prevent me? The delay of the Holy War is also your 'sin.'"

"Dreyfus" snapped his fingers, restoring Hendrickson's consciousness, and they walked out of the room together, issuing orders to the Holy Knights.

"All Holy Knights, the [Seven Deadly Sins] have surfaced! It's time to strike! And tell Helbram to dispatch the New Generation."

"I heard that the Kingdom of Liones suddenly has a bunch of new Holy Knights called the New Generation?" Ban, wiping an iron pot, leaned back and asked Cyd, who was cleaning a table.

"I'm not sure, but it's likely they were forcibly created. Holy Knights need talent, and if anyone could become one, the world would be in chaos," Cyd replied, taking a dry cloth from Medusa and polishing the table until it shone.

"A simple life—plain food, a warm bath after a long day—is this what ordinary people call happiness?"

"Spying on the secret recipes of famous chefs, the secret dishes of famous chefs made by Ban, the beauty spa that Escanor is looking for... the life you lead is completely different from that of an ordinary person, Vice-Captain," King remarked, pouring a basin of cold water on the side, acting as the conscience here. He suggested, "Why don't we just go to the Capital? The Holy Knights are so-so anyway."

King's voice was calm, and this calmness came from the Fairy King's majesty and overwhelming power.

"It's a good idea, but it would be troublesome if they fight to the death or take Bartra and innocent people as hostages," Cyd narrowed his eyes. "So we split up and invade the Kingdom of Liones from multiple directions, and defeat Hendrickson and Dreyfus with as little fighting as possible."

"Oh, by the way, Merlin, tell him to send a message: [the break is over]."

"Lord Meliodas..." Elizabeth gently pulled on Meliodas's sleeve and whispered, "Who is it that Lord Cyd is talking about?"

"Hmm... I don't know. These guys are always doing something behind my back." Meliodas shook his head vigorously, then turned around and buried his face in Elizabeth's lap. "Comfort this abandoned child."

"Ah, okay..." Elizabeth stroked Meliodas' head, somewhat at a loss, not noticing the contemptuous looks directed at Meliodas by those around them.

In order to gain an advantage, poor Zaratras had been forcibly erased from his memory, and the carefully crafted plan from ten years ago was also wiped out.

"Anyway, Ban, you and Diane should be a team."

Ban protested, "Ah, why? Shouldn't Diane be paired with King in a situation like this?"

"It's for safety," Cyd explained, snapping his fingers. "The name of your group? The 'Fairy Lovers' Squad."

Ban choked on his drink, spraying King in the face.

"What a ridiculous name… Though I won't deny it captures the essence."

"Vice-Captain, you're being rude to Diane!" King, without wiping his face, protested animatedly, though he seemed conflicted. Although he didn't mind it... this kind of thing was meaningless if it wasn't said by her herself.

"It's fine, King, I—I don't mind…" Diane tried to hide her face with her ponytail, blushing. King, seeing her expression, froze, practically short-circuiting.

"Seeing as she's okay with it, it's settled."

Diane and King's romance was a slow burn; they needed a bold assist to bring things to fruition.

"Gowther, please team up with Escanor. You two... worked well together over the years."

This cooperation refers to Escanor going berserk, then Gowther stepping in to force Escanor offline and brainwash those around him. From a certain perspective, Gowther was a professional aftermath worker.

"Merlin, take Arthur back to Camelot."

"Hey!" Arthur, who had been playing in the background, stood up suddenly and shouted in surprise, "Sir Cyd, you called my name. Does this mean that I can..."

"You're still far from it. You're just now qualified to be the King of Camelot, but you're still a long way from being the King of Kings. Anyway, first, pull out the Sword in the Stone and become the King of Camelot. Only then can you help us."

"Okay, Sir Cyd!"

"As for me… I'll act as bait to lure in the Holy Knights."

"Huh? Isn't it too dangerous for you to face the Holy Knights alone?" Elizabeth exclaimed, clutching her clothes tightly. "I don't need protection. Please, Lord Cyd, work with Lord Meliodas and King. That would be safer."

Such a kind-hearted girl, unlike the others, who were practically praying for the Holy Knights.

"Elizabeth, you don't know how terrifying it is to be Cyd's enemy," Meliodas said with a haunted look. "Especially at night. Even if you survive, you'll end up with a disease that makes you die if you don't have a girl's underwear!"

"W-What a terrifying curse! Is Lord Cyd truly that cruel?" Elizabeth looked at Cyd in disbelief, but after a moment, she realized something was off.

"It's a joke, right?"

"Yes, just a joke," Meliodas nodded earnestly. "All that happens is dehydration and mild diarrhea—it's already a light punishment for betraying the kingdom."

"Don't worry, Elizabeth," Cyd reassured her, raising his wine glass. "Compared to our real enemies, the Holy Knights are barely appetizers."

"So… who are the true enemies of the Seven Deadly Sins?" Elizabeth instinctively grew tense.

"How to make Elizabeth happy," Cyd smiled, and the tense atmosphere vanished.

"Come on, everyone, stop joking," Elizabeth, realizing she'd been teased, said, slightly embarrassed. "My happiness isn't that hard to achieve."

But no, Elizabeth, it's a difficult task—so difficult that...

The Seven Deadly Sins members simultaneously avoided her gaze.

We must fight against the gods.