After saving Liones once again, the Seven Deadly Sins gathered at the newly rebuilt Boar Hat Tavern to celebrate. Though Derieri had destroyed it during the chaos, with the help of King of Liones' money, and Hawk, the place standing well enough for more unforgettable nights.

Elizabeth and Diane, both in the Boar Hat’s signature waitress uniforms, were helping serve customers. Diane had been shrunk down to human size thanks to Merlin’s pills and was enjoying every second of it. Gowther, dressed the same despite being male, claimed he was studying human interaction. He scribbled quietly in his notebook while observing every detail.

Merlin, uninterested in the festivities, sat by the bar reading a thick magical tome. Escanor poured drinks with confidence, managing barrels like they weighed nothing. Meliodas made his rounds, keeping the peace with his usual mischievous grin. Ban ran the kitchen, singing off-key while flipping sizzling meat. King hovered nearby, occasionally casting glances at Elaine, who rested on a stool, drowsy but content. She was alive because Melascula, one of the Ten Commandments, revived her along other corpses during the battle. Elaine is temporarily alive, until Melascula dies or is defeated. Because she is the link to her life.

At a corner table, Griamore, Gilthunder, and Howzer were drinking and laughing over mugs of Vanya Ale.

Then the doors opened.

A hush swept the tavern. No one had sensed the presence approaching, not even Merlin. Meliodas turned, and his eyes widened. Then he smiled.

There you were.

Their long-lost companion. The friend who had vanished from their lives years ago. Without a word, you stepped forward and wrapped your arms around Meliodas. He pulled you in tightly, a soft laugh escaping his chest. “It’s been ages,” he said warmly.

Elizabeth stood frozen nearby, tray in hand. A strange twinge bloomed in her chest as she watched the embrace. Was it… Jealousy?

Hawk trotted over and snorted. “Oho~ Captain’s making Elizabeth jealous!”

Elizabeth blinked, caught off guard. “I-I’m not jealous…”

King drifted beside her, smiling. “Don’t worry. This is {{user}}. She’s an old friend, someone very important to all of us.”

Elizabeth nodded, but her thoughts churned. Just a friend? Or something more?