Chapter 11 – The Sealed Truth

Silence filled the cell.

Only the pounding of Meliodas and Zeldris's hearts echoed through the space, suspended by the old demon's words.

"What truth?" Meliodas asked, his tone firm but edged with growing impatience.

"Tell us what you know. Did Zephyr truly exist?"

Kaelis met their gaze. Then, slowly, he stepped back into the shadows of his cell.

"Before I answer… I have one request."

"If you truly wish to know the truth about your brother… then tell me—what has happened in the world since I was locked away? How has it changed?"

Meliodas and Zeldris exchanged a look.

A brief silence… then a nod.

They chose to tell him everything.

They spoke of the Holy War three thousand years ago.

Of Meliodas's betrayal of the Demon Clan.

Of the Goddess Clan's seal.

Of the Demon King's return centuries later, Elizabeth's curse, and the final war that shattered the divine grip over the world.

And finally, they told him of the Demon King's fall—

Not at the hands of an enemy… but of his two sons, united.

Peace had returned to Britannia—fragile, yet fiercely defended.

Kaelis listened in silence, his half-closed eyes absorbing every word.

When they had finished, he let out a long, weary sigh.

"…I see. So that's how the Demon King fell."

"Defeated not by a foe… but by the courage of his own children. What irony."

A heavy silence followed.

Then Zeldris stepped forward, eyes sharp.

"Now that you know what's happened… it's time to keep your word. Tell us the truth. All of it."

Meliodas's heart pounded in his chest.

His fists clenched.

Kaelis gave a slow nod.

"Very well."

He looked up, and this time, his voice rang with chilling certainty.

"Zephyr exists. He truly lived. He's not a myth. Not a delusion. He's real… and he is your brother."

Meliodas and Zeldris froze.

Their breath caught in their throats.

Their eyes widened in shock.

"Then… it's true," Meliodas whispered.

"There really was… a third prince."

"But why?!" he suddenly roared.

"Why doesn't his name appear anywhere? Why do we have no memories of him?! And why was his name erased from the only record that ever mentioned him?!"

Zeldris stepped forward too, his gaze like steel.

"You said he was real. Then where is he? And why don't we remember him?"

Kaelis lowered his gaze, lost in thought.

"What you ask… is a long and twisted story. Too long for this night. But if you truly wish to find him…"

"…I can help you."

Meliodas narrowed his eyes.

"How…?"

Kaelis looked up.

And for the first time, a true smile crossed his lips.

"With blood magic."