Diane's world is flipped when her memories return just as King has disappeared once again. She tries to enjoy the special award ceremony held by King Bartra in Liones honoring the Sins, but can't help feeling heart broken. She soon finds out that d...
As the group walked to meet with King Bartra before the ceremony, with Guila leading the way, Howzer felt so distracted. Every few steps he would look back at Diane who was behind him. His eyes bulged and his jaw dropped, unknowingly. Gilthunder elbowed Howzer in the gut and said, "Are you going to stare all day, or compliment Diane already?" Howzer picked up his jaw to respond, " How do you know I was staring at Diane?" Griamore popped up out of nowhere and said, " He is not an idiot Howzer, it is obvious that you like her." "Oh wow.. That bad? Maybe I will say something...since King is not here it may finally be my chance to finally get to know Diane a bit better", said Howzer. After all, any time Howzer tried to talk to Diane the fairy King would fly to block him, challenge him, or say to leave Diane alone. It was obvious to Howzer that King loved Diane, and he could not blame the guy, but Howzer was unsure if Diane realized this or returned King's infatuation.
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Mustering up all his courage, Howzer slowed his walking pace so that him and Diane were side by side. He turned his head to speak to her, and again felt in awe of her beauty. Her eyes were sparkling and her lips were as red as her cheeks when she blushes. Her green dress hugged her curves and the slit at the bottom drew attention to her long legs. All of a sudden, Howzer realized it must have looked like her was gawking at her so he tried to recover himself, "Hi Diane, you look like your injuries from the last time I saw you are all healed up!" Diane responded, "Yes Howzer, they have. I am happy to see that you look healed too. I was wondering why you were staring at me, so I am glad you finally said something!" "Oh, was I? I am sorry if I was being rude Diane. I just noticed your new hairdo and dress. Green is my favorite color and you look beautiful today.. I mean you look nice every day.. But.. well.. Today I guess.." said Howzer as he continued to ramble on until Diane put her finger over his mouth whispering a Shhhh sound.
"Aww, thank you Howzer. You are so sweet to me. I had no idea green was your favorite color. I always thought it might be purple because the purple pants you wear so often", said Diane. For a moment, Diane remembered that the reason she picked a green dress in the first place was because she though King would like it, but she pushed that thought into the back of her head. King was not here, and today she would not waste all her time thinking of him. She would enjoy the celebration with her friends and comrades.
Diane placing her finger over Howzer's mouth sent him into a daze... In his mind he thought, " Did she just..touch my lips?! I could die now and be happy ANDDDD she called me sweet too. This is my lucky day." Howzer felt a rush of confidence suddenly and thought he would roll with it before his more logical side made him chicken out. "Diane, after the royal ceremony there is going to be a dance and feast in the ballroom.Would you save a dance for me?" Diane's cheeks blushed red and she looked timidly at the floor. Diane responded, "Yes, Howzer. I promise I will!" Howzer smiled from ear to ear at her response, he then walked faster to catch up with Gilthunder and Griamore, who slapped his back strongly in congratulations for manning up and talking to Diane!
Elizabeth and Elaine had been walking next to Diane the whole time, and had overheard the whole conversation go down, but both had very different expressions on their faces. Elaine looked a bit sad, while Elizabeth was beaming with joy! Elizabeth whispered not so quietly to Diane, "Diane! I cannot believe Howzer just asked you to dance with him tonight! Will you? I cannot believe how he was staring at you too!" Diane whispered back, " I know, huh. I did not expect that at all. I don't know why, but I feel a little bit nervous and excited all at once. Howzer is a nice guy after all, and I would enjoy getting to know him better."
"Of course he is a great guy, Diane. I grew up with him as a child and he was always good to me and everyone around him." This made Diane feel reassured that her friend approved of Howzer and could vouch for his character. Diane noticed that Elaine was not saying anything. "Is something wrong, Elaine?" Elaine responded, "No. I am just not sure if Howzer meant he wanted to dance with you as a friend or as a date. You never know what to expect from Holy Knights.. Just be careful with him, promise me?" Diane promised to her and hugged both her friends. She was not sure why Elaine seemed so worried but appreciated her being protective of Diane.
Secretly, the reason that Elaine warned Diane to be careful of Howzer was due to her own desire to look out for her brother. Elaine could tell by reading Howzer's mind that he was pure of heart. She could tell he was goggling at Diane's figure from his aura, but also that he sincerely cared for her. She was not afraid Howzer would hurt Diane at all, but rather than Diane may fall for him in King's absence. Elaine knew that Diane's heart yearned for her older brother, but she also could feel Diane's mistrust and hurt after all of his covered lies and absences. It also might make things worse if Diane found out how much deeper these lies ran. Elaine knew that her brother would lose Diane forever, if he did not tell her his true feelings and show that he could be more reliable.
"Here we are!", shouted Guila at the front of the group. Guila and Gilthunder opened the doors to the King's dining chamber. Everyone took a seat around the long table waiting for King Bartra to make his entrance. "Welcome 7 Deadly Sins, Hawk, Elaine, and my precious daughter! I am so happy that you have come so I can reward you for all your help with protecting my Kingdom. This redemption ceremony reclaiming your honorable titles is long overdue!" said the King. Everyone at the table clapped and cheered. Then, King Bartra gave them an agenda of what would happen, who would stand where, and what time the feast and dance would start afterwards.
Diane started to daydream about the ceremony and dance afterwards, but focused when she heard Hawk's loud voice squeal, "Wake up! It is time to walk into the castle courtyard now!"
