The pig runs up and starts hitting the ball with his hooves, trying to bite it and break it as Ban slowly stands, covering veronica's mouth and putting a finger to her throat.

"H-hawk-chan!" Ellie says.

"I'll bust this ball right open! My hooves are explosive!" Hawk says.

"Some pig's hooves can't make a dent in that." Griamore says. "My magical barrier couldn't be destroyed even by a meteor."

"In that case, I'll bust it open with one arm!" Ban chimes. "Then again, I could slit her open with one finger."

"Veronica-sama!" Griamore says. "you little… get your dirty hands off Veronica-sama!"

"Using a girl as a human shield's cowardly!" Hawk says. "I mean, well done, Ban!"

"If you just listen to what I say, nothing will happen to you." Ban says. "Listen up, muscle head. There's only two things you've gotta do. First, is return the captain back to how he was and let them both out of that ball. Do that and I'll give back the girl. No biting."

Another holy knight appears and slashes Ban across his back, making him fall back down before she steps on his back.

"You, Jaleco!" Ban says.

"Veronica-sama!" Griamore says. "it's you guys!"

"It's Jericho!" Says one holy knight.

"You saved us by a hair!" Griamore says.

"Is that Guila?" Ellie asks.

"I thought king took care of them… Don't tell me they took care of king instead!" Hawk says.

"Sir Griamore, are the princesses unharmed?" Guila asks.

"Yes, thankfully." Griamore says.

"Very good." Guila says.

"It looks like it's time for me, the main character, to make a move." Hawk says.

"Huh, wait, you can't mean…" Ellie says.

"Take this, rolling ham attack!" Hawk says.

Hawk does cartwheels towards the holy knight and she only snaps her fingers, blowing him up and away.

"Hawk-chan!" Ellie cries.

"We have achieved all our goals." Guila says. "Sir Griamore, please release the magic barrier!"

"Roger." Griamore says.

Griamore lifts his hand and Elizabeth falls on her face as the bubble disappears. Guila kneels down, smiling and offering a hand.

"And now Elizabeth-sama, please give me your hand." Guila says.

Veronica steps between them and kneels down, pushing Guila's hand away.

"Wait." Veronica says. "I appreciate your help, but I'll take Ellie home. Your … that is to say, Hendrickson's goal was to capture "Meliodas" and the "sword", wasn't it?"

"If it is the duty of the Holy knights to safeguard the kingdom's future, then it is naturally our duty to safeguard the princess as well." Guila says. "We will be taking Elizabeth-sama to the kingdom."

"Save your breath. I've already got Griamore, so I'll be fine." Veronica says. "Come on, we're going."

"Hiyaaa!" Hawk squeals. "Super Pork Loin illusion!"

Guila lifts her weapon and shoots hawk with an explosion before pointing it at Veronica.

"Hawk-chan!" Elizabeth cries.

"Hey! No need to go that far just for some piglet-" Veronica says.

"The royal family is a thing of the past. A princess in name alone has no real authority." Guila says. "Now be a good girl and hand over your little sister, Princess Elizabeth.'

"Y-you fiend!" Veronica hisses.

"Or else…" Guila says.

Suddenly a ball captures Guila and Jericho, surprising them.

"I will not condone threats to Veronica-sama!" Griamore says.

'Well done!" Veronica says.

"I don't know what Hendrickson and you guys are plotting, bit… it seems a court martial is in order." Griamore says.

"They've shown their true colors." Veronica says.

I sneak over to Elizabeth as everyone is distracted, gently setting my hand on her shoulder.

"Don't panic, I'm here to help you get away." I whisper. "Come on, let's go!"

I wrap an arm around her and she turns around and runs, following my arm around her waist.

"Wait, Ellie!" Veronica cries. "I'm going to protect you! "

"I don't believe you anymore, sister veronica!" Elizabeth cries.

I realize a second too late that there are mines planted in the ground and Elizabeth takes a fatal step, the ground lighting up. I quickly grab her and her sister in my arms, trying to protect them from the blast. The blast of heat on my legs easily burns the legs of my suit, burning the skin as I try to push the other two away. I pant heavily as I collapse, my suit short circuiting and turning back to its green color, leaving me vulnerable.