Chapter 418 The Devils’ Cardinal College
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The Four Great Satans each govern a territory of the Underworld, something like four separate countries. Yet due to outside pressure and the sheer vastness of the Three Realms, the territories don’t have the same kind of conflicts that nations do. At most, there are only political calculations like arranged marriages.
But each Demon King’s domain has its own unique circumstances.
Compared to Sirzechs and Serafell—Demon Kings backed by old bloodline families and great personal power—the situation on Leonhart’s side is far more complicated.
The biggest difference is that even as a Demon King, he’s held back by an institution called the Devils’ Cardinal College. There’s a subtle antagonism between the two sides.
The Cardinal College is controlled by a handful of elder Devils, who look down on humans and other races with open contempt.
New-generation Devils are eight- or nine-tenths human-like in appearance—and Angels and Fallen Angels are the same.
Cattleya didn’t go into detail about the old Devils in the Cardinal College. But if they’re anything like the ones from Aki’s memories, those bastards don’t even look human past their one head and two legs.
In fact, compared to Cattleya’s Old Devil Faction, these old fossils are the real Old Devils.
The so-called Old Devil Faction just ideologically supports the former Four Great Satans, and ninety percent of their members are actually new-generation Devils.
But the Devils’ Cardinal College on Leonhart’s end is different. These power-hoarding, cowardly old relics have nearly lived out the Devils’ almost infinite lifespans.
Their appearance is also the closest to the original, grotesque Devils that were first created.
With Leonhart’s rise, these old bastards’ hold on power is slipping. Already deeply entangled with the Old Devil Faction, they’ve now thrown in their lot completely.
Their only goal: once the Old Devil Faction secretly replaces Leonhart, the Cardinal College stays intact—and so do their privileges, letting them oppress common Devils without restraint.
If there’s anywhere in the Underworld that’s the most dangerous right now, it’s definitely Leonhart’s Demon King Castle.
The very place where those Cardinal College relics are holed up.
According to incomplete statistics, thousands of young female Devils disappear there every year—and that’s not counting the other Devils who are persecuted.
If Aki hadn’t rescued them in time, the Naruse parents would have been among those victims.
Leonhart, as Demon King, does nothing. Other Devils are outraged but can’t interfere.
In that sense, it’s like international relations again.
As the saying goes: Every country has its own unique circumstances…2
Truth is, it’s not that Leonhart doesn’t want to act—it’s that the Cardinal College old-timers have been infiltrating every level of society for years.
If he went after them without preparation, the entire “nation’s” economy and civilian lives would probably collapse.
If that happened, the common Devils would suffer even more—and Leonhart himself would be nailed to the pillar of infamy.
As for why the Cardinal College elders suddenly got so desperate that they’d rather side with the Old Devil Faction to take down Leonhart—well, that’s because if they don’t move soon, they’ll never get another chance.
Ever since Leonhart took power, he’s been building his own team and gradually reclaiming authority. While the Cardinal College worked against him, he never forgot to work against them too.
As Demon King, and far stronger than those cowardly old codgers, he has the advantage.
Seeing that they’d lose any chance if they waited any longer, the Cardinal College relics—despite their cowardice—had no choice but to go all in.
In fact, it was because of their fumbling that Leonhart was able to claw back power so smoothly.
Even with the Old Devil Faction’s alliance, they can only scheme in the shadows.
If it were just internal power struggles, no one would interfere—but if the Old Devil Faction got involved, the other three Great Demon Kings would have reason to step in.
If that happens, even if Leonhart falls, the Cardinal College elders won’t get off easy.
Now that Aki knows the Cardinal College has thrown in with the Old Devils, he could simply involve the Gremory family and profit from this whole mess.
But before he could figure out how to tell Rias, Naruse Mio received a letter from the Underworld.
The letter’s content was straightforward: they wanted to meet the former Demon King’s daughter, and—because of her special status—invited her to return to the Underworld.
As if worried Naruse Mio would ignore it, the letter was personally written by her uncle. Whether it was voluntary, though, is another question entirely.
Before he’d gotten Cattleya’s intel, Aki might have been puzzled. But now, with a little thought, the picture became clear.
Besides Zolgear, plenty of Cardinal College elders still covet the power inside Naruse Mio.
After dealing with Zolgear, Aki—using his prophetic meta-knowledge—had personally reinforced Naruse Mio’s protection.
But whether because Naruse Mio had grown far stronger than in the original timeline, or because her Contract with Aki had tied her to the Gremory family…
In any case, no Devils had come after Naruse Mio since then.
Now this sudden invitation to the Underworld, this offer to make her a “princess”—clearly someone’s started scheming again.
And why now? Naturally, because they plan to take care of Naruse Mio while making their move against Leonhart.
Then they’ll pin it on the Old Devil Faction, washing their hands clean. Even if the Gremory family suspects, without proof, there’s nothing they can do.
Once Aki figured it all out, he gave a cold laugh.
Evidence or not—if anything happens to Naruse Mio, none of those old bastards are walking out alive.
In the bedroom, Rias, Naruse Mio, Himejima Akeno, and Shela listened as Aki laid it all out, their expressions shifting.
”I can’t believe those old geezers are still at it.”
Shela’s brows came together, her cute, youthful face taking on an expression more mature than her body suggested.
”Honestly, I suspected the Cardinal College was behind Wilbert’s death back then.”
Himejima Akeno smiled, arms crossed, looking completely at ease.
”My, my—since we’ve confirmed the Old Devil Faction’s involvement, we could contact President Sona, and with His Majesty Leonhart, that would be three Great Demon Kings working together—”
”That’s not a good idea. It could expose Cattleya. And cornered beasts fight desperately. We should handle this quietly.”
Rias shook her head. “It might not affect us directly, but the lower-class Devils will definitely suffer.”
Rias was right.3
”We’ve got a perfect opportunity right in front of us, though.”
Aki grinned. “Mio, write back and say you want to bring friends along. If they say no, then you’re not going.”
The letter’s writer had likely wanted to keep Aki and Rias out, carefully stressing that the “princess” should come alone—that maids and attendants would be provided.
If they were going to play word games, they’d give them a taste of their own medicine.
Naruse Mio wouldn’t be bringing bodyguards or attendants—she’d be bringing friends. As a princess, bringing a couple of friends to tour another world was perfectly natural.
”And if they refuse?” Naruse Mio asked, smoothing her twin red ponytails.
Her parents were still alive, so she had no desire to connect with that side at all. But if Aki needed her to, she’d gladly help.
”If they refuse, you just don’t go. If those old relics can give up on this scheme, they’ll live a few more days.”
Aki spread his hands with a cold smirk. “But I bet those greedy bastards won’t be able to let it go.”
After further discussion, they decided to go with this plan.
Aki was already God-tier. Rias and Naruse Mio were at the peak of SSS-Rank, about to break into Demon King-class. Even if the entire Old Devil Faction came knocking, they’d be able to hold their own.
And from what Cattleya had revealed, the Old Devil Faction wasn’t even that impressive—otherwise they wouldn’t have teamed up with the Cardinal College relics.
Aki and Naruse Mio found the female Devil who’d delivered the letter and laid out their terms.
The messenger Devil girl looked troubled. Her orders were clear: bring Naruse Mio back alone.
”I’m afraid that won’t be possible…”
”Then forget it. I don’t care about being some broke-down ‘princess.’”
Naruse Mio tossed her head back proudly, her already-impressive chest jutting out even more prominently. The messenger Devil girl couldn’t help but stare with a trace of envy.
She turned her pleading eyes to Aki and Rias.
”Red Dragon Emperor-sama, Lady Rias—could you please convince Naruse-sama? The Demon King Castle really isn’t a tourist destination…”
”Oh? Is that so?” Rias put on a deliberately curious expression. “How is it that every Demon King Castle I’ve visited allows friends? Is your Demon King Castle more impressive than… well, Sirzechs Lucifer’s?”
Aki added smoothly, “Or is there something in your Demon King Castle that shouldn’t be seen?”
Not exactly something that shouldn’t be seen—more like a pack of psychopathic, degenerate old farts.
The messenger Devil’s face fell. She’d almost forgotten who she was dealing with.
Compared to Leonhart, who was constantly struggling with the Cardinal College and couldn’t even fully exercise his Demon King authority, the Gremory household’s Demon King obviously commanded much more respect.
There was no point in bullying a messenger grunt. Aki gave her a couple of digs, then waved her off.
”Just tell them that. There’s no way we’re letting Mio go back to the Underworld alone.”
”Understood… I’ll go report this.”
The messenger Devil sighed. Her mission wasn’t complete, but it wasn’t a failure either—probably no severe punishment, since she’d been sent by Ramuzas—Naruse Mio’s uncle—not the Cardinal College.
Ramuzas was the quiet, old-fashioned type with a typical Peerage member’s demeanor—but he wasn’t harsh with his subordinates.
—
Translation Notes:
Notes:
• Y – The first initial/part of the name Y Ddraig Goch.
• Leonhart – Job: Demon King; Relationship: Ruler of one Underworld territory; Rival: Cardinal College; Note: Struggling to reclaim authority from Cardinal College.
• Serafell – Job: Demon King; Relationship: Demon King of another territory; Note: Backed by old bloodline families and personal power.
• Sirzechs – Sirzechs Gremory, the red-haired Demon King Lucifer, is a regal, powerful strategist and Rias’s brother. Son of Venelana and husband to Grayfia, he is a complex figure juggling diplomatic duties, the rebuilding of the Underworld, and his cultivation obsession—often to the detriment of his family. Despite his elusive nature and neglect of Grayfia, he remains a key ally to Aki and father to Georgix.
• Cattleya – Job: Old Devil Faction informant; Relationship: Provides intel to Aki; Note: Source of information about Cardinal College.
• Aki – A tall, handsome high school student at Kuoh Academy with sharp features, star-like eyes, and a lean, muscular build, he shifts between dark and silver hair. As a pragmatic, calculating, and protective Red Dragon Emperor and God-tier Devil, this reincarnated cultivator wields Dual Cultivation, the Boosted Gear, and law-infused power. He openly dominates his vast harem, including Yui, Rias, and Greyfia.
• Naruse – Mio Naruse is a fair-skinned, red-haired schoolgirl with a voluptuous build who serves as a Demon King heir and Bishop in Aki’s peerage. Protected by the Gremory household, this “Sister Flower” evolves from a hesitant tsundere into Aki’s devoted, polyamorous partner. She maintains deep, essential bonds with her sister Maria, friend Kurumi, and her adoptive parents, forming the core Naruse family.
• Gremory – Rias Gremory, a pure-blood devil of the prestigious Gremory household, has striking crimson hair, blue eyes, a curvy figure, and a prominent bust. Wielding top-level demonic power, she governs Kuoh Academy’s hidden hierarchy and leads her Gremory family members in a high-stakes competition against the rival Phoenix clan.
• Naruse Mio – A gifted young woman and former Demon King’s daughter, she is Aki’s fiercely loyal, tsundere girlfriend. Known for her twin red ponytails and impressive chest, she is Ramuzas’s niece and rescued her parents. An enthusiastic supporter of the Gremory peerage and part of Aki’s inner circle, she remains unaware of Grayfia’s intimate contact with him during his coma.
• Rias – Rias Gremory, a sharp, playful high-class devil and Gremory heiress, is Sirzechs’s sister and daughter of Venelana. Known for her crimson hair, she heads the Occult Research Club, protecting her peerage including Mio, Xenovia, and Maria. As Aki’s fiancée and partner privy to his transmigration, she guides his cultivation while navigating complex feelings toward his pursuit of Grayfia and her mother.
• Mio – Mio Naruse is a fair-skinned, voluptuous Kuoh Academy student with red twin-tails. As the Demon King’s daughter and Maria’s sister, she is a powerful Bishop in Aki’s peerage, currently managing sealed abilities involving gravity and hellfire. A proud, envious tsundere, she shares a deep, intimate bond with Aki while her presence often invites scrutiny, including comparisons to figures like Chisato.
• Zolgear – This gaunt, ancient Devil Grand Duke is an Ultimate-Class magic researcher who led a hostile Underworld faction from an isolated dimension. A ruthless master of mental arts and artificial life, he created Zest and captured Shela while obsessing over absorbing Mio and Wilbert’s power for immortality. Though physically weak, he remained a dangerous threat to Naruse Mio until his ultimate termination by Aki.
• Natural – A young succubus who remains unthreatened in the current timeline.
• Himejima Akeno – A buxom, black-haired student and member of the Gremory peerage, this “Lightning Flash” is a key ally to Rias and a devoted lover to Aki. Known for a calm, calculating demeanor that shifts to a sultry energy, she is a central figure in Aki’s inner circle. Dedicated to supporting Rias with magic, she remains a poised and essential presence within the group, even navigating complex personal dynamics.
• Himejima – Akeno Himejima is a tall, curvaceous Kuoh Academy senior, high-ranking Devil retainer in Rias Gremory’s peerage, and a powerful Occult Research Club member known for her strength in combat. Bound by a Soul Contract to Aki, she possesses long black hair and a queen-like demeanor. Combining sadistic charm with maternal authority, she wields golden lightning and is deeply loyal to Rias and Aki.
• Akeno – Himejima is a tall, voluptuous Orc-devil shrine maiden with red eyes, dark wings, and calf-length raven hair. The sadistic, black-bellied “Priestess of Thunder” serves as Rias Gremory’s loyal S+ rank Queen and administrator. As Akira’s soul-bound, dedicated partner, she maintains a deep bond, frequently participating in dual cultivation while constantly longing for his attention.
• Shela – A petite, cunning Succubus Queen with white hair, ram horns, and violet eyes, she masks a mature personality behind a youthful face. A Three-Way War survivor of moderate strength and intuitive cultivation teacher, she lives in Aki’s household as his potential partner. She protects Gremory secrets and plans for the survival of her daughters, Mio, Lucia, and Maria, blending matronly grace with strategy.
• Wilbert – The deceased former Demon King, suspected to have been killed by Cardinal College, was a mysterious benefactor to the Naruse orphanage who chose kind, anonymous parents to raise his daughter, Mio, in the Human World. He possessed immense power, sought by Zolgear, which sealed Mio’s true abilities and fueled her fire. He leaves behind a younger sister, Sephie, a lover, Shela, and a connection to the Gremory head.
• Sona – An analytical, bespectacled young woman with long black hair, she is the Sitri clan’s future head and Student Council President. Highly intelligent and composed, she manages her council with structured leadership. As a strategic, noble ally to Rias, she works to protect their shared interests and serves as a capable, potential collaborator.
• Lucifer – A house name associated with the White Dragon Emperor’s lineage. An original Demon King whose lineage is inherited by Vali.
• Ramuzas – Job: Naruse Mio’s uncle; Relationship: Sent letter to Naruse Mio; Note: Old-fashioned Peerage member, not harsh with subordinates.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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