Although Azazel's primary motivation for speaking up was his love of stirring the pot, his words weren't without merit.
The war between the Old Satan Faction and the Reformists, as well as the subsequent elections, had been subjects of intense controversy for a long time. Devils placed an extreme premium on bloodline, yet the four most vital positions—the Four Great Satans—were currently occupied by Devils from unrelated noble houses.
This led many old-money aristocrats, staunch proponents of lineage, to believe that the "Laws of the Ancestors" were being violated. However, since the Old Satan Faction had been exiled and the general populace accepted the new status quo, the issue had mostly been swept under the rug.
While the policies enacted by the current Four Great Satans had significantly improved the economy and quality of life—earning them the popular vote—Katerea's return to Lilith would inevitably rally the conservative "old guard" nobles around her. This was fundamentally detrimental to the unity of the current Underworld government.
The crux of the problem was that Sirzechs and Serafall found it nearly impossible to simply flat-out refuse Katerea's demands. Both harbored deep-seated guilt over the events of the civil war. It was this guilt that had allowed the Old Satan Faction to spend centuries training their private armies in secret while the current government turned a blind eye. To the current Satans, as long as there wasn't an open rebellion, they were content to let live and let be.
But this time, Katerea hadn't just avoided rebelling—she had defected at the final hour and stood on their side. By any logic, she was now a hero of the state.
Yet, the same rule applied: as a member of the Old Satan Faction, she could not be allowed into the inner circle of power. Even if Sirzechs and Serafall agreed, Grayfia, Ajuka, and Falbium would never stand for it.
Katerea watched their expressions closely and knew Rhode had been right. As a person currently branded as a criminal, she would never be permitted to return to the heart of power in the capital, Lilith. If she wanted to return to Lilith just to visit relatives, the current government might even use it for positive propaganda. But this specific request was a hard "no." At least... for now.
"It seems you are in a difficult position?"
"It's not that, Katerea. We..."
Serafall desperately wanted to agree. Her guilt toward Katerea was the deepest among them all. If it hadn't been for the pressure from her clan, she never would have wanted to become a Satan in the first place. If Katerea had truly turned over a new leaf, Serafall wouldn't even mind stepping down from her throne.
"Lady Serafall, please choose your words carefully."
Just then, Grayfia, who had been silent until now, cut Serafall off. As a former rival during the civil war, she was the person who understood Serafall's temperament best. She could guess with her eyes closed that Serafall was about to say something like, "We didn't mean it back then, it was for the future of the Underworld. If you're willing to lead us toward a better tomorrow, I'll gladly surrender the name of Leviathan."
Setting aside the political and public relations nightmares such a statement would cause, Grayfia personally maintained a stance of absolute distrust toward anyone from the Old Satan Faction.
"Lady Katerea, please forgive us, but we cannot grant your request. As for the reasons, you should be well aware of them yourself." Grayfia felt she had to step in before the airheaded Serafall gave away the farm.
"Heh."
Hearing this, Katerea wasn't surprised. Everything was playing out exactly as Rhode had predicted.
"Grayfia Lucifuge. I know you. The one they call the 'Silver-haired Annihilator' of the Underworld. Back then, your father and your clan served Satan Lucifer. It was only because you carried the name of Lucifuge—despite not even being part of the Seventy-Two Pillars—that you became a prestigious house. And yet, you betrayed Lucifer and chose to stand against us."
Facing Grayfia's refusal, Katerea narrowed her eyes, her gaze filled with venom. "If a traitor like you can become a High Magistrate of the government, why can't I, a legitimate descendant of Leviathan?"
"I simply made the most righteous choice at the time. As for your label of 'traitor,' I do not acknowledge it," Grayfia replied, her posture unyielding.
"It seems you are determined to deny my request." Katerea took a deep breath, her eyes sweeping over the three of them.
"If you wish to return to your ancestral home and live a private life without interfering with the current government, we will naturally welcome you with open arms and provide you with the noble treatment you deserve," Grayfia continued.
"Then there is nothing more to discuss," Katerea huffed.
Sirzechs and Serafall's expressions shifted, and they were about to explain when Katerea spoke again.
"In that case, I have a different demand. I want to be completely removed from the jurisdiction of the current Underworld government. I will move far away from your center of power and establish my own nation on the borders of the Underworld. Your government must recognize the legitimacy of my country."
"???"
Even Grayfia was caught off guard by this demand. Michael let out a soft, relieved breath. Azazel crossed his arms, momentarily forgetting his own kid, Vali, as a look of genuine surprise crossed his face.
"A classic feint. Katerea, with your intellect, it's unlikely you thought of this on your own. You must have a master giving you guidance from the shadows, don't you?"
"That is none of your business, Governor of the Fallen Angels!" Katerea snapped, glaring at him. "Now, what is your answer?"
Sirzechs fell into deep thought, while Serafall immediately raised her hand in favor. "I agree! I agree!"
Grayfia knit her brows. This was a request that was actually impossible to refuse. In the past, the Underworld's attitude toward the Old Satan Faction had been to ignore them and let them do whatever they wanted on the borders. She hadn't expected Katerea to actually want to formalize it by building a nation.
"If you won't even agree to this, then there is nothing left to say. Whether your government recognizes it or not, I will establish my kingdom," Katerea said coldly.
Sirzechs looked up slightly. "This isn't a decision I can make alone. How about this: give us two weeks. We will give you a definitive answer then."
"Fine."
Katerea agreed instantly. Her objective had been achieved; there was no need to keep pushing. As Rhode had said: if they didn't reject it on the spot, the probability of them accepting was over 90%.
With that settled, Katerea gave a cold, sweeping glance around the room, maintaining her "ruthless leader" persona. Her gaze lingered on Rhode for a moment.
Seeing Katerea look at him, Rhode suddenly had a very bad feeling.
"Wielder of the Longinus Purple Flame Overlord's Crucifix... to think you could consecutively defeat Creuserey, who wielded infinite power, and the White Dragon Emperor. To be honest, I find you very interesting."
Rhode felt a strange sense of déjà vu.
"I hear you aren't affiliated with the Three Factions. If that's the case, are you interested in joining me? If you agree, I'll make you my Grand Vizier. Perhaps... I might even find other ways to 'show you some affection'..."
"Don't be in such a hurry to refuse. Perhaps you'll come around in the future."
As she finished, a magic circle appeared beneath her feet, and she teleported away.
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High School DxD: Reincarnated into the Multiverse, but it's High School DxD (320 Chapters – Ongoing)
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