High School DxD: Return of the Crimson Dragon Emperor

Chapter 189: Chapter 181: Promotion Results! And...

[Issei Side]

A few days after the chaos in the Underworld, we were in the clubroom, hearing shocking news from Sensei.

”You were sacked as Governor!?” I exclaimed.

Yes, Azazel-sensei had resigned as Governor.

Everyone except Raynare, who knew the details, was stunned.

”What did you do!?” I asked. ”Embezzlement or something!?”

”No way!” Azazel snapped. ”I brought Ophis here without permission, that’s why.”

”Oh... that,” I muttered.

I thought he’d swiped organization funds or something.

He seems the type.

I asked, ”So, what’s your title now?”

Azazel tilted his head. ”Supervisor of this region, a key hub for the Three Factions. My role in Grigori is Special Technical Advisor.”

”...From Governor to Supervisor,” Koneko murmured.

Sounds... not that different...

”Well, that’s the deal,” Azazel said. ”Shemhazai’s the new Governor, with Baraqiel as Vice-Governor. Phew, now I can dive into my hobbies. Feels refreshing!”

Hmm, losing his title and role makes him more free...

I bet he’ll cause trouble again, like that gender-swap gun.

As I worried, Raynare put a hand on my shoulder, smiling. ”Don’t worry. My role’s changed too—I’m now tasked with monitoring ex-Governor Azazel.”

”Hey, Raynare! Nobody told me that!” Azazel protested.

”Orders from Governor Shemhazai,” she replied. ”Without the Governor title, you’ll cause even more chaos.”

”That jerk! Trying to cage my freedom!” Azazel grumbled.

Shemhazai and Raynare know him too well!

They’re quick to keep him in check.

As we bantered, Azazel pulled out three documents. ”The promotion exam results came in. I’m announcing them for Serzechs since he’s busy.”

—!

For real!?

No heads-up, just straight to the results!?

”First, Kiba. Pass! Congrats, you’re a Mid-Class Devil starting today. The formal ceremony’s later,” Azazel said.

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

No prep time, and he’s diving in!

Kiba passed, though—nice!

Azazel handed Kiba the document and called Akeno next. ”Akeno, pass! You’re a Mid-Class Devil too. I told Baraqiel earlier, and he was bawling his eyes out.”

”...Geez, Father,” Akeno said, blushing as she took the document.

I could picture Baraqiel crying his heart out.

Then, the final document.

”Lastly, Issei,” Azazel said.

”Y-Yes!” I replied.

Man, I’m nervous...

The practical was fine, but the written and tactical exams...

I’m not totally unconfident.

Still, some parts felt shaky...

Azazel, holding the document, went silent.

Why’s he quiet...?

Gulp...

As I swallowed hard, Azazel grinned. ”You passed too. Jumping grades like that? Impressive. Congrats, the Upper-Class Devil Red Dragon Emperor is born.”

P-Passed...?

I... passed?

Stunned, I looked at him, and he nodded.

—!

I did it.

”YESS!!” I shouted, throwing my hands up.

I did it!

I really did it!

”Congrats, big brother!” Miu hugged me, celebrating.

I hugged her back tightly. ”Yeah! I’m an Upper-Class Devil starting today!”

All that hard work paid off!

It really paid off!

”Way to go, Issei!” Rias said.

”Congratulations!” Asia added.

”Congrats!” Xenovia cheered.

”Congratulations!” Irina echoed.

”Congrats, Issei-kun!” Raynare said.

”Of course, it’s Issei-senpai. Congrats,” Koneko said.

”As your manager, you had to pass! B-But, congratulations!” Ravel said.

”Thanks! It’s all because of you guys!” I said.

I wouldn’t have made it without their help.

This pass is thanks to everyone!

Gotta tell Alice and my parents when I get home.

Azazel put a hand on my shoulder. ”Knowing you, Ultimate-Class Devil might not be far off.”

”For real!?” I asked.

”You’ve got the strength,” he said. ”Keep racking up achievements, and you’ll get there. Now, a ceremony for your Upper-Class promotion is coming up. Rias will get the details, so go over them.”

”Yes, sir!” I replied, pumped.

A few days later.

Today, I’d officially become an Upper-Class Devil.

I was in the Underworld with the Occult Research Club, Rias’s parents, my parents, Alice, Tia, and Azazel-sensei, all invited as my relatives for the ceremony.

Since getting the notice, I’d studied the ceremony details with Rias and the others at home.

I memorized everything, but... I’m nervous.

I’ve rarely been to formal ceremonies.

Especially one where I’m the star.

Gotta double-check so I don’t mess up.

We were in the ceremony hall at Gremory Castle, rehearsing.

Rias stood before the altar, guiding me. ”After the Demon Lord reads the approval certificate and hands it to you, you respond with the words I taught you. Then I place the crown on you, symbolizing the familia acknowledging their ’King.’ Finally, you move to the stone tablet for ’King’ registration, touch it after the Demon Lord’s words, and you’re done.”

Sounds simple enough when she explains it...

But with reporters and dignitaries attending today...

”No need to be so nervous,” Rias said. ”Just be your usual self, and it’ll be fine.”

”My usual self, huh...” I muttered.

I was already in formal attire.

Rias wore a stunning crimson dress.

Everyone invited—my familia, the club, my parents—was dressed formally too.

Rias and I would change into ceremonial attire at the venue.

”My lady, Issei-sama, it’s time,” Grayfia announced.

It’s time...

I’ve come this far.

Gotta stay sharp and not embarrass myself.

At the Demon Lord’s territory station, we headed to the ceremony hall in a limousine, flanked by security vehicles.

”Bit much, don’t you think?” I muttered en route.

Honestly, couldn’t we just teleport?

This is making me more nervous...

”It’s a big deal,” Azazel said. ”An Upper-Class Devil promotion is a major event for the Underworld. The public needs to see you.”

Yeah, the reporters swarmed us earlier.

Thankfully, the bodyguards handled it smoothly.

We arrived at the hall.

Rias and I parted from the others to prepare in separate rooms.

I was dressed in ceremonial attire, my hair slicked back, and even got male makeup.

Rias changed into a dazzling ceremonial dress, her hair up, lips red with lipstick.

Man, Rias looks even more beautiful with makeup.

”How do I look?” she asked, noticing my stare.

”Gorgeous. Really,” I said.

”Thanks,” she smiled.

It was time. Rias and I stood at the hall’s entrance.

I’d follow her in when it opened.

The ceremony began.

The gates opened with entrance music, and we walked in.

The ornate hall was filled with dignitaries clapping.

Among the guests were my group, the Sitri familia, Sairaorg, and even Riser.

Riser came, huh?

I also sensed Vali’s group.

Did they come to celebrate too?

At the altar, Serzechs, in Demon Lord attire, and the other Demon Lords waited.

Serzechs smiled at me. ”I was waiting, Issei-kun. I knew you’d make it here.”

”—Thus, Issei Hyoudou, of Rias Gremory’s familia, is hereby promoted to Upper-Class Devil.”

After the preamble, the approval certificate was presented.

Serzechs read it, and I knelt, accepting it. ”I humbly receive it,” I said, as Rias taught me.

I stood, handed the certificate to an attendant, and knelt before Rias.

She took a crown from an attendant and placed it on my head.

It was heavy, like a real crown.

Thunderous applause erupted.

The crowning done, we moved to the final step.

Serzechs raised his hand, and a gleaming black stone tablet descended.

Touching it would register me as an Upper-Class Devil, a ’King.’

”Now, new ’King,’ Issei Hyoudou, approach the tablet,” Serzechs said.

I stepped forward, channeling aura into my right hand, and touched the tablet—

Thump!

My heart raced.

Is this... the ’Devil’s Piece’ reacting?

The tablet glowed red, displaying my handprint before returning to normal.

Registration complete, I guess.

Serzechs handed me a small box containing fifteen ’Devil’s Pieces.’

My own ’Devil’s Pieces’...

Glancing at the guests, I saw Miu and Alice watching intently.

I’d probably use these right after the ceremony.

My part done, the guests spoke, and the ceremony concluded smoothly.

In the waiting room, I sat and chugged a glass of water.

”Phew! That’s refreshing!” I gasped.

”Good work, Issei. And congratulations,” Rias said.

”Thanks, Rias. Did I... do okay?” I asked.

”You were splendid,” she assured me.

That’s a relief.

Everyone flooded into the waiting room—the venue must’ve cleared.

As they congratulated me, my parents teared up.

”Ugh! Issei’s big moment is so moving!” Dad sobbed.

”Yes, dear. Our son’s outdone his father! Upper-Class Devil means a great salary, right? We’re set for life! Now, just show us some grandkids!” Mom said.

”Not that again! Can’t you just celebrate my promotion!?” I groaned.

Geez, they’re obsessed with grandkids!

I’m still a student—give me a break!

My parents are always so... themselves.

Now, I had something to do.

I looked at the box on the table—fifteen ’Devil’s Pieces.’

Miu and Alice stepped forward, as if sensing my intent.

...They look excited, don’t they?

Whatever.

I met their gazes, then addressed everyone. ”You might’ve guessed, but I’ve decided to make these two my familia. It’s their wish and mine.”

”I figured,” Azazel said. ”Got pieces picked out for them?”

I nodded and turned to them. ”Miu, I want you as my ’Bishop.’ Alice, my ’Queen.’”

That’s my decision.

I thought hard about it.

Miu could’ve been a ’Rook,’ like Rossweisse, given her strength.

But Miu’s skilled in barriers and illusions too.

’Bishop’ shines in support roles, perfect for her versatile magic.

For Alice, I considered ’Knight’ for her combat style.

But she wields spear techniques and lightning magic.

’Queen’ suits an all-rounder, so I chose it for her mobility, power, and magic.

I took the ’Bishop’ piece—a Mutation Piece.

Mutation Pieces are special, condensing multiple pieces’ worth of potential into one.

Given Miu’s skill and potential, one regular piece wouldn’t cut it.

Plus, in Rating Games, having her strength valued at 3 is a huge advantage.

”Miu, lend me your strength. Be my ’Bishop,’” I said.

Miu beamed and nodded. ”Of course. Make me your familia, big brother.”

She accepted the piece.

It glowed red and merged into her chest.

Miu was now my familia.

Next, Alice.

I took the ’Queen’ piece and said, ”Alice, be my ’Queen.’ Lend me your strength and watch my back again.”

”...”

No response.

She didn’t take the piece, just looked down silently.

...Did she change her mind about being my familia?

Everyone looked puzzled by her silence.

Miu placed a hand on Alice’s shoulder. ”Don’t be so stiff, Alice-san. Tell big brother how you feel.”

”Y-Yeah...” Alice said.

She took a deep breath.

Her cheeks were red, but her eyes held fierce resolve.

Looking up, she spoke. ”Before becoming your familia, I have something to say.”

”Something to say?” I asked.

”Yeah. I haven’t clearly told you my feelings,” she said.

What? So formal all of a sudden.

Her feelings?

”You’re an idiot, a pervert, a huge pervert, and the Oppai Dragon... and you even sucked my...” Alice said.

Ouch... a parade of complaints!

Sorry for being a pervert!

But that last one wasn’t just my fault, right!?

Are her feelings just gripes about me!?

”But when it counts, you’re cool... you step up when it matters. That’s what I love about you,” she continued.

”—!” I stared, wide-eyed.

Alice exhaled, her gaze steady. ”I, Alice Odilia, swear to walk beside you, Issei, for the journey ahead. I love you, Issei Hyoudou.”

She approached, touched my cheek, and kissed me.

As if waiting for that moment, the ’Queen’ piece in my hand glowed red, illuminating the room.

It merged into Alice—

When the light faded, she stepped back, breaking the kiss.

””””...””””

Everyone gaped, stunned by the sudden scene.

Honestly, I was shocked too.

Alice confessing so boldly...

Sure, she’d gotten bolder since coming to our house, but this was unexpected.

Alice covered her face, hiding from everyone.

Her ears were bright red.

”Great job, Alice-san!” Miu cheered. ”You nailed it, just like we practiced!”

”Ugh... Miu-chan... Yeah, I did it. I told him... and kissed him...” Alice said, teary-eyed.

Miu hugged her.

Hard to tell who’s older here.

”So bold...!” Xenovia gasped.

”Public confession and kiss!? Amazing, Alice-san!” Irina said.

The other girls were buzzing.

”Nooo! Don’t talk about it, it’s embarrassing!” Alice wailed, steam practically rising from her head.

”Dad!” Mom called.

”I know, dear! Two grandkids confirmed! Miu, Alice-san, please make it happen!” Dad said.

How bad do you want grandkids!?

Stop saying ”make it happen”!

That’s just cruel to Alice right now!

”Hahaha! A drama right after promotion, Issei? Can I record this?” Azazel laughed.

What’re you doing, you final-boss ex-Governor!?

Where’d that video camera come from!?

Ugh...

I passed, but my chaotic life isn’t changing.

Guess I’ll keep being the straight man.

That’s fine.

I hugged Miu and Alice from behind, grinning. ”Here’s to us, you two!”

After making Miu and Alice my familia, we enjoyed a celebratory dinner at Gremory Castle’s party.

Now, it’s past midnight.

Back from the Underworld, I finished my bath and was ready to sleep.

But Miu and Alice asked me to come to Alice’s room tonight.

Said they had something to discuss.

They’re devils now, so maybe they want to talk about the future.

It’s odd they specified a time, like they waited for everyone to sleep.

Is it something they don’t want others to hear?

So here I was, at Alice’s door.

Knock, knock, knock.

”Big brother? Come in,” Miu’s voice called.

I opened the door—

”Been waiting,” Miu said.

”W-Welcome...” Alice added.

Miu and Alice sat on the bed in their underwear.

My brain froze.

As I stood stunned, they approached.

Alice closed the door, and Miu took my hand, leading me to the bed.

They pushed me down, straddling me!

”W-Wait, uh... what’s going on?” I asked, rebooting my brain.

Then—

”It’s a special day,” Miu said. ”You became an Upper-Class Devil, and we became your familia, so—”

”We want you to... engrave yourself in us,” Alice finished.

”...”

W-W-What!?

Engrave... in this context... it’s that, right!?

Sure, it’s a big day, but...

”Your underwear...” I said, noticing.

Miu wore cute pink underwear.

Alice had elegant green ones with floral embroidery.

They looked familiar.

Miu smiled, delighted I noticed. ”Yup. These are the ones you bought us when we went shopping.”

Right, I bought those when we shopped together.

They dragged me into the fitting room to check if they suited them...

They said to pick ones ”for that moment.”

Didn’t think they’d actually do it...

Between the post-ceremony confession and now, Alice has gotten really bold.

I realized I hadn’t properly responded to her confession.

It was chaotic then, but...

I need to answer her now.

”Alice,” I said.

”What...?” she replied.

”I love you too,” I said.

”!” Her eyes widened.

”You’re hot-headed but hardworking, kind, and honest to a fault. I love that about you. The paperwork pile-up, though...” I teased.

”It would’ve been super romantic without that last bit...” she muttered.

”Hey, you listed my flaws too. Payback,” I grinned.

Alice puffed her cheeks cutely, same as always.

”So... will you hold us?” she asked.

”I want to, but... I don’t have those. And if you’re attending Kuoh Academy, having kids now would be bad, right?” I said.

”That’s... true...” Alice mumbled.

”No problem,” Miu said, pulling out a box.

I recognized it.

The box from our school trip.

I’d half-expected this.

But—

There were three boxes...

T-Three...?

”How many rounds are you planning!?” I asked.

”Maybe one box each... and a spare...” Miu said.

”What!? Me, a whole box!?” Alice gasped.

”Just in case?” Miu said.

I mean... okay, but...

Miu’s got a stronger drive than me, doesn’t she?

She was like this on the school trip too...

And Alice is just going along with a whole box...

”Big brother, let Alice go first. I’ll follow,” Miu said.

”O-Okay...?” I replied.

Miu got off me, whispering something to Alice.

Alice’s face turned redder—what did Miu say?

Alice crawled over me again, her expression dreamy. ”Issei... I want you... please.”

That night, we sought each other until morning—

Red Dragon Emperor Familia

King: Issei Hyoudou

Queen: Alice Odilia

Bishop: Miu Hyoudou (Mutation Piece)

With this, Heroes of Remedial Lessons concludes!

Alice settles as Issei’s ’Queen,’ and Miu as his ’Bishop.’

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