HI3: I Don't Want to Be a Valkyrie

Luna Kindred's method of infection bore striking resemblance to that of zombies—both relied on transmitting bacteria through blood contact.

However, compared to mere zombies, these half-human, half-Honkai Impact hybrids were undoubtedly far superior as vampires.

In the original Honkai Impact storyline, Luna Kindred's infectious power wouldn't have been so exaggerated. But now, this version of Luna Kindred possessed by Theresa indeed held such capability.

With enough bacterial Honkai Beasts present, the transformation occurred swiftly. In no time, four infected eight, then sixteen, until everyone at the gathering had become part of Theresa's entourage.

Once the nobility fell prey to infection, it was only a matter of moments before every individual in the kingdom would transform into one of these half-human, half-Honkai Beast creatures.

As for resurrecting the dead? That required Theresa herself to deliver the bite—a privilege reserved solely for her own touch.

-

After leaving the site of the ball, Theresa began wandering through the royal palace.

Her primary objective was to locate the remaining second princess.

With three heirs originally in line for succession, now only one remained. Therefore, the crown could only pass to the second princess.

Unless, that is, it were bestowed upon someone from outside their bloodline—a possibility she wished to avoid at all costs.

As for why not simply turn the old king into a vampire—well, even if bitten by his own familiar clan, he wouldn't gain eternal life; death would still claim him when its time came.

And as for Theresa herself biting him...

Apologies! The thought of sinking her fangs into such an elderly, wrinkled neck was utterly repulsive to her senses.

Thus, her plan remained unchanged: transform this elusive second princess into one of her familiars and then support her ascension to the throne. This way, Theresa would secure control over the kingdom while simultaneously completing the bounty mission assigned to her.

All that stood between her and victory were those few lingering questions...

It didn't take long for Theresa to find the princess of this realm—a young woman who could certainly be considered beautiful by most standards.

"Your Highness, I believe something is happening outside," a maid reported upon hearing commotion beyond the palace walls. She hesitated before informing the princess.

"Pay them no mind; let them make their noise." The princess remained utterly composed, her gaze fixed on the book she was quietly reading.

The Second Princess boasted a head of magnificent golden hair, adorned with an exquisite royal crown that lent her an air of noble grace and beauty.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Oh right! Has Yamini returned yet?" A thought seemed to strike the Second Princess as she set down her book, smiling at the maid.

"Not yet, Your Highness."

"Hmm, understood. Once she does return, remember to notify me promptly. Time is running out. Once my elder brother ascends to the throne, he won't spare me."

"But... Your Highness, shouldn't you pose little threat to His Highness the Crown Prince? Why would—"

"You don't understand him," the Second Princess replied evenly, her tone both calm and resolute. "Though he presents himself well in public, he brooks not even the slightest hint of potential danger. No matter how unassuming I may appear, he wouldn't hesitate to eliminate me."

"It's truly unfortunate that the Third Prince is no match for your elder brother. Otherwise..." The maid trailed off. "Your Highness might not have needed to ally herself with demonic entities..."

"The third one? He's nothing more than a waste," the Second Princess scoffed. "I never entertained any notion that he could win. As for those demonic beings—it's simply a mutual arrangement." With these words, a dangerous smile flickered across her face—one that hinted at deeper, darker schemes unfolding beneath the surface.

"Clap, clap, clap..."

"Not surprising for someone from the royal family—none of you are ever simple-minded. Even the Princess, who had no interest in ascending to the throne, turns out to have her own schemes—and involving demonic creatures at that! How intriguing."

As the second princess whispered with her maid, their conversation was suddenly interrupted by applause and words that startled them both.

"Who's there?" The second princess warily scanned her surroundings, placing her hand beneath her gauzy skirt. In a swift motion, she drew forth an exquisitely crafted dagger hidden within its folds.

A weapon concealed beneath her dress...

She has quite the temper... A true amazon among women.

"Just an ordinary vampire princess passing through," came the reply.

A cloud of invisible white mist began to coalesce. With Oath of Judah on her back and dual-bladed Theresa in hand, she materialized before the second princess.

"Who are you? How dare you intrude upon the royal palace!" The sudden appearance of Theresa elicited a loud cry from the second princess, meant to summon guards from outside.

The princess's maid also hastily shouted, "Guards! An assassin has breached the palace!"

"No need for futile efforts; there is no one out there," Theresa said calmly as she approached the second princess. "Moreover... I've cast a soundproof barrier around your room—a magical array if you will. Your voices cannot escape this chamber."

As Theresa nonchalantly stepped closer, the loyal maid instinctively moved to shield the second princess behind herself.

"There's no need for that. She means us no harm." Regaining her composure swiftly, the second princess held back her attendant and asked coolly, "So what brings you here?"

"A wise one indeed!" Theresa took a seat facing the second princess directly. "Do you aspire to become mistress of this kingdom?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"I just said how clever you were..."

"Father has already prepared to pass his throne to Eldest Brother," Princess replied softly. "Even if I desired it, there's no possibility for me..."

"But what if both your eldest brother and third sibling were... no longer around?" Theresa cut her off bluntly.

"How... Have you done something?" The second princess's expression shifted imperceptibly, a hint of barely detectable joy flickering across her face at this revelation.

"I'm asking you here, understand?" Theresa insisted firmly.

"Nor would any nobles or ministers support me..." The second princess gazed down at the young girl before her, noting how Theresa's authoritative tone seemed completely incongruous with her youthful appearance.

"That won't be an issue either. By tomorrow, you'll have supporters."

"How could that possibly happen?!"

"Nothing is impossible. Now then, we should discuss my matter next."

"What do you want from me?"

"Become... one of my familiars, I'd like you to know!" As she spoke, wings unfurled from her back, and fangs extended from her mouth.

"A demon..." The second princess was momentarily stunned, speechless as she stared at these sudden transformations.

Theresa cradled the beautiful Princess in her arms, her small head buried against the princess's neck as she gently drew upon her blood.

Though the quality of this woman's blood couldn't compare to that of a black dragon, its flavor was surprisingly close—just slightly inferior to Kallen's.

"Mmnh..." The second princess, unable to bear the pleasure any longer, let out a moan suffused with eroticism. Her legs, wrapped around Theresa's waist, began involuntarily grinding back and forth...

Sensing something dampening her thigh, Theresa hastily released the princess's neck and pushed her away...

The sight of the princess's utterly ravished expression left Theresa momentarily speechless...

It's just some blood-sucking, Theresa thought incredulously. Why are you so worked up about it? And...is that all it takes for you? Moreover, there's even more coming through...

Theresa gazed at her dampened silk dress and then at her own wedding gown...

Sticky... liquid.

How sensitive you are, indeed.

(TL Note: Damn that kinda came outta nowhere)