HI3: I Don't Want to Be a Valkyrie

When constructing the hot springs, separate baths for men and women had been built; there was no mixed bathing allowed.

Upon arriving at the hot spring, Theresa and Shuna were surprised to find someone already present.

This individual boasted a long, slender horn atop their head, flowing purple hair, and an S-curved figure that could only be described as devilishly alluring—it was none other than Shion, Rimuru's future personal secretary.

"Oh... Shion, you're here too?" Shuna observed the woman before her, managing to sound quite composed despite her surprise. "So early?"

At this moment, Rimuru hadn't yet awakened, and it seemed that Shuna no longer harbored such strong feelings towards him as she did in the original work. Thus, instead of sparking a fierce rivalry between two women, she simply acknowledged Shion amicably.

"Ah, Lady Theresa, Shuna," Shion replied with a smile, nodding politely. "I see you've come as well... I just arrived myself."

Though Shion appeared wild by nature—quick-tempered and rather taciturn—she treated those close to her quite favorably...(or so they believed).

At least when it came to Theresa, who had been kind enough to spare her life amidst the Ogre Tribe's massacre, Shion maintained a genuinely respectful demeanor.

"The hot springs feel absolutely divine!" Shuna couldn't help but exclaim. "It makes me realize how idyllic life has become around here." With these words, she began slowly removing her bathrobe. Only after fully undressed did she step leisurely into the water.

As Theresa watched Shuna enter the hot spring before her, she finally began to undress from her clothing.

Stepping into the water, she found its temperature just perfect—a blissful sensation that enveloped her entire being as she settled comfortably onto a ledge. It was no wonder so many people cherished soaking in these springs.

However... This place had once been Rimuru's harem sanctuary. Now it seemed abandoned while he took over...

Rimuru had been overwhelmed ever since accepting such a large influx of ogres under his wing. To give each one a name—a task he felt compelled to complete—had left him barely awake for more than a moment at a time before collapsing again due to exhaustion.

It appeared as though Rimuru had developed something akin to obsessive-compulsive disorder; he insisted on naming every single member of his growing entourage.

Thankfully, aside from Benimaru and Hakurou who drained significant amounts of mana, most other ogres didn't require nearly as much energy. Still, even with this consideration, Rimuru would have little time for anything else in the near future.

He'd essentially become a tool—a living name printing machine—and nothing more.

Seeing Rimuru in this state filled Theresa with guilt. After all, it was because of her bringing so many ogres to seek refuge under him that he'd ended up burdened like this. She truly wished there were some way to alleviate his suffering without compromising their safety or unity.

"Theresa..."

As Theresa lay there basking in her leisure, Shuna suddenly approached her side.

"What is it, Shuna?" Theresa asked lazily, gazing at her with half-open eyes.

Didn't you say that once I grew up... Well now, I'm all grown-up."

At these words, Theresa scrutinized Shuna standing before her.

Indeed, she thought, you've truly grown up.

It wasn't just height and appearance—Shuna had developed breasts as well. Though they couldn't compare to Shion's, they were far superior to Theresa's own flat chest.

Myself... completely devoid of curves...

In truth, while other versions of Theresa might have possessed some assets, Luna Kindred... well, let's just say she was lacking in that department!

How could one rule over others without even having a proper bosom to speak of? It seemed almost impossible.

Theresa looked at Shuna before her—not exceptionally large, but perfectly sized for a gentle squeeze between her palms.

"You certainly have grown," Theresa observed, nodding earnestly as she admired Shuna's budding figure.

"So then... Lady Theresa, would you like me to offer myself?" Despite the hint of fear on her face, Shuna bravely extended her neck towards Theresa.

"But..."

Theresa's throat bobbed as she swallowed hard. She glanced at Shion, who was curiously observing both her and Shuna from the side, feeling somewhat hesitant.

The two of them alone would have been fine, but drinking Shuna's blood with Shion watching seemed... a bit much.

"It doesn't matter; don't worry about Shion," Shuna reassured her, unconcerned.

"Alright then." Since even Shuna herself didn't mind, Theresa wasn't about to let slip this culinary delight that had presented itself so temptingly before her.

Baring her fangs, she embraced Shuna tightly and sank her teeth into her neck.

-

The exquisite blood entered her mouth, its unparalleled flavor causing Theresa's breathing to grow heavy with delight.

This taste was no less remarkable than Kallen's—her elder sister's—the thought of it seemed to cast a spell on Theresa, making her utterly unable to stop herself.

As she became fully immersed in this ocean of exquisite flavor, time slipped by unnoticed. Suddenly, amidst her revelry, Theresa heard a system notification chime:

Skill acquired: Demon Arts (Source: Kijin Princess Shuna)

However, lost as she was in the intoxicating sea of savors, Theresa completely ignored the prompt, remaining wholly absorbed by the divine essence coursing through her veins.

It wasn't just Theresa who was savoring an unparalleled delight. Shuna, as she underwent this process of being drained by Theresa, felt an intense sensation surging through her body—a feeling unlike any other.

Initially, Shuna had expected it to be excruciatingly painful when Theresa consumed from her. To her surprise, not only did she feel no pain whatsoever, but instead experienced something entirely new and captivating. This sensation was so overwhelming that she couldn't help but cry out involuntarily.

Instinctively, Shuna wrapped her arms tightly around Theresa, their embrace becoming exceedingly intimate amidst the momentary stillness.

(TL Note: 0_0)

-

"Uh... what are you two..."

Watching from her bath nearby, Shion observed their interaction and reactions, instantly rendered speechless...

What on earth is going on here?

She knew that Theresa was a vampire; drinking blood was perfectly normal for her. But it had merely been a sip—was there any need for such secrecy? It made them look like they were engaged in some clandestine affair.

After a moment, however, Shion began to suspect that these two weren't intentionally being secretive at all. Rather, they seemed genuinely intoxicated by the experience?

Curiosity started to gnaw at Shion as she watched Shuna closely. The girl showed no signs of distress whatsoever—instead, she appeared utterly content under Theresa's ministrations. How could this be? Why would someone find pleasure in having their blood drawn?

-

As Theresa became utterly entranced by this sensation, she suddenly felt a sharp pain on her shoulder.

She jolted awake instantly.

Hastily releasing Shuna, she discovered that the girl had sunk her teeth into her flesh with an expression of extreme excitement.

So this is what it means for someone to "bite the dust"? My goodness...

All they'd been doing was some vampire play—was everyone here a masochist or something? When others drew blood from her before, she hadn't reacted like this at all.

"Ah! I'm sorry..." At that moment, realization dawned on Shuna as well. She quickly released Theresa and apologized profusely.

"...It's alright," Theresa replied after a brief hesitation. Though slightly pained, Shuna hadn't even broken skin; there were merely faint tooth marks left behind.

"You're not hurt too badly, are you?" Theresa gently smoothed away the marks on Shuna's neck, concerned. After all, she hadn't inadvertently infected Shuna with Honkai Impact bacteria, so there was no risk of contagion.

"I'm fine..."

"But I most certainly am not!" Just then, Shion couldn't bear silence any longer and interjected sharply.

"Huh?"

Both Shuna and Theresa swiftly turned their heads towards her, bewildered.