HI3: I Don't Want to Be a Valkyrie

Behind the Monster City in the Great Jura Forest lay a small hill. From its summit, one could take in the entire city at a glance.

This vantage point remained undeveloped, preserved for its panoramic view.

The city itself had evolved from a goblin village. Over nearly a year, Rimuru and his companions gradually transformed it into a sprawling metropolis that approached modernity in many ways.

Of course... this applied only to architecture; little else compared to contemporary standards.

"Shuna, would you like some soup?"

Seated on the hill, Theresa produced her crucifix weapon, Fire Angel, and cooked up a pot of soup. She ladled out a bowl and offered it to Shuna before her.

"Thank you," Shuna accepted gratefully.

Then Theresa served herself another bowl. This was no ordinary soup—it contained blood flowers steeped with pig's blood, specifically from the Demon King himself. Such a delicacy was beyond the reach of most people.

It had been three or four months since their battle against the Orc Disaster. Before swallowing the defeated king whole, Theresa had drawn copious amounts of blood from him.

These precious stores were far superior to any common pork blood.

With ample quantities available, Theresa had stashed them away in her warehouse, occasionally treating herself to a taste. Now, she was down to the very last bit.

-

Theresa had no choice but to resort to this method.

Drinking the blood of a Demon Lord—well, this Orc Disaster could hardly be considered a true Demon Lord, but even then, extracting its blood was quite a feat. After letting it bleed out, she cooked it into a soup; at least that part wasn't entirely unpalatable.

However, Theresa never expected the taste to be surprisingly good—and on top of that, it counted as completing another milestone in her quest.

-

After finishing her blood soup, Theresa watched the newly arrived orcs joining the city of monsters below. A twinge of guilt suddenly flickered through her mind; they were bustling about down there while she was up here cooking soup with their leader's blood.

But within moments, Theresa shrugged off this fleeting sense of sin.

"Shuna..."

"Mm?" Kneeling on the grassy hillside, Shuna turned towards Theresa at the sound of her name.

"Do you want to take an afternoon nap with me?"

"Huh?" Shuna hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes."

"Then sit properly."

Theresa stood up, took out Oath of Judah, and placed it behind Shuna.

"You can lean against that."

"Eh?" Confusion clouded Shuna's face as she stared at Theresa's actions, utterly unsure what she was doing.

However, in the next instant, everything became clear.

Theresa walked right over to Shuna, letting her lean back against Oath of Judah. Then, Theresa lay down beside her, resting her head on Shuna's knees.

"What a truly quiet and peaceful day!" Lying on Shuna's lap, gazing at the bright sky above, Theresa couldn't help but sigh contentedly. "It's just perfect."

"..."

Watching Theresa's relaxed demeanor, Shuna hesitated briefly before breaking into a smile. She allowed Theresa to remain lying across her legs, enjoying the serene moment together.

"What was that?"

Just as Theresa was about to close her eyes for some rest, she suddenly saw something falling from the sky, hurtling straight towards their position.

"What is it?" Shuna asked, looking at Theresa with confusion upon hearing her exclamation.

"Run, quickly!"

Theresa swiftly got up, pulling Shuna along as they began running away.

After just a few steps, an object crashed right where Theresa and Shuna had been lying moments ago.

Once the dust settled, a small crater remained, within which lay a young girl dressed in revealing attire.

She had twin ponytails, fanged canines, and a figure that could only be described as flat-chested—much like Theresa herself.

"Milim Nava!"

Recognizing the girl who appeared, Theresa halted abruptly. This was one of the three ancient Demon Lords, daughter of the Star King Dragon, Veldanava.

Born with immense power, possessing infinite demonic energy, and among the rare beings capable of manipulating stellar particles.

Compared to other demon lords, this one was truly a formidable ruler of demons. However, her impulsive nature led others to view her as short-sighted despite her keen strategic mind.

Although she was among the strongest demon lords, at that moment, Theresa felt not fear but joy instead.

After waiting for so long, Milim had finally arrived.

Yet surprisingly, she hadn't gone straight to find Rimuru but came here first. Could it be due to the butterfly effect? Well, it didn't matter... Theresa was already fully prepared.

Just then, Shuna beside her opened her hands, summoning magic which shot directly towards the sudden intruder.

"Don't attack! She's a Demon Lord," Theresa hastily called out, but she was too late.

The powerful elemental magic hurtled unerringly towards Milim.

The elemental magic struck Milim, erupting with force...

Yet as Milim laughed, it caused her not a single speck of harm.

"Oh no! Lady Theresa, we must flee," Shuna said, her expression shifting instantly. She grabbed Theresa, ready to make their escape.

"Wait!" Theresa pulled free from her grasp. If we run now, we'll truly be done for.

"Is that all you've got?" Milim taunted. "I'm itching for a real challenge."

"Of course not... Night of Fright!"

Reality shattered as time stood still...

Theresa dashed forward, pulling out a golden liquid and swiftly feeding it into Milim's mouth.

As if on cue, time resumed its flow.

Milim chewed thoughtfully, then swallowed the concoction whole. Her eyes immediately sparkled like twin galaxies of stars.

"What is this stuff? It's absolutely divine! I've never tasted anything so exquisite. More! Give me more!" Milim stared at Theresa, her face aglow with excitement, like a child begging for candy.

"Are you talking about this?" Upon hearing Milim's words, Theresa couldn't help but sigh in relief, grateful that her interest hadn't changed. A jar of special honey immediately appeared in Theresa's hand.

This honey was specifically crafted by Rimuru at Theresa's request, just waiting for this Demon Lord with a sweet tooth to arrive.

Theresa had initially thought Milim would first seek out Rimuru, allowing her to trade this unique honey for something else. She didn't expect Milim to approach her first, but it all worked out the same.

"Can I have some?"

"Of course, but I have one condition." As she spoke, the jar of honey vanished from Theresa's hand.

"What is your condition?"

"You must let me take a sip of blood, just a tiny taste!" Theresa revealed her small canine teeth.

"A vampire... Luminous..."

Seeing Theresa's fangs, Milim immediately recalled the Ruler of Vampires, Luminous. Known for wielding ultimate demonic powers and controlling one of the Seven Deadly Sins, Luminous held dominion over life and death itself.

"If you agree, I can give you ten more jars, or even tell you how to make it," Theresa said, offering new incentives to the hesitant Milim.

"Alright, deal!"