HI3: I Don't Want to Be a Valkyrie

"By the way, weren't you all set to discuss important matters? Why aren't you participating?" Theresa asked, her gaze fixed on the young princess before her.

This wasn't just any princess; she was also the miko—a shamanic priestess—of the Ogre Tribe!

"The men can handle such affairs," the little princess replied with a shake of her head. "My elder brothers will make the right decisions. I prefer not to involve myself in these discussions." Her brother, the heir apparent of the Ogre Tribe, stood among them.

"I see..." Theresa murmured, her thoughts swirling as she contemplated this revelation.

After a moment, four members of the Ogre Tribe approached—led by their red-haired young master who resembled a Japanese samurai.

Among them was Elder White, the most loyal servant—a profoundly aged member of the Ogre Tribe. He seemed to have only one functional eye, exuding an aura that his life was nearing its end.

The second was a brooding blue-haired youth, reminiscent of an assassin in demeanor.

Lastly, there stood a sensual purple-haired beauty from the Ogre Tribe.

"Lady Theresa," they said, "we've discussed it thoroughly. You saved our Ogre Tribe during these tumultuous times when facing the Orc Lord alone would be futile for us... Therefore, we have decided to pledge our allegiance to you."

As they spoke, all four Ogres knelt before Theresa without hesitation.

"Huh? Huh?!?" Theresa stammered, utterly taken aback by this turn of events.

She recalled how Rimuru had needed an entire night's contemplation plus the threat of extinction before convincing them to submit. Why then did they so readily offer their loyalty to her? Did she somehow possess more regal authority than Rimuru? No, it must surely be because she had rescued them earlier, she concluded.

However, Theresa couldn't possibly accept their offer; after all, how could she compare to the Kijin tribe? She simply didn't possess an infinite supply of demonic energy required for bestowing names.

"Please rise first," Theresa hastily interjected. "Your true loyalty should be pledged not to me, but to one of my friends. Let me explain: Due to certain unique circumstances, this friend has access to limitless magicules. If you were to align yourselves with it, each of you could receive a name once—allowing every member of your clan to evolve.

As for myself, I lack such abundant resources. However, if you agree, we can stand up together, and I will lead you to my friend. We're currently planning to establish a Monster Kingdom, and the addition of the Ogre Tribe would undoubtedly delight him greatly. Once there, he can grant you all your individual names, enabling every last one of you to transform into more advanced monsters."

The Ogre Tribe listened intently as Theresa offered her explanation.

"Infinite magicules?" one queried incredulously. "How is that possible...?"

"Each of us can truly obtain a name?" another asked, hope flickering in his eyes.

To the Ogre Tribe, Theresa's words seemed as fantastic as tales from A Thousand and One Nights. Unlimited magicules was something only possessed by a handful of the most ancient beings.

Moreover, these venerable entities never bothered to bestow names upon lesser monsters.

Yet here Theresa claimed that her friend held unlimited magic essence and could grant every member of the Ogre Tribe a name—a notion so astonishing it defied belief.

"If you're willing to trust me," she continued softly, "each one of you can have a name. I wouldn't deceive you on this matter."

The difference between named and unnamed creatures was vast indeed. Aside from Rimuru, no one else had ever casually bestowed names upon such beings.

Not even other ancient Demon Lords with their own infinite reserves of magic essence did such things. It was simply unheard of.

Once a top-tier great mage bestows a name upon a magical beast, that creature becomes virtually useless.

Yet here was Rimuru, naming every single one of these lowliest goblins—truly...

Only he would go to such lengths.

"We have faith in your words, master," the ogres replied hesitantly. "However, with so many of us, the toll of bestowing names could be immense. Are you certain your friend will agree?"

"Leave that worry to me!" Rimuru assured them. "If possible, organize yourselves first. Then we'll head to my friend's place. Let's abandon this area for now..."

"After all, there you can establish a more comfortable and idyllic community."

"I'll inform everyone right away." The red-haired young master turned on his heel after this exchange, presumably to relay the news to the rest of the Ogre Tribe members—a task that would likely take some time.

Still, they were bound to accept; it was about naming, after all! Even if they harbored doubts, who wouldn't at least give it a try?

Before crossing over to this world, Rimuru had encountered only a handful of named magical beasts—all countable on one hand.

Theresa savored the Dragon Fruit gifted by the Pink-haired Princess—it truly was delicious.

"Lady Theresa," the little princess approached her with anticipation written across her face, "can I receive a name as well?"

"Of course," Theresa replied firmly, gazing at the young girl. "Even if it doesn't bestow one upon you, I would personally grant you a name myself."

By now, Theresa's Blood Seal energy had grown immensely powerful. While not infinite, naming dozens of individuals posed no strain whatsoever on her resources.

However, each bestowed name represented a permanent consumption of energy that could never be recovered. Theresa did not take this responsibility lightly; she wouldn't bestow names so easily unless there were compelling reasons.

For just one or two, however, she felt it inconsequential—a minor loss compared to the potential gain. After all, with enough members in her family of retainers, their numbers alone would quickly replenish any expended energy.

With this thought, Theresa resolved to seek out several more grand duchies and even kingdoms to expand her retinue further. At this rate, before long, she might even surpass some Demon Lords herself.

"Really? Thank you, Lady Theresa!" The Pink-haired Princess beamed with delight at these words.

In response, Theresa gently stroked the child's head—but when her hand brushed against the small horns atop the princess's skull, the girl hastily stopped her gesture.

After nearly half an hour of persuasion, every member of the Ogre Tribe had been convinced. They prepared their remaining belongings and set out on their journey.

Theresa led over two hundred members of the Ogre Tribe towards Rimuru's location.

This time, Theresa didn't lose her way. Armed with the Blood Embrace's twin blades, she carved a path through the forest. In no time at all, she arrived back at the goblin village.

The village had undergone a remarkable transformation since her last visit. The tents were nowhere to be seen; in their place stood newly constructed houses. With careful planning, ample manpower, and the expertise of master craftsmen—aided by magic—the construction progress was nothing short of swift.

As they observed these dwellings built amidst the woodland, the ogre tribe members who accompanied Theresa were quite astonished. Their curiosity only deepened upon noticing numerous working goblins—these creatures bore little resemblance to those found elsewhere.

"Theresa-sama, is this where your friends reside?" asked the pink-haired princess, gazing upon the houses before them. A sudden sense of joy washed over her as she imagined living here in the future.

"That's right!"