It was the middle of the night, and I had two girls in my room, with one of them butt-naked.
That very naked girl jumped at me, completely disregarding her own safety.
Despite having ample opportunity to dodge, I accepted her with open arms, the two of us falling to the floor.
Claire: "You're done for. Let me go if you want to keep your life."
She was fast.
Before I could even open my mouth, she had her legs wrapped around mine and the full weight of her body pressing on me.
While one of her hands pushed against my chest, she raised the other, a smug, slightly terrifying grin flashing across her face.
A second passed.
Looking at her hand, I tilted my head.
She had no weapon, and no magic was coming out of it.
My reaction took her aback; she looked at her own hand before also tilting her head.
Another second passed with us staring at each other, one looking more confused than the other.
Licia: "Let him go."
The tip of Licia's sword slowly appeared from behind the girl's neck.
The red-haired girl furrowed her brows, gripping my shirt.
However, the moment she felt the cold steel touching her skin, she froze.
Licia's sword was a big part of the reason why she stopped, but the look in her eye told me a slightly more complex story.
She didn't seem anxious, or at least, not as much as I'd expect.
If anything, the way she kept gripping onto my shirt despite her fading strength gave me the impression she was simply acting out of frustration.
She had clearly realized that there was no point. She couldn't push or pull me, and she only pinned me down because I allowed her to.
The only thing she had was her ego, and me being careful not to move and hurt her was putting a crack in it.
Without a ridiculously overpowered Gift, she couldn't threaten me at level 1.
Despite this dispelling most of my worries, I stayed on high guard, and it wasn't just to feed her pride.
The speed at which she read the room and chose me instead of Licia as the hostage, despite my higher level, was quite telling.
Though my courtesy ended there.
I had no intention of playing that part.
Claire: "And if I don't?"
Her voice was full of snark, but her trembling hands betrayed the act.
I felt bad for her, but she wasn't making it any easier on herself.
Licia: "I made myself clear."
I had never heard Licia's voice so monotone.
Not even when I summoned her.
The cold, deadpan look in her eyes made even me swallow hard, and I was on her side.
Though occasionally, she'd glance at the difficult-to-explain position the red-haired twintails girl had locked me in, and of course, her bloodshot eyes would narrow only at me.
Miwen: "We don't mean you any harm."
While I would've preferred her to be still and quiet like Licia was, I understood why she'd react this way.
If anything, it even made more sense.
Claire: "...Why would I believe you?"
She raised her chin, looking at me from above while her nail reached my throat.
Miwen: "Hah..."
I didn't want to be forceful, but letting her continue was risky.
She was getting ahead of herself, her thrashing around was having an unintended effect, and Licia was looking scarier by the second.
She struggled as much as she could, but it was no use.
I easily caught both of her hands, holding them by the wrists.
The strength she mustered wasn't enough to budge my hands, and as a final warning, I lifted her arms and straightened my back.
This showed her just how powerless she truly was, but we both already knew that.
The point was to move forward from that.
Miwen: "Because if I wanted to, you'd be hurt already."
She stood silent for a second, only to try spitting at me.
I was just fast enough to react, but I almost wish I hadn't.
Her face burned red, tears welling up in her eyes.
I could feel her breathing unevenly; it looked like she was about to cry, and, sure enough, she turned her face away from me and the sword on her neck.
Licia looked incredibly angry for a second, but hearing the girl's hiccup, she looked at me with an awkward smile.
We were both lost on what to do, so I slowly guided the girl's arms toward her waist.
She turned around and surrendered, her eyes closed, while her reddish nose quietly sniffled.
The usual warmth returned to Licia's smile, and I gently released my strength, showing her my open palms.
Miwen: "I'm sorry about this. Did I hurt your wrists?"
I thought apologizing for dodging her childish spitting would only make her feel worse, so I gave her an easy way out.
Claire: "...Do you also have a weapon on you?"
Her voice was faint.
I looked at Licia, but she also nodded her head, telling me she didn't understand either.
Miwen: "...No?"
Claire: "Liar. I can feel the handle. Disarm yourself, then we can-"
She stopped her words, shaking her hips as if to confirm something.
Predictably, after realizing I wasn't carrying the type of sword she imagined...
Claire: "Pervert!"
Miwen: "I'm not the one naked, grinding on someone's crotch."
That time with Licia, I was at fault, and she deserved an apology.
This girl was the opposite, and no matter how much she bit her lip, I wasn't going to apologize for it.
Besides, those hips couldn't be further from level 1, and the sooner she stopped giving me a hard time, the easier it'd be to convince Licia we deserved to live.
Claire: "Ugh... Gross..."
She was being petty.
Miwen: "It's gonna get if you don't get off."
And I felt like being petty, too.
Watching the two of us, Licia let out an exasperated sigh, receding her sword a little.
The girl who always had to have the last word lifted her legs, just enough to enjoy seeing me squirm away.
Miwen: "Look... You are here thanks to my Gift. It's complicated, but if you just listen, I'll guarantee your safety. Sounds good?"
Despite the cat and bigger cat game we had going on, she was still within tolerable range.
If things were different, I might've even been happy about it.
Claire: "...Hmph!"
She sat on the bedhead, using a pillow to cover her body.
Even though she had fully turned away from both Licia and me, she'd steal a glance my way more often than not.
It looked like she wanted to say something, but every time she opened her mouth, a different emotion seemed to win.
Claire: "...Go on."
After Licia and I stood still, facing each other and almost ignoring her, she finally dropped her shoulders, facing us properly.
Claire: "Explain what you did to me. How can someone so weak withstand my strength so easily? Why can't I muster my power? And most importantly, why am I still alive? Also, where-"
Miwen: "That's a lot..."
Every single question was loaded, and seeing the irritation in her tone as she fired them, I had my doubts she'd even be patient enough to listen.
I had to choose carefully not to derail the conversation, but hearing her ask why she was alive stung me too much to ignore.
It confirmed my fears about this power, and yet, I had to push through those mixed feelings.
She deserved the truth. Or as close to it as I could get.
Miwen: "...My Gift returned you to level 1. I'm a little higher, so you'll have a hard time winning against me."
Claire: "...I can't believe it."
Her eyes were wide, her voice trembling.
I took her words literally, but before I could say anything, she surprised me.
Claire: "The power to erase someone's level... That's terrifying."
I could feel the fear building up within her, and I couldn't blame her for it.
If this mechanic wasn't tied to the [Companions Banner] and I could do it at will, I'd be terrified myself.
Most top-rank parties would kill to have someone who can weaken a boss this way, but I probably wouldn't last long out there. Most adventurers probably wouldn't like to live in the same world as someone who could erase years of their history, and even the government might just... solve the problem.
It was a good thing that this wasn't something I could do, if not for that reason, at least so I could reassure her.
Miwen: "Don't worry. I can't do that again, and I said I wasn't gonna harm you."
I still had no idea about her.
She could be dangerous.
So even while calming her down, I thought it'd be good to remind her that I was still in control.
Claire: "...What about my third question?"
That was the one I didn't want to answer.
I had almost no clue to begin with, yet I wasn't fond of the little I knew.
Miwen: "...My Gift might have brought you back to life. Also... That thing about erasing your level might not be entirely true. I don't fully understand my Gift yet, but if I had to guess-"
Claire: "It reset because I died."
Even though she was finally looking me directly in the eye, I couldn't maintain eye contact.
Not with her, not with Licia.
Miwen: "That... Yes. I think so."
I clenched my fists, and after a deep breath, I faced her properly.
Claire: "...Why do you seem so... hurt?"
A small chuckle escaped me.
It had no relief behind it.
Only frustration.
I wasn't the first necromancer out there.
But I was never fond of the idea of disturbing others' deaths.
Even if it were painful, it was someone else's story, and to selfishly continue it... Especially for personal gain...
It felt wrong.
Miwen: "...There's something I want to ask you."
She seemed at least willing to listen.
And after going this far, I couldn't go back.
Licia was the proof I needed.
Even if I didn't like the premise, I could put this power to good use.
If this girl were also to tell me she was happy that I summoned her, then...
That'd be a path worth pursuing.
Miwen: "I want you to become my [Citizen]. I can give you clothes if you do, but there'll also be a bunch of benefits. And well... I'll take care of you regardless."
I wanted her to become my [Citizen].
It'd help both of us.
However, I wouldn't force her, and even if she didn't accept, I'd look out for her.
That was my compromise with the [Companions Banner].
Claire: "...Explain all the effects."
She wasn't trying to hide her suspicion.
Yet, I also sensed something else in her voice.
It wasn't trust or acceptance.
It was more internal, like defiance or will.
Miwen: "...You get access to my Kingdom. I can share my skills with you or share yours with me... Maybe even share between you two..."
I tried to stay concise, but the moment I mentioned sharing skills, I noticed Licia's lips curling into a slight smile.
It was impossible to resist.
Though it seemed like Claire noticed it as well, as she looked slightly bothered by it.
Miwen: "Sharing skills requires consent of both parties. Entering and leaving the Kingdom requires my permission. I think that's about it? Oh yeah, I can see your desires and your loyalty as well."
I almost forgot about that.
And she seemed a little taken aback by it, giving the same "gross" look from before, but after I promised her I wouldn't check those without her permission, she let it go.
Claire: "Is that really all? Are you sure you're not hiding anything from me?"
Despite still having Licia threatening her life, her voice carried some authority behind it.
While I was as truthful as could be, there was a chance that after accepting the invite to be a [Citizen], a new function would appear somewhere, just like with sharing skills.
Miwen: "That I know of, yeah, that's all."
Claire: "It's weird not to understand your own Gift. You do realize that, right?"
Licia nodded silently, and even I found myself agreeing.
While Gifts came in all sizes and shapes, from simple effects to entire systems like mine, [Gacha Kingdom Building] was the only one I knew that seemed so mysterious.
It was like puzzle pieces were scattered everywhere, but the full picture was too massive, and I was looking too closely.
Miwen: "Well, my Gift has a lot of functions, and since I only got it a few days ago, it's not a-"
Claire: "Stop lying to me!"
She yelled, tightening her grip on the pillow so much that it almost tore.
Claire: "What do you even want!?"
Her elbow hit the wall, and she pushed the bed forward.
I struggled to find the words to explain.
It really didn't make sense, and it felt impossible to convince her from my position.
Thankfully, I had Licia with me.
She leaned the sword against the bed behind her, sitting cross-legged on the bed's end.
Licia: "He's telling the truth, both about being his [Citizen] and about his Gift"
Even though she had turned slightly to face Claire, I could feel the calming warmth behind her smile.
Licia: "I know it's hard to believe, but this is a very unique world."
She leaned forward, slowly extending her hand toward Claire, who had her eyes fixated on every small movement Licia made.
A second later, Licia threw me a pillow and grabbed one for herself.
All three of us were now covered by the weakest of shields.
Claire: "I thought the furniture was strange, but... Just how twisted is this world, truly?"
Since I was having Licia use my bedroom for herself, it wasn't exactly tidy, and there were various things an otherworlder would find weird scattered around.
Some I knew were not where I last left them, but I didn't comment on that.
Rather, I watched Licia silently shaking her head, squeezing the pillow she hugged.
Licia: "I don't think it's twisted... At least in my world, I could only dream about such fluffy pillows..."
While Licia kneaded her pillow, Claire carefully pressed on hers.
Claire: "...Hmph! Maybe to a commoner, but in my house-"
When I told Licia about my Gift, she panicked.
It was clear she had a problem with nobles, and fearing she'd react the same way to Claire's words, I stood up.
But before I could take a step forward, she signaled for me to stop.
She wasn't hugging her pillow tight, or even forcing a smile.
Licia: "Hm... But I think that if you give it a chance, this world will surprise you. It's strange, but very warm and interesting..."
She could've stopped there, and I'd be immensely proud already.
However, she raised her index, just like she had done to lecture me in our Dungeon raids.
Licia: "And I think calling it twisted is rude!"
It was petty.
More than Claire and I had been.
And yet, Licia's honesty had melted her anger.
It was so amusing, I had to hold back from chuckling.
Claire: "...I don't care about that."
Her voice became much quieter.
Even though she hid more of her face behind the pillow, I could see the thin line of her smile spilling from its side.
Licia: "What do you care about then?"
With two fingers curled, Licia gestured for me to come over.
Naturally, Claire retreated, her back pushing against the wall.
However, Licia moved closer to her, sitting on the side between the two of us.
Claire: "Hah... I don't know."
She briefly glanced away from us.
Claire: "If my life ended the way I think it did... I'm satisfied with it."
That was something I feared hearing, but I steeled myself and paid attention.
Claire: "I could've done more, and I made my mistakes, but... I lived how I wanted to. I don't regret it."
She raised her head, the spark I saw inside her burning into a flame.
Licia: "I see..."
Her smile became slightly resigned, and she leaned more toward me.
Licia: "I wish I could say the same..."
Just like Claire had done, she briefly averted our gaze, looking down at the bed sheets.
Licia: "My life was filled with struggles I didn't choose for myself, so... When I was in your position, I saw it as an opportunity..."
She carefully caressed her pillow with such gentleness, I couldn't help but wonder if she was thinking of someone.
Licia: "I liked the idea... To live the kind of life I wanted, to be free to choose and also... to find peace for myself."
Her hand carefully travelled across the sheet, stopping only once it had met mine.
She didn't try to hold hands or intertwine our fingers.
Just touching fingertips was plenty.
I thought everything I had done to her was just the bare minimum.
But to her, it was everything that she wished for.
I feared convincing myself I was doing something good by using this banner. I knew that kind of savior mentality was poisonous.
Yet...
In that moment, I felt no regrets.
I lowered the pillow and lifted my chin, refusing to look down at the sheets.
Licia: "Give him a chance, even if only for some time. I'm sure you'll see that it's worth it to keep on living in this world."
Claire's eyes darted between Licia and me.
Her eyes were narrow, seemingly angry.
However, her head was slowly shaking from side to side, betraying that impression.
Claire: "Then... Are you happy living in this world? Even after your death?"
Licia brought a hand to her own chin, lightly tapping her cheek.
Licia: "Hm..."
She had a teasing smile on her face, and she'd steal a few glances my way.
Licia: "Absolutely."
If it was so obvious, she didn't need so much time to say it.
But in a way, that she could have her fun like this proved her point beyond words.
Though I couldn't tell whether that was what she aimed for, or if she really just wanted to tease me.
Licia: "I don't know how it'll be for you, since you have no regrets, but... I can guarantee you one thing. He won't bind you, the same way he hasn't bound me."
Letting the pillow lean against her, Licia extended her hand toward Claire as well, stopping just short of touching.
Claire: "I see... I guess I don't lose anything by just giving it a chance, huh?"
She let go of one of her hands on the pillow.
Licia: "That's what I believed, and I couldn't have gotten more out of this small leap of faith."
Their hands were so close that even the smallest movement would be enough.
But Claire used her legs to pull forward.
The bed creaked, and the metallic sound of the sword falling to the ground reverberated.
I glanced away, and when I looked back...
Claire: "...Don't misunderstand. It's not that I trust you or anything. I'm just curious about this citizen thing and whatever..."
She was holding Licia's hand and extending her own to me.
It felt like she was still suspicious, her face completely turned away from me.
But I accepted it.
Miwen: "...I'll need your full name again, please."
I was a little too focused on catching her to register the surname when she tackled me.
Miwen: " I'll need your full name for that. I believe I heard you call yourself Claire, but I didn't quite catch your surname."
Claire: "...Claire Ashbrodd, daughter of Duke Marten Ashbrodd..."
Licia seemed slightly proud when introducing herself, but Claire was outright smug.
She had puffed her chest so much that the pillow trembled, and she was forced to hold it tightly with her legs.
Claire: "Hmph... Guess this really is another world if you've never heard of me."
She pretended not to have noticed it, her hand quickly returning to the pillow to adjust it.
Thinking about it, Licia's epithet of 'Frost Sword' was quite fitting considering her fighting style and Gift, and yet, she didn't question me not knowing her name, saying it wasn't even worth mentioning in the capital.
While they might've come from different worlds, the epithet of 'The Continental Burn' and the genuine surprise at not being recognized made me think that maybe I had bitten off more than I could chew this time.
Still, that only made me more excited to register her.
Once it was done, I checked to see if everything was still the same in the Kingdom menu, but...
As I imagined, a button with the word [Events] had appeared.
I decided not to touch it for now, instead claiming the Kingdom Points I could to get Claire a change of clothes.
Claire: "So it was true... I apologize for doubting your words."
The way she apologized, with no eye contact whatsoever, was a little cute.
Miwen: "Don't worry about that. You're good."
Licia helped her with the online store while I faced away.
When the rustling behind me stopped, Claire was wearing a black skirt, thigh-high stockings, and a white dress shirt with black sleeves.
She also had redone her twintails, tying them with black hair ties.
There was also a long, black tie running down her shirt with a white line traced in the middle.
I thought Licia's casual, homely picks were perfect, but I had to admit Claire had a sense for stylish wear.
Miwen: "Well, I guess you already got the picture, but... I'd like you to stay. You can take your time deciding, though."
She lay on the bed, facing the ceiling.
Claire: "...I'll leave the moment you bother me. Can you accept that?"
Her tone was so high and mighty, and yet, that was her only condition.
Seeing her blush over that, even Licia smiled awkwardly.
Miwen: "That's fine."
I opened the door, prepared to leave.
But then, her voice drew my attention again.
Claire: "Haah? You're accepting it that easily? This has gotta be the strangest kidnapping I've ever been a part of."
I was glad she didn't call me a necromancer, but...
Miwen: "I'm no kidnapper, though?"
Claire: "I mean... You forcefully took me away from where I was, so... Isn't that the very definition of a kidnapper?"
I had heard Licia whisper something in her ear.
To think it was that...
Miwen: "That's not right. I think summoner fits better."
The difference was just cosmetic, but...
If they were going that far to take away the necromancer label I hated, I'd at least choose this one.
Claire: "Well... That's fine, I guess... However, I have one question for you, you summoner."
She framed it as an insult, but it really didn't work as one.
At least, not as much as the "kidnapper" idea she had in mind.
Miwen: "Yeah?"
Claire: "I'm feeling a little tired, and I'd like to rest through the night. Is it fine for me to sleep here, or is there somewhere else...?"
...I didn't trust her enough to leave Licia alone with her.
But I also didn't trust her enough to leave her alone.
We only had the sofa and the bed, though, so that meant one of them would have to sleep on the sofa and the other on the bed, but then...
Where the hell would I sleep...?
When she noticed I had not given that a single thought, Licia began staring blankly at the ceiling, humming a melody.
Claire brought a hand to her chin, her mouth wide open in disbelief.
Meanwhile, a cold, tear-shaped sweatdrop ran across my face.