Mia's earlier remark about me expanding my harem became a curse.
I already knew what rolling on the [Companions Banner] meant, but I never expected that all three people summoned would be girls.
There wasn't a single spot my eyes could land on that wouldn't get me stared at hard by Mia, Licia, and Claire.
The best I could do was pretend this didn't faze me at all.
Though even that was hard, as one of the summoned girls had long, pointy ears poking out from her short blonde hair.
Her face was slightly round and adorable, her chest seemingly as modest as Mia's.
Since Claire and Licia were humans, I thought the [Companions Banner] couldn't summon any other race, but this one was most definitely an elf.
There was something about the air of innocence and purity around her that felt as captivating as when I first summoned Licia.
As she noticed my staring at her, the elf's ears twitched, and I glanced away.
The girl next to her seemed the complete opposite. Her breasts were as large, if not larger than Licia's, and her hips seemed to be in the same league as Claire's.
She looked slightly older than them, though. Even her purple hair was slightly longer than Licia's, reaching near her waist.
Even the energy emanating from her was a stark difference from that of the elf. It felt almost ominous.
It also didn't help that when she noticed me staring, she tilted her head and gave me an enticing smile.
Out of the three girls summoned, she seemed the calmest. While the elf's eyes darted around between everyone, hers carefully navigated the room, never showing any hint of emotion.
Compared to the other two, the third girl looked surprisingly ordinary.
Her hair, brown and just slightly lighter than mine, stopped at her shoulders.
She also didn't have the most noteworthy figure. It sat perfectly between Licia's curves and Mia's slender frame.
I still thought she was pretty, though.
It reminded me of the modest beauty I'd see on some cashiers now and then.
Considering Claire and Licia's model-tier beauty, Mia and the elf's otherworldly charm, and the bombshell sitting next to her... This girl's down-to-earth appearance was oddly refreshing.
Even her reaction was the most normal, as seeing me stare at her, the brown-haired girl narrowed her eyes.
Miwen: "Ahem!"
I cleared my throat, trying to draw their attention.
The elf tilted her head, while the other two covered their breasts and privates.
Miwen: "Hi. I'm the one who summoned you all here..."
Their eyes were all fixed on me.
The pressure was palpable, and I needed a second to continue.
Miwen: "As you might've guessed, there are circumstances behind this, but I'll clear one misunderstanding first. If the last thing you remember is being close to death, or if you have memories of dying... I'm sorry. Those are most likely true."
There was no easy way to put it, but I had to get it out of the way first, else I'd risk another reaction like Claire and Licia's.
Still, the brown-haired girl held her own arm, staring at the ground and murmuring something under her breath.
Meanwhile, the blonde elf just squinted and touched her own body all over, while the purple-haired lady sitting between the two just closed her eyes and smiled.
Miwen: "...I won't impinge on your second life. You're free to do with it as you please. However... I have an offer."
I gave them a second to process.
But to my surprise, the purple-haired lady opened her eyes and stared directly at me.
Purple-haired woman: "Do you wish to... form a pact?"
She spoke slowly, her voice much calmer than I'd have expected.
Despite her deep, purple eyes, this woman sounded sweet and alluring.
And dangerous.
Miwen: "Hm... I wouldn't call it that. It's just a deal. Or a promise, if you will. If you think it's not worth it, you can just walk away."
I wanted to avoid anything that remotely resembled "bounding" them.
After confirming their own deaths, they'd obviously think I was a necromancer, and while that might be the case, I didn't want them to live in fear of being controlled by me.
Miwen: "Here's the deal: I'll provide you with all necessities, including food, shelter, and clothes, and if you need anything else, I'll also do my best to provide it."
Purple-haired woman: "...And in exchange?"
She looked at me with the corner of her eyes, slowly lowering the hands that covered her breasts.
Miwen: "In exchange..."
Suddenly, my vision turned pitch black.
Someone had also blocked my ears.
It couldn't have been the women before me, so... I stayed quiet.
After a few minutes, Claire and Licia removed their hands that covered my eyes and ears.
The purple-haired woman now fully covered her breasts, while the two next to her had an awkward look in their eyes.
Miwen: "...Alright? In exchange, I want you to work for me. For now, this means helping in battle if you can, but depending on your Gift and how things develop, I might ask for help in other areas."
I stared at the purple-haired woman, wondering if she'd show the same reaction to the vague mention of working in "other areas", but she didn't move an inch and just smiled with an almost blank stare.
The elf and the brown-haired girl were also quiet.
I thought about breaking the silence myself, but...
Licia: "The food is especially good~"
Claire: "We also get a day off to laze around~"
While Licia wore her usual warm smile, Claire's was much more smug, the two resting their arms on my shoulders.
Seeing the scene, the elf chuckled, covering her mouth a moment later.
Even the brown-haired girl had a slightly awkward smile.
The only one who kept the same expression was the purple-haired woman, almost as if making a point of it.
Still, they seemed much more comfortable, and I decided to leave Claire and Licia responsible for marketing the Kingdom to new citizens.
For the time being, I gave each of them clothes to change into and some time to process the situation and what they'd like to do.
Miwen: "...How do you think it's gonna go?"
While Mia and Claire stood watch over the girls, Licia and I headed back to Earth.
Aside from the clothes, I decided to make them breakfast as well, since Licia sold it so well.
Licia: "Pretty well? I feel like I'm getting the hang of it."
She flipped an omelette in the pan, looking back at me with a cheeky smile.
Miwen: "I was talking about the girls."
Licia: "Ah... I think it'll be fine. I'm sure this free trial will convince them."
Miwen: "I see. Let's be hopeful, then."
Even though I kept an eye on her to make sure no accidents would happen, Licia was already pretty comfortable cooking in the oven, and it only took us a few minutes to finish.
I had to give them plastic knives and forks to eat with, but they seemed to enjoy the food nonetheless.
The elf and the brown-haired girl especially showed the strongest reactions, with the former even holding her own cheeks and closing her eyes.
Purple-Haired Woman: "That's certainly a variety. You must be fairly affluent."
Her eyes were studying me.
Miwen: "Not really."
I casually shrugged.
While I usually wouldn't mind giving them the day to think about what I proposed, I wanted to head to the Dungeon and prepare as much as I could for the next [Event]. Once they finished eating, I asked them to decide what they wanted to do today.
Elf Girl: "Hmm... I want to repay your hospitality, but unfortunately, I have no gifts with me..."
She lowered her head, her ears drooping at the same time.
Elf Girl: "If you are willing, let me accept your proposal. Though I'm an archer, my ability with blades should also be useful to you."
She stood from her chair and hesitantly walked toward me, extending her hand.
I accepted it, and as I shook her hand, she smiled warmly.
Elf Girl: "My name is Ellie. I hail from the woods of... Well, it's not important! It's a pleasure to work with you, Mr...?"
Miwen: "...You can call Miwen. The pleasure's all mine."
Her hand was small, and her arms feeble.
Despite her enthusiasm, I felt bad about putting any strength into my grip.
But thankfully, she wasn't the only one who stood up to greet me.
Brown-haired girl: "I'm Anna. I used to be a knight for hire, so... Your deal is not too different from what I'm used to. If you don't mind, I'd like to accept it..."
Unlike Ellie, she didn't approach to shake my hand.
Instead, she just scratched her head and sat down again.
It was a little awkward, but...
Miwen: "Sure. Welcome aboard."
The last one to break the silence was the purple-haired woman.
She stood from her chair and calmly approached, standing just a step in front of me.
After staring deep into my eyes, she smiled from the corner of her mouth, briefly licking her lips.
Purple-Haired Woman: "I'm Beatrice... The Evil Witch of Alvenaq-"
Instantly, Claire and Licia drew their swords.
Mia grabbed me by the collar, her sharp nails and fangs in full view as she pulled me back.
Anna fell from her chair, and Ellie's eyes... sparkled?
Licia: "Wait. It's Miwen's call."
Claire: "You're kidding? If she's truly a witch-"
While Licia and Claire had their blades pointed at her neck, Beatrice raised her arms.
Still smiling, her eyes were fixed on me.
Miwen: "...I'm assuming a witch is not just a job... like a swordsman or an archer?"
Mia: "No. Those would be mages. Witches... They are walking calamities."
Miwen: "I see."
Mia had her arms extended in front of me, her back slightly bent forward as if she were ready to attack.
I stood up from behind her, gently lowering her arm.
Miwen: "So... How evil are you, miss witch?"
Beatrice: "...Very."
I stopped Mia and walked toward the self-proclaimed evil witch.
Claire: "Miwen!"
Miwen: "Don't worry."
I also had Licia and Claire lower their swords.
Miwen: "I don't think I should trust the words of an evil witch."
Beatrice: "That would be wise..."
I smiled.
Miwen: "Are you in?"
Beatrice: "Of course... I find this to be most interesting..."
Miwen: "Alright..."
Mia helped Anna off the ground, while Ellie leaned closer to Beatrice, watching her with a wide smile.
Claire let out a resigned sigh, and Licia just held my hand, intertwining our fingers.
Miwen: "Since you've all accepted, for your first task... I'd like you all to become my [Citizens]."