Instruction: Given first part of the popular LightNovel spice and wolf as input, continue the story the best you can.

Input:
"It's a bit late. There are three people outside the door. I doubt they are guests."
Lawrence finally realized that Holo was already wearing her cloak. She rummaged around quietly, and soon all of Lawrence's belongings appeared on his chest.
"We're on the second story. Fortunately there is no one outside. Are you ready?"
Growing excited in a completely different sense now, Holo got up. Lawrence pretended to draw the blanket over himself, and put on his clothes. Just as he was affixing his silver dagger to his waist, Holo spoke loudly, her voice purposely carrying beyond the closed door.
"Come, see my body 'neath the moonlight!"
As soon as she finished, Lawrence heard a window clatter open. Holo perched on the windowsill and jumped down without hesitation. Lawrence scrambled after her, putting his foot on the sill. He didn't hesitate, either—because behind him came the sound of the door being pried open, followed by heavy footsteps.
He felt unpleasantly weightless for a moment, but his feet soon collided with the hard ground.
Unable to bear the force of the impact, Lawrence landed in a squatting position.
He was lucky not to have broken his leg, but Holo still laughed loudly at him, although she did extend her hand.
"We'll have to run. We've no time to collect the horse."
A stunned Lawrence glanced back at the stables. The horse had been strong and cheap but more importantly was the first thing he'd ever bought.
Part of him wanted to make a break for the stables, but prudence told him not to. Holo's course of action was the right one.
Lawrence clenched his teeth and restrained himself.
"They will gain nothing by killing your horse; we'll wait for things to calm before retrieving it, yes?" said Holo by way of consolation. Lawrence could only hope that it was true. He nodded and took a deep breath, grabbing her outstretched hand and pulling himself up.
"Oh, also—"
Holo took the pouch that hung from her neck and undid the string that bound it closed. She poured roughly half of the wheat it contained into her hand.
"Just in case. You should take some, too," she said, casually thrusting the grains into the pocket on his chest without waiting for his reply. They felt warm; it was probably Holo's body heat.
After all, it was the wheat in which she lived.
"Right, now let's run."
Holo smiled as though speaking with a trusted friend. Lawrence was about to reply but simply nodded his head and dashed with her toward the town in the night.
"So, what I was going to say to you was this—if the Milone Company could check up on that boy, surely the reverse is true. His backers were bound to be alerted. If they discover we're gone to another company with a deal, they'll try to silence us, no?"
The only light on the cobbled path was the moon, but it was enough to see by. They continued to run without spotting another person, then turned down an alley.
Lawrence could barely see anything in the darkness there. Holo led him on, tugging on his hand as she ran, Lawrence stumbling after her.
They ran near an intersection and saw a group of men behind them, shouting. He caught the words "Milone Company" among their shouts.
They, too, knew that the only place Lawrence and Holo would find sanctuary was the Milone Company.
"Oops. I don't know the way," said Holo, still pulling on Lawrence's hand as they came to a fork. Lawrence looked up and checked the moon's position and phase and mentally roughed out a map of Pazzio.
"This way."
They ran down the western fork. This part of Pazzio was old. Buildings were constantly being rebuilt, and the road wound through them like a snake. But Lawrence had visited Pazzio many times. Furtively checking their position against the main road as they went, the pair came closer and closer to the Milone Company.
But their opponents were no fools.
"Stop. There's a guard."

Output:
"Tch. We're so close."
"Heh-heh. I've not hunted in many years, but this is my first time being hunted."
"This is no time for jokes. Oh, well, we'll have to take the long way around."
Lawrence backtracked to the original road, turning right along it. He decided that they'd take an alley after the next block and circle around to the Milone Company.
But he was stopped after he made his first right turn.
Holo grabbed his shirt and pushed him against the wall.
"Did you find them? They should be close by! Find them!"
The current of fear that ran through him was worse than when he'd been chased by wolves in the forest. Two men came dashing violently out of a nearby alley. If Holo hadn't stopped, she and Lawrence might have run right into them.
"Damn. There are too many of them. And they know the area."
"Mmm...'tis a bad situation," said Holo. Her hood was down, exposing her wolf ears as she scanned left and right.
"Shall we split up?"
"Not a bad idea, but I've a better one."
"Which is?"
Footsteps could be heard nearby. Undoubtedly every main road now had a guard on it. They'd be cornered as soon as they tried to use one.
"I'll head down the main road and draw them off. Then you can take the chance to—"
"Wait. You can't—"
"Now you listen. If we split up, you're the one that will be caught. On my own, I won't be caught, but you will. And when that happens, who is going to go to the company? Shall I show them my ears and tail and beg for your rescue? Well?"
Lawrence had no retort. He had already informed the Milone Company about the depreciating trenni silver. They might even abandon him and Holo both. Should that happen, his only recourse would be to play himself as a trump card and threaten to invest in their opponent.
And only he could conduct those negotiations.
"Either way it's no good. If the Milone Company sees your ears and tail, they may turn you over to the Church. And I needn't mention the Medio Company."
"So all I need do is avoid capture? And should I be caught, I'll just hide my ears and tail for a day while you come to rescue me."
Perhaps because of her bravado, Lawrence wanted to stop her from doing this that much more. She smiled up at him.
"I'm Holo the Wisewolf. Even if my ears and tail are discovered, I'll pretend to be a mad wolf, and none will want to come near me." She grinned, showing her fangs.
Yet all Lawrence could think of was embracing the sobbing girl who spoke of loneliness, with her impossibly slight form. He couldn't imagine turning her over to these hired thugs.
Still smiling, Holo continued. "Your dream is to own a shop, is it not? And just a moment ago I said I was in your debt. Are you trying to make a dishonorable wolf of me?"
"Don't be foolish! If you're caught, you'll be killed! What honor is there in that? I'll wind up owing you a debt I can never repay!" raged Lawrence, his voice low.
Holo smiled thinly and shook her head. She poked him lightly in the chest with her slender forefinger. "Loneliness is a deadly illness. We are even."
Lawrence had no words at the sight of her calm, grateful smile.
Holo took advantage of the silence and continued. "Besides, you're a quick thinker and clever—I promise. I trust you. I know you'll come for me."
She quickly embraced the silent Lawrence and then slipped free of his grasp, dashing away.
"There they are! On Loinne Road!"
As soon as Holo ran out of the alley, the shouts could be heard, and the pursuers' footsteps grew distant.
Lawrence clamped his eyes shut for a moment, then forced them open and ran. If he missed this chance, he might never see Holo again. He quickly ran down the dark alley—stumbling a few times, but always moving forward. He crossed the wide road and entered another alley, heading west. The commotion continued, but his opponent could not afford to make noise for long lest they alert the town guard.


Instruction: Given first part of the popular LightNovel spice and wolf as input, continue the story the best you can.

Input:
"Tch. We're so close."
"Heh-heh. I've not hunted in many years, but this is my first time being hunted."
"This is no time for jokes. Oh, well, we'll have to take the long way around."
Lawrence backtracked to the original road, turning right along it. He decided that they'd take an alley after the next block and circle around to the Milone Company.
But he was stopped after he made his first right turn.
Holo grabbed his shirt and pushed him against the wall.
"Did you find them? They should be close by! Find them!"
The current of fear that ran through him was worse than when he'd been chased by wolves in the forest. Two men came dashing violently out of a nearby alley. If Holo hadn't stopped, she and Lawrence might have run right into them.
"Damn. There are too many of them. And they know the area."
"Mmm...'tis a bad situation," said Holo. Her hood was down, exposing her wolf ears as she scanned left and right.
"Shall we split up?"
"Not a bad idea, but I've a better one."
"Which is?"
Footsteps could be heard nearby. Undoubtedly every main road now had a guard on it. They'd be cornered as soon as they tried to use one.
"I'll head down the main road and draw them off. Then you can take the chance to—"
"Wait. You can't—"
"Now you listen. If we split up, you're the one that will be caught. On my own, I won't be caught, but you will. And when that happens, who is going to go to the company? Shall I show them my ears and tail and beg for your rescue? Well?"
Lawrence had no retort. He had already informed the Milone Company about the depreciating trenni silver. They might even abandon him and Holo both. Should that happen, his only recourse would be to play himself as a trump card and threaten to invest in their opponent.
And only he could conduct those negotiations.
"Either way it's no good. If the Milone Company sees your ears and tail, they may turn you over to the Church. And I needn't mention the Medio Company."
"So all I need do is avoid capture? And should I be caught, I'll just hide my ears and tail for a day while you come to rescue me."
Perhaps because of her bravado, Lawrence wanted to stop her from doing this that much more. She smiled up at him.
"I'm Holo the Wisewolf. Even if my ears and tail are discovered, I'll pretend to be a mad wolf, and none will want to come near me." She grinned, showing her fangs.
Yet all Lawrence could think of was embracing the sobbing girl who spoke of loneliness, with her impossibly slight form. He couldn't imagine turning her over to these hired thugs.
Still smiling, Holo continued. "Your dream is to own a shop, is it not? And just a moment ago I said I was in your debt. Are you trying to make a dishonorable wolf of me?"
"Don't be foolish! If you're caught, you'll be killed! What honor is there in that? I'll wind up owing you a debt I can never repay!" raged Lawrence, his voice low.
Holo smiled thinly and shook her head. She poked him lightly in the chest with her slender forefinger. "Loneliness is a deadly illness. We are even."
Lawrence had no words at the sight of her calm, grateful smile.
Holo took advantage of the silence and continued. "Besides, you're a quick thinker and clever—I promise. I trust you. I know you'll come for me."
She quickly embraced the silent Lawrence and then slipped free of his grasp, dashing away.
"There they are! On Loinne Road!"
As soon as Holo ran out of the alley, the shouts could be heard, and the pursuers' footsteps grew distant.
Lawrence clamped his eyes shut for a moment, then forced them open and ran. If he missed this chance, he might never see Holo again. He quickly ran down the dark alley—stumbling a few times, but always moving forward. He crossed the wide road and entered another alley, heading west. The commotion continued, but his opponent could not afford to make noise for long lest they alert the town guard.

Output:
"Just one? There should be two!"
Lawrence heard the voice come from behind him. Had Holo been captured? Did she escape? If she'd escaped, that was fine. No—he hoped desperately that it was so.
He jumped onto the moonlit boulevard and turned immediately left. Soon he heard voices behind him. "There he is!"
Ignoring them, he sprinted with all his strength, hurling himself against the gates of the Milone Company's loading area.
"I'm Lawrence—I came earlier today! Help! I'm being pursued!"
Wakened into action by the commotion, the men on duty opened the iron gate.
Immediately after Lawrence disappeared behind it, a group of men carrying wooden staves rushed up to the gate.
"Wait, you! Give that man to us!" said one of them, hitting the gate with his stave. The men began trying to use force to pull the gate open.
But those who held the gate closed on the opposite side were used to long days of loading and unloading. The gate would not open so easily.
A bearded man on the far side of middle age emerged from within the company building. "Scum!" he roared. "Whose house do you think this is? It is the Milone Company's Pazzio branch, owned by the honorable Marquis Milone, recognized by His Grace, the thirty-third Archduke of Raondille! Anyone within these walls is a guest of the Marquis! Know that when you strike these gates, you strike His Grace's throne!"
Cowed by the man's grand speech, the attackers faltered. Just then, the whistle of the city guard sounded.
The men seemed to realize this was their chance to escape. They soon scattered.
Within the gates, everything was still for a while. At length, the sounds of footfalls and guard whistles faded, and the man who'd delivered the impressive speech finally spoke up again.
"That's quite a commotion so late at night. What's going on here?"
"My humblest apologies, sir. I offer my deepest gratitude for your sanctuary."
"Save your thanks for the Grand Marquis of Milone. What did they want?"
"I expect they were from the Medio Company. Undoubtedly they are displeased with the deal I've struck with your company."
"Oh ho. You're a merchant who'll take risks. I haven't seen many of your kind lately."
Lawrence wiped the sweat from his forehead and smiled. "It's my partner that's the reckless one."
"Must be rough."
"I don't want to think about it, but that same partner may have been captured. Would it be possible for me to speak with the branch manager, Sir Marheit?"
"We're a foreign company. Raids and arson are a fact of life for us. He's already been contacted," said the man with a hearty laugh.
It drove home to Lawrence how formidable the man who ran this operation must be.
Perhaps they really would be able to guarantee his safety.
Uncertainty swirled in his mind, but Lawrence soon composed himself. He would get them to guarantee not only his safety, but his profit, too.
His pride as a merchant and his debt to Holo, who'd taken such a risk for him, demanded no less.
Lawrence took a deep breath.
"Anyway, come inside, will you? Even wine gets better with time," said the man. Lawrence, thinking about Holo as he was, found it hard to calm himself.
Still, the old man was used to situations like this, and seeing Lawrence's agitated state, he offered some consolation. "In any case, if your partner's all right, he'll come here, eh? As long as you give us his name and description, we'll shelter him even if the Church itself comes after him!"
It was an exaggeration, but it put Lawrence at ease.
"My thanks. Surely...no, without question she'll come. Her name is Holo. She's a small girl, and wears a hood over her head."
"A girl, eh? Is she a beauty?"
Lawrence understood that the man was asking in order to ease his fears, so he smiled and answered. "Of ten people, all of them would turn to look at her."
"Ha-ha-ha! That's something to look forward to, then," laughed the big man heartily, and he led Lawrence into the company building.
"Eight or nine out of ten of them will be Medio men."


Instruction: Given first part of the popular LightNovel spice and wolf as input, continue the story the best you can.

Input:
"Just one? There should be two!"
Lawrence heard the voice come from behind him. Had Holo been captured? Did she escape? If she'd escaped, that was fine. No—he hoped desperately that it was so.
He jumped onto the moonlit boulevard and turned immediately left. Soon he heard voices behind him. "There he is!"
Ignoring them, he sprinted with all his strength, hurling himself against the gates of the Milone Company's loading area.
"I'm Lawrence—I came earlier today! Help! I'm being pursued!"
Wakened into action by the commotion, the men on duty opened the iron gate.
Immediately after Lawrence disappeared behind it, a group of men carrying wooden staves rushed up to the gate.
"Wait, you! Give that man to us!" said one of them, hitting the gate with his stave. The men began trying to use force to pull the gate open.
But those who held the gate closed on the opposite side were used to long days of loading and unloading. The gate would not open so easily.
A bearded man on the far side of middle age emerged from within the company building. "Scum!" he roared. "Whose house do you think this is? It is the Milone Company's Pazzio branch, owned by the honorable Marquis Milone, recognized by His Grace, the thirty-third Archduke of Raondille! Anyone within these walls is a guest of the Marquis! Know that when you strike these gates, you strike His Grace's throne!"
Cowed by the man's grand speech, the attackers faltered. Just then, the whistle of the city guard sounded.
The men seemed to realize this was their chance to escape. They soon scattered.
Within the gates, everything was still for a while. At length, the sounds of footfalls and guard whistles faded, and the man who'd delivered the impressive speech finally spoke up again.
"That's quite a commotion so late at night. What's going on here?"
"My humblest apologies, sir. I offer my deepest gratitude for your sanctuary."
"Save your thanks for the Grand Marquis of Milone. What did they want?"
"I expect they were from the Medio Company. Undoubtedly they are displeased with the deal I've struck with your company."
"Oh ho. You're a merchant who'll take risks. I haven't seen many of your kind lately."
Lawrence wiped the sweat from his forehead and smiled. "It's my partner that's the reckless one."
"Must be rough."
"I don't want to think about it, but that same partner may have been captured. Would it be possible for me to speak with the branch manager, Sir Marheit?"
"We're a foreign company. Raids and arson are a fact of life for us. He's already been contacted," said the man with a hearty laugh.
It drove home to Lawrence how formidable the man who ran this operation must be.
Perhaps they really would be able to guarantee his safety.
Uncertainty swirled in his mind, but Lawrence soon composed himself. He would get them to guarantee not only his safety, but his profit, too.
His pride as a merchant and his debt to Holo, who'd taken such a risk for him, demanded no less.
Lawrence took a deep breath.
"Anyway, come inside, will you? Even wine gets better with time," said the man. Lawrence, thinking about Holo as he was, found it hard to calm himself.
Still, the old man was used to situations like this, and seeing Lawrence's agitated state, he offered some consolation. "In any case, if your partner's all right, he'll come here, eh? As long as you give us his name and description, we'll shelter him even if the Church itself comes after him!"
It was an exaggeration, but it put Lawrence at ease.
"My thanks. Surely...no, without question she'll come. Her name is Holo. She's a small girl, and wears a hood over her head."
"A girl, eh? Is she a beauty?"
Lawrence understood that the man was asking in order to ease his fears, so he smiled and answered. "Of ten people, all of them would turn to look at her."
"Ha-ha-ha! That's something to look forward to, then," laughed the big man heartily, and he led Lawrence into the company building.
"Eight or nine out of ten of them will be Medio men."

Output:
"I agree. They have discovered that I came to you for assistance with my plan for the silver coin and are trying to stop us."
Lawrence didn't want his agitation to be obvious, but he couldn't help worrying about Holo as he talked. Holo being who she was, he thought there was a chance she'd escaped, but it was best to assume the worst. In any case, he needed guarantees of both his and Holo's safety as fast as he could get them.
And for that, he needed the Milone Company.
"I believe my companion may have been captured. If so, it seems obvious to me that negotiations will be impossible. Will the Milone lend its aid?" asked Lawrence, only avoiding leaning over the table with effort. Marheit seemed deep in thought and did not face Lawrence.
Finally he looked up, slowly.
"You say your companion may have been captured?"
"Yes."
"I see. After the commotion here, I sent some of my men to follow them. They reported seeing a girl taken, apparently against her will."
Despite more than half-expecting Marheit's words, Lawrence felt them grab hold of his heart and shake him desperately.
He swallowed his shock and managed to get some words out. "That is probably my companion, Holo. She acted as a decoy so I could make it here."
"I see. But what would make them want to capture your partner?"
Lawrence had to almost physically restrain himself from shouting. He couldn't afford to lose his temper in the presence of a man like Marheit. "I expect it's because we joined with your company in trying to thwart their plans."
Marheit's countenance remained impassive in spite of Lawrence's heated response. He stared down at the table and appeared deep in thought. Lawrence, distressed, couldn't help bouncing his leg impatiently. He was about to jump up from the chair and begin shouting when Marheit spoke again.
"It's a bit strange, though, don't you think?"
"What's strange?!" demanded Lawrence, finally jumping out of his chair, causing Marheit to blink rapidly for a moment before regaining his composure.
Marheit reached his hand out to his distressed visitor. "Please calm yourself. Something is strange about all this."
"What's strange about it? Just as your company was able to easily check up on Zheren, it was simple for the Medio Company to see if anybody was interfering with their plan!"
"...True, given that their headquarters are here..."
"So what is strange?"
"Indeed, I understand now. This truly is strange," said Marheit. Lawrence had no choice but to hear him out. "I was thinking, how did they come to realize that you were conspiring with our company?"
"Surely because I came here frequently. Also, if they noticed that you'd started collecting trenni silver, all they'd have to do is put two and two together."
"That is the strange part. You're a traveling merchant, after all—visiting us several times to negotiate is entirely natural."
"But if they linked that to your company's interest in trenni silver and the fact that I'm the one Zheren contacted..."
"No, it's still strange."
"Why?"
Lawrence did not understand. Impatience colored his voice.
"Naturally, the point at which we started gathering trenni silver was after we finished negotiating with you. Consider this, Mr. Lawrence: 'I cannot say how it will happen, but if you collect trenni silver your profit is guaranteed.' We certainly wouldn't do anything based on that alone, would we?"
"T-true..."
"The fact that we are indeed collecting trenni silver means we understand the entirety of this opportunity. Undoubtedly the Medio Company also knows this. There's simply no reason to take you as hostages."
"Surely you don't mean—"
Marheit nodded, his face expressing sad regret. "I do. We already have all the information we need to turn a profit. What happens to you now is not our concern."
Feeling dizzy, Lawrence listed to one side. It was true. Lawrence was a single traveling merchant; no one was looking out for him.


Instruction: Given first part of the popular LightNovel spice and wolf as input, continue the story the best you can.

Input:
"I agree. They have discovered that I came to you for assistance with my plan for the silver coin and are trying to stop us."
Lawrence didn't want his agitation to be obvious, but he couldn't help worrying about Holo as he talked. Holo being who she was, he thought there was a chance she'd escaped, but it was best to assume the worst. In any case, he needed guarantees of both his and Holo's safety as fast as he could get them.
And for that, he needed the Milone Company.
"I believe my companion may have been captured. If so, it seems obvious to me that negotiations will be impossible. Will the Milone lend its aid?" asked Lawrence, only avoiding leaning over the table with effort. Marheit seemed deep in thought and did not face Lawrence.
Finally he looked up, slowly.
"You say your companion may have been captured?"
"Yes."
"I see. After the commotion here, I sent some of my men to follow them. They reported seeing a girl taken, apparently against her will."
Despite more than half-expecting Marheit's words, Lawrence felt them grab hold of his heart and shake him desperately.
He swallowed his shock and managed to get some words out. "That is probably my companion, Holo. She acted as a decoy so I could make it here."
"I see. But what would make them want to capture your partner?"
Lawrence had to almost physically restrain himself from shouting. He couldn't afford to lose his temper in the presence of a man like Marheit. "I expect it's because we joined with your company in trying to thwart their plans."
Marheit's countenance remained impassive in spite of Lawrence's heated response. He stared down at the table and appeared deep in thought. Lawrence, distressed, couldn't help bouncing his leg impatiently. He was about to jump up from the chair and begin shouting when Marheit spoke again.
"It's a bit strange, though, don't you think?"
"What's strange?!" demanded Lawrence, finally jumping out of his chair, causing Marheit to blink rapidly for a moment before regaining his composure.
Marheit reached his hand out to his distressed visitor. "Please calm yourself. Something is strange about all this."
"What's strange about it? Just as your company was able to easily check up on Zheren, it was simple for the Medio Company to see if anybody was interfering with their plan!"
"...True, given that their headquarters are here..."
"So what is strange?"
"Indeed, I understand now. This truly is strange," said Marheit. Lawrence had no choice but to hear him out. "I was thinking, how did they come to realize that you were conspiring with our company?"
"Surely because I came here frequently. Also, if they noticed that you'd started collecting trenni silver, all they'd have to do is put two and two together."
"That is the strange part. You're a traveling merchant, after all—visiting us several times to negotiate is entirely natural."
"But if they linked that to your company's interest in trenni silver and the fact that I'm the one Zheren contacted..."
"No, it's still strange."
"Why?"
Lawrence did not understand. Impatience colored his voice.
"Naturally, the point at which we started gathering trenni silver was after we finished negotiating with you. Consider this, Mr. Lawrence: 'I cannot say how it will happen, but if you collect trenni silver your profit is guaranteed.' We certainly wouldn't do anything based on that alone, would we?"
"T-true..."
"The fact that we are indeed collecting trenni silver means we understand the entirety of this opportunity. Undoubtedly the Medio Company also knows this. There's simply no reason to take you as hostages."
"Surely you don't mean—"
Marheit nodded, his face expressing sad regret. "I do. We already have all the information we need to turn a profit. What happens to you now is not our concern."
Feeling dizzy, Lawrence listed to one side. It was true. Lawrence was a single traveling merchant; no one was looking out for him.

Output:
Lawrence didn't hear what Marheit said after that. In some small corner of his mind, he wondered if this was what it felt like to meet with bankruptcy. His arms, legs—indeed, his entire body—felt frozen. He wasn't even sure if he was still breathing.
He was now, as of this moment, abandoned by the Milone Company.
Which meant Holo had also been abandoned; Holo, who'd given herself up to let him escape believing that Lawrence would be able to negotiate her rescue with the Milone Company.
Lawrence recalled the expression on her face when she spoke of returning to the north country.
When hostages had outlived their usefulness, their subsequent prospects were clear. Men were sold to slave ships and women to brothels. Although Holo had her wolf ears and tail, there were rich eccentrics who collected such "demon-possessed" girls. Undoubtedly the Medio Company knew one or two such collectors.
Lawrence thought of Holo being sold—he thought of how a wealthy, demon-obsessed collector would treat such a girl.
No. He would not allow it.
Lawrence straightened himself in the chair and immediately began thinking. He had to save her.
"Please wait," he said after several moments. "If your company has come to this conclusion, surely the other side has done so as well."
The Medio Company wasn't run by fools. They had gone after Lawrence and his companion and had dispatched many men to do it, even risking confrontation with the town guard.
"Yes. That is what struck me as so strange. I hadn't finished speaking, you see—if the need arises, I will bear the grudge that you would harbor toward the company."
Lawrence now remembered that Marheit had ended his statement with a "still" and hung his head in red-faced shame.
"I can see that your companion is very precious to you. But letting your emotions dull your thinking is misplacing your priorities."
"My apologies."
"Not at all—if my wife were in danger, I, too, would likely find it impossible to calm myself," Marheit said, smiling.
Lawrence saw this and bowed his head again, though his heart thudded at the word "wife." He realized that if Holo were a mere traveling companion, he would not be so upset, and Holo herself would not have sacrificed herself to help him escape.
"Back to the problem at hand, then. Our opponent is a canny company that will not easily be thwarted. You and your partner have no theoretical value to them, yet they've targeted you—there must be a reason. Do you have any idea what it might be?"
Lawrence did not have any such idea.
When he thought the situation through, though, he realized that there must be some special reason for them to be captured.
He mulled it over.
There was only one possibility.
"No, that can't be..."
"Have you thought of something?"
Lawrence had immediately dismissed the possibility when it first occurred to him. It simply couldn't be—yet it was the only thing he could think of.
"The profit before us is almost unimaginable. We need only realize it. If you've thought of something, no matter how trivial, please tell me."
Marheit's request was entirely reasonable, but Lawrence's realization was not something to be shared lightly.
Lawrence thought about Holo, who was undeniably not human. Most people would call her a demon. Such "demons" were either hidden away at home or given over to the Church. Neither was any way to live. Once the Church cast its eye on such a person, he or she would certainly be executed.
Holo was indistinguishable from such a possessed individual. The Medio Company could use her to blackmail the Milone Company.
If the Milone Company did not want it revealed to the Church that they'd had dealings with someone possessed by a demon, they would have to withdraw.
If it came to an Inquisition, the Medio Company could righteously accuse the Milone Company and Lawrence of having entered into an evil contract with a demonic entity. It went without saying that Holo would be burned at the stake.
Yet Lawrence still found himself skeptical.


Instruction: Given first part of the popular LightNovel spice and wolf as input, continue the story the best you can.

Input:
Lawrence didn't hear what Marheit said after that. In some small corner of his mind, he wondered if this was what it felt like to meet with bankruptcy. His arms, legs—indeed, his entire body—felt frozen. He wasn't even sure if he was still breathing.
He was now, as of this moment, abandoned by the Milone Company.
Which meant Holo had also been abandoned; Holo, who'd given herself up to let him escape believing that Lawrence would be able to negotiate her rescue with the Milone Company.
Lawrence recalled the expression on her face when she spoke of returning to the north country.
When hostages had outlived their usefulness, their subsequent prospects were clear. Men were sold to slave ships and women to brothels. Although Holo had her wolf ears and tail, there were rich eccentrics who collected such "demon-possessed" girls. Undoubtedly the Medio Company knew one or two such collectors.
Lawrence thought of Holo being sold—he thought of how a wealthy, demon-obsessed collector would treat such a girl.
No. He would not allow it.
Lawrence straightened himself in the chair and immediately began thinking. He had to save her.
"Please wait," he said after several moments. "If your company has come to this conclusion, surely the other side has done so as well."
The Medio Company wasn't run by fools. They had gone after Lawrence and his companion and had dispatched many men to do it, even risking confrontation with the town guard.
"Yes. That is what struck me as so strange. I hadn't finished speaking, you see—if the need arises, I will bear the grudge that you would harbor toward the company."
Lawrence now remembered that Marheit had ended his statement with a "still" and hung his head in red-faced shame.
"I can see that your companion is very precious to you. But letting your emotions dull your thinking is misplacing your priorities."
"My apologies."
"Not at all—if my wife were in danger, I, too, would likely find it impossible to calm myself," Marheit said, smiling.
Lawrence saw this and bowed his head again, though his heart thudded at the word "wife." He realized that if Holo were a mere traveling companion, he would not be so upset, and Holo herself would not have sacrificed herself to help him escape.
"Back to the problem at hand, then. Our opponent is a canny company that will not easily be thwarted. You and your partner have no theoretical value to them, yet they've targeted you—there must be a reason. Do you have any idea what it might be?"
Lawrence did not have any such idea.
When he thought the situation through, though, he realized that there must be some special reason for them to be captured.
He mulled it over.
There was only one possibility.
"No, that can't be..."
"Have you thought of something?"
Lawrence had immediately dismissed the possibility when it first occurred to him. It simply couldn't be—yet it was the only thing he could think of.
"The profit before us is almost unimaginable. We need only realize it. If you've thought of something, no matter how trivial, please tell me."
Marheit's request was entirely reasonable, but Lawrence's realization was not something to be shared lightly.
Lawrence thought about Holo, who was undeniably not human. Most people would call her a demon. Such "demons" were either hidden away at home or given over to the Church. Neither was any way to live. Once the Church cast its eye on such a person, he or she would certainly be executed.
Holo was indistinguishable from such a possessed individual. The Medio Company could use her to blackmail the Milone Company.
If the Milone Company did not want it revealed to the Church that they'd had dealings with someone possessed by a demon, they would have to withdraw.
If it came to an Inquisition, the Medio Company could righteously accuse the Milone Company and Lawrence of having entered into an evil contract with a demonic entity. It went without saying that Holo would be burned at the stake.
Yet Lawrence still found himself skeptical.

Output:
Given Holo's normal appearance, it wasn't something easily discernible. He believed that no one except himself knew the truth of her identity.
"Mr. Lawrence," said Marheit, putting an end to Lawrence's musings. "Have you thought of something?"
Lawrence couldn't help nodding at Marheit's patient question, which meant he would now have to divulge the truth. But if the real reason for their pursuit was something else, he would have exposed Holo's secret for naught.
In the worse case, the Milone Company could turn the tables on the Medio Company by accusing them of using a demon girl to blackmail them.
If that happened, there would be no hope for Holo.
Marheit gazed seriously across the table.
Lawrence saw no avenue of escape.
But they were interrupted.
"Excuse me," said a Milone Company representative, entering the room.
"What is it?"
"We just received a letter. It regards our current situation."
The employee held out a neatly sealed envelope. Marheit took it and flipped it over. The sender's name was missing, but it did have a destination.
"'To the wolf...and the forest in which it resides?'"
In that instant, Lawrence realized he'd been right.
"I'm sorry, but might I look at that letter first?"
Marheit looked at Lawrence dubiously but at length nodded and handed the envelope over.
Lawrence thanked him and, taking a deep breath, broke the seal.
There was a letter inside and a bit of what might have been Holo's brown fur.
The letter was brief.
"We have the wolf. The Church's doors are always open. If you don't want the wolf in your home, shut your doors and keep your family inside."
There was no longer any room for doubt.
Lawrence returned the letter to Marheit. "My companion, Holo, is the wolf-god of the harvest," he said in a wrung-out voice.
Marheit's eyes opened as wide as they ever got.
***
Marheit was everything one would expect from a trader who'd opened a branch in a foreign land.
Though initially shocked by Lawrence's revelation, he soon calmed himself and began to think the situation through. He uttered not so much as a single word of blame for Holo, who'd been captured, or Lawrence, who'd made his escape. He was entirely focused on protecting the interests of the Milone Company and extracting any available profit from the situation.
"There's no doubting the threat implied by this letter. They wish you, Mr. Lawrence, to know that if you don't want your partner given up to the Church you must stay inside and not interfere."
"They must want us to keep out of their way until their plan for the trenni silver is concluded, but that doesn't mean they won't still turn Holo in when they're through."
"Quite right. Furthermore, we've already invested quite heavily in the coin. Pulling out now means our losses would be huge because the trenni is guaranteed to depreciate."
In such a situation, there was essentially no choice at all.
They could sit and await ruin, or they could strike.
The former was hardly an option.
"I suppose this means we have no choice but to strike first," said Lawrence.
Marheit took a deep breath and nodded. "However, merely rescuing your companion won't be enough. Even if we hide her here, once the Church gets involved, we'll have no choice but to roll over and let them have their way. She can't hide as long as she's in this city."
"What if we flee the city entirely?"
"It's a great plain as far as the eye can see, and even if you reached another city, there's a chance you could be extradited. Then there'd be no hope for you at all."
They were cornered. Even meek compliance with the Medio Company's demands would probably still result in Holo being delivered to the Church. There was no reason for them to avoid ruining a foreign company—in fact, the fewer competitors they had, the better.
Yet striking first carried with it a host of difficulties. No—"difficult" was the wrong word. Every possibility available to them was the height of recklessness.


Instruction: Given first part of the popular LightNovel spice and wolf as input, continue the story the best you can.

Input:
Given Holo's normal appearance, it wasn't something easily discernible. He believed that no one except himself knew the truth of her identity.
"Mr. Lawrence," said Marheit, putting an end to Lawrence's musings. "Have you thought of something?"
Lawrence couldn't help nodding at Marheit's patient question, which meant he would now have to divulge the truth. But if the real reason for their pursuit was something else, he would have exposed Holo's secret for naught.
In the worse case, the Milone Company could turn the tables on the Medio Company by accusing them of using a demon girl to blackmail them.
If that happened, there would be no hope for Holo.
Marheit gazed seriously across the table.
Lawrence saw no avenue of escape.
But they were interrupted.
"Excuse me," said a Milone Company representative, entering the room.
"What is it?"
"We just received a letter. It regards our current situation."
The employee held out a neatly sealed envelope. Marheit took it and flipped it over. The sender's name was missing, but it did have a destination.
"'To the wolf...and the forest in which it resides?'"
In that instant, Lawrence realized he'd been right.
"I'm sorry, but might I look at that letter first?"
Marheit looked at Lawrence dubiously but at length nodded and handed the envelope over.
Lawrence thanked him and, taking a deep breath, broke the seal.
There was a letter inside and a bit of what might have been Holo's brown fur.
The letter was brief.
"We have the wolf. The Church's doors are always open. If you don't want the wolf in your home, shut your doors and keep your family inside."
There was no longer any room for doubt.
Lawrence returned the letter to Marheit. "My companion, Holo, is the wolf-god of the harvest," he said in a wrung-out voice.
Marheit's eyes opened as wide as they ever got.
***
Marheit was everything one would expect from a trader who'd opened a branch in a foreign land.
Though initially shocked by Lawrence's revelation, he soon calmed himself and began to think the situation through. He uttered not so much as a single word of blame for Holo, who'd been captured, or Lawrence, who'd made his escape. He was entirely focused on protecting the interests of the Milone Company and extracting any available profit from the situation.
"There's no doubting the threat implied by this letter. They wish you, Mr. Lawrence, to know that if you don't want your partner given up to the Church you must stay inside and not interfere."
"They must want us to keep out of their way until their plan for the trenni silver is concluded, but that doesn't mean they won't still turn Holo in when they're through."
"Quite right. Furthermore, we've already invested quite heavily in the coin. Pulling out now means our losses would be huge because the trenni is guaranteed to depreciate."
In such a situation, there was essentially no choice at all.
They could sit and await ruin, or they could strike.
The former was hardly an option.
"I suppose this means we have no choice but to strike first," said Lawrence.
Marheit took a deep breath and nodded. "However, merely rescuing your companion won't be enough. Even if we hide her here, once the Church gets involved, we'll have no choice but to roll over and let them have their way. She can't hide as long as she's in this city."
"What if we flee the city entirely?"
"It's a great plain as far as the eye can see, and even if you reached another city, there's a chance you could be extradited. Then there'd be no hope for you at all."
They were cornered. Even meek compliance with the Medio Company's demands would probably still result in Holo being delivered to the Church. There was no reason for them to avoid ruining a foreign company—in fact, the fewer competitors they had, the better.
Yet striking first carried with it a host of difficulties. No—"difficult" was the wrong word. Every possibility available to them was the height of recklessness.

Output:
Lawrence felt as if he were sitting on a carpet of needles as he listened to Marheit speak, but he bowed his head and listened—he would do whatever it took to bring about a favorable result. Merchants lacked the pride of knights or nobility. They were prepared to lick a stranger's boots if it meant coming out ahead.
So Lawrence did not hear sarcasm or scorn in Marheit's words, simply analysis. He had clearly summarized the situation they now faced.
"You're saying we need some kind of card we can play against them."
"You could put it that way. But even if we invest more capital, it's meager compared with what they stand to gain from trenni silver. So the problem can't be solved with money. We could report their abduction of your companion to the Church, but that would cause problems for you, and you might even deliver an unfavorable testimony about our company."
"That...is quite possible."
There was no point in lying, so Lawrence told the truth. He simply couldn't cut Holo loose, but if he did, unquestionably that would solve the problem.
Marheit was undoubtedly aware of that fact. If it came down to it, he would certainly try to persuade Lawrence to take that option, though unsuccessfully. Lawrence knew he would choose death with Holo first.
Though naturally he hoped he wouldn't have to.
This left him no alternative but to come up with some kind of plan to alter this indefensible position.
"All I can think of," Lawrence interjected, "is to finish negotiating the trenni silver deal and use the resulting profit as a trump card."
Marheit's eyes went wide at Lawrence's proposal. He didn't want to lose the Milone Company's profit—that almost-magical return made possible by exploiting a depreciating currency—any more than Lawrence wanted to lose Holo.
Such opportunities came around only once in a great while.
That was what made Lawrence's proposed trump card so potent. If it came down to it, the Medio Company would happily turn Holo over rather than lose the profit.
Still—or perhaps because of that—Marheit covered his eyes in worry. Losing that opportunity would be like losing a child.
This magical trading partner could bring them staggering gains.
That partner was none other than the King of the Kingdom of Trenni.
"The greatest gain that can be extracted from trenni silver is securing special privileges from the king. According to our research, the finances of the royal family are in decline. In other words, if this deal succeeds, we'll have substantial favor with the royal family. Abandoning that..."
"Abandoning it for my companion makes no sense at all," said Lawrence.
"Are you suggesting that they purchase it from us?"
Lawrence nodded. He had heard of deals on this scale before but had never been involved with one. He had no assurances that it could actually be done, but his long experience as a merchant suggested that it could.
"If it comes down to a choice between destroying the Milone Company or obtaining special privileges from the king, perhaps we could simply have them pay the equivalent value."
Lawrence was speaking off the top of his head, but it seemed plausible.
The idea that you could make money from a depreciating currency by collecting as much of it as possible was predicated on the presupposition that the same Kingdom of Trenni that minted the coins would be willing to buy up the currency.
They would do so because after recalling the currency, they could melt it down. They would then mint more coins with a lower silver content, resulting in more physical currency. If ten coins became thirteen coins, that meant a gain of three coins.


Instruction: Given first part of the popular LightNovel spice and wolf as input, continue the story the best you can.

Input:
Lawrence felt as if he were sitting on a carpet of needles as he listened to Marheit speak, but he bowed his head and listened—he would do whatever it took to bring about a favorable result. Merchants lacked the pride of knights or nobility. They were prepared to lick a stranger's boots if it meant coming out ahead.
So Lawrence did not hear sarcasm or scorn in Marheit's words, simply analysis. He had clearly summarized the situation they now faced.
"You're saying we need some kind of card we can play against them."
"You could put it that way. But even if we invest more capital, it's meager compared with what they stand to gain from trenni silver. So the problem can't be solved with money. We could report their abduction of your companion to the Church, but that would cause problems for you, and you might even deliver an unfavorable testimony about our company."
"That...is quite possible."
There was no point in lying, so Lawrence told the truth. He simply couldn't cut Holo loose, but if he did, unquestionably that would solve the problem.
Marheit was undoubtedly aware of that fact. If it came down to it, he would certainly try to persuade Lawrence to take that option, though unsuccessfully. Lawrence knew he would choose death with Holo first.
Though naturally he hoped he wouldn't have to.
This left him no alternative but to come up with some kind of plan to alter this indefensible position.
"All I can think of," Lawrence interjected, "is to finish negotiating the trenni silver deal and use the resulting profit as a trump card."
Marheit's eyes went wide at Lawrence's proposal. He didn't want to lose the Milone Company's profit—that almost-magical return made possible by exploiting a depreciating currency—any more than Lawrence wanted to lose Holo.
Such opportunities came around only once in a great while.
That was what made Lawrence's proposed trump card so potent. If it came down to it, the Medio Company would happily turn Holo over rather than lose the profit.
Still—or perhaps because of that—Marheit covered his eyes in worry. Losing that opportunity would be like losing a child.
This magical trading partner could bring them staggering gains.
That partner was none other than the King of the Kingdom of Trenni.
"The greatest gain that can be extracted from trenni silver is securing special privileges from the king. According to our research, the finances of the royal family are in decline. In other words, if this deal succeeds, we'll have substantial favor with the royal family. Abandoning that..."
"Abandoning it for my companion makes no sense at all," said Lawrence.
"Are you suggesting that they purchase it from us?"
Lawrence nodded. He had heard of deals on this scale before but had never been involved with one. He had no assurances that it could actually be done, but his long experience as a merchant suggested that it could.
"If it comes down to a choice between destroying the Milone Company or obtaining special privileges from the king, perhaps we could simply have them pay the equivalent value."
Lawrence was speaking off the top of his head, but it seemed plausible.
The idea that you could make money from a depreciating currency by collecting as much of it as possible was predicated on the presupposition that the same Kingdom of Trenni that minted the coins would be willing to buy up the currency.
They would do so because after recalling the currency, they could melt it down. They would then mint more coins with a lower silver content, resulting in more physical currency. If ten coins became thirteen coins, that meant a gain of three coins.

Output:
The Medio Company was trying to assemble a large amount of trenni silver to exploit this opportunity. Depending on the circumstances, they might attempt to collect all of the trenni silver circulating in the marketplace.
Then they would go to the king, and say something like "If you will agree to the price we set and give us certain considerations, we will sell you the currency."
With a few exceptions, a king was a king only because his fortune or lands were greater than those of other nobility—and because he had garnered the support of the population who did not question his legitimacy. But simply being the monarch did not guarantee perfect control over the lands of the kingdom. The royal family could not simply control assets administered by other nobility.
Thus, the assets of royalty were not appreciably more significant than those of the various nobles. What made them special were the assorted duties that fell under royal prerogative: authority over mines, mints, tariffs, market administration, and so on. While such authority didn't bring with it automatic gains, if one knew how to manipulate the authority, it was like shaking money out of a tree.
In all likelihood, the Medio Company wanted control over one of these domains. Precisely which one was unclear, but if whatever they were planning was successful, they stood to gain a major advantage for their business.
What Lawrence brought to the Milone Company was a proposal to snatch this opportunity away. They aimed to collect more trenni silver than the Medio Company and negotiate with the king first.
From the king's perspective, dealing with two companies competing for the same privileges would be troublesome. Thus, if he were to deal with anyone, it would be with a sole company.
If the Milone Company could conclude the negotiations first, it would be impossible for the Medio Company to secure any privileges.
Those privileges were entirely unique.
For the Medio Company's part, if said privileges were something that could be simply purchased, they would pay any price. The Milone Company was no different, but held by the scruff of the neck as they now were, they would have to be content with moderate compensation.
"Still...if they play their card, it won't just destroy this branch—we'll be burned at the stake. Will they deal with us?"
Now was the time for nerve. Lawrence leaned forward and murmured, "Surely the king would be troubled to learn that the company with which he was dealing was to be burned as heretics."
Marheit gasped at the realization. The Church's authority surpassed even national borders. Its power was significant even within mighty empires, to say nothing of small kingdoms like Trenni.
And in any case, the king of Trenni was having financial difficulties. The last thing he would want was trouble with the Church.
"If we can sign a contract with the king, the Medio Company won't be able to touch us. Even if they try to turn us over to the Church, the king will not be pleased with the company that brought such trouble down upon him."
"I see. Still, they won't just stay silent. They might just try to bring us down with them."
"True."
"So in addition to the price for the privileges we'll hand over, we'll be demanding your companion."
"Yes."
Marheit stroked his chin, his face expressing admiration. He looked down at the table. Lawrence knew what Marheit was going to say next. He took a deep breath and gathered his wits in anticipation of his answer. This unique plan could break the deadlock and bring both Lawrence and the Milone Company great profit.
But it had its difficulties.
If Lawrence couldn't overcome those difficulties, he would either have to cut Holo loose or be burned alongside her by the Church.
The former would not happen—not ever.
Marheit looked up.
"Hypothetically, it's a sound strategy. But I'm sure you realize it will be nearly impossible to execute."
"You're talking about how we'll surpass the Medio Company, yes?"


Instruction: Given first part of the popular LightNovel spice and wolf as input, continue the story the best you can.

Input:
The Medio Company was trying to assemble a large amount of trenni silver to exploit this opportunity. Depending on the circumstances, they might attempt to collect all of the trenni silver circulating in the marketplace.
Then they would go to the king, and say something like "If you will agree to the price we set and give us certain considerations, we will sell you the currency."
With a few exceptions, a king was a king only because his fortune or lands were greater than those of other nobility—and because he had garnered the support of the population who did not question his legitimacy. But simply being the monarch did not guarantee perfect control over the lands of the kingdom. The royal family could not simply control assets administered by other nobility.
Thus, the assets of royalty were not appreciably more significant than those of the various nobles. What made them special were the assorted duties that fell under royal prerogative: authority over mines, mints, tariffs, market administration, and so on. While such authority didn't bring with it automatic gains, if one knew how to manipulate the authority, it was like shaking money out of a tree.
In all likelihood, the Medio Company wanted control over one of these domains. Precisely which one was unclear, but if whatever they were planning was successful, they stood to gain a major advantage for their business.
What Lawrence brought to the Milone Company was a proposal to snatch this opportunity away. They aimed to collect more trenni silver than the Medio Company and negotiate with the king first.
From the king's perspective, dealing with two companies competing for the same privileges would be troublesome. Thus, if he were to deal with anyone, it would be with a sole company.
If the Milone Company could conclude the negotiations first, it would be impossible for the Medio Company to secure any privileges.
Those privileges were entirely unique.
For the Medio Company's part, if said privileges were something that could be simply purchased, they would pay any price. The Milone Company was no different, but held by the scruff of the neck as they now were, they would have to be content with moderate compensation.
"Still...if they play their card, it won't just destroy this branch—we'll be burned at the stake. Will they deal with us?"
Now was the time for nerve. Lawrence leaned forward and murmured, "Surely the king would be troubled to learn that the company with which he was dealing was to be burned as heretics."
Marheit gasped at the realization. The Church's authority surpassed even national borders. Its power was significant even within mighty empires, to say nothing of small kingdoms like Trenni.
And in any case, the king of Trenni was having financial difficulties. The last thing he would want was trouble with the Church.
"If we can sign a contract with the king, the Medio Company won't be able to touch us. Even if they try to turn us over to the Church, the king will not be pleased with the company that brought such trouble down upon him."
"I see. Still, they won't just stay silent. They might just try to bring us down with them."
"True."
"So in addition to the price for the privileges we'll hand over, we'll be demanding your companion."
"Yes."
Marheit stroked his chin, his face expressing admiration. He looked down at the table. Lawrence knew what Marheit was going to say next. He took a deep breath and gathered his wits in anticipation of his answer. This unique plan could break the deadlock and bring both Lawrence and the Milone Company great profit.
But it had its difficulties.
If Lawrence couldn't overcome those difficulties, he would either have to cut Holo loose or be burned alongside her by the Church.
The former would not happen—not ever.
Marheit looked up.
"Hypothetically, it's a sound strategy. But I'm sure you realize it will be nearly impossible to execute."
"You're talking about how we'll surpass the Medio Company, yes?"

Output:
Lawrence was prepared for this. "As far as I can tell, the Medio Company has not yet collected a significant amount of silver."
"And your basis for saying so is...?"
"My basis is that they didn't immediately turn Holo over to the Church upon capturing her. If they already had enough silver, they would've gone directly to the Church in order to destroy us. Instead, they're trying to prevent us from moving, probably because they're concerned that in the time it would take for the Church to conclude our trial and sentencing, we would reach an agreement with the king. To put it another way, they think you've already collected enough silver to begin negotiations. It shows they have no confidence in their own position."
Marheit listened with eyes closed. Lawrence took a breath and continued.
"Also, I don't think the Medio Company wants anyone to know they are collecting trenni silver—this helps them take advantage of the king's weak position. From the standpoint of a nobleman dealing with the king, it shows consideration for the king's position and their relationship in the future to say that he just happened to have a large amount of silver on hand, no matter how transparent the lie. But to have people like Zheren target traveling merchants and suck us into the deal, I think their aim is to begin by having merchants gather the silver for them, then buy it up at the opportune moment. Even if they suspect Zheren's motives, if someone's willing to buy the currency, they'll be happy to sell. This is all speculation on my part, but I don't think I'm wrong. If the Medio Company started buying trenni silver in bulk, every company in the area would notice the strange trend in the coin, and we'd be far from their only problem."
Marheit nodded slowly. "Given all that, this may be possible," he murmured reluctantly, his eyes still closed.
The speculation was plausible, but it was still mere speculation. Perhaps they hadn't turned in Holo because they didn't wish to provoke the main branch of the Milone Company.
For whatever reason, the Medio Company was hesitating.
Given that hesitation, Lawrence and his partners had no choice but to take advantage.
"All right, we'll assume the Medio Company is not prepared to move. Based on that assumption, what action do you suggest, Mr. Lawrence?"
Lawrence took those words at face value. He couldn't afford to show any weakness.
He took a deep breath and spoke. "I will find Holo, rescue her, and we'll run until the negotiations are finished."
Marheit's breath caught. "You can't be serious."
"Escape may be impossible, but we'll buy you some time. Use it to gather as much silver as you can and conclude the negotiation."
"It's not possible."
"So you're going to turn Holo in, then? I'll be forced to publicly denounce the Milone Company."
It was an unmistakable threat.
Marheit's mouth gaped at Lawrence's near-betrayal, stunned.
The fact remained, though, that even if they chose to sacrifice Holo, the Milone Company had a contract with her and Lawrence. If it came to a Church trial, the company had perhaps a four-in-ten chance to be judged blameless, and even then, heavy fines would be levied. It went without saying that Lawrence would testify against the Milone Company.
Marheit agonized.
Lawrence took the opportunity to push.
"With the Milone Company's help, we should be able to escape for a day or two. She is a wolf spirit, after all. If she sets her strength to escape, none will be able to catch her."
Lawrence had no idea if that was true, of course, but it sounded convincing.
"Mm...hm..."
"Holo was caught because she acted as a decoy. If we hadn't had a destination and sought only escape, that would've been easy. Might I ask how long your company will need to assemble sufficient coin to command the king's attention?"
"...How much time, you say?"


Instruction: Given first part of the popular LightNovel spice and wolf as input, continue the story the best you can.

Input:
Lawrence was prepared for this. "As far as I can tell, the Medio Company has not yet collected a significant amount of silver."
"And your basis for saying so is...?"
"My basis is that they didn't immediately turn Holo over to the Church upon capturing her. If they already had enough silver, they would've gone directly to the Church in order to destroy us. Instead, they're trying to prevent us from moving, probably because they're concerned that in the time it would take for the Church to conclude our trial and sentencing, we would reach an agreement with the king. To put it another way, they think you've already collected enough silver to begin negotiations. It shows they have no confidence in their own position."
Marheit listened with eyes closed. Lawrence took a breath and continued.
"Also, I don't think the Medio Company wants anyone to know they are collecting trenni silver—this helps them take advantage of the king's weak position. From the standpoint of a nobleman dealing with the king, it shows consideration for the king's position and their relationship in the future to say that he just happened to have a large amount of silver on hand, no matter how transparent the lie. But to have people like Zheren target traveling merchants and suck us into the deal, I think their aim is to begin by having merchants gather the silver for them, then buy it up at the opportune moment. Even if they suspect Zheren's motives, if someone's willing to buy the currency, they'll be happy to sell. This is all speculation on my part, but I don't think I'm wrong. If the Medio Company started buying trenni silver in bulk, every company in the area would notice the strange trend in the coin, and we'd be far from their only problem."
Marheit nodded slowly. "Given all that, this may be possible," he murmured reluctantly, his eyes still closed.
The speculation was plausible, but it was still mere speculation. Perhaps they hadn't turned in Holo because they didn't wish to provoke the main branch of the Milone Company.
For whatever reason, the Medio Company was hesitating.
Given that hesitation, Lawrence and his partners had no choice but to take advantage.
"All right, we'll assume the Medio Company is not prepared to move. Based on that assumption, what action do you suggest, Mr. Lawrence?"
Lawrence took those words at face value. He couldn't afford to show any weakness.
He took a deep breath and spoke. "I will find Holo, rescue her, and we'll run until the negotiations are finished."
Marheit's breath caught. "You can't be serious."
"Escape may be impossible, but we'll buy you some time. Use it to gather as much silver as you can and conclude the negotiation."
"It's not possible."
"So you're going to turn Holo in, then? I'll be forced to publicly denounce the Milone Company."
It was an unmistakable threat.
Marheit's mouth gaped at Lawrence's near-betrayal, stunned.
The fact remained, though, that even if they chose to sacrifice Holo, the Milone Company had a contract with her and Lawrence. If it came to a Church trial, the company had perhaps a four-in-ten chance to be judged blameless, and even then, heavy fines would be levied. It went without saying that Lawrence would testify against the Milone Company.
Marheit agonized.
Lawrence took the opportunity to push.
"With the Milone Company's help, we should be able to escape for a day or two. She is a wolf spirit, after all. If she sets her strength to escape, none will be able to catch her."
Lawrence had no idea if that was true, of course, but it sounded convincing.
"Mm...hm..."
"Holo was caught because she acted as a decoy. If we hadn't had a destination and sought only escape, that would've been easy. Might I ask how long your company will need to assemble sufficient coin to command the king's attention?"
"...How much time, you say?"

Output:
Lawrence thought that if he could rescue Holo cleanly and the Milone Company was willing to help, he'd be able to stay on the run for an even two days.
Pazzio was an old city. There were many buildings, and the roads and alleyways were complex. If one wanted to hide, there were innumerable places to do so.
Assuming he was running from only the Medio Company, Lawrence believed he could stay hidden.
Marheit opened his eyes. "If we send a rider to Trenni now, he'll make it there by sunset if all goes well. Assuming we can commence negotiation immediately, he'll return here by dawn tomorrow. Longer negotiation will lengthen his stay."
"Can you send a rider immediately? You haven't confirmed the amount of silver you have."
"There's a limit to how much coin we can house, so we can place a rough estimate on how much we'll be able to collect. As long as we have that much by the day of the actual transaction, we'll be fine."
Even if they negotiated optimistically, there would be no problem as long as the currency was assembled by the day of the settlement.
The idea was sound enough in theory, but it took a big merchant to actually accomplish such reckless dealing. Additionally, they had to be able to offer enough capital that the king would think he couldn't afford to depend solely on his own resources. Using a mere approximation of available monies to carry out such negotiations was the height of recklessness, but the very fact that Marheit was proposing the idea lent it credence, Lawrence thought.
"We wanted to negotiate only after we discovered who was backing the Medio Company, which would reveal their funding. Then we'd be able to both preempt their deal and estimate our own. But we've neither time to think nor to look for more information."
Though he knew it was impossible, Lawrence worked the problem around in his head and came up with nothing. He sighed as if to voice his powerlessness.
He had to keep looking ahead. He straightened himself and regarded Marheit.
"Can you reach a fast settlement with the king?"
Lawrence would have to run whether or not negotiations were speedy. He was powerless to change the situation but would feel better knowing.
"If the Milone Company wills it, negotiations will be brief."
Lawrence couldn't help chuckling bitterly, but Marheit certainly sounded reliable.
He reached out with his right hand. "I imagine you know where Holo is, then?" he asked, as though inquiring about the weather.
"We are the Milone Company."
Lawrence shook Marheit's hand, glad to have chosen the right company to deal with.
"Assassination of our employees and arson of our facilities are facts of daily life for us. That's why we make it a point to know the city better than anyone. We have contingencies for any emergency. Even if a legion of knights should storm the city walls, we'll survive. But we do have a rival."
"The Church?"
"Indeed. The Church, like us, has a far-reaching presence. Their front-line missionaries are especially like us in this regard, exceeding even our abilities. You're aware of this, no doubt."
"They are ubiquitous and elusive, yes."
"Should the Church launch a search in earnest, you must not run before thinking—stay hidden in one place. Of course we hope to have the deal concluded by then. The password will be 'Pireon, numai.'"
"Two great gold coins, then?"
"It seemed auspicious. I shall pray for your success."
"I understand. Your hopes will be well met."
Lawrence shook Marheit's hand again, then climbed into the cart. The cart was completely unremarkable, the kind you'd see anywhere, but it had a roof that made it impossible to see who was riding within. This was not, however, to help Holo escape, but rather to deliver Lawrence to Holo. In fact, it was less about delivering Lawrence than it was about hiding his whereabouts.


Instruction: Given first part of the popular LightNovel spice and wolf as input, continue the story the best you can.

Input:
Lawrence thought that if he could rescue Holo cleanly and the Milone Company was willing to help, he'd be able to stay on the run for an even two days.
Pazzio was an old city. There were many buildings, and the roads and alleyways were complex. If one wanted to hide, there were innumerable places to do so.
Assuming he was running from only the Medio Company, Lawrence believed he could stay hidden.
Marheit opened his eyes. "If we send a rider to Trenni now, he'll make it there by sunset if all goes well. Assuming we can commence negotiation immediately, he'll return here by dawn tomorrow. Longer negotiation will lengthen his stay."
"Can you send a rider immediately? You haven't confirmed the amount of silver you have."
"There's a limit to how much coin we can house, so we can place a rough estimate on how much we'll be able to collect. As long as we have that much by the day of the actual transaction, we'll be fine."
Even if they negotiated optimistically, there would be no problem as long as the currency was assembled by the day of the settlement.
The idea was sound enough in theory, but it took a big merchant to actually accomplish such reckless dealing. Additionally, they had to be able to offer enough capital that the king would think he couldn't afford to depend solely on his own resources. Using a mere approximation of available monies to carry out such negotiations was the height of recklessness, but the very fact that Marheit was proposing the idea lent it credence, Lawrence thought.
"We wanted to negotiate only after we discovered who was backing the Medio Company, which would reveal their funding. Then we'd be able to both preempt their deal and estimate our own. But we've neither time to think nor to look for more information."
Though he knew it was impossible, Lawrence worked the problem around in his head and came up with nothing. He sighed as if to voice his powerlessness.
He had to keep looking ahead. He straightened himself and regarded Marheit.
"Can you reach a fast settlement with the king?"
Lawrence would have to run whether or not negotiations were speedy. He was powerless to change the situation but would feel better knowing.
"If the Milone Company wills it, negotiations will be brief."
Lawrence couldn't help chuckling bitterly, but Marheit certainly sounded reliable.
He reached out with his right hand. "I imagine you know where Holo is, then?" he asked, as though inquiring about the weather.
"We are the Milone Company."
Lawrence shook Marheit's hand, glad to have chosen the right company to deal with.
"Assassination of our employees and arson of our facilities are facts of daily life for us. That's why we make it a point to know the city better than anyone. We have contingencies for any emergency. Even if a legion of knights should storm the city walls, we'll survive. But we do have a rival."
"The Church?"
"Indeed. The Church, like us, has a far-reaching presence. Their front-line missionaries are especially like us in this regard, exceeding even our abilities. You're aware of this, no doubt."
"They are ubiquitous and elusive, yes."
"Should the Church launch a search in earnest, you must not run before thinking—stay hidden in one place. Of course we hope to have the deal concluded by then. The password will be 'Pireon, numai.'"
"Two great gold coins, then?"
"It seemed auspicious. I shall pray for your success."
"I understand. Your hopes will be well met."
Lawrence shook Marheit's hand again, then climbed into the cart. The cart was completely unremarkable, the kind you'd see anywhere, but it had a roof that made it impossible to see who was riding within. This was not, however, to help Holo escape, but rather to deliver Lawrence to Holo. In fact, it was less about delivering Lawrence than it was about hiding his whereabouts.

Output:
Merchants would try to deceive one another just as soon as look at one another—all the more so when they weren't looking.
Together with another Milone employee that was riding along, Lawrence dismantled the floorboards of the carriage and looked down at the slowly passing cobblestones.
"Once I've descended, I should touch the right-hand wall and go forward, right?"
"Your destination is at the end. If all goes well, a hatch will open above you. Should you hear the word 'racche,' please wait for the escort to arrive. If you hear 'peroso,' though, make your escape with Holo along the planned route immediately."
"The good outcome and the bad, eh?" said Lawrence.
"Easy to understand, isn't it?"
Lawrence gave a wry grin and nodded his comprehension.
"We'll be there soon."
Immediately after the Milone employee spoke, the horseman on the driver's seat knocked on the wall. It was the stop signal.
The carriage braked to the sound of neighing horses as the driver shouted angrily at someone. Lawrence jumped down through the hole left by the missing floorboards and pushed aside a large stone at his feet. Beneath the stone was a dark hole. Lawrence jumped into it immediately and landed on his feet with a splash. Having confirmed their passenger's safe drop-off, his companions above slid the stone back into place, returning the passage to total darkness.
A few moments later, the carriage resumed its advance as though nothing had happened.
"I'm surprised they're so prepared," said Lawrence, half-shocked as he put his hand to the wall on his right and walked slowly forward.
The tunnel had once been used to carry water, but since water pipes now connected the marketplace, it was no longer used. That's as much as Lawrence knew about it, but the Milone Company's knowledge of the system was complete, and they had dug unauthorized extensions to the tunnels to connect various buildings.
The Church also excelled at such subterfuge. It was said they would use the digging of graves as a pretense to construct secret underground passageways to be used for spying on heretics and evading taxation. The Church was powerful, which meant it had many enemies. Escape routes were always useful.
Large towns that housed main branches of the Church or companies like Milone were so riddled with passageways that they were scarcely different from fell catacombs where demons lived. It was like making your living on a spider's web, a merchant had once said to Lawrence.
Lawrence now understood the terrifying truth of that statement.
The tunnel was dark and clammy but still better than some of the alleys he'd walked down, which meant it was well-maintained.
This reassured Lawrence. The Milone Company was powerful.
"Ah, here it is."
Lawrence heard the echoes of his splashing footfalls and realized he'd reached the end. He reached out and soon felt the wall.
A traveling merchant was used to being attacked by wild dogs on moonless roads. Lawrence was confident that if the worst happened and he had to run down this tunnel, he'd be able to find the wall.
Above and to the right, there was supposedly the warehouse of a general store with connections to the Medio Company. This was where Holo was being held. Directly above Lawrence was their temporary base of operations, and apparently they'd secretly constructed a path between the two. The degree of preparation was chilling, but it might also have been built to facilitate the company's expansion into other lands, Lawrence reminded himself.
A distant bell sounded from somewhere. It was the signal to open the marketplace. It was also the signal to begin the plan, so undoubtedly all hell was breaking loose above him. If they couldn't free Holo in the time between now and the bell that signaled the beginning of work, they would be in real trouble—the general goods merchant would return to his warehouse.


Instruction: Given first part of the popular LightNovel spice and wolf as input, continue the story the best you can.

Input:
Merchants would try to deceive one another just as soon as look at one another—all the more so when they weren't looking.
Together with another Milone employee that was riding along, Lawrence dismantled the floorboards of the carriage and looked down at the slowly passing cobblestones.
"Once I've descended, I should touch the right-hand wall and go forward, right?"
"Your destination is at the end. If all goes well, a hatch will open above you. Should you hear the word 'racche,' please wait for the escort to arrive. If you hear 'peroso,' though, make your escape with Holo along the planned route immediately."
"The good outcome and the bad, eh?" said Lawrence.
"Easy to understand, isn't it?"
Lawrence gave a wry grin and nodded his comprehension.
"We'll be there soon."
Immediately after the Milone employee spoke, the horseman on the driver's seat knocked on the wall. It was the stop signal.
The carriage braked to the sound of neighing horses as the driver shouted angrily at someone. Lawrence jumped down through the hole left by the missing floorboards and pushed aside a large stone at his feet. Beneath the stone was a dark hole. Lawrence jumped into it immediately and landed on his feet with a splash. Having confirmed their passenger's safe drop-off, his companions above slid the stone back into place, returning the passage to total darkness.
A few moments later, the carriage resumed its advance as though nothing had happened.
"I'm surprised they're so prepared," said Lawrence, half-shocked as he put his hand to the wall on his right and walked slowly forward.
The tunnel had once been used to carry water, but since water pipes now connected the marketplace, it was no longer used. That's as much as Lawrence knew about it, but the Milone Company's knowledge of the system was complete, and they had dug unauthorized extensions to the tunnels to connect various buildings.
The Church also excelled at such subterfuge. It was said they would use the digging of graves as a pretense to construct secret underground passageways to be used for spying on heretics and evading taxation. The Church was powerful, which meant it had many enemies. Escape routes were always useful.
Large towns that housed main branches of the Church or companies like Milone were so riddled with passageways that they were scarcely different from fell catacombs where demons lived. It was like making your living on a spider's web, a merchant had once said to Lawrence.
Lawrence now understood the terrifying truth of that statement.
The tunnel was dark and clammy but still better than some of the alleys he'd walked down, which meant it was well-maintained.
This reassured Lawrence. The Milone Company was powerful.
"Ah, here it is."
Lawrence heard the echoes of his splashing footfalls and realized he'd reached the end. He reached out and soon felt the wall.
A traveling merchant was used to being attacked by wild dogs on moonless roads. Lawrence was confident that if the worst happened and he had to run down this tunnel, he'd be able to find the wall.
Above and to the right, there was supposedly the warehouse of a general store with connections to the Medio Company. This was where Holo was being held. Directly above Lawrence was their temporary base of operations, and apparently they'd secretly constructed a path between the two. The degree of preparation was chilling, but it might also have been built to facilitate the company's expansion into other lands, Lawrence reminded himself.
A distant bell sounded from somewhere. It was the signal to open the marketplace. It was also the signal to begin the plan, so undoubtedly all hell was breaking loose above him. If they couldn't free Holo in the time between now and the bell that signaled the beginning of work, they would be in real trouble—the general goods merchant would return to his warehouse.

Output:
The problem was the number of people guarding Holo. If their opponents used too many people, it would be obvious to the Milone Company, but if they used too few, it wouldn't be an effective guard. Lawrence hoped they had allocated people with the intention of keeping Holo's location secret their top priority.
The more people there were, the worse the fight would be. The attackers wouldn't be holding ropes and blindfolds, but edged weapons and clubs.
This would further complicate an already difficult situation, and Lawrence desperately wanted to avoid that.
Lawrence wondered how much time had passed while he'd been thinking. He was calm initially, but his legs now shook enough to splash the water around him. He was deeply troubled. He tried to calm his trembling legs, to no avail.
He tried stretching, but it only exacerbated his worry and made his heart pound harder.
He looked up, hoping the trapdoor above him would open soon.
Suddenly he froze, stricken with fear.
Had he come to the wrong place?
"S-surely not," he answered himself, making sure that it was the correct dead end.
Just then, he heard a voice above him.
"Racche," it said, immediately followed by the sound of floorboards cracking free of a foundation.
"Racche," said the voice again, to which Lawrence said, "Numai!" "Pireon," came the reply, along with a blaze of light as the floorboards slid aside.
"Holo!" exclaimed Lawrence in spite of himself when he saw her face.
Unmoved, Holo said something to the person standing next to her. She looked back down at Lawrence.
"How am I to get down there if you don't make way?"
It wouldn't be wrong to say Holo was her usual self, but when he heard her speak, Lawrence realized he wanted to see her happy face and hear her lively voice.
He did as Holo suggested and stepped aside, waiting for her to descend—yet what filled his heart was not satisfaction at seeing her face, but rather disappointment at missing her joyful voice.
Of course, he knew it was nothing more than wishful thinking and said nothing, but once Holo descended and looked up to receive a bundle from above, paying him not the slightest heed, the discontent in his heart grew stronger.
"What are you daydreaming about? Here, this is for you. Take it, and let's go."
"Wha—oh."
Lawrence held the bundle that was shoved at him and headed down the tunnel as if pushed. Something jingled in the bundle—they must have stolen some valuables to give the appearance of thieves. Soon another person descended from the trapdoor, whereupon it shut. The tunnel was completely dark again. That was the signal to move. Lawrence said nothing to Holo and began walking.
They would turn right at the end of the passage, feeling along the left-hand wall until reaching its end. They would then climb out of the tunnel and into the carriage that awaited them there to be taken to another underground passage.
Walking the tunnel wordlessly, they finally reached their destination.
Lawrence climbed the ladder that had been prepared and knocked three times against the ceiling.
If the escort failed to make the rendezvous, they would have to take a different route—but just as the possibility crossed Lawrence's mind, a hole opened in the ceiling, and immediately above it sat the carriage.
After confirming each other's identities with an exchange of "Pireon," "Numai," Lawrence crawled up into the carriage.
"Looks like you made it safely," said the Milone employee as he pulled Holo up. He was understandably surprised to see her wolf ears. "Business is full of surprises," he said with a smile, sliding the large cobblestone back into its original position.
"There was another with us," said Lawrence.
"He'll be collecting the ladder and emerging elsewhere," said the employee. "Once he's delivered the information about those Medio rascals to our friends, he'll leave the city."


Instruction: Given first part of the popular LightNovel spice and wolf as input, continue the story the best you can.

Input:
The problem was the number of people guarding Holo. If their opponents used too many people, it would be obvious to the Milone Company, but if they used too few, it wouldn't be an effective guard. Lawrence hoped they had allocated people with the intention of keeping Holo's location secret their top priority.
The more people there were, the worse the fight would be. The attackers wouldn't be holding ropes and blindfolds, but edged weapons and clubs.
This would further complicate an already difficult situation, and Lawrence desperately wanted to avoid that.
Lawrence wondered how much time had passed while he'd been thinking. He was calm initially, but his legs now shook enough to splash the water around him. He was deeply troubled. He tried to calm his trembling legs, to no avail.
He tried stretching, but it only exacerbated his worry and made his heart pound harder.
He looked up, hoping the trapdoor above him would open soon.
Suddenly he froze, stricken with fear.
Had he come to the wrong place?
"S-surely not," he answered himself, making sure that it was the correct dead end.
Just then, he heard a voice above him.
"Racche," it said, immediately followed by the sound of floorboards cracking free of a foundation.
"Racche," said the voice again, to which Lawrence said, "Numai!" "Pireon," came the reply, along with a blaze of light as the floorboards slid aside.
"Holo!" exclaimed Lawrence in spite of himself when he saw her face.
Unmoved, Holo said something to the person standing next to her. She looked back down at Lawrence.
"How am I to get down there if you don't make way?"
It wouldn't be wrong to say Holo was her usual self, but when he heard her speak, Lawrence realized he wanted to see her happy face and hear her lively voice.
He did as Holo suggested and stepped aside, waiting for her to descend—yet what filled his heart was not satisfaction at seeing her face, but rather disappointment at missing her joyful voice.
Of course, he knew it was nothing more than wishful thinking and said nothing, but once Holo descended and looked up to receive a bundle from above, paying him not the slightest heed, the discontent in his heart grew stronger.
"What are you daydreaming about? Here, this is for you. Take it, and let's go."
"Wha—oh."
Lawrence held the bundle that was shoved at him and headed down the tunnel as if pushed. Something jingled in the bundle—they must have stolen some valuables to give the appearance of thieves. Soon another person descended from the trapdoor, whereupon it shut. The tunnel was completely dark again. That was the signal to move. Lawrence said nothing to Holo and began walking.
They would turn right at the end of the passage, feeling along the left-hand wall until reaching its end. They would then climb out of the tunnel and into the carriage that awaited them there to be taken to another underground passage.
Walking the tunnel wordlessly, they finally reached their destination.
Lawrence climbed the ladder that had been prepared and knocked three times against the ceiling.
If the escort failed to make the rendezvous, they would have to take a different route—but just as the possibility crossed Lawrence's mind, a hole opened in the ceiling, and immediately above it sat the carriage.
After confirming each other's identities with an exchange of "Pireon," "Numai," Lawrence crawled up into the carriage.
"Looks like you made it safely," said the Milone employee as he pulled Holo up. He was understandably surprised to see her wolf ears. "Business is full of surprises," he said with a smile, sliding the large cobblestone back into its original position.
"There was another with us," said Lawrence.
"He'll be collecting the ladder and emerging elsewhere," said the employee. "Once he's delivered the information about those Medio rascals to our friends, he'll leave the city."

Output:
Everything except for Holo's reaction, that is.
"I'm so glad you're all right," was all Lawrence could manage. He could say no more to Holo, who sat opposite him, unfolding a strip of cloth that had been around her neck in an attempt to cover her ears.
She only replied after finishing a few adjustments to the fit of her makeshift hood. "It's good that I'm all right, is it?"
Lawrence wanted to say yes, but the words caught in his throat. Holo was glaring at him as if she were about to bite his head off.
Perhaps she wasn't well.
"Say my name, then!"
If she could shout like that, she wasn't in the condition Lawrence feared. Still, her vehemence made her seem twice her normal size, and he flinched at it.
"Uh...Holo?"
"Holo the Wisewolf!"
It sounded almost like a threatening growl, but Lawrence had no idea what she was angry about. If she wanted an apology, he was ready to apologize a hundred times over. She'd been a decoy for him, after all.
Or had something happened to her that she couldn't say?
"I can remember every single person that's ever shamed me in my life. And now I must add another name to that list. Yours!"
Something had happened to her. Still, her anger seemed different from the manner of girls he'd seen in villages that had been taken by thugs or brigands. And if he said something foolish, it would only be throwing oil on the fire of her rage.
Thus the silence grew longer; and perhaps the silence itself began to irk her because she rose from her seat and closed in on Lawrence.
Her white, clenched fists trembled.
There was nowhere for Lawrence to run. Holo stood directly in front of him.
Their heads were at the same height, which lent Holo's level gaze an incredibly penetrating quality. She opened her small fists and grabbed the chest of Lawrence's shirt. Her strength matched her appearance—Lawrence hadn't imagined her grip would be so weak.
Again he noticed how long her eyelashes were.
"You told me, didn't you—you told me you'd come for me."
Lawrence nodded.
"And I...I utterly believed that you would come...grrh...just thinking about it is infuriating!"
Just then, Lawrence came to a sharp realization, as if waking from a dream.
"You're a man, aren't you? You should've been in the front, fighting tooth and nail! But you were in that hole in the ground—you let me make a fool of myself—"
"But you're unhurt, right?" asked Lawrence, interrupting her. Holo sneered at him, displeased.
She hesitated for some time before finally nodding, as if forced to drink something very unpleasant.
Holo had probably been blindfolded. She may have mistaken whoever came to her aid for Lawrence and said something meant for him alone. That was probably why she felt—and blamed him for—such needless shame.
The realization made Lawrence happy. He knew that if he'd been the one to rescue her, she would have shown the expression he longed to see.
Slowly putting his arms around Holo, who was still gripping his shirt, he drew her closer. Holo resisted a bit, irritated, but soon relented. The once angry-looking ears that were clearly visible underneath her makeshift hood now drooped. A mildly sulky expression replaced her original anger.
Though he might travel the world and amass a great fortune, the one thing Lawrence could never have was right here.
"I'm glad you're all right," he said.
The eyes that had flashed in anger only a moment earlier threatened to close. Holo nodded, her lips slightly pouting.
"So long as you carry that wheat with you, I'll not die." Holo poked his breast pocket without moving his arms away. "For a girl, there is a kind of suffering no easier than death."
Lawrence took Holo's hand, and Holo drew near to him, resting her chin on his shoulder. He felt her weight intensely, heavier than a burlap sack full of wheat.
"Heh. I'm so lovely that even human males fall for me. Not that a one of them is fit to be my mate," said Holo mischievously.