Holo and Lawrence are on the run and holding hands! But the Medio Trading people are closing in on them, luckily they've got Holo's wolf instincts to keep them safe and out of sight, though they have a long ways to go to make an escape. But they really thought they could use hounds to hunt down the Wise Wolf Holo? They're puppies next to her
.
Holo and Lawrence make for a surprisingly effective tag-team! Holo bites 'em, Lawrence socks 'em! At least up until Lawrence gets stabbed and they have to keep moving forward while he's bleeding out
.
Lawrence has a serious wound and is barely holding it together, their big attempt at an escape is a bust, and they're trapped against a bunch of men...and, of course, Lawrence's old buddy Yarei shows up just in time to confront the duo
.
Lawrence has put two-and-two together what Yarei is getting out of all this, and from Yarei's perspective it's to Lawrence's benefit to give them Holo and make even more money off of this deal and by practically selling her off. And he very well could...had he not already had a contract with her to take her back home, and Lawrence is a man true to his deed, and won't abandon Holo. Which also means Yarei has no more reason to keep him alive
.
There was really only one solution, Holo sucking Lawrence's blood and turning into her true wolf form, and even if she didn't want Lawrence to see her like this, she's a majestic sight as a giant, noble, wolf who tramples overall her enemies and would've nearly bitten Yarei's head off if not for Holo's mercy (or Lawrence's intervention). And Yarei really had to keep talking smack about Gods. Get a new line, dude
.
Lawrence so desperate to make sure Holo doesn't leave him...I mean, fulfill the debt she owes him for the clothes she ripped up when she transformed! Those were expense! Just don't leave him, Holo
!
It is sweet that Holo stood by Lawrence until help arrived (and some Milone Trading folks got to see her in her divine nakedness). And things ended up working out for the best. The deal with the royal family didn't net them the profits they wanted, thanks to copious amounts of tariffs, but they were able to get the privilege and making even more money off of the deal with Medio Trading and even let Yarei get what he wanted (even if he's got a lot weighing on his conscience now). And all Lawrence wants is some spice before winter
.
But the thing that made him happiest is a receipt for clothes, a comb, and apples, knowing fully well that that means Holo was waiting for him. Because of course she doesn't want him hunting her down, she'll fully pay back her debts! And he has every intention of making her, as they find any excuse to stay together. Spice and Wolf indeed
!