"Holland?"

"Klaha? You... didn’t you go on ahead?"

When people belong to the same party, the paths they take in the city tend to overlap. That’s why Klaha was able to catch up with Holland along the way.

"...I see, you saved her, didn’t you?"

"Yes. She was trapped under the rubble..."

"You did well. That girl looks like she’s having a hard time. Here, get on my back."

Holland crouched down as he spoke. The little girl hesitated for a moment, casting a nervous glance at Klaha. When Klaha nodded reassuringly, the girl timidly climbed onto Holland's back.

"And you are, um..."

The person speaking to Klaha was a middle-aged woman. Judging by her demeanor, Klaha guessed she was probably Holland’s wife.

"I’m Klaha. From . I’m always grateful for—"

"This isn’t the time for introductions," Holland interrupted, looking exasperated. "We’ve still got some distance to cover to the cathedral. Let’s move."

With that, he started walking at the front. Klaha fell in line behind Holland and his family of three. It seemed safer to position capable people at the front and back to protect the group.

"Ugh..."

There was a groan close to Klaha’s ear. Holland’s son, who was nearest to the sound, turned around.

"Are... you okay?"

"Her injuries are severe. I hope she can get treatment at the cathedral..."

Klaha couldn’t help but feel anxious. For injuries this severe, high-level healing magic would be required. Given the situation, people across the city were likely flocking to the cathedral, causing chaos at the treatment facilities.

Hoping she could hold out until then, Klaha quietly continued walking, channeling her rudimentary healing magic into the injured girl on her back.

"Um, should I carry her instead?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, carrying her. I’m taller, so it might be easier for me."

Klaha was momentarily surprised before shaking her head. "No, it’s fine. I’ve trained for this."

"...Oh, okay."

"By the way, watch the distance to the front."

"Ah."

The group was walking at a brisk pace, so even a brief conversation could open up a noticeable gap with those ahead.

"S-sorry!" Holland’s son apologized as he jogged to close the distance. Klaha followed after him.

Up ahead, a girl—likely his sister—scolded him.

"Hey, no way you’re going to outmatch an adventurer in stamina. Know your limits."

"But I just thought—"

"No excuses. Now hurry up!"

She pushed her brother’s shoulder forward, then fell slightly back to walk alongside Klaha. She smiled faintly.

"Sorry about that."

"It’s fine."

"If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know. I could pick things up or something. At least that might be useful."

"Thank you."

Klaha felt a sense of understanding. After only a short conversation, she could tell these siblings were kind-hearted. Even in this dire situation, they worried about others despite their lack of strength.

People like this, taken hostage... Even the noblest adventurer would...

"...Huh?"

Klaha spoke, drawing her companion’s attention to the same direction.

"There seems to be a crowd ahead."

There was light visible in the direction they were heading. But for some reason, it didn’t seem like a good thing.

Voices began to carry from the crowd.

"What are we supposed to do? We can’t get through this way!"

"Where are the knights?!"

"Even adventurers would do! Get rid of that monster!"

"This doesn’t look good... Hey, wait!"

Ignoring her protests, Klaha walked ahead. She figured that with so many people around, her group was unlikely to be attacked suddenly.

Holland was setting the little girl down as Klaha reached him.

"Holland, what’s going on here?"

The townspeople had formed a human barricade, making it impossible for Klaha to see past them. She asked Holland, who explained:

"A magical beast has gotten loose."

"What—?"

"And it’s the same type as the one from . It’s the kind of creature that would push a B-rank adventurer to their limits."

Holland turned to Klaha. "Do you have the key to the party dormitory?"

"Y-yes, it’s in my key case..."

She fumbled with her pouch at her waist and pulled it out.

Holland held out his hand, and Klaha placed the key in it.

"I’m going to fetch a bow and arrows while it’s still just a standoff."

"I’ll go too," Klaha said immediately.

"No, you’ll just be in the way."

Holland’s blunt words widened Klaha’s eyes, but she knew him well enough by now to understand his true intentions.

"No, I’m coming," she insisted.

"Do you not know your own limits?"

"I’m a supporter. I might not be able to fight, but I can at least carry the arrows."

"And what about the injured person on your back?"

Holland’s sharp words stopped her short. "Are you going to abandon her?"

Before Klaha could respond, someone else stepped forward.

"I’ll carry her."

The speaker was Holland’s wife, the middle-aged woman.

"Hey, what are you saying—"

"I can manage one person. I was an adventurer myself, once."

She turned to Klaha. "I wasn’t very strong back then, and I’m no match for anyone active now... But I can carry one person. Miss Klaha, will you look after my husband?"

"Yes," Klaha replied with a nod.

The woman worked quickly, her experienced hands undoing the straps that bound the injured girl to Klaha’s back and fastening them around her own body.

Holland let out a deep sigh.

"...Don’t die. If I go down, you run."

"I’ll do my best."

As Klaha prepared to run, a small hand grabbed her.

"Big sister,"

The little girl, just set down from Holland’s back, looked up at Klaha.

"D-don’t get hurt, okay?"

Seeing that, Klaha forced a grin, trying her best to look confident.

"...Leave it to me."

She clenched her trembling hand into a fist and smiled as reassuringly as she could.