At that moment, in the corner of my vision, a single cart came into view. An elderly man was pushing a cart piled high with fruits, about to pass by.
"S-Sorry! Mind if I borrow this for a sec?!"
I shouted and dashed off. The surprised old man yelled, "Eh, hey?!" but I couldn't afford to care.
I grabbed the handles with both hands and pushed with all my might. "Hraaaah――――!!"
The cart rattled noisily and slid across the cobblestones like it was on ice. Fruits burst and flew everywhere as it barreled straight toward Georg.
"Uwah!?"
With no time to escape, it slammed into his massive body. With a dull thud, Georg's frame staggered. The impact sent Eclair, still gripped in his hand, flying through the air and collapsing onto the cobblestones.
"Eclair! You okay?!"
"...Ngh...S-Somehow..."
I let out a relieved breath, but it was short-lived――. "You little brat...!"
Georg was glaring at me, his face beet red. Veins bulging, breathing ragged. His eyes burned like a beast in rage.
"You... You did it now, you punk!!! "
With a bellow, he kicked off the ground and charged. The force shook the cobblestones, and I froze up instinctively.
But――. "I won't let you!!!"
Eclair twisted her body and slashed with her sharp claws. The sound of air tearing echoed as a deep gash ran across Georg's cheek.
"Gyaaah!"
The big man's scream rang out. His stumbling body crashed into a nearby stall, fruits exploding and scattering everywhere.
The people around screamed and fled. Breathing heavily, Eclair rose unsteadily on wobbly legs.
Her tail stood on end, her red, teary eyes locked straight on the enemy. "Theo... I'll protect you!"
There wasn't a shred of weakness in her voice anymore. A majestic, unleashed beast-like aura emanated from her.
"Ch-Cheh...!"
The slim man――Johan drew his dagger from his waist. The blade glinted sharply in the light. The moment its tip pointed our way――.
"That's far enough."
A calm voice rang out. Flames flickered, casting a reddish-orange glow on Johan's face. Before I knew it, the tip of a flame-wreathed sword was pressed against Johan's throat.
His spine stiffened like it was frozen, and in the next instant, Johan let out a pathetic yelp and fell flat on his butt. "M-Milfi...!"
I turned to see Milfi-san standing there. Her golden hair, emitting a faint glow, swayed in the wind, her crimson eyes looking down at the man.
"Could you add a 'san' at least? Johan-san."
She said it with a smile. Behind that gentle-sounding voice lurked a cold, steel-like presence.
"Thanks for the other day at the church. You have some lovely friends, don't you?"
"Uh, w-well, this is, um, there's a reason for...!"
"Yes, yes. We'll hear it out. But――"
The flames flared up with a whoosh, heat reaching Johan's cheek. "Since you hurt my dear friend, you must have quite the noble reason, right?"
Her expression stayed smiling. But the anger hidden in that smile made the air tremble. "H-Hiii!?"
"What's wrong? Come on, make your excuses. ...Quickly. Quickly. Quickly!"
The flames burned even higher, and Johan screamed, snot dripping from his nose. "I-I'm so sorry!!"
He rubbed his head against the ground, his wail echoing. Milfi-san sighed and extinguished the flames with a puff.
"I'll tell the church everything myself. What happens after is up to the priest, but... be prepared."
"H-Hii...!"
Pale-faced Johan dragged the fallen Georg away as he fled. "You two okay?"
Milfi-san turned back with a soft smile. "Milfi-san... Weren't you out subjugating that Cerberus pack...?"
"Oh, that? I wrapped it up quick. Wasn't that many."
"By the way, how many were there...?"
"Hmm~ Around 500?"
"...As always, ridiculously amazing."
Relief washed over me, and all strength drained from my body. Glancing beside me, Eclair slumped to the ground right there, swaying dizzily.
"Eclair!"