I have to join your chorus in wondering what exactly Horo is doing. The rival dude doesn't even know Horo is a wolf god in reality - actually doesn't know anything at all. It'd be pretty impulsive of Horo to suddenly switch to somebody like that's side. Yet, if this is just a game to force Lawrence to take a step forward in their relationship, it's truly an exceptionally cruel game not only for Lawrence but the rival dude as well.

This doesn't really feel like something a wise wolf should be doing.