Welcome to the weekly Spice and Wolf (2024) review. Here, we’ll recap what happened in the latest episode, break down some of the economic talk, and discuss the differences between the anime, manga, and light novel. Let’s discuss episode 9.
Episode 9: Sweet Honey and Bitter Armor
After exchanging pleasantries with his mentor at the Rowen Trade Guild and receiving a writ of certification, Lawrence and Holo make their way to sell the armor at the Remerio Trading Company. We also get a quick look into Norah’s life, and we see her relationship with the church is not as benevolent as it seems.
When Lawrence and Holo arrive at Remerio Trading, they are informed that the Latparron Company had transferred their obligations to Remerio Trading, meaning Lawrence must now pay his debt to Latparron. Worse still, the price of armor had drastically dropped, leaving Lawrence high and dry. With two days to pay back the full sum and no support from the Rowen Trade Guild, Lawrence starts asking former colleagues for loans. He is turned away at every door and even reprimanded for such behavior when he has Holo in tow.
Spice and Wolf episode 9 ends with Lawrence lashing out and Holo returning to the inn alone.
Financial Situations in This Episode
Debt is one of the worst financial situations to be in, especially in a setting where reputation and connections are everything. Because Lawrence bought the armor on margin, he owes Latparron Co., who in turn transferred that debt to Remerio Trading, the amount he didn’t pay. His initial plan to take advantage of the demand for armor in this town won’t work anymore because the Church’s northern campaign has been canceled. No campaign means no use for armor, which means lower selling value.
The repercussions can be felt by everyone. Merchants and craftsmen who had stocked up on wares in hopes of supplying the campaign are stuck with no way to efficiently sell their goods. It’s not so much out of malice that people turn away Lawrence. They just can’t afford to loan money with no guarantee of making it back. The more Lawrence begs, the more word gets around, and Holo’s presence doesn’t help matters.
A merchant traveling with a young woman implies he is providing for her food, lodging, care, etc. This can rack up quite a sum. For such a person to be asking for loans, it paints a grim picture for the loan giver and comes across as untrustworthy.
Final Thoughts on "Spice and Wolf" Episode 9
The banter between Holo and Lawrence after the opening was very nice to see. It felt more alive than their previous bouts, with animated expressions and movement that punctuated their quips. Viewers could easily follow their words, but their reactions to each other sold what they were really saying and what they really wanted from the other.
The moment with Norah was also a welcome addition not found in the other iterations. It gives much needed context to her character and helps the audience keep her in mind. Hopefully there are more moments like this, especially given what comes next.
Stream Spice and Wolf (2024) on Crunchyroll.
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