Welcome to the weekly review of Spice and Wolf (2024). 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. Here is our recap and review of Spice and Wolf (2024) episode 12 titled “Price of Betrayal and Price of Gold.”
Price of Betrayal and Price of Gold Recap
In Spice and Wolf episode 12, Lawrence is betrayed and battered. He frees himself from his bonds and searches desperately for Holo. She emerges, unharmed, albeit a little dirty. Having appeased the beast in the woods, Holo transforms and races after their assailants, with Lawrence holding tightly to her back. Chaos ensues as Holo makes short work of the company and results in a standoff between her and Norah. At the last second Lawrence calls out to them, and Holo diverts her attention to Liebert, who is quickly subdued.
Lawrence reclaims the gold, but gives it to Norah instead, letting her decide if she’ll continue to Ruvinheigen or run. Meanwhile, Lawrence and Holo return to confront Remerio Trading. Lawrence has the master write up a contract, reconciles with his mentor at the Rowen Trading Guild, and meets up with Holo. She demands to know what Lawrence shouted during her standoff with Norah, to which Lawrence turns the tables on her and calls out amidst the morning bells.
With his legs broken and in the presence of Holo, Liebert explains his betrayal. Even if the gold smuggling was successful, Remerio Trading’s projected profit wouldn’t have covered all the accrued costs, like Lawrence’s debt and Norah’s employment, on top of replenishing their assets. Lawrence confirms this when he discovers Liebert was only able to barely 100 lumione worth of gold.
With that knowledge, Lawrence uses a bit of wit to come out on top. He gambles on Norah smuggling the gold by herself, knowing Remerio would be on the backfoot after their failed betrayal. Lawrence then convinces the master to pen a contract stating Remerio will purchase the gold from Lawrence for 500 golden lumione coins to be paid in installments over the next ten years. He then says to address the payment to the Rowen Trade Guild, further cementing Remerio Trading’s obligations. Lawrence takes this contract and sells it to the Rowen Trade Guild, receiving 30 lumione upfront with an additional 100 should the smuggling succeed. By making all these deals, Lawrence has cleared his debt and nearly broken even.
Review of Spice and Wolf Episode 12
And with that, the gold smuggling arc has concluded. Even now, it’s refreshing to see Lawrence and Holo embody their personalities. Lawrence is able to think several steps ahead and knows how to maintain a sense of status quo. He understands the intricacies of his profession, taking steps to maintain not only his reputation, but the reputations of his colleagues. It’s also nice to see a protagonist who isn’t entirely righteous. He takes advantage of Norah’s naivete more than once and what he does to Remerio is nothing short of coercion.
Holo balances him out by being the sort of free spirit he can’t be. Her wolf tendencies are particularly on display in this episode. More than once, she suggests it’d be far simpler to kill or run and she has no problem declaring someone as her enemy. And yet she’s wise enough to know that sometimes, in order to achieve a greater outcome, one must bend the knee. She maintains her pride as an ancient being, but masks the loneliness such a life brings. With Lawrence by her side, though, she can experience a world unknown to her, all while indulging in playful banter. Next up is a bit of mystery. With 13 more episodes to go, there could be some surprises in the future.
Stream Spice and Wolf on Cruncyroll.
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