Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets The Wise Wolf – Season 1 Episode 8 Recap & Review

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Episode 8 of Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets The Wise Wolf begins with the female shepherd sharing insight about her connection with God to Lawrence and Holo. Holo apologizes to the female shepherd for doubting her kindness and wonders if she can pray for his and Holo’s safety. After that, the female shepherd asks Lawrence if he can hire her for work. She promises to keep any wolves at bay. 

Lawrence discusses the female shepherd with Holo. He argues hiring the female shepherd could get them some business opportunities. Holo believes the female shepherd is highly skilled and fears she’ll be a problem in the future. Holo wants to hurt the female shepherd but Lawrence ignores that statement and suggests they hire the female shepherd for two days. 

Holo argues against that idea. She argues traveling with others would put her and Lawrence at greater risk of being discovered. After teasing Lawrence about the situation further, Holo says she’ll allow the female shepherd to accompany them for two days. Lawrence negotiates a deal with the female shepherd (Nora) and the three continue their journey to Ruvinheigen. 

During their journey, Nora shares intel about herself, her sheepdog, Enek, and other critical details with Lawrence and Holo. Moreover, Nora reveals she wants to become a tailor and likes guiding merchants more than tending sheep for money reasons. Lawrence makes a rude comment about wolves, angering Holo. Nora suggests he keep those thoughts to himself since other wolves might overhear their conversation. 

Later, the three stop and decide to rest somewhere. During this time, Nora unloads her mild frustrations about her line of work. Lawrence learns that Nora works for the Church and suggests she continue working for them since they’re treating her right. At the same time, Lawrence says he’ll put in a good word for Nora when he speaks with Ruvinheigen’s merchants. Nora thanks Lawrence for his aid. 

Lawrence stumbles upon Holo grooming her tale in the carriage wagon. Holo steals Lawrence’s meat and tells him Nora disliked chatting with him. Lawrence tries demonstrating his smooth-talker tricks to Holo. Holo laughs and before Lawrence departs to get firewood, Holo grabs him and tells him he should get her some raw sheep. Eventually, Nora, Lawrence, and Holo arrive near Ruvinheigen.

Lawrence pays Nora more than he promised, much to Nora’s shock. Lawrence says he doesn’t mind as he wants to establish a nice partnership with Nora for future reasons. Nora and Lawrence’s groups part ways. In Ruvinheigen, Lawrence chats with personnel about his armor and other things. As Lawrence and Holo speak with more personnel and travel more, Holo realizes folks don’t like seeing merchants make lots of money. 

Lawrence doesn’t mind it and the two visit a place to eat. Next, the two head for Ruvinheigen’s trading house and Holo rubs her face on Lawrence’s sleeve since she has beer remnants on her face. Holo asks Lawrence why she has to attend the trading house with him. Lawrence says he doesn’t want to leave Holo alone and Holo understands. 

Then, Lawrence and Holo discuss trading houses. Lawrence reveals he’s a part of a merchant association comprised of merchants from his homeland. Lawrence and Holo arrive at Ruvinheigen’s trading house and Lawrence suggests Holo wait outside. He promises to purchase Holo sweet bread if she complies. Lawrence enters the trading house and discusses things with the worker inside. 

Next, a man arrives at the Remerio Trading Company, asking for Lawrence. The company’s worker says no one’s shown up here lately. Nevertheless, the man tells the worker he wants to relay an important message to Lawrence from the Latparron Trading Company. The episode closes with Holo looking at Lawrence and the trading house worker from a window. 

The Episode Review

Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets The Wise Wolf eased up on its economic content this week to introduce new characters. Also, it gave fans more charming scenarios with Lawrence and Holo. Although the chapter doesn’t delve too heavily into Nora’s character, her brief interactions with Lawrence and silent arrival at the Church will make viewers ponder if something is amiss.

Additionally, it was fascinating to get Holo’s opinions of Nora’s talent. The fact that Nora can tackle her duties exceptionally despite being fairly new to her job is impressive. Overall, we’re optimistic Nora’s arc in this anime isn’t finished yet. Nora aside, many folks will question if it’s the right move for Lawrence to keep his guard down with this trading house worker. 

As with previous chapters, we know how shady and maniacal other merchants can be. Holo’s reaction to Lawrence and the worker’s discussion alludes to her realizing something devious is brewing with this trading house. Hopefully, it’s nothing too drastic. Yet, based on the random traveler’s words to the Remerio Trading Company worker, it’d be best for Lawrence to proceed cautiously. 

All in all, this was another fun episode of Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets The Wise Wolf. The episode had some jarring visuals and dull animation in spurts, but the content inserted in this one was splendid.