Spice and Wolf Light Novel Discussion

[FlareKnight]

Been a while since this has been of use. But with translations going on it is the right place for discussion.

Spoiler for Volume 3, Chapter 1+2:

Well things are moving along after getting out of the last major jam. Can't blame Lawrence for being a bit cautious after the armor event blew up in his face. Little conservative purchase of nails which should always be of some use. Making a decent profit and keep moving forward. Though honestly can't avoid taking risks since that's just how life goes.

Was a little worried about the discussion they had about Yoitsu. Mostly as to how the night ended. Lawrence being so worried about it he feared she'd be gone when he woke up in the morning. It's a complicated sitaution that's for sure. Lawrence can't just spend a lot of time wandering the north looking for Yoitsu whatever its state is. But he doesn't want to leave Horo either.

Just too bad he said something that might have seemed reasonable in the head, but once said had some problems. Horo could move pretty quickly and find Yoitsu faster than they could on the cart. Of course that leads to forgetting Horo's fears of loneliness and concern about what state Yoitsu is in.

Were some lighthearted moments though. Just imagining Horo putting up the innocent maiden act and the reactions of Amati. She really has the ability to fool others when she puts her mind to it. Have a feeling this guy will play some bigger role in things. Someone younger than Lawrence yet that successful.

Nice to see the planning of Lawrence and his realization of Horo's importance. After all easy to remember how lonely he's been in the past and Horo's presence changing that. He found the right guy to talk with in order to get some connections to chroniclers who can give him more information. If he just wanted to sell the nails would have been easy. But made sure to maneuver things so he could help out Horo as well.

Should be an interesting volume.

[judgment26]

Were some lighthearted moments though. Just imagining Horo putting up the innocent maiden act and the reactions of Amati. She really has the ability to fool others when she puts her mind to it. Have a feeling this guy will play some bigger role in things. Someone younger than Lawrence yet that successful.

You're exactly right, and how he figures into the plot will become apparent soon enough. However, since I'm personally translating the volume and anything I say can potentially become a major spoiler for those who haven't already read the book, I'll refrain from saying anymore past that.

On a side note, it's already been over four months since Vol. 4 was published in Chinese and STILL no sign of Vol. 5...I sure as hell hope it'll be out by the time I'm done with Vol. 4 or I'll have nothing left to read...so I was just wondering, is there anyone who can and is willing to translate volumes 5 and on?

[Vexx]

If yesasia will ever ship me my damn copies.... perhaps. They recently signaled a delay in my shipment - never a good sign from them that they'll ever deliver as promised.

[FlareKnight]

Originally Posted by judgment26

You're exactly right, and how he figures into the plot will become apparent soon enough. However, since I'm personally translating the volume and anything I say can potentially become a major spoiler for those who haven't already read the book, I'll refrain from saying anymore past that.

On a side note, it's already been over four months since Vol. 4 was published in Chinese and STILL no sign of Vol. 5...I sure as hell hope it'll be out by the time I'm done with Vol. 4 or I'll have nothing left to read...so I was just wondering, is there anyone who can and is willing to translate volumes 5 and on?

Spoiler:

Well his involvement can make one a bit concerned. I mean he works in fish and can use food to lure in Horo . But really considering where things left off in translation can have suspicions. Lawrence out to find more information and so Horo goes out on her own. Meets up with Amati and who knows. With the argument before and Lawrence not letting her come with him, can wonder how Horo will act.

Not that I'd suspect Horo of letting things get out of hand. Well unless she has too much to drink again. But finding someone she can trust with her secret and take her up North isn't easy. What she has with Lawrence works and wouldn't put it into great jeopardy. Plus she does care about him which is perhaps the most important thing. But if Lawrence happens to see them together I just don't know. Hard to have more than guesses on what will happen in this volume.

[judgment26]

Well, I've put up the next part, which should answer a few questions.

When I first read through this part, I could only shake my head at Lawrence's Naïveté, as I'm sure you will as well by the time you're done reading.

Then again, it is pretty typical of Lawrence...

[FlareKnight]

Originally Posted by judgment26

Well, I've put up the next part, which should answer a few questions.

When I first read through this part, I could only shake my head at Lawrence's Naïveté, as I'm sure you will as well by the time you're done reading.

Then again, it is pretty typical of Lawrence...

Spoiler:

Here is my head and it is indeed shaking.

My god that guy is naive. He practically just set Horo up on a date with someone that puts him to shame in a few categories. Aside from the fact that Amati would probably be too wrapped around Horo's finger to keep up with her. But still I couldn't stop thinking "my god Lawrence what on earth are you thinking?"

Sure in theory this all sounds fine. Someone else can spend money making Horo happy. Her mood improves which would be a good thing for Lawrence. But did he think at all about the possible negative consequences. Like someone who is not him ends up making Horo happy.

Oh well let's see what kind of information Lawrence gets.

[LKK]

After reading the published part of novel 3, the sense I get from Lawrence is that he feels very conflicted about her. He's attracted to her and would probably like to take that attraction to the next level. However, he's constantly reminded either by his own thoughts or Horo's comments that there's a wide gulf between them. A gulf based not only on the fact that they're different species but also vastly different ages with vastly different expected lifespans. Every time, he allows his emotions and desires to dominate his thoughts, something comes along to hit him upside the head with the reality of their situation. I feel sorry for him. It's not a pleasant dilemma to be in.

[serenade_beta]

Information on volume 8:

Ookami to Koushinryou VIII
City of Confrontation (UP)
Release: 5/10/08

Spoiler for info:

The rumor of a "bone of a wolf's foot" heard at Loam/Romu River.
The church's influence seems to want to use this bone for their own personal sake of displaying authority.
Because it might be the bone of the same type of wolf as Horo, there was no way Horo would just ignore it......
To obtain more detailed information, Lawrence and co. decides to ambush the female merchant Ebu at the port city Kelbe.
But the city of Kelbe is between the delta that is the center of foreign trade, and was the city where the North and South confronted each other!
A wandering boy, Col, joins them on the journey, and Horo and Lawrence's journey gets more and more exciting.

Since there is an "up", I guess there will be a continuing volume with "down"...

[judgment26]

Gah, I wish I could read Japanese! I'm still stuck with only the first four volumes in Chinese...

[LKK]

Originally Posted by serenade_beta

Spoiler for info:

To obtain more detailed information, Lawrence and co. decides to ambush the female merchant Ebu at the port city Kelbe.

I foresee...

Spoiler:

more outwardly sarcastic and inwardly jealous Horo behavior arising from that spoiler.

[Kaguya]

According to the postscript, the author has schemed for putting a commercial element into the volume 8 thoroughly.
Moreover, the author says that he would like to make Lawrence a little more cool.

Spoiler:

Although there was no special happening in volume 6, the last scene which Col joins is my favorite.
I like a party's familyish atmosphere where Col joined.

[Kaguya]

I have noticed the subtitle of volume 8 being "A town of confrontation <The first volume>" .
That is, volume 9 is "A town of confrontation <The latter volume>".
As a result, volume5, and 6, 8 and 9 become a tale of continuation.

If there are a second season and a third season of anime , it will be the second season =volume 3 and volume 4, and will be the third season =volume 5, volume 6, volume 8, and volume 9.
Therefore, probably, a third season needs 26 episode.

[FlareKnight]

Spoiler for Volume 3:

Oh no, Lawrences' great weakness enters the fray. A beautiful woman...here we go again .

But anyways was an interesting look at the situation with alchemists. Really all depends on where you are looking at them from. The church of course would only see them in a bad light, as they do with quite a few things. Others like Bartose can see them more like blacksmiths who really aren't up to anything evil. Lawrence has been impacted by what he's learned so being concerned about them is a fairly natural thign.

Bartose is an interesting guy though. Doesn't seem like a bad person.

Did get to meet up with the person who will hopefully shed some light on things. Legends about the North and Yoitsu in particular. Of course legends aren't perfect on what has happened. But usually some sort of truth connected to it and at least more information is always nice.

Still have to see what will happen with Horo and Amati.

Oh and the line "Horo’s existence seemed particularly special." Not a bad bit of internal monologue Lawrence.

[judgment26]

Haha, yeah, Dean Rubens is definitely one of the most interesting characters after Horo.

Spoiler for Dean Rubens images:

Words alone don't really do her proper justice though, so here are a couple of images of her from the novel, though you may have already seen them in the images thread.

[FlareKnight]

Originally Posted by judgment26

Haha, yeah, Dean Rubens is definitely one of the most interesting characters after Horo.

Spoiler for Dean Rubens images:

Words alone don't really do her proper justice though, so here are a couple of images of her from the novel, though you may have already seen them in the images thread.

Spoiler:

Well this could be an interesting situation . Agreed words alone really didn't do her fair enough justice. But let's hope Lawrence doesn't do something stupid. But she does look like a very interesting character.

As always thanks for the nice translations.

[FlareKnight]

Spoiler for Volume 3, Chapter 2 5/7:

Well Deanna is a pretty interesting individual that's for sure. Not one for formalities I guess. Having the church on one's back can really be a troublesome thing.

But still she was incredibly useful in getting information. Little worried about this Moon-Hunting Bear. Possible that not just wolves ended up in the state like Horo is in? Could have some troubles when they get that far. Not to mention yet another confirmation on the status of Yoitsu. But no one has been there in a while so maybe it got rebuilt?

At any rate manged to get more information about its exact location. If they have an idea where to look Lawrence would be able to try and find it. Plus it was something to hear a legend about Horo when she was on her way South. The thing that clinched it for me was her relationship to alcohol . Must have been a nice time for her. Fresh and ready to start on a journey into the South. Being able to drink and dance with the people. Then leading to the issues further South where eventually the village didn't care about her and any time she appeared it would just inspire fear.

Had a feeling he'd give out the tale of Horo in the South. Pretty much all he knows that could be applicable to the request. Now a bit worried about what will go on with Amati.

As always an appreciation for the work on the translation judgment.

[judgment26]

Hehe, no problem.

I know the story's progressing somewhat slowly at this point, but a lot is going to happen very soon, and then things will really start to pick up pace. I'll try to get the next few parts done as quickly as I can, but I'm going to be really busy preparing for exams this week and the next, which means less time to spend on translating, unfortunately...

[Xacual]

Spoiler for Novel 3:

It's definitely starting to get interesting. The main thing on my mind though is after these stories they are exchanging will the truth come out that Lawrence is traveling with Horo and if so will Deanna meet her at some later point to come.

No worries on the translation speed, we'll all be here waiting feverishly to read it no matter what

[FlareKnight]

Originally Posted by judgment26

Hehe, no problem.

I know the story's progressing somewhat slowly at this point, but a lot is going to happen very soon, and then things will really start to pick up pace. I'll try to get the next few parts done as quickly as I can, but I'm going to be really busy preparing for exams this week and the next, which means less time to spend on translating, unfortunately...

Can completely relate with you on the exam preparation. I've been pretty much been reading through notes all week. Impressive that you can get some translations done at the same time. They really should take into consideration that people have more important things to do when scheduling these exams .

Spoiler for Novel 3:

I really wonder about Lawrence. Kind of rolled my eyes when he started to figure out the danger of Amati. Guy has to be more careful I tell you. Though of course when he thought about it the doubts started to creep in there. Not really about Horo being able to transfer her feelings like that. But come on Amati is really talented, successful, and someone pretty tough to go against if he's caught the eye of someone you care about. At least he quickly took care of business and started to move quickly to the inn. Better to be worried and hurry then to be too naive and ignore the situation.

Imagining Horo coming back with all that stuff leaves one with a smile . She really knew how to press her advantage. Also quite the scene having Horo pass out from the alcohol she'd been drinking. I'd choose to believe she trusts Lawrence enough to leave the undressing to him. If you didn't know those two the line of him undressing her could sound pretty bad .

Wonder what was up with that metallic cube that Horo got. Have a feeling the issues with Amati aren't going to die down. But at least Lawrence got to ease his mind a little bit. She had a busy time, but not much more than that. Now he can make some plans on business he can do up North. Probably a nice feeling to be making plans for someone else rather than just going around alone.

[judgment26]

Spoiler for Volume 3:

Lol, surprisingly, the part about Lawrence undressing Horo seemed to appear naughtier after being translated into English. The original sounded more...casual.

As you will see later on, the cube-shaped metal plays a key role in the plot.

Also, you can think of the latest part as the calm before the storm.

I think that's all I will say for now, lest I get stoned for spoiling.