Wolf and the Gap That Cannot Be Filled

Wolf and the Gap That Cannot Be Filled is the third episode of the second season of the Spice and Wolf anime.

Official Synopsis
"Tensions rise between Lawrence and Amarty, who tells the merchant his plan to take Holo as his own. Later, the little goddess lashes out at Lawrence after she reads a letter he wrote about Yoitsu."

Plot
Amarty publicly challenges Lawrence, proclaiming he will pay for Holo's debt of 1,000 trenni silver coins in cash by sunset tomorrow and then propose marriage to her, certain that she will leave Lawrence. Thinking that Amarty lacks the funds to match his audacity, Lawrence accepts the challenge, stirring the crowd's excitement at this drama. However, Gi Batos kindly warns Lawrence that his assumption may not hold true, and for her part Holo notes that Lawrence could have also declined the challenge.

Out of prudence, Lawrence researches Amarty with the help of Marc Cole and his apprentice Lund, but his known assets appear insufficient. Reassured, he heartily enjoys the festival's opening with Holo. Upon returning to the inn, Lawrence receives a message from Marc and a letter from Dian Rubens. Leaving Holo with the letter, he meets Marc again, who informs him that Amarty's plan to satisfy the debt relies on the sale of pyrite, which has entered a trading frenzy. Lawrence is disappointed with himself for not noticing such a lucrative business opportunity, but he is confident in the strength of his relationship with Holo.

Back at the inn, however, Holo reads the letter and learns of the legend about the bear that destroyed Yoitsu. When Lawrence returns, a distraught Holo claims that he knew Yoitsu was destroyed the entire time and had been toying with her since they met. Though Lawrence tries to calm her, he hesitates when Holo asks what she means to him. Her fit of despair and rage prompts Lawrence to leave the inn, attempting to create some space.

Trivia

 * The official episode synopsis contains a minor mistake. The letter was written by Dian Rubens, not Lawrence.