Wolf, Hope and Despair

Wolf, Hope and Despair is the fifth episode of the second season of the Spice and Wolf anime.

Official Synopsis
Diana tells Lawrence that she's already made a deal for her pyrite, but her customer hasn't yet taken possession of the goods. As Lawrence waits for the situation to develop, he encounters Amarty and Holo.

Plot
To gain access to the alchemists' pyrite, Lawrence asks Batos for a password to meet Diana. Batos is reluctant until Lawrence obliquely explains that he is not seeking monetary gain but is fighting to save precious "cargo," that is, his relationship with Holo.

Despite the late hour, Diana lets Lawrence into her home. As Lawrence explains that his request is for a duel rather than for business, he realizes that his "cargo," not Amarty, is his true opponent. Diana is amused by his indirect admission and is open to selling him pyrite, but the available stock has already been sold on credit. However, she agrees to ask the pyrite's buyer to sell to Lawrence, telling him that to maintain confidentiality she will handle negotiations and contact him upon their completion. Before leaving, Lawrence embarrassedly asks Diana if she has heard of tales of deities and humans becoming couples. Diana answers in the affirmative.

Lawrence returns to Marc, who shares that he had his apprentice Lund find other town merchants willing to sell Lawrence pyrite. Moved by this help, Lawrence belatedly realizes that Marc has been a true friend rather than just a business associate. He spends the rest of the night at Marc's market stall instead of returning to the inn.

The next morning, Lawrence buys breakfast for Lund, who will be assisting him for the day. Before the market opens, he goes to the mineral exchange and meets Amarty, who gives him fourteen lima gold coins, equivalent to 300 trenni silver coins, in accordance with their deal. The price of pyrite continues rising as the market opens, worrying Lawrence.