Wolf and the Swirling Plot

Wolf and the Swirling Plot is the tenth episode of the first season of the Spice and Wolf.

Official Synopsis
"Lawrence is suddenly burdened with a large amount of debt. If he doesn't find a way out of the situation, he could lose more than his business."

Plot
After Lawrence procures a proof-of-membership certificate from Jacob Tarantino, he goes to the Lemerio Company to sell his armor. To his horror, he discovers that the armor market has crashed and that he now holds a very large debt and worthless goods. Moreover, the Latparron Company has sold its loan with Lawrence to Lemerio, which is also struggling from the crash and eager to collect his debt.

Lawrence faces an ultimatum to pay back the debt in two days or be rendered bankrupt, making him a debt slave and effectively throwing him out of society entirely. He and Holo meet with Jacob, who has been updated on the situation. Jacob reminds them of the grave consequences of bankruptcy and of the limited services that the guild can offer in this situation. He subtly suggests that they consider unorthodox methods.

With Holo at his side to show her support, Lawrence desperately tries to find merchants willing to lend him money, but each and every one refuses. He realizes that the merchants are unwilling to aid him because of his unmarried relationship with Holo and, in a fit of rage, vents his frustration by slapping away her hand. Lawrence immediately tries to apologize to her, but Holo tells him that she is returning to the inn for now.