Original subtitles

It's been three months since you passed.

I'm still not entirely used to my lordly duties,

but I'm managing, thanks to everyone's help.

Lord Ars.

Are you all right?

Yes.

I'll never measure up to you,

but I'll do the best I can in my own way.

As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World

As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World

Castle Canarre

Raven was a tremendous talent and our greatest asset on the battlefield.

Episode 8 A New Generation

Let us pray for him.

Lumeire Pyres

Krall Orslow

Hammond Pleide

Raven's heir, Ars, now takes up his mantle as the head of House Louvent.

Ars.

Right.

I am the new lord, Ars Louvent.

Inexperienced though I may be, I will do my best to fulfill my role.

I certainly see more confidence in your eyes now.

We'll be counting on you.

You now stand on even footing with the rest of us.

We expect great things from you.

Yes, my lord.

Regarding the armistice between Lord Couran and Lord Vasmarque...

Lord Couran, whose side we've chosen, has successfully raised an army.

The war's really starting now...

We'll lay out the situation for you.

Menas, please elucidate.

My lord.

The capital of Missian Province, Arcantez,

is currently occupied by the younger brother, Lord Vasmarque.

He holds soldiers and resources in greater numbers than ours,

but his older brother controls the trading city of Semplar,

which gives us economic superiority.

The power of these cities is roughly even,

meaning the loyalties of the surrounding districts will be a major deciding factor.

For this reason, Lord Couran is attempting to secure the neighboring districts,

Coumeire

Canarre District

Maasa District

Arcantez

Province of Ansel

Province of Seitz

Province of Paradille

Perreina District

Lamberg

Semplar

but one to the west, Perreina, refuses to yield to pressure.

Province of Paradille

Province of Seitz

Province of Ansel

Maasa District

Lamberg

Coumeire

Canarre District

Perreina

Perreina is a minor domain with only a small military,

but the shortest route we can take to attack Arcantez runs through it.

In other words, without Perreina under our control,

we can't run efficient supply lines to the front,

increasing the likelihood that we'll lose the war.

We'd hoped to bring them to our side without pointless fighting,

but their refusal to yield has forced our hand.

We will subjugate Perreina.

Excuse me.

Yes?

Would you allow us to try our own measures in Perreina first?

What exactly do you mean?

Well...

Louvent Estate, Days Earlier

Something seems off.

What does?

If they're so vulnerable to an attack from us,

why are they digging their heels in like this?

I think there's more to this than meets the eye.

I feel the same way.

What do you think it is?

I don't know.

But attacking before we find out could leave us in for a rude awakening.

I think we need to uncover the full situation first.

I see...

But how do we get that information?

Why not hire mercenaries?

Mercenaries?

There's a mercenary band called "Shadow" that excels in information gathering.

The rumors say they're frighteningly good at it.

Can you get us in contact with them?

I'll try.

Er, if I may make a suggestion...

If the topic of the council is the subjugation of Perreina,

could you propose that we handle it ourselves?

All right. We'll try it!

It's strange that they refuse to yield despite being surrounded by enemies.

Finding the reason for their stance should illuminate a better approach.

Very well.

I'll give you time to investigate.

Thank you, my lord.

That was nerve-racking!

It's over now, Lord Ars. You were magnificent.

Sheesh, why do these council things always take so long?

Charlotte!

Charlotte!

It's been forever!

How have you been?

Hey, look how big you guys have gotten!

You're still doing your job, right?

You bet I am.

Look, I brought some smoked suw.

You guys share it around, okay?

I love this stuff!

Lord Ars.

It's been such a long time.

It's good to see you all again.

We arrived at the orphanage I had built.

Since I trust the ladies here,

I had asked them to take in the kids Charlotte was looking after.

I also asked them to give a home to as many orphaned children

they found in the alleys as they possibly could.

Yeah, I'm way taller now!

Those kids are almost old enough to leave the nest themselves.

So what's new with you guys these days?

I'm gonna take the test to join Lord Lumeire's army!

I want to work as a maid in Castle Canarre!

I've got a job at the bakery on the main thoroughfare.

I love growing vegetables,

so I'd like to help on a farm in Lamberg.

Oh, yeah?

Thank you so much, Lord Ars.

You really changed our lives.

It wasn't just me.

Charlotte sends most of her salary to this place for you guys.

Thank you, Charlotte!

Well, later!

We'll work hard!

Thanks for the meat!

See you again!

I'd thought about taking 'em to Lamberg with me at first,

but letting 'em stay here was the right call.

Though Lamberg is beautiful and a great place to live,

I figured living in a big city would provide them with more opportunities.

Children should see lots of things, learn lots of things,

and choose their lives for themselves.

You said it.

Lord Ars!

It's been so long!

Licia?!

What are you doing here?

We accompanied my father to Castle Canarre,

and when I heard that you'd be here,

I decided to pay a visit!

I'm delighted to see you...

But you didn't have to come all this way.

Wh-What do I do? I'm not mentally prepared to face her...

Oh, my!

What a truly joyous place!

Happiness just follows you wherever you go, doesn't it?

Licia...

I-I'm sorry!

I'll buy you a new dress at once!

My, we're having fun, aren't we?

Would you mind terribly if I joined your game?

Here I come! I'm going to get you!

L-Lady Licia!

Come back here now!

She really is incredible.

Lord Ars.

What might your agenda for tomorrow be?

I've asked Rietz to put me in touch with a mercenary group called Shadow.

If they agree to meet me,

I'm going to negotiate with them about a job.

I see!

I'd be most interested in hearing more.

Would you mind if I accompanied you tomorrow?

N-No, you can't do that!

Whyever not?

I-It could be dangerous!

You'll have your retinue, won't you?

It's perfectly safe.

We don't even know if they'll meet with me!

I have absolute faith in Rietz.

Very well.

If they agree to meet, I'll come fetch you at your lodgings...

Oh, I'm staying right here.

Is that why Jean had so much luggage?

I beg your indulgence, Lord Ars.

I have no means of leaving now.

Then I'll arrange a room for you.

Oh?

I would be more than pleased to stay in your room, Lord Ars.

O-Out of the question!

What's with all the flirting?

Oh, we're really not...

Honestly, Lord Ars!

There's no need to be shy!

Lord Ar—

...s?

Join me in bed, won't you?

No way! You're sleeping with me, darn it!

Heavens, no! Lord Ars must stay with me!

Gimme a break!

Are all women this pushy?

Hey! You're sleeping with us, too.

No!

Help me, Rietz!

I'm sorry, Rosell.

Rietz turned him down flat

Hold on, darn it!

Good morning, Lord Ars!

Didja sleep good?

Good morning...

I didn't sleep a wink.

Me, either.

Good morning, Lord Ars!

I've received a message from Shadow.

Hey, nice work.

Morning, Rietz...

As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World

A fine morning to you!

As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World

Thank you for your hospitality.

It was nothing.

You're welcome anytime.

You'll come back again, won't you?

Of course.

Thanks for everything, Charlotte.

We might be gone by the next time you're here,

but we'll do our best.

Sure thing. I can't wait to see it.

Later, guys!

Bye-bye!

See you again!

Charlotte's in a great mood, huh?

She certainly is.

Where are we meeting the members of Shadow?

A bar on the outskirts of town.

I'm impressed you were able to reach them.

A member of my old mercenary group had a contact.

I wasn't at all confident, but I'm glad it worked out.

You mean mercenary organizations sometimes give work to other groups?

It's because we all have different specialties.

My group primarily did front-line combat.

Shadow specializes more in covert work.

Covert work?

Intelligence, espionage... sometimes even assassination.

A-Assassination?!

These people are scary as heck!

There's just one thing that concerns me.

I've heard Shadow's former leader stepped down and was replaced by someone rather young.

So you're worried they're not as good?

The opposite.

The new leader is extremely competent,

and Shadow is far more capable than it's ever been.

A young and brilliant leader, then?

That's very admirable!

Y-Yes, it is!

But then what's the concern?

Apparently the new leader only takes jobs that catch their interest.

What?

Th-Then we'd better make sure we pay well...

Apparently that's not the issue.

There's no way of knowing what kind of jobs they'll like.

I see...

I hope this works out.

But... Lord Lumeire is counting on me.

I've got to find a way to get Shadow to take the job!

This is it.

Welcome!

Oh, what a little cutie!

We've got juice available.

R-Right...

Sorry, but we're full up today.

Scram.

What?

But we're here to meet with someone...

No need to worry.

Soon, the light will fade. The time of shadows is upon is.

Looks like a table just opened up.

Take the farthest one in the back.

Isn't that great?

Was that like a code phrase?

So awesome!

Come along, Lord Ars.

Sheesh, I'm starvin'!

What's with these bozos?

Don't they know it's rude to stare?

You mind if I roast 'em?

No roasting.

Fine.

Anyway, let's put in an order.

Yes, let's.

'Scuse me!

I wonder what their leader might be like.

Yeah...

Shadow specializes in gathering information.

They probably investigate not just their targets, but their clients, too.

Which means their leader might be here right now, watching us...

Ars!

Ars!

Don't keep the pretty lady waiting.

Oh, I'm sorry!

Um, let's see...

I'd like the fruit juice—

Is something the matter?

N-No, it's nothing...

I'd like a juice, please.

Coming right up!

I-I'm going to use the facilities.

What was that all about?

Rietz Muses 23 Male

My Appraisal skill seems to be functioning.

But...

A Prowess of 92 and an Ingenuity of 90?

Those stats are incredible!

And... he's a 22-year-old man?!

Ars Louvent.

How did you know I'm the leader of Shadow?

Talk.

Rietz!

Do you realize what you're doing, and to whom?

What a surprise.

I thought he was just some spoiled rich kid, but he managed to call an ally?

I didn't see him do it. Was it some kind of magic?

Nope! I dunno how he's here, either!

You really mustn't underestimate Lord Ars.

L-Licia?!

Gracious me. Drawing a blade on Lord Ars like that...

After such a rude display, you're behooved to accept his request...

Aren't you, boss?

How did she know?

And if I refuse?

Kind of hard for me to do my job if my identity gets out.

I could pull out all my tricks, kill the rich boy, and flee.

K-Kill me?!

I'm afraid you wouldn't stand the slightest chance.

With Rietz here, you'd struggle just to escape with your life.

Though I'm sure you've already realized that.

They're totally negotiating without me...

And if I still refuse your job?

You see, boss, I am quite cross.

Earlier, you suggested you'd kill Lord Ars.

Were you to do such a thing...

I would pursue you to the furthest reaches of the world and end you.

She's terrifying!

Goodness me. What a scary little rich girl.

Okay, I apologize for my rudeness.

Sorry, kid.

You won't get a second chance.

But before we go further, answer the question I asked you.

How did you know who I am?

I thought my disguise was pretty perfect.

I have an Appraisal skill that allows me to perceive the abilities of others.

Hard to take you on your word there.

I'm gonna need a bit more than that.

I suppose you would.

What can I do to make you believe me, Mazak?

That's not my name.

I threw it away a long time ago.

I go by Pham now.

Still, if you can even tell my name, your power's about my worst nightmare.

Okay. I like you, kid.

I'll take your job.

I'd rather not die just yet, see?

I'm happy to hear that...

But are you sure? I haven't told you about it yet.

And you barely know anything about me...

No need for all that.

I can easily see one's caliber based on who they surround themselves with.

This Malkan's pretty darn tough,

and this girl, intimidating beyond her years, seems to admire the heck out of you.

Gracious!

Gotta bet on a winning horse.

We can talk in the back.

Th-Thank you very much!

Lady Licia, thank you for what you did back there.

Not at all.

What did you do?

Your expression when you saw our "waitress" made it clear that was Shadow's boss.

I discussed it with Rietz, and he decided to follow you.

What?

Of course. The boss must have realized it then, too...

I'd appreciate it if you'd always remain so transparent.

Thank you. You saved my life.

Sh-She's so dependable! It's kind of frightening, really...

Oh? Find out why Perreina District won't stand down, you say?

Well? Can you do it?

Of course I can.

It's my first job for you, so I'll take one gold as payment.

I'd like three silvers now for my advance.

Of course!

Er, how long will you need for the investigation?

Let's see...

Meet me back here in five days.

Huh?! That soon?!

No worries, kid.

This sort of intel gathering is our specialty.

Please see to it, then!

Thank you so much for saving me, Rietz!

No... I dropped my guard.

You're now in a position where your life will be under constant threat.

I will accompany you to the bathroom—

No need for that!

Next Time Sounding Out

Next time: "Sounding Out."