Lout of the Count's Family Vol. 8

What did I say about the last volume of this series? That it was action-packed? Well it seems that I truly underestimated how much action could be packed into a single volume of this series.

This volume covered two battles of the Mogor/Whipper war arc. It seems silly to mention it, but it didn’t really sink in how much this series was going to focus on wartime exploits until we got to the book where the majority of the time is spent on a single battle.

The Whipper forces are greatly outnumbered, but Cale and the rest of the alliance are secretly supporting them while plotting against the Mogor Empire. While I never expected Cale’s side to lose, there were genuinely moments where I wondered how they were going to pull off a win with their clearly disadvantageous situation, especially when they’re operating in secret. I still felt thoroughly engaged while reading this volume.

Cale also goes to help the people of the Jungle against a side-invasion by the Empire. It was nice to see Ritana again, and while she’s always idolized Cale, it’s fun to see another person discover how much of a lout he really is lol.

This is also the book where we learn the depth of depravity in the crimes committed by Prince Adin and the Alchemist’s Bell Tower Master (who might be the main leader of Arm as well?). I always root for the main crew, but seeing Adin (hopefully) get taken down for good should be immensely satisfying in the next book.

I’ve been having a really good time with this series so far, but I am starting to wonder about the direction of the series as a whole. The Rowoon Kingdom has won against the Northern countries, and is allied with the Jungle, Brek, and Karo. After they overthrow the Empire and defeat Arm, what is there left to do? The Western Continent should be at peace.

Of course, more shenanigans are definitely possible in the Eastern Continent since they already setup another home base there, but I just struggle to follow along with the series sometimes. Cale’s only overarching goal is to live a slacker life and get rid of anything that gets in the way of his or his family’s happiness.

Cale has already established all the money and power he could possibly need, so now he just needs world peace. Just like Yang Wen-li of Legend of Galactic Heroes, will it ever be achievable as long as he’s alive? Yang was conservative enough just to hope for a decent 50 years of peace. ​I’m honestly not sure, but I guess I’ll just have to keep reading to find out.

The next volume is out September 8th!