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
Cover of the first light novel volume
転生貴族、鑑定スキルで成り上がる　～弱小領地を受け継いだので、優秀な人材を増やしていたら、最強領地になってた～ (Tensei Kizoku Kantei Sukiru de Nariagaru: Jakushō Ryōchi o Uketsuidanode, Yūshūna Jinzai o Fuyashite Itara, Saikyō Ryōchi ni Natteta)
Genre	Isekai
Novel series
Written by	Miraijin A
Published by	Shōsetsuka ni Narō
Original run	October 31, 2019 – present
Light novel
Written by	Miraijin A
Illustrated by	Jimmy
Published by	Kodansha
English publisher	NA: Kodansha USA
Imprint	Kodansha Ranobe Books
Demographic	Male
Original run	July 2, 2020 – present
Volumes	7
Manga
Written by	Miraijin A
Illustrated by	Natsumi Inoue
Published by	Kodansha
English publisher	NA: Kodansha USA
Magazine	Magazine Pocket
Demographic	Shōnen
Original run	June 26, 2020 – present
Volumes	16
Anime television series
Directed by	Takao Kato
Written by	Yasuhiro Nakanishi
Music by	Kujira Yumemi
Studio	Studio Mother
Licensed by	Crunchyroll (streaming) EA/SEA: Medialink
Original network	JNN (CBC, TBS), BS NTV, AT-X
Original run	April 7, 2024 – present
Episodes	21

As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World is a Japanese light novel series written by Miraijin A. The series originated on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website, before being published in print with illustrations by Jimmy by Kodansha beginning in July 2020. As of October 2024, seven volumes have been released. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Natsumi Inoue, began serialization on the Magazine Pocket website in June 2020. As of October 2024, the manga's individual chapters have been collected into sixteen tankōbon volumes. An anime television series adaptation produced by Studio Mother aired from April to June 2024. A second season premiered in September of the same year.

Plot

A Japanese salaryman dies and reincarnates in another world as Ars Louvent, heir of a noble family and discovers that he also possesses the skill to appraise the talents and aptitudes of other people. With his special powers, Ars identifies and convinces powerful individuals who excel in various subjects, from magic and swordsmanship to strategy and diplomacy to become his servants and allies in preparation for an imminent war for the throne's succession. When he demonstrates his prowess, he is promoted to the Lord of Canarre, and soon has to go to war with the neighboring Duchy of Seitz against a wicked lord.

Characters

Main

Ars Louvent (アルス・ローベント, Arusu Rōbento)

Voiced by: Natsumi Fujiwara

Heir to the House Louvent who rules the town of Lamberk, Ars is a noble who is the reincarnation of a Japanese salaryman who possesses the ability to appraise other individuals and measure their talents. Making use of his powers, Ars begins drafting notable individuals with remarkable skills as his retainers in order to bolster Lamberk's fighting force, making preparations for an imminent civil war.

Ritsu Muses (リーツ・ミューセス, Rītsu Myūsesu)

Voiced by: Taito Ban

Originally an orphan from the Marca race who suffers with discrimination from other races in the country, he is recruited by Ars as his first retainer. Despite suffering prejudice at first, Ritsu's loyalty to Ars and outstanding gift for combat and leadership makes him earn the trust from the rest of the Louvent family and he becomes the commander of their army.

Charlotte Wraith (シャーロット・レイス, Shārotto Reisu)

Voiced by: Narumi Kaho

Another orphan rescued and taken in by Ars after he bought her from a group of slave traders. She excels in magic and becomes the leader of the Louvent family's magician platoon. She sees Ars like a little brother.

Rosell Kischa (ロセル・キーシャ, Roseru Kīsha)

Voiced by: Miho Okasaki

A child living in the Louvent family's territory, he is recruited by Ars due to his natural gift as a tactician, eventually becoming his army's strategist.

Lysia Plaid (リシア・プレイド, Risha Pureido)

Voiced by: Kana Hanazawa

Ars' fiancée who excels in politics and diplomacy. Ars becomes wary of her at first due to her high ambition stat, which makes her prone to deceive and betray others, but eventually she truly falls in love with Ars and decides to support him with her skills, becoming his wife and closest confidant.

Raven Louvent (レイヴン・ローベント, Reivun Rōbento)

Voiced by: Hiroki Tōchi

The head of House Louvent; he is Ars' father who is loved and respected by his family and subjects. He dies of illness when Ars is still a child, making him the new head of the family.

Mireille Grangeon (ミレーユ・グランジオン, Mirēyu Guranjion)

Voiced by: Hitomi Nabatame

Former noble that traveled the world drinking and spending her savings. She was discovered by the Shadows and recruited by Ars as a strategist and tactician. She is the older sister of Thomas Grunzeon, adviser of Valmarque, one of the two sons of the Duke of Missian. She gets along well with Charlotte.

Fahm (ファム, Famu)

Voiced by: Haruka Tomatsu

The leader of a band of mercenaries called Shadow. Although he looks and sounds like a girl, he is really a guy. While in disguise, he usually poses as a waitress. He uses shadow magic to conceal himself in the darkness where enemies detect or see him.

Secondary

Sofia Louvent (ソフィア・ローベント, Sofia Rōbento)

Voiced by: Ayako Kawasumi

Ars' mother.

Hammond Plaid (ハマンド・プレイド, Hamando Pureido)

Voiced by: Kōzō Shioya

Lysia's father.

Kreiz Louvent (クライツ・ローベント, Kuraitsu Rōbento)

Voiced by: Chiharu Hokaze

Ars' younger brother.

Wren Louvent (レン・ローベント, Ren Rōbento)

Voiced by: Kanon Takao

Ars' younger sister.

Couran Saremakia (クラン・サレマキア, Kuran Saremakia)

Voiced by: Kazuhiko Inoue

A lord who serves as an ally to Raven and Ars. He is Lenge's father and Vasmarque's brother.

Vasmarque Saremakia (バサマーク・サレマキア, Basamāku Saremakia)

Voiced by: Kenyu Horiuchi

Couran's tyrannical brother. He is also Lenge's uncle.

Thomas Grangeon (トーマス・グランジオン, Tōmasu Guranjion)

Voiced by: Yasuhiro Mamiya

Vasmarque's right hand man and Mireille's brother. He possesses immense strength.

Lenge Saremakia (レング・サレマキア, Rengu Saremakia)

Voiced by: Sho Nogami

Son of Couran Saremakia. Despite how overconfident and stuck up he is, he never goes as far as to boss others around or force people to listen to his options; however, he is not fond of using deception.

Chacma Drees (シャクマ・ドリーズ, Shakuma Dorīsu)

Voiced by: Kōji Yusa

Selena Bandol (セレナ・バンドル, Serena Bandoru)

Voiced by: Yuki Tanaka

Daughter of Fraedor Bandol. She is also a mage who wields magic that rivals to that of Charlotte's. Although at first part of Vasmarque's forces, she and her father later deflect to Ars's army due to them not wanting to harm innocent people to ensure their victory.

Ruper Louston (リューパ ・ルーズトン, Ryūpa Rūzuton)

Voiced by: Tomoaki Maeno

A lord who was forced to work for Vasmarque for the safety of his kidnapped pregnant wife. After Ars rescues his wife, he allies with Ars in turn.

Clamant Maitrow III (クラマント・メイトロー三世, Kuramanto Meitoro Sansei)

Voiced by: Yuichi Nakamura

The leader of a company that is made out of combat mercenaries. He is on neither side in the war and only helps just to get money. Nevertheless, he helps Ars's army defeat Jean and Dan.

Braham Joe (ブラッハム・ジョー, Burahhamu Jō)

Voiced by: Shūichi Uchida

Jean Tendry (ジャン・テンドリー, Jan Tendorī)

Voiced by: Yūichirō Umehara

The lord of Castle Rolto and one of Vasmarque's allies. He murdered his father so he can become a lord himself. He is defeated by Clamant and he surrenders.

Dan Allest (ダン・アレースト, Dan Arēsuto)

Voiced by: Masashi Yamane

Jean's right-hand man. He is a strong fighter and evenly matched with Ritsu. He is defeated by Ritsu and surrenders.

Media

Light novel

Written by Miraijin A, the light novel began publication on the novel posting website Shōsetsuka ni Narō on October 31, 2019. The series was later acquired by Kodansha, who published the series with illustrations by Jimmy under their Kodansha Ranobe Books imprint beginning on July 2, 2020. As of October 2024, seven volumes have been released.

In March 2022, Kodansha USA announced that they also licensed the light novel series for English publication.

Volumes

No.	Original release date	Original ISBN	English release date	English ISBN
1	July 2, 2020	978-4-06-520422-1	January 31, 2023	978-1-64-729194-5
2	January 4, 2021	978-4-06-522062-7	June 27, 2023	978-1-64-729208-9
3	September 2, 2021	978-4-06-524910-9	October 31, 2023	978-1-64-729217-1
4	December 2, 2022	978-4-06-529661-5	February 27, 2024	978-1-64-729312-3
5	July 1, 2023	978-4-06-532067-9	June 25, 2024	978-1-64-729349-9
6	April 2, 2024	978-4-06-535406-3	—	—
7	October 2, 2024	978-4-06-537309-5	—	—

Manga

A manga adaptation, illustrated by Natsumi Inoue, began serialization in Magazine Pocket on June 26, 2020. As of October 2024, the series' individual chapters have been collected into sixteen tankōbon volumes.

In November 2021, Kodansha USA announced that they licensed the manga for English publication, with the first volume being released in September 2022.

Volumes

No.	Original release date	Original ISBN	English release date	English ISBN
1	November 9, 2020	978-4-06-521299-8	September 20, 2022	978-1-64-651512-7
2	February 9, 2021	978-4-06-522356-7	November 15, 2022	978-1-64-651513-4
3	May 7, 2021	978-4-06-523160-9	January 17, 2023	978-1-64-651514-1
4	August 6, 2021	978-4-06-524476-0	March 7, 2023	978-1-64-651515-8
5	November 9, 2021	978-4-06-525988-7	May 23, 2023	978-1-64-651647-6
6	February 9, 2022	978-4-06-526906-0	July 25, 2023	978-1-64-651684-1
7	May 9, 2022	978-4-06-527844-4	October 31, 2023	978-1-64-651793-0
8	August 9, 2022	978-4-06-528664-7	November 28, 2023	978-1-64-651832-6
9	November 9, 2022	978-4-06-529715-5	January 30, 2024	978-1-64-651885-2
10	February 9, 2023	978-4-06-528664-7	June 4, 2024	978-1-64-651998-9
11	May 9, 2023	978-4-06-531595-8	July 30, 2024	979-8-88-877025-2
12	August 8, 2023	978-4-06-532595-7	September 24, 2024	979-8-88-877026-9
13	November 9, 2023	978-4-06-533512-3	February 18, 2025	979-8-88-877263-8
14	March 8, 2024	978-4-06-534864-2	May 20, 2025	979-8-88-877443-4
15	June 7, 2024	978-4-06-535799-6	—	—
16	October 8, 2024	978-4-06-537042-1	—	—

Anime

An anime television series adaptation was announced on May 9, 2023. It is produced by Studio Mother and directed by Takao Kato, with scripts written by Yasuhiro Nakanishi, character designs handled by Yūko Yahiro, and music composed by Kujira Yumemi. The series aired from April 7 to June 23, 2024, on the brand new Agaru Anime programming block on all JNN affiliates, including CBC and TBS. The opening theme song is "Blue Days" (ブルーデイズ) performed by True, while the ending theme song is "Finally" performed by Kana Hanazawa. Crunchyroll streamed the series worldwide outside of East Asia. Medialink licensed the series in East (excluding China and Japan) and Southeast Asia and streamed it on Ani-One Asia's YouTube channel.

Following the final episode of the first season, a second season was announced, which premiered on September 29 of the same year on the same programming block. The opening theme song is "Skillawake" (stylized in all-caps) performed by PassCode, while the ending theme song is "Familiar" performed by Yuki Tanaka.

Season 1

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Storyboarded by	Original air date
1	1	"Reincarnation and Appraisal" Transliteration: "Tensei to Kantei" (Japanese: 転生と鑑定)	Hiroaki Matsushima	Yasuhiro Nakanishi	Takao Kato	April 7, 2024 (2024-04-07)
A Japanese salesman dies from overworking and is reborn in another world as Ars Louvent, the heir to House Louvent which rules over the town of Lamberk. He also discovers that he possesses the ability to appraise other individuals and measure their talents. Three years later, he convinces a soldier who isn't good at handling a spear to take up archery instead, which he in turn is very skilled at. He later finds an orphan named Ritsu Muses being mistreated by the villagers due to his race and takes him in, demanding that his servants treat him with respect. Ars's father Raven agrees to let him stay if he can beat him in a mock duel. With some help from Ars, Ritsu manages to win the fight and he officially becomes Ars's retainer.
2	2	"Above and Below" Transliteration: "Ue to Shita" (Japanese: 上と下)	Masato Takeuchi	Yasuhiro Nakanishi	Takao Kato	April 14, 2024 (2024-04-14)
While learning about the conflicting war in their region, Ars is sent to find someone who can use magic for Raven's army. During his search, Ars feels pity for the poor and homeless, but Ritsu convinces him that he cannot help them at this point. A girl steals Ars's money and they chase her down, defeating some slave traders who are after her, as they intend to sell her into slavery after they caught her trying to steal from them. The girl introduces herself as Charlotte Wraith. Realizing that she can use magic, they invite her to become Ars's second retainer, but she declines as she is concerned about the homeless kids. Sometime later, the homeless kids inform them that Charlotte has been captured by the same slave traders from before.
3	3	"Answer" Transliteration: "Kotae" (Japanese: 答え)	Natsumi Uchinuma	Yasuhiro Nakanishi	Natsumi Uchinuma	April 21, 2024 (2024-04-21)
Ars and Ritsu follow the slave traders to their lair and after Ritsu defeats them, Ars offers to buy Charlotte from them. After some bribing, their leader Albert reluctantly agrees to sell her to them. Learning of Ars's plan to create a peaceful town for everyone to be happy in, Charlotte finally accepts Ars's offer and after Ritsu gives her a pendent that he found earlier, shows off her magic skills. Raven also accepts her as Ars's retainer.
4	4	"Where Talent Dwells" Transliteration: "Sainō no Ibasho" (Japanese: 才能の居場所)	Kazuya Fujishiro	Yasuhiro Nakanishi	Takao Kato	April 28, 2024 (2024-04-28)
Three years later, the war is still going on and Raven's army has scored many victories thanks to Charlotte, who has now become a powerful mage. At this time, Ars now has two younger siblings. Ars, Ritsu, and Charlotte search for a group of talented hunters to recruit them. Charlotte is then revealed to have feelings for Ars. They meet the hunters and invite them to be soldiers. Ars also meets their timid younger brother Rosell, who reluctantly goes with his brothers to Ars's mansion. In the library, they learn that Rosell has skilled knowledge. After some convincing from his father and brothers, he finally agrees to join Ars.
5	5	"The Storm Arrives!" Transliteration: "Arashi, Kuru!" (Japanese: 嵐、来る！)	Hiroaki Matsushima	Daisuke Daito	Tomoko Iwasaki	May 5, 2024 (2024-05-05)
Raven grows ill from the war and Ars learns that he has an arranged bride, who is a girl named Lysia Plaid. Reading her, Ars realizes how devious she can be, but pretends to be oblivious to this. After they spend the day together, Lysia soon truly begins to develop feelings for Ars, who in response tells her about his skills. Charlotte secretly grows jealous of Lysia. The next day, Lysia heads home, having decided to marry Ars after all in the future. Ars remains in contact with her via letters.
6	6	"The Face of a Warrior" Transliteration: "Senshi no Kao" (Japanese: 戦士の顔)	Masahiro Hosoda	Makoto Oyama	Natsumi Uchinuma	May 12, 2024 (2024-05-12)
As Raven's illness grows worse, he learns of an assassination. Ars attends a meeting with the nobles alongside his subordinates regarding the war and the murder. Lysia's father, who also attended the meeting, approves of his future marriage to his daughter. Concerned of his father, Ars becomes determined to help by training hard. However, Raven warns him that he is not cut out for fighting in the war yet. He is traumatized after a war criminal is beheaded in front of him. Raven then prepares to engage the enemy, bringing Ritsu, Charlotte, and Rosell along.
7	7	"Succession" Transliteration: "Keishō" (Japanese: 継承)	Toshiyuki Kono	Yasuhiro Nakanishi	Takao Kato	May 19, 2024 (2024-05-19)
Raven's army once again emerges victorious, but his illness has worsened again upon returning home. Meanwhile, Ars is still training so he can be involved in the war. Lysia returns and Ritsu, Charlotte, and Rosell inform her of Ars's pain. Raven later calls the four to his room and requests for them help Ars. After spending the night with his family, Raven dies from his illness. Ars officially becomes the head of House Louvent while Ritsu, Charlotte, Rosell, and Lysia recall their times with Raven. A woman with red hair and purple eyes hears about the assassination.
8	8	"A New Generation" Transliteration: "Shinsedai" (Japanese: 新世代)	Kazuya Fujishiro	Daisuke Daitō	Takao Kato	May 26, 2024 (2024-05-26)
Three months after Raven's death, Ars announces to the nobles that he is now House Louvant's new lord. Continuing the fight in the war, Ars learns of a band of mercenaries called Shadow who can help them get information on their enemies. They visit an orphanage that Ars built to shelter the homeless kids from earlier, who lives have now improved for the better. Lysia also meets up with them again. That night, after some competition between Lysia and Charlotte, Ars and Rosell end up sleeping with them, although the boys fail to get any sleep. The next day, the group head to the bar that Shadow owns where they have a confrontation with their leader Fam, who was previously disguised as a waitress. Ars also tells her about his skills after she demands how he knew her true identity. After some convincing, Fam agrees to get them the information they need.
9	9	"Sounding Out" Transliteration: "Saguri Ai" (Japanese: 探り合い)	Masato Takeuchi	Daisuke Daitō	Masato Takeuchi	June 2, 2024 (2024-06-02)
After getting the required information from Fam, who is revealed to be a man disguised as a girl, Ars informs the nobles of what he learned. They then go to inform the Perena County's leader that he has been duped by their enemies. Negotiations nearly turn rough, but the county chief of Massa reveals himself, having decided to come along with Ars. Now aware of the truth, the chief of Perena agrees to ally with them. Visiting his father's grave, Ars is grateful of Ritsu, Charlotte, and Rosell for being supportive of him while two other nobles also visit Raven's grave to honor him. Ars meets Lord Couran.
10	10	"Couran Salamakhia" Transliteration: "Kuran Saremakia" (Japanese: クラン・サレマキア)	Masahiro Hosoda	Makoto Oyama	Natsumi Uchinuma	June 9, 2024 (2024-06-09)
Ars and his subordinates are invited to Lord Couran's party, though Charlotte gets left behind. Once there, Ars sees how high his stats are, but also suspects something is amiss. Couran announces his desire to create independence and expresses gratitude to Ars for his heroic efforts. Couran later has a private talk with Ars regarding their subordinates and also decides to make him Canarre's headman. Afterwards, Ars is invited to a meeting and tasked to look for more talented people, to which Couran reveals that he knows of his abilities. Ars hires Fam to help them. A drunk girl named Mirelle later gets a job at Fam's bar. She later shares information with Fam, who in turn has her stay with Ars. Meanwhile, Couran's brother Vasmarque is preparing to make his next move to capture Mirelle.
11	11	"Mireille Grangeon" Transliteration: "Mirēyu Guranjion" (Japanese: ミレーユ・グランジオン)	Hiroaki Matsushima	Yasuhiro Nakanishi	Hiroaki Matsushima, Takao Kato	June 16, 2024 (2024-06-16)
Ritsu is skeptical of letting Mirelle stay because of her infamous history, but Ars agrees to allow her to stay. Mirelle is disliked by most of the subordinates (except for Charlotte) due to her incompetence, so they decide to settle things in a mock battle. Most of the soldiers join Ritsu, while Ars is partnered with Mirelle. During the fight, a mage working for Mirelle informs Ritsu of her plan, but the soldiers discover his ruse. Mirelle reveals her intelligence by tricking Ritsu’s team into attacking decoy targets before leading them to chase her carrying Ars.
12	12	"Oath" Transliteration: "Chikai" (Japanese: 誓い)	Toshiyuki Kono	Yasuhiro Nakanishi	Takao Kato	June 23, 2024 (2024-06-23)
As the group chase after Mirelle and Ars, she manages to lead them into some traps that she set earlier. Lysia watches the group from the distance along with the other servants. Meanwhile, the rookie soldiers are able to outsmart Ritsu's team, prompting Charlotte and Rosell to run, though the former accidentally knocks herself out. Mirelle proceeds to go after Rosell with Ritsu right behind her. In the end, Mirelle's team wins the mock battle. The subordinates finally accept Mirelle and Ars explains his goal to her. She then suggests that he should become the next emperor, which makes him nervous. The group then have a party to celebrate Mirelle's victory in the mock battle. The next day, as Lysia leaves, Ars receives a letter from Lord Couran and his subordinates all decide to go with him.

Season 2

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Storyboarded by	Original air date
13	1	"Promise" Transliteration: "Yakusoku" (Japanese: 約束)	Takao Kato	Yasuhiro Nakanishi	Takao Kato	September 29, 2024 (2024-09-29)
The episode begins with a recap of the first season. Ars and his subordinates are on their way to see Lord Couran. Along the way, they stop at a beach, but are forced to leave after disturbing the owner. After arriving at Couran's castle, Couran's subordinates are highly doubtful of Ars's group, especially Mirelle, but Couran is very supportive of them. They then discuss a plan to deal with the enemy forces with Mirelle and Rosell's help. After their scheme is put in motion, Ars visits Lysia for advice on the war. As Ars and Lysia spend time with each other and after they confess their feelings, they both ask each other to marry. Everyone is shocked to hear that, but nevertheless approve of their decision. Fam delivers information on the imperial family as Ars forms a plan to win over the minister.
14	2	"Negotiations" Transliteration: "Kōshō" (Japanese: 交渉)	Tonomi Mikawa	Makoto Koyama	Takao Kato	October 6, 2024 (2024-10-06)
After marrying Lysia, Ars explains his plan to negotiate with the minister to his subordinates. Charlotte expresses further jealousy of Lysia's marriage to Ars, but he requests for her to be their escort. As the group travel to the Paradille kingdom, they meet up with Fam, who provides them with vital information on the enemy nation, who has joined forces with another nation. Ars discovers that Lysia has kept textbooks with her as a sign of their love. They later meet Couran's son Lenge, who displays great pride. Ars reads his abilities and tells Couran about it. Ars, Charlotte, and Lysia later go shopping before boarding a ship. Lenge also joins the group on their mission. They rescue some men along the way, but they are revealed to be pirates who try to take their valuables using Charlotte as a hostage, but she overpowers them. However, they learn that the pirates are actually fishermen who are poor and their families are living in poverty. Ars decides to loan them some money despite Lenge wanting to punish them instead. They reach the capital, but see how some people are rich and some are poor. The next day, Lysia wears a pretty dress as they visit the minister. Through a plan that Lysia thought of earlier, she bargains with the minister and nearly succeeds, but Lenge ruins it at the last second with his arrogance and unwillingness to lie. Having also planned for this, Lysia offers her dress and jewelry to the minister, which he accepts and finally agrees to ally, but is somewhat cautious of Couran due to Lenge's behavior. Everyone is pleased that the negotiations were successful.
15	3	"The Image of a Lord" Transliteration: "Ryōshu no Sugata" (Japanese: 領主の姿)	Sayo Kawamoto	Makoto Koyama	Masato Takeuchi	October 13, 2024 (2024-10-13)
Lysia reveals that Lenge exposing the truth was also part of her plan to bribe the minister. Lenge believes that using trickery to their advantage is wrong, but he soon comes around and decides to help Lysia after all. They eventually complete their negotiations with Paradille with Lenge's help. After returning to the Couran's castle, they inform Couran of their progress, but he is displeased with Lenge for joining Ars without letting him know and for his foolish actions. He then rewards Ars with a large amount of gold. When Ars grows fearful of the upcoming war, Charlotte promises to support him, with Lysia also promising to help too. Ars returns home and reunites with his subordinates. While shopping with Lysia, the villagers grow worried about Ars and provide him with a large supply of food. Ars visits his father's grave along with his subordinates to give their blessings to him. The next day, while Lysia remains behind to watch the estate, Ars and Couran prepare for battle against the enemy with a large army of soldiers and Ars’s subordinates.
16	4	"Fort Vakmarko" Transliteration: "Wakumakuro Toride" (Japanese: ワクマクロ砦)	Katsumi Minoguchi	Makoto Koyama	Natsumi Uchinuma	October 20, 2024 (2024-10-20)
While approaching the enemy territory, Ars grows nervous, but his subordinates support him. They prepare to launch an attack on one of the enemy bases, but are surprised when the enemy suddenly surrenders seeing that they are outnumbered. Meanwhile, at Castle Samkh, Vasmarque's right-hand man Thomas Grangeon, who possesses great strength, prepares to make his next move against Ars's forces with Fraedor Vandol and her daughter Selena, who is also a mage. Ars forms a plan to take control of the three fortresses surrounding Castle Samkh. They start their attack on the first fortress: Fort Vakmarko. Selena creates a forcefield around the fortress while Charlotte and her mages attempt to break through it, with some difficulties due to the forcefield's self-repairing magic. After discovering that powerful enemy forces are behind them, making retreat not possible, Ars has Ritsu lead an army to deal with them. He manages to defeat the enemy soldiers with ease. When Selena boosts her magic on the forcefield, Charlotte decides to use all the magic that she and the other mages have despite the risk of doing this. Charlotte's magic eventually overpowers Selena's and destroys the forcefield, but this wears her out. The group then continue their plan to take the fortresses and Castle Samkh.
17	5	"Taking Castle Samkh" Transliteration: "Samuku-jō Kōryaku" (Japanese: サムク城攻略)	Hiroaki Matsushima	Makoto Koyama	Hiroaki Matsushima	November 3, 2024 (2024-11-03)
Thomas and Vandol learn of Fort Vakmarko's defeat. After Ars's forces capture the enemy soldiers, Couran plans to kill them due to it not being wise to keep them alive, including Selena. Against this, Ars attempts to convince Couran not to. Following Rosell's advice, they then get the idea to spare those who are willing to help them while using those who refuse to as hostages. Selena is skeptical of allying with Ars due to her status as a lord, but after a talk with Charlotte, she is sent to ask if her father is willing to join too. That night, Fam arrives with news: Castle Samkh has stronger defenses and warns them about Thomas. After Selena returns to her father, she expects to be punished for her failure, but he is grateful that she's alright. The next day, Ars begins his attack on Castle Samkh and manages to get pass an indestructible gate with the help of Fam and his men. The hostage exchange forces the castle's troops to surrender. A flashback then reveals that Selena was unhappy when Vandol's personality changed upon entering the war, which led her to also join. Thomas plans to use explosion magic to ensure their victory by pretending to surrender so to lure Ars's forces into the castle so he can trigger the trap, though it will require sacrificing those that are also in the castle. Unwilling to murder innocent people, they refuse the plan and destroy the detonator, deflecting from Vasmarque's army. A soldier attacks them in retaliation, and although Selena tries to protect her father, he manages to step in and stop them. They then decide to join Ars's army after being spared from punishment. Meanwhile, Thomas, although displeased with Vandol and Selena's betrayal, reveals to have another detonator and activates the castle bombs to wipe out Ars's army, but the explosion happens in a different location, rendering it completely harmless. It turns out Fam secretly moved the explosives beforehand due to Rosell suspecting something off about the attack. Although he is upset for putting Fam in danger and not telling Ars about this earlier, Mirelle cheers him up. With Selena and Vandol now part of their group, they continue the war against Vasmarque.
18	6	"Evolution" Transliteration: "Shinka" (Japanese: 進化)	Fu Teng	Daisuke О̄higashi	Tomoko Iwasaki	November 10, 2024 (2024-11-10)
Lysia is pleased to learn that Ars has succeeded in conquering one of the enemy castles. The army decides to rest for a while before resuming the war. While out shopping, Ars buys a wind up toy egg with a small mechanical bird. As they prepare to take over the remaining two enemy castles, Ars learns that Ruper Louston, a lord from one of the enemy castles, is requesting a negotiation. He, Ritsu, and Mirelle head there, but are greeted with hostility. Under Mirelle's advice, Ars makes everyone drop their weapons and they are allowed in. After Ars drops the toy egg, it releases the mechanical bird, which flies around the room; this causes Ruper to develop a change of emotion. The negotiation is discovered to be a trap, but Ars, after reading Ruper with his powers, learns that he is being blackmailed into helping Vasmarque and that his pregnant wife is being held hostage in the other enemy castle. Ars then makes a deal: he will rescue Ruper's wife and in exchange, he will ally with Ars's army. Despite the dangers of doing this, Ruper agrees.
19	7	"The Threat of Castle Rolto" Transliteration: "Roruto-jō no Kyōi" (Japanese: ロルト城の脅威)	Koichi Tamura	Daisuke О̄higashi	Natsumi Uchinuma	November 17, 2024 (2024-11-17)
Ars and his subordinates begin their plan to rescue Ruper's wife. A warrior named Clamant Maitraw then arrives to help. He is the leader of a company consisting of combat mercenaries that Ritsu knows of. However, Clamant is neutral in the situation and only works for money, but is nevertheless willing to aid them. The rescue plan is then put into motion. Meanwhile, at Castle Rolto, Lord Jean assumes that he is on the verge of victory. He receives a blood-stained letter from Ruper (who forged it on Ars's orders) warning them that Ars's forces are targeting Rolto and that a mage is helping them. The next day, the battle between Ars and Rolto's army begins. Dan, the leader of the enemy army, proves to be a strong fighter. Fam rescues the hostages from Rolto before they can be transferred. At this point, Ars's army retreats with the enemy soldiers in pursuit, but Jean discovers that the retreat is a ruse and joins the fight. Flashbacks reveals that Jean killed his own father to become a noble. Dan and Jean catch up with Ars's army and easily kill the soldiers. Deciding not to ask Clamant for help, Ars opts to continue with their original plan. Dan surprises Ars, but Ritsu saves him and fights off Dan. Enemy soldiers appear in front of Ars, but they attack the other enemy soldiers instead of Ars's army. They are actually Ruper and his soldiers, who have come to help. As the enemy soldiers fall back, Dan shoots Ruper with an arrow in retaliation for his betrayal, but he survives. Rolto is now aware of Ruper's treason and Dan orders the hostages to be killed, but discovers that they have escaped and, realizing that there are spies in the castle, initiates a manhunt for them.
20	8	"Family" Transliteration: "Kazoku" (Japanese: 家族)	Takao Kato	Daisuke О̄higashi	Takao Kato	November 24, 2024 (2024-11-24)
Ars and his army continue to run from the enemy forces while Shadow hides from Jean's men, forcing them to take another route, but Ruper's wife goes into labor. They manage to narrowly avoid being spotted by the guards. Meanwhile, Ars's army has made it to the forest, but they figure that Jean was aware of their ploy. Jean decides to return to the castle as he knows of the trap that Ars has arranged, but most of his men disobey him and go after Ars's army. When Dan also decides to go after Ars, Jean is left no choice but to follow, but they are unaware that Mireille is disguised as one of the enemy soldiers as part of her and Rosell's earlier plan. They meet up with Clamant's men, who prepare to face Jean's forces. The enemy soldiers are easily defeated while Mireille and Charlotte reunite with Ars. Dan manages to get through Clamant's forces, and Ritsu fights him one on one. Ritsu is overwhelmed, but manages to outsmart and defeat Dan. Jean arrives, but Clamant easily defeats him. As a result, the enemy soldiers are forced to surrender. Upset by his defeat, Dan attempts to commit suicide, but is stopped by Jean, who still considers him a faithful ally before they are taken prisoner. However, Ruper begins to die from his wound, but he miraculously recovers when his wife arrives along with Fam and her newborn baby. Ruper is reunited with his wife and child. A funeral is held for the soldiers who died in battle. While celebrating their victory, Ars and Ritsu send letters to the dead soldiers' families.
21	9	"The Shadow's Future" Transliteration: "Kage no Mirai" (Japanese: 影の未来)	Hiroaki Matsushima	Daisuke О̄higashi	Hiroaki Matsushima	December 1, 2024 (2024-12-01)
Following Rolto's defeat and capture, Fam is unhappy that his payment didn't meet his demands, so Ars promises to fix it. Fam returns to camp, but finds it attacked. In another enemy castle, it is revealed that Thomas is responsible for the attack, to which he intends to weaken Ars's forces by destroying their supplies. Thomas explains to the castle's lord that he plans to target Couran himself. Ars and his subordinates deduct Thomas's involvement in the ambush and Mirelle sends Fam to help Couran as it begins to rain, which is actually a spell that Ars's forces will use for magic attacks. Thomas ambushes Couran, but Fam rescues him with his shadow magic. Thomas chases after them, but Fam hinders him with his magic. Though Thomas manages to defend himself against Fam's attacks, he is forced to retreat upon learning that Couran is long gone. Though Couran intends to pay Shadow for their help, they decline it as it was Ars who hired them in the first place. Recalling his past, Fam returns to Ars and offers to be his retainer, to which Ars accepts. Meanwhile, back at the enemy castle, a red-haired warrior wielding a heavy axe that only he can use prepares to make his move.
22	10	"Snowbal Fight" Transliteration: "Yuki Gassen" (Japanese: 雪合戦　)	TBA	TBA	TBA	December 8, 2024 (2024-12-08)

Reception

By November 2021, the web novel has over 30 million views.

In the 2021 Next Manga Award, the manga won the U-Next Prize and ranked 18th in the web manga category.

Richard Eisenbeis wrote in Anime News Network that the anime's first episodes are "simple and predictable pattern". He noted that the introduction of Lysia "breaks the pattern things get more interesting" adding that Ars' reaction to Lysia's ability makes his weakness clear, thus, adding stakes and drama to the story. He concludes that the anime blends comedy and heartwarming moments, highlighting the hope that one good leader can bring peace and prosperity to a failing empire.

See also

• Sentenced to Be a Hero, a light novel series whose manga adaptation is also illustrated by Natsumi Inoue

External links

• Web novel at Shōsetsuka ni Narō (in Japanese)
• Official manga website (in Japanese)
• Official anime website (in Japanese)
• As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World (light novel) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia