A TV anime adaptation has been announced for The Exiled Merchant Saves the World with the Power of Money (追放された商人は金の力で世界を救う), a popular light novel by Daken, known for works such as Who Killed the Hero? and The Case of Eating Monster Meat and Ascending to the Throne.
Story Overview
The story follows Trao, a merchant belonging to the S-rank adventurer party “Blue Ring.” While forcing his companions to save money, he secretly provides financial support to a junior all-female adventurer party called “Garnet.” When this is discovered, he is kicked out with the words, “You’re fired!” Before leaving, Trao warns that it is too early to defeat the Demon King, but Blue Ring ignores him and joins a higher-ranked party’s campaign, only to be wiped out. Trao then joins Garnet and sets out to defeat the Demon King himself. His first job: recover equipment from the corpses of his former party. The series depicts the merchant’s inhumane, money-powered quest to slay the Demon King.
Character Designs Revealed
Alongside the announcement, key character designs for the anime have been released, along with a comment from original author Daken.
Trao (主人公): A merchant with rare talent, but expelled from his party.
Rio (リオ): Leader of the party “Garnet” that Trao supports. A warrior.
Lilis (リリス): Member of Garnet. A priest.
Dominic (ドミニク): Member of Garnet. A mage.
Manga Adaptation Begins
Additionally, from July 31, 2026 (Friday) at midnight, a manga adaptation began serialization on the web comic site “Comic PASH! neo.” The artist is rising manga creator Higashiyama Sen.
Author Comment from Daken
“It may be quite rare to announce an anime adaptation at the same time as the start of a manga serialization. Actually, the manga was planned from the time the novel was released, but while we had difficulty finding a manga artist, the anime started moving first, resulting in a somewhat unusual situation. However, with Higashiyama-sensei on board for the manga, this story gets a second start. Higashiyama draws unique, flavorful manga, so I’m looking forward to seeing how she depicts Trao and his journey.”
“I never imagined this story would get an anime. When my editor first contacted me saying, ‘We’ve received an inquiry about an anime adaptation,’ I thought, ‘Ah, this is one of those video adaptation talks that fizzle out.’ The discussions progressed rapidly, and when it was actually decided, I think I was the most surprised. That said, this novel is neatly wrapped up in one volume, and I secretly pride myself that it makes for a pretty good one-cour anime. I’ve written many novels, but I like the ending of this one the most. It’s cliché, but I do. So please, I hope you’ll stick with both the manga and the anime until the end. The protagonist is a bit… something, but if you watch to the end, I think you’ll understand many things. By the way, the title when it was published online was: ‘Told “You’re a burden!” and expelled from the party, the merchant saves the world with the power of money. Even if they say “I thought you were always a friend,” it’s too late now.’ If you keep that in the corner of your memory and finish the story, you might feel something different.”
(C) Daken / Shufu to Seikatsu Sha / Kaneseka Production Committee
《Satou Erika》
