Management of a Novice Alchemist (Japanese: 新米錬金術師の店舗経営, Hepburn: Shinmai Renkinjutsushi no Tenpo Keiei; lit. 'Novice Alchemist's Shop Management') is a Japanese light novel series written by Mizuho Itsuki and illustrated by Fuumi. It began serialization online in November 2018 on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō. It was later acquired by Fujimi Shobo, who have published seven volumes since September 2019 under their Fujimi Fantasia Bunko imprint. A manga adaptation with art by kirero has been serialized online via Kill Time Communication's Comic Valkyrie website since December 2020. It has been collected in nine tankōbon volumes. An anime television series adaptation produced by ENGI aired from October to December 2022.
Contents
Plot
When she was young, Sarasa Feed's parents were killed by bandits. Wanting to honor their memory and to follow in their footsteps, Sarasa enrolls at the Royal Alchemist Academy to train in alchemy. After finishing her studies, she sets up shop at an old house and starts her own apothecary, where she makes potions and sells them to the locals. However, she finds out that running an alchemist shop, whether collecting materials or maintaining finances, is not as easy as it seems, given her large debts. Sarasa, together with her friends Lorea, Iris Lotze, and Kate Starven, work together to serve the villagers while also aiming to get the store out of debt.
Characters
Sarasa Feed (サラサ・フィード, Sarasa Fīdo)
Voiced by: Kanon Takao (Japanese); Brittney Karbowski (English)
A 15-year-old girl and the titular novice alchemist. She was orphaned at a young age and aims to be an alchemist just like her late parents. Although she originally had long hair, she got it cut short by Maria prior to her alchemist's exam. She later starts an isolated rural alchemist shop, trains, and sells goods to make a living.
Lorea (ロレア, Rorea)
Voiced by: Hina Kino (Japanese); Juliet Simmons (English)
A local village girl who helps Sarasa with her alchemist shop. She is skilled with cooking, which she uses at the shop.
Iris Lotze (アイリス・ロッツェ, Airisu Rottse)
Voiced by: Saori Ōnishi (Japanese); Donna Bella Litton (English)
She is healed by Sarasa in the third episode and works at the alchemist shop with Kate, Sarasa, and Lorea, while she is paying off her debts to Sarasa. She is skilled with a sword. Her father is Adelbert Lotze.
Kate Starven (ケイト・スターヴェン, Keito Sutāven)
Voiced by: Nanaka Suwa (Japanese); Jade Kelly (English)
She is an elf and good friend of Iris. She remains a resident at Sarasa's alchemist shop with Kate, with both paying off their debts. Caterina Starven is her mother.
Ophelia Millis (オフィーリア・ミリス, Ofīria Mirisu)
Voiced by: Mitsuki Saiga (Japanese); Molly Searcy (English)
Media
Light novel
During their Anime NYC 2023 panel, J-Novel Club announced that they licensed the light novels for English publication.
Anime
On September 18, 2021, an anime television series adaptation was announced by Fujimi Fantasia Bunko. The series was produced by ENGI and directed by Hiroshi Ikehata, with Shigeru Murakoshi overseeing series scripts, Yōsuke Itō designing the characters and serving as chief animation director, and Harumi Fuuki composing the music. It aired from October 3 to December 19, 2022, on AT-X, Tokyo MX, KBS Kyoto, SUN, and BS NTV. Aguri Ōnishi performed the opening theme song "Hajimaru Welcome" (はじまるウェルカム; "Starting Welcome"), and Nanaka Suwa performed the ending theme song "Fine Days". The series is licensed outside of Asia by Sentai Filmworks, and is streaming on Hidive.