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Lout of Count's Family (Novel) #5
Lout of Count's Family (Novel) Vol. 5
CONSPIRACY & CONQUEST ON THE WESTERN CONTINENT
When a catastrophe at Mogor’s imperial palace threatens the citizens’ lives, Cale miraculously swoops in to save them. Little do they know that this display of heroism slots perfectly into his plans. The next leg of his journey takes him north, where he braves a killer storm to converse with the nigh omniscient World Tree—but the tree's insights come at a cost. With the northern armies gearing up to march on the continent, Cale is eager to cash in on his exploits and alliances. The long-awaited war has finally arrived, and Cale’s fate hangs in the balance!
When a catastrophe at Mogor’s imperial palace threatens the citizens’ lives, Cale miraculously swoops in to save them. Little do they know that this display of heroism slots perfectly into his plans. The next leg of his journey takes him north, where he braves a killer storm to converse with the nigh omniscient World Tree—but the tree's insights come at a cost. With the northern armies gearing up to march on the continent, Cale is eager to cash in on his exploits and alliances. The long-awaited war has finally arrived, and Cale’s fate hangs in the balance!
392 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2025
35 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 4, 2026
Enjoying Cale save the world just for the sake of his future slacker life LOL.
September 8, 2025
High Fantasy, Transmigration, Found Family, Adventure, Comedy, Dragons!
Chapters 161~200 of the web serialisation.
This was epic! So much hype!! I know we've had a few battles here and there in the previous volumes, but THIS is the real deal! The Northern Alliance finally declares war and Rowoon has to defend.
As The Wyvern Brigade descends upon The Henituse territory, Cale declares:
Fortunately, we were not deprived from the usual dose of looting and scamming. First, Cale gets himself a medal (because why not), then we go up north to set some fireworks, we loot the third divine item and we give some lion a messy haircut by the way. We still need lots of gold to prepare for war, so we scam some corrupt people as we attended the most famous auction in the Karo kingdom. Then we're rushed back home because: War.
There were some very cool moments in this volume (that I don't wanna spoil) that got me so excited. Everything, together with the usual shenanigans, made this volume SO. MUCH. FUN.
Also, We've officially reached the end of the events that Kim-Roksu read up to Volume 5 of Birth Of A Hero (the original novel). So, from here onwards, a new history is being created.
Arcs included:
1-The Sun Palace Incident Part II
2-The Wales Village & The World Tree
3-Havock in The Faern Kingdom
4-Setteling The Guiller Duchy
5-The Auction In Vegas City
6-The Northern Alliance's War Declaration
7-The Battle Of Henituse Castle
Chapters 161~200 of the web serialisation.
This was epic! So much hype!! I know we've had a few battles here and there in the previous volumes, but THIS is the real deal! The Northern Alliance finally declares war and Rowoon has to defend.
As The Wyvern Brigade descends upon The Henituse territory, Cale declares:
"Without a question, the shield must win."Unlike the previous volume that spanned a whole year, all the events of volume 5 happen in a mere two months window from mid-December to mid-February. Cale did not get a minute to slack off this time. He's been on a roll.
“About those wyverns…” It was Cale. He gazed down at the nobles looking at him and declared with certainty, “The wyvern knight brigade will not get past Henituse territory. Not ever.”
Fortunately, we were not deprived from the usual dose of looting and scamming. First, Cale gets himself a medal (because why not), then we go up north to set some fireworks, we loot the third divine item and we give some lion a messy haircut by the way. We still need lots of gold to prepare for war, so we scam some corrupt people as we attended the most famous auction in the Karo kingdom. Then we're rushed back home because: War.
There were some very cool moments in this volume (that I don't wanna spoil) that got me so excited. Everything, together with the usual shenanigans, made this volume SO. MUCH. FUN.
Also, We've officially reached the end of the events that Kim-Roksu read up to Volume 5 of Birth Of A Hero (the original novel). So, from here onwards, a new history is being created.
Arcs included:
1-The Sun Palace Incident Part II
2-The Wales Village & The World Tree
3-Havock in The Faern Kingdom
4-Setteling The Guiller Duchy
5-The Auction In Vegas City
6-The Northern Alliance's War Declaration
7-The Battle Of Henituse Castle
December 26, 2025
The stress I felt in the last 40 so pages was immense. I am so invested in this series. I want Cale to live his lazy lout life but events just don't want to let that happen!
November 1, 2025
ts so tuff cale aurafarmed for literally half of the book
January 1, 2026
Web novel chapters: 161-200
The war begins! After nearly 200 chapters of preparations, the Northern (Indomitable) Alliance finally makes its move. And with it, the story has at long last passed the 5 volumes Cale read of the novel (coincidentally in volume 5 of this release). Now he is entirely in the dark about what will happen. In fact, he was already caught off guard with something he did not know.
To start off, this volume includes: the majority of the Mogor Empire arc, Cale's meeting with the World Tree, setting fire to the Lake of God's Tears in Faern, exposing the slave market in Guiller Duchy, the Karo secret auction, and, finally, the declaration of war and attack on Weston, Cale's hometown.
When Cale meets the World Tree, it gives him three pieces of knowledge it deems he will need. I'm listing it here for the sake of anyone who wants an easy place to refer back to later. 1) A person collecting Ancient Powers has three, 2) discover Raon's parentage, & 3) find the judge who fled to the Eastern Continent.
I've complained a few times about the lack of character focus on Cale's immediate group outside Raon, but especially for Choi Han. With the invasion of Weston, marking the first battle of the war, I felt Choi Han was given the proper focus he had been lacking for, well, since volume two or so. He, as a swordmaster, played a major role in the battle (as per Cale's plan to make him a hero), and the narrative followed his POV for a good chunk of it. Maybe now that the war has begun and the arcs will focus on extended combat situations will the storylines follow Cale's team of allies' POVs more. And the story finally remembered Lark exists. It seems he will be getting major character growth soon.
While reading the battle, I came across another concern I've had the last few volumes. Arm and the antagonists in general seem… not challenging or really represented. For that I mean Cale & Co beat them all too easily. I mean, I guess they're all supposed to be "the strongest," but they seem too OP (& I can't believe I've ever found myself in a situation where I've said that fandom garbage about something) that it just undercuts any tension. They never fail.
The other thing I meant is that there isn't a consistent face to represent Arm or the enemies. I'm not expecting to know who the people in charge from the shadows are at this point, there just isn't anyone who sticks around. Their swordmaster was Saintess Hana, now on Cale's side. Redika is dead (and what a waste that was). Any distinguishable member they've fought is dead too. As for the Northern Alliance members, Clope was introduced as the Guardian Knight leading the wyvern brigade Cale has been worried about, yet he was removed from combat in this same volume (not dead at least). The helmeted knight was introduced very late in the book (I think?) and wasn't given any prominence until he became important. Now, I like him. He seems interesting. Not only is he the one with three Ancient Powers, but Cale had no idea who he was and was caught off guard with his existence. He's powerful and tricky, and he doesn't die or get taken out of commission. They'll fight him again.
So that's 200 chapters in 5 volumes. Given how there's 1000+ more chapters, I wonder how many volumes there will be…
The war begins! After nearly 200 chapters of preparations, the Northern (Indomitable) Alliance finally makes its move. And with it, the story has at long last passed the 5 volumes Cale read of the novel (coincidentally in volume 5 of this release). Now he is entirely in the dark about what will happen. In fact, he was already caught off guard with something he did not know.
To start off, this volume includes: the majority of the Mogor Empire arc, Cale's meeting with the World Tree, setting fire to the Lake of God's Tears in Faern, exposing the slave market in Guiller Duchy, the Karo secret auction, and, finally, the declaration of war and attack on Weston, Cale's hometown.
When Cale meets the World Tree, it gives him three pieces of knowledge it deems he will need. I'm listing it here for the sake of anyone who wants an easy place to refer back to later. 1) A person collecting Ancient Powers has three, 2) discover Raon's parentage, & 3) find the judge who fled to the Eastern Continent.
I've complained a few times about the lack of character focus on Cale's immediate group outside Raon, but especially for Choi Han. With the invasion of Weston, marking the first battle of the war, I felt Choi Han was given the proper focus he had been lacking for, well, since volume two or so. He, as a swordmaster, played a major role in the battle (as per Cale's plan to make him a hero), and the narrative followed his POV for a good chunk of it. Maybe now that the war has begun and the arcs will focus on extended combat situations will the storylines follow Cale's team of allies' POVs more. And the story finally remembered Lark exists. It seems he will be getting major character growth soon.
While reading the battle, I came across another concern I've had the last few volumes. Arm and the antagonists in general seem… not challenging or really represented. For that I mean Cale & Co beat them all too easily. I mean, I guess they're all supposed to be "the strongest," but they seem too OP (& I can't believe I've ever found myself in a situation where I've said that fandom garbage about something) that it just undercuts any tension. They never fail.
The other thing I meant is that there isn't a consistent face to represent Arm or the enemies. I'm not expecting to know who the people in charge from the shadows are at this point, there just isn't anyone who sticks around. Their swordmaster was Saintess Hana, now on Cale's side. Redika is dead (and what a waste that was). Any distinguishable member they've fought is dead too. As for the Northern Alliance members, Clope was introduced as the Guardian Knight leading the wyvern brigade Cale has been worried about, yet he was removed from combat in this same volume (not dead at least). The helmeted knight was introduced very late in the book (I think?) and wasn't given any prominence until he became important. Now, I like him. He seems interesting. Not only is he the one with three Ancient Powers, but Cale had no idea who he was and was caught off guard with his existence. He's powerful and tricky, and he doesn't die or get taken out of commission. They'll fight him again.
So that's 200 chapters in 5 volumes. Given how there's 1000+ more chapters, I wonder how many volumes there will be…
September 14, 2025
Cale's adventures are only accelerating. When he inadvertently steps into a rebellion at Mogor's palace, he subordinates the players on both sides for his own plans. But time isn't on his side. The Northern Alliance is preparing for war . . . but so is Cale.
I hope you recently read (or re-read) the 4th book before starting this one, because it picks up straight where that left off and just dives right in. Cale's in his element as he identifies people and situations that could be moved in a direction favorable for him, and works hard to subordinate things to his own will.
One thing I really appreciate about the story is how adaptable Cale is. He's not some grossly overpowered protagonist steamrolling everything in front of him (that's his minions, especially Choi Han). No, Cale is more the sort to use his brain. He certainly makes plans, and moves to carry them out---but then he'll find some additional information, or some circumstance will come up and he'll throw out his original ideas for something more spur-of-the-moment.
Which is particularly hilarious when it comes to him charming even leading members of enemy kingdoms.
Also some of those plans involved telling Archie "Just be yourself" and then laughing as this frustrated whale decides to wreck as much as he can smash.
I love how Cale's real attitude of wanting to be a slacker, and thinking like a petty criminal, are some of his main strengths. He knows exactly how to get under his enemy's skin. And because he knows himself so well, he's confused why his companions keep getting more and more loyal towards him.
I also really appreciate the glimpse towards the end about Choi Han's true face, and his true nature. He's been such an innocent puppy dog that it's easy to overlook what the story has already said about his history in this world. He's not strong just because he practices a lot, or because he has main character lucky breakthroughs. He didn't---couldn't---take decades of being lost and alone in the Dark Forest and come out the other side like some video game character who just had a major grinding session. He was human. He broke. He became one of the monsters that populate the Dark Forest, until he found humans again and came back to himself. But he's never truly forgotten, and his aura reflects that, because a swordmaster's aura is the shape of their soul. And his is so incredibly sad.
And Cale has very little idea about what's truly going on, yet somehow he always manages to say the right things to inspire Choi Han, because Cale offers Choi Han something he never expected---total acceptance, a home, a family. This is why I love the friendship the two of them have so much. Cale is trying to make everyone around him shine brighter than himself, providing everything he can so that they can be their best selves, except all his friends and family have noticed what he's doing and keep lifting up Cale instead.
This book manages to end with some pretty explosive action, which is great. The war is off to a roaring start, and it's only going to keep snowballing from here. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
I hope you recently read (or re-read) the 4th book before starting this one, because it picks up straight where that left off and just dives right in. Cale's in his element as he identifies people and situations that could be moved in a direction favorable for him, and works hard to subordinate things to his own will.
One thing I really appreciate about the story is how adaptable Cale is. He's not some grossly overpowered protagonist steamrolling everything in front of him (that's his minions, especially Choi Han). No, Cale is more the sort to use his brain. He certainly makes plans, and moves to carry them out---but then he'll find some additional information, or some circumstance will come up and he'll throw out his original ideas for something more spur-of-the-moment.
Which is particularly hilarious when it comes to him charming even leading members of enemy kingdoms.
Also some of those plans involved telling Archie "Just be yourself" and then laughing as this frustrated whale decides to wreck as much as he can smash.
I love how Cale's real attitude of wanting to be a slacker, and thinking like a petty criminal, are some of his main strengths. He knows exactly how to get under his enemy's skin. And because he knows himself so well, he's confused why his companions keep getting more and more loyal towards him.
I also really appreciate the glimpse towards the end about Choi Han's true face, and his true nature. He's been such an innocent puppy dog that it's easy to overlook what the story has already said about his history in this world. He's not strong just because he practices a lot, or because he has main character lucky breakthroughs. He didn't---couldn't---take decades of being lost and alone in the Dark Forest and come out the other side like some video game character who just had a major grinding session. He was human. He broke. He became one of the monsters that populate the Dark Forest, until he found humans again and came back to himself. But he's never truly forgotten, and his aura reflects that, because a swordmaster's aura is the shape of their soul. And his is so incredibly sad.
And Cale has very little idea about what's truly going on, yet somehow he always manages to say the right things to inspire Choi Han, because Cale offers Choi Han something he never expected---total acceptance, a home, a family. This is why I love the friendship the two of them have so much. Cale is trying to make everyone around him shine brighter than himself, providing everything he can so that they can be their best selves, except all his friends and family have noticed what he's doing and keep lifting up Cale instead.
This book manages to end with some pretty explosive action, which is great. The war is off to a roaring start, and it's only going to keep snowballing from here. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
September 20, 2025
Still in the Mogor Empire's capital, Cale and his crew finish thwarting a terrorist plot -- all according to Cale's plan...which is very forward looking and extensive. After gaining more (unwanted) popularity, the young son of the count of Henituse territory sets out to continue his long con, which entails starting an unquenchable fire in a barren lake in the north, visiting more elves, stealing from Arm, the terrorist organization whom Cale continues to dog, and preparing for war. But the invasion in the spring that Cale read about when he was Kim Roksu is where his foreknowledge ends; once the war begins, he'll be in uncharted waters. Will all his schemes and powerful be enough to face what's the come?
After a somewhat slow start (partly because the story picked up in the middle of a conflict and I struggled to remember where the previous volume left off), book five in the Lout of Count's Family series took off with its characteristic location hopping and Cale scheming while leaving everyone around him except his motley crew flabbergasted. With spring on the horizon, Cale feels the pressure knowing the inevitable war with the north is racing towards Rowoon. Hence, he runs around both his own country and the Mogor Empire stirring up trouble for his enemies and trying to get his ducks in a row before the conflict erupts. He shows unshakable confidence in his allies, and they, in turn, act with unconditional love for him, and the result is quite an impressive image they project. I really enjoy going on an adventure with this group; alone, they'd be boring, but together, and especially under Cale's direction, they make for an endearing and arresting rag-tag bunch.
The surprise towards the end of the book was my favorite. That last quarter or so of the novel was jam-packed with action, but it was well written so I could picture everything clearly. I also loved reading about everyone finally being able to show off their prowess. Cale intends to bring out legendary heroes from this war with the north while remaining mostly in the shadows, but it looks like he'll be in the spotlight more than he intended, and I cannot wait to read what happens next!
After a somewhat slow start (partly because the story picked up in the middle of a conflict and I struggled to remember where the previous volume left off), book five in the Lout of Count's Family series took off with its characteristic location hopping and Cale scheming while leaving everyone around him except his motley crew flabbergasted. With spring on the horizon, Cale feels the pressure knowing the inevitable war with the north is racing towards Rowoon. Hence, he runs around both his own country and the Mogor Empire stirring up trouble for his enemies and trying to get his ducks in a row before the conflict erupts. He shows unshakable confidence in his allies, and they, in turn, act with unconditional love for him, and the result is quite an impressive image they project. I really enjoy going on an adventure with this group; alone, they'd be boring, but together, and especially under Cale's direction, they make for an endearing and arresting rag-tag bunch.
The surprise towards the end of the book was my favorite. That last quarter or so of the novel was jam-packed with action, but it was well written so I could picture everything clearly. I also loved reading about everyone finally being able to show off their prowess. Cale intends to bring out legendary heroes from this war with the north while remaining mostly in the shadows, but it looks like he'll be in the spotlight more than he intended, and I cannot wait to read what happens next!
February 9, 2026
4.25/5 stars
Wooo babey was there a lot in this volume. Had more politics than the last books, where Cale does his thing and then interacts with the lords and higher powers type of thing. We see more scenes with Cale and the children 😩 and I ate those up yes sir!
And war has begun! It’s so satisfying seeing Cale use his abilities multiple times in the book compared to one or two times. This man was going through it keeping it up. Plus, we had some nice scenes of Bassen and Cale’s parents caring for him, so that was sweet.
Lark is yet another son to me and I need him to stay safe. He’s growing up, but still has some to learn. And Roan?? Bro is carrying right now, and you can tell. He is getting so strong and he will absolutely destroy the world if anything happens to Cale. Choi Han is in the same boat I fear as Roan. Two peas, both violent. Can’t wait for the next volume and then I gotta wait man 😒
Wooo babey was there a lot in this volume. Had more politics than the last books, where Cale does his thing and then interacts with the lords and higher powers type of thing. We see more scenes with Cale and the children 😩 and I ate those up yes sir!
And war has begun! It’s so satisfying seeing Cale use his abilities multiple times in the book compared to one or two times. This man was going through it keeping it up. Plus, we had some nice scenes of Bassen and Cale’s parents caring for him, so that was sweet.
Lark is yet another son to me and I need him to stay safe. He’s growing up, but still has some to learn. And Roan?? Bro is carrying right now, and you can tell. He is getting so strong and he will absolutely destroy the world if anything happens to Cale. Choi Han is in the same boat I fear as Roan. Two peas, both violent. Can’t wait for the next volume and then I gotta wait man 😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2026
I don’t know how, but every book in this series gets better and better to me. I’m sad that I only have the first 6 books so far because I need more.
I mean can we talk about that last chapter! The war is here and I’m here for it! There’s actual stakes even if we know that our favorite layabout will come out on top.
I mean can we talk about that last chapter! The war is here and I’m here for it! There’s actual stakes even if we know that our favorite layabout will come out on top.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2025
I'm in love with this cover art 😭❤️
September 14, 2025
Rating: 4.50-4.75/5.00 Stars
November 29, 2025
The best thing about this volume is Cale’s interaction with Albert. The war has just started!! Can’t wait to read the next volume!
December 16, 2025
4 stars
This volume was great - it captured the first battle with the Northern Alliance and the Wyvern Brigade and it was just a non-stop rollercoaster.
This volume was great - it captured the first battle with the Northern Alliance and the Wyvern Brigade and it was just a non-stop rollercoaster.
December 28, 2025
We’re into new territory that our hero has no foreknowledge of and it’s getting even more interesting.
January 6, 2026
Omg the first attack was won 🤩😭✨ I can’t wait to read the next volume to see how things will develop 😍😍
December 29, 2025
It is criminal how the next volume isn’t published & in my hand.
December 10, 2025
wow.. just wow, what an amazing development, I just could not put this down and I guess I will break my resolve of not reading the web serialisation because it´s just so damned good.. all the mind-blowing stars!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews