“Isekai Office Worker: The Other World’s Books Depend on the Bean Counter” First Impressions (Ep.1 to 3)

“I’m a bit of workaholic. When I feel like I’m not doing something, it drives me insane.”- Ashley Greene

This statement perfectly bodes with Seiichirou Kondou’s mindset. Adapted from the Japanese light novel series “Isekai no Sata wa Shachiku Shidai” written by Yatsuki Wakatsu and illustrated by Kikka Ohashi, the anime lands you in a fantastical world into which our protagonist Kondou stumbles by mistake. A corporate drone by nature, Seiichirou Kondou is a hapless workaholic. His entire existence revolves around his work; so much so, that he can’t think beyond his work ethics. To him, carrying out his duties is a purpose of life, like some divine intervention. “Isekai Office Worker” is a ridiculously hilarious experience of Kondou’s journey into the Other World.

Synopsis

Already at his wit’s end, 29-year-old corporate slave Seiichirou Kondou suddenly witnesses the ground opening up and swallowing a woman. Amid his efforts to save her, the two are transported to another world. He soon learns that the people in this world summoned a saint to save their kingdom from a plague. As compensation for dragging Kondou into the mess, the kingdom assures him that they will provide him with a comfortable life and fulfill any of his desires. To everyone’s surprise, Kondou asks for a job.

After successfully becoming an accountant at the Royal Palace, Kondou devotes himself to his new post. His accurate and thorough work catches the attention of various high-ranking officials and knights, especially Aresh Indolark, the cold-hearted Knight Captain. As Kondou adjusts to his new exhausting and dangerous environment, he begins to find solace in the company of Aresh, whose icy demeanor may be just a facade.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Storyline

The story focuses on Seiichirou Kondou, a 29-year-old corporate slave who suddenly stumbles across a helpless school girl, Yua, while she is being forcefully kidnapped by some spooky-looking men. Amid his efforts to save her, the two are transported to another world. After gathering his wits, Kondou learns that people in this world need a “Young Maiden” to save them from the dangerous miasma that is threatening to erupt. Only the so-called maiden can purely the miasma and hence, Yua is unwittingly kidnapped and forced into this divine role. Kondou is treated as collateral damage and the kingdom promises to take care of him. Aghast at the idea of having a free lifestyle, to everyone’s surprise, Kondou asks for a job.

As per his demand, Kondou is given a post at the Royal Accounting Department. Unlike the fast-paced life that Kondou is used to, his colleagues in the Accounting Department work at a leisurely pace. Unable to stand their lazy attitude, Kondou starts to takeover copious amounts of work. His work schedule leaves him exhausted and, unknowingly, he consumes health tonics which give him an instant splurge of energy. Unbeknownst to him, he doesn’t have the magical antibodies that Yua possesses. As a result, his health starts declining, and he suffers from a breakdown. Right in time to be rescued by Commander Aresh Indolark. They end up having sex because Aresh has to use his magic to save Kondou from certain death. Thus begins the game of cat and mouse chase, as Aresh decides to personally take care of the wayward Kondou.

The Chemistry-

From the moment Kondou lands in the other world, Aresh watches him like a hawk. It might be because the people in that world are suspicious of his intentions. But as Kondou starts working in the Accounting Department, most people realize that he is a diehard workaholic (he would literally die if he didn’t work). When Kondou suffers from the side effects of the magicules in the health tonics, Aresh rushes to his rescue. From reviving him with his magic, he makes it his personal mission to take care of Kondou. As time passes, they have conversations and Kondou slowly starts to change Aresh’s lazy attitude at work. In return, Kondou allows Aresh to meddle in his daily affairs, even though he hates his unwavering attitude. For now, Aresh seems quite drawn to Kondou, who is unaware of the growing tension and attraction.

First Impressions

The anime doesn’t beat around the bush and waste time introducing characters!

Seiichirou Kondou is a serious character. Apart from concentrating on his daily work, he doesn’t care about anything else. As such, he has no idea that Aresh is dangerously attracted to him. Even when he is transported to another world by accident, he doesn’t throw any tantrums. His only basic request is that they give him an opportunity to earn his keep. He doesn’t want free food or lodging. The other characters are equally interesting. Aresh is unusually invested in Kondou’s wellness, so the budding romance has the potential to explode into something more substantial. Prime Minister Camile’s unlikely interest in Kondou’s accounting works seems suspicious. Yua is a young school girl who was suddenly pulled into a world where everyone worships her. She is enjoying the attention and seems to have feelings for her tutor, Aresh, who is least interested in her. A love triangle seems inevitable!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Prime Video/Crunchyroll

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