The Other World's Books Depend on the Bean Counter: Magic Research Exchange Plan

by Yatsuki Wakutsu

Synopsis:

Seiichirou, a typical corporate slave, was mistakenly summoned to another world alongside a Holy Maiden. He met the handsome young knight, Aresh, and they began a physical relationship by necessity. However, over time they've become more like true lovers. Unable to face Aresh's deepening feelings, Seiichirou throws himself into his work. He's been appointed as a guide for a delegation led by a foreign kingdom's third prince. Just before the welcome party, the outfit Aresh prepared for Seiichirou sparks a huge argument. Days pass without reconciliation, and suddenly Aresh is approached with marriage talks! At the same time, the research team completes preparations for the magic spell to send Seiichirou and Yua back to Japan. What will the two of them choose to do?

This volume of Yatsuki Wakutsu’s The Other World’s Books Depend on the Bean Counter makes a cute end for Seiichirou and Aresh, with both of them showing that they’re all-in on their relationship. There’s a lot less of the controlling stuff on Aresh’s part, and Seiichirou’s dedication to him becomes apparent as well.

Various things come together in terms of the world-building as well, revealing a bit more of the world and its magic and traditions. We get to see a bit of another country, more of Aresh’s family, and more of the supporting cast (like Sigma and Ist). It’s a lot of fun, in general, and a satisying end to the story — though as the author says in the afterword, there’s so much that it’d be tempting to explore.

That said, there’s a lack of communication thing and a third-act sort-of-breakup that those who disdain those tropes might find annoying (and I found it excuciating), and it comes across as a bit surprising that Seiichirou is suddenly rather good at (and keen on) communicating, after previous books.

Rating: 4/5 (“really liked it”)

The Other World's Books Depend on the Bean Counter: Church Management Support Plan

by Yatsuki Wakutsu

Synopsis:

After getting accidentally summoned to another world, former office worker Seiichiro ends up becoming extremely close with the handsome knight commander Aresh -- although what exactly that means remains ambiguous, even after they begin living together. Just as that's happening, Seiichiro meets a priest who reminds him a bit of Aresh. When Aresh returns from his latest expedition, will he find a rival waiting for him?

The second volume of Yatsuki Wakutsu’s light novel, The Other World’s Books Depend on the Bean Counter took me juuust beyond where I’d got up to in the manga (which was volume four, so they’re not quite in sync volume-wise), though there’s one more volume of the manga already out in English that I haven’t read yet. It’s a great step forward, story-wise, forcing Seiichirou to deal with Aresh’s feelings and consider his own, and also furthering Seiichirou’s plans for improving the kingdom and giving a bit more depth to some other characters (Yua, Yurius, Sigma) and world.

I’d say that the thing that bothers me most in the manga (Aresh’s controlling actions) seem… less bad, in the light novel? Maybe because we get a touch more insight into Seiichirou’s reactions, I suppose, and the fact that he doesn’t entirely seem to mind. There’s also a bit more clear intimacy between them that the manga glosses over a lot. It’s still a bit controlling (particularly the move to living together), but it comes across a bit better, and it feels a bit more obvious that Aresh is really young (including in the art).

I won’t say too much spoilery, but I am happy that we don’t have to wait until the end for clear feelings to be discussed between the main characters. I loved the inclusion of Seiichirou’s (unsent) letters to Aresh, because it’s an adorable insight into what he’s thinking, and Norbert’s extras are cute too.

Rating: 4/5 (“really liked it”)

The Other World's Books Depend on the Bean Counter: Holy Maiden Summoning Improvement Plan

by Yatsuki Wakutsu

Synopsis:

Seiichirou Kondou is a 29-year-old accountant and major workaholic. When he's accidentally transported to another world, not only does he demand a job, he starts whipping the lackadaisical Royal Accounting Department into shape! But when he gets in over his head and nearly dies from overwork, the handsome Commander Aresh steps in to save him, and the two develop a unique, physical relationship... as a form of medical treatment?!

I’ve been reading the manga adaptation of The Other World’s Books Depend on the Bean Counter, so now I’ve turned to the original light novel, by Yatsuki Wakutsu. Like most light novels I’ve come across, it has some illustrations, which are very similar in character design to the manga, but I might like them just a touch more.

I always think when reading a light novel that it’ll add a bit more to what I learned/experienced in the light novel, but then get amazed reading the light novel how faithful and complete the manga actually was. The same was true here: there are some extra snippets of characters’ thoughts and feelings, but really, I knew everything I needed to from reading the manga.

It’s still fun though to experience it in this format. Seiichirou is such an idiot, and Aresh’s overprotectiveness feels pretty justified when it’s so clearly laid out what an idiot he’s being with his own health.

That said, there’s already more than a hint of Aresh being a bit too controlling, which drives me mad in the manga versions. Seiichirou can make his own decisions, even if they’re objectively terrible ones. I really hope that they do eventually have a reckoning about this, but we’ll see!

Rating: 4/5