I’m Just a Mob Priest, but Since I Realized This World is an Otome Game, I’ll Train the Heroine

My Thoughts on I’m Just a Mob Priest, but Since I Realized This World is an Otome Game, I’ll Train the Heroine

"I’m Just a Mob Priest, but Since I Realized This World is an Otome Game, I’ll Train the Heroine" is a lighthearted fantasy novel with a premise that definitely piqued my interest. The idea of a protagonist reincarnated into an otome game world, tasked with raising the heroine, has a lot of potential for both comedy and heartwarming moments. However, after diving in and considering various reader opinions, my feelings are a bit mixed.

First Impressions

Initially, the story drew me in. The writing is competent, and the translation is well-done, which is always a plus. The early chapters establish the world and the protagonist's goals clearly. But I soon realized that the plot progresses rather slowly. It feels like we're wading through treacle at times, with not a lot happening in each chapter.

What Works Well

The female lead (FL) is arguably the most interesting part of the story. Her overprotectiveness and borderline yandere tendencies create some genuinely amusing and sometimes even unsettling situations. The dynamic between her and the protagonist, a dense former mob character, is the main source of entertainment. I can appreciate the humor derived from his obliviousness to her obvious affections and her somewhat manipulative tactics to get closer to him.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue stems from the pacing. The chapters are short, sometimes feeling more like snippets than substantial content. This glacial pace makes it difficult to stay fully engaged, especially when reading on a weekly basis.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning ⚠️

Another concern is the potential romantic direction of the story. The age gap between the protagonist and the heroine, coupled with him raising her from a young age, makes the romantic undertones a bit uncomfortable for some readers, myself included. While the protagonist doesn't outwardly sexualize her, the dynamic raises some red flags.

Furthermore, the protagonist's passivity can be frustrating. He often feels like a background character in his own story, with the FL driving the plot forward. His lack of agency and inability to recognize the FL's feelings, despite her blatant advances, stretches the "dense protagonist" trope to its breaking point. I also feel like the story relies too much on the FL's beauty being universally acknowledged, which feels a bit like wish fulfillment.

Final Verdict

"I’m Just a Mob Priest..." has its moments of entertainment, primarily due to the FMC's character. However, the slow pacing, potentially problematic romantic elements, and passive protagonist ultimately hold it back. If you're looking for a light read with a quirky female lead and don't mind a bit of a slow burn, this might be worth checking out. But be prepared for a potentially uncomfortable age gap and a protagonist who often feels like a block of wood. I give it a cautious 3/5 stars.