Money makes the (Other) World Go Round: The Corporate S*ave Dragged into the Saint Summoning

My Thoughts on Money makes the (Other) World Go Round: The Corporate S*ave Dragged into the Saint Summoning

This web novel boasts a title as long as my to-do list on a Monday morning, but does it deliver? As an avid reader of isekai and BL, I dove in with high hopes, and for the most part, I wasn't disappointed.

First Impressions

The premise is immediately appealing: a 30-year-old corporate slave, Seiichirou, gets dragged into a fantasy world during a saint summoning gone wrong. Instead of becoming the overpowered hero, he leverages his workaholic tendencies and business acumen to navigate the new world's bureaucracy. This fresh take on the genre, with an adult protagonist acting like an actual adult, was definitely a breath of fresh air.

What Works Well

What I appreciated most was the grounded portrayal of Seiichirou. His obsession with accuracy and efficiency, born from years of corporate grind, felt relatable and added a layer of depth to the typical isekai narrative. The romance, while slow-burn, is also tastefully done. The male lead, Aresh, is a devoted love interest, and I especially liked that the story emphasizes consent and character development over explicit content.

The world-building is another strong point. The author establishes clear rules and utilizes every detail to ground the story. Even the seemingly unlikable Saint, Yua, plays a crucial role, her immaturity driving the central conflict. I found her character development, especially in later volumes, to be well-executed.

Areas of Concern

While I generally enjoyed the novel, I did find some aspects less appealing. Some readers felt that the character development, particularly Seiichirou's, was too slow. His unwavering focus on work, while initially charming, can become repetitive, making it difficult to connect with him emotionally. I can understand this critique, as the slow pace could be frustrating for readers seeking immediate romantic gratification.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Money makes the (Other) World Go Round" is a refreshing and well-written BL isekai. The mature protagonist, clever plot, and tasteful romance make it a standout in the genre. While the slow pace and potentially problematic initial relationship dynamics might not appeal to everyone, I believe the novel's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. If you're looking for a unique take on the isekai genre with a focus on character development and world-building, I recommend giving this a read.