I Want to Be a Receptionist in This Magical World Volume 1 surprises readers with how challenging it is to get the job. The title says it all. After meeting a receptionist at Harrē, Nunnally decides she wants to do that. The basic concept subverts expectations based on readers’ preconceived notions. While the rest resembles other magical school mangas, I Want to Be a Receptionist in This Magical World Volume 1 has a lead similar to a famous school anime. Plus, the competitiveness between her and her school foe, builds comedy.
Created by Yone with an original story by Mako and character design by Maro, the story starts with Nunnally before she attends school. Translated by Jan Cash and lettered by Rachel Pierce, the Yen Press manga shows how Nunnally decided to be a receptionist. Her parents have magical talents; her father works as a sorcerer-exorcist. It’s on a trip to Harrē with her father that she meets the receptionist there. The lady’s “dignified air” and kind nature inspire her to pursue a job there when she grows up.
I Want to Be a Receptionist in This Magical World Volume 1 Focuses on Nunnally and Her Rival
The volume builds the enemies-to-lovers trope between Nunnally and her nemesis in school, Lord Alweiss Rockmann. When they first met, Alweiss challenged Nunnally to a game of rock-paper-scissors, which she lost. After that, they could not stand each other. So, Nunnally studies hard to defeat Alweiss. There’s animosity between the two, but they become friendlier toward the end of school. Still, there’s a question that this volume does not answer. Despite getting perfect test scores, Nunnally ranks number two every time, and Alweiss number one. No one at the school gives a satisfactory answer about this. Hopefully, this is not a plot hole, and the series answers it later.
There’s also a possible love triangle with Prince Zenon. Prince Zenon is always around the periphery of Nunnally’s life. But he’s still possible, especially when you factor in hair color. Often, in a love triangle, there is a key distinction between both love interests. One has blonde hair, Lord Alweiss, and another dark hair, Prince Zenon. The volume presents readers with underdeveloped characters as it races through Nunnally’s school life. But the competitive nature of Nunnally and Alweiss is entertaining. Plus, I picture Haruhi from Ouran High School Host Club when I see her in this classist school.
Time Jumps Disjoint Reading
Given the title, the implication is that Nunnally fights to get the receptionist position. Yet I Want to Be a Receptionist in This Magical World Volume 1 rushes through her years at school. She starts, then the story jumps to a week later, six months later, two years later, etc. These jumps make it challenging to connect with any other characters.
The wealthy kids looked down on her. Then, after one kindness from Nunnally, all is well. It’s enough to give a reader whiplash. Readers might assume she strives to get the position for a few volumes. But that’s not it, so the title feels off. What’s more, save for Alweiss, readers feel little connection to any other character.
As a prologue, I Want to Be a Receptionist in This Magical World Volume 1 raises the question of what’s in store for Nunnally. Whether she encounters exciting people at her job or people jockey to take her position is up in the air. The series needs to build the world and characters to maintain interest. But in this magical world, Nunnally rare ice talent could set up some future special powers. I Want to Be a Receptionist in This Magical World Volume 1 raises enough interest and questions about her relationship with Alweiss, her rare magical attribute, and where the story is heading to pique readers’ interest.
