English Dub Review: Farming Life in Another World “The First Villager”

Overview (Spoilers Below):

As the weeks turn into months, Hiraku’s loneliness grows. He thought he desired a life of solitude, but his wish for companionship grows stronger by the day.

Our Take:

Hiraku got off to a solid start in his new farming life thanks to his powerful tool and his wolf companions. Despite unknowingly being reincarnated into the Death Forest by God, the young man is eager to accomplish his dream of living a tranquil life as a farmer. Unfortunately, this week’s episode showcases that Hiraku may have gotten more than he bargained for regarding his solitude. The first episode of Farming Life in Another World was suitable in introducing its peaceful tone, but it has a long way to go to make me want to recommend this harmless isekai series.

Aside from discovering he can dictate which seeds to sow with his mind, Hiraku also made a new monster friend during winter. The monster is a friendly spider, which he names Zabuton, who can weave him warm clothing in exchange for living in Hiraku’s tree. Of course, that isn’t enough to cure Hiraku’s loneliness, as the wolf puppies grew up and found their mates, and Zabuton gave birth to twenty babies. However, that all changes when Hiraku encounters a lost traveler in the woods, last seen at the end of the previous episode.

“The First Villager” fully introduces us to Rurushi Ru, a female vampire whose age changes based on the loss and intake of blood. Ru is also a medicinal researcher hiding in the forest when nobles send someone to steal her research. The episode then shows them getting to know each other, leading to Hiraku and Ru being engaged to be married. However, Ru being a small child because of her blood loss can be problematic regarding the context of their marriage. But, hey, it’s a fantasy world, so who am I to judge?  

Regarding her characteristics, Ru is a suitable first villager that cures Hiraku’s loneliness, but she’s also not easy for Hiraku to win over. Ru is grateful for Hiraku’s hospitality but is also surprised and concerned about Hiraku’s request to live with him. She sees it as a marriage proposal, leading her to object that Hiraku may be moving too fast. Of course, understanding Hiraku’s solitude was enough to get Ru to change her mind. Hiraku’s farming life is easier to handle now that he has someone to share his life with. It may not increase my appreciation toward this tranquil farming isekai series regarding its formula, but at least it didn’t bore me to sleep like actual farming.