The Livestock Secretary Interview
My name is Yukari. I'm 26 years old. My mom ran off when I was little, and my dad, an alcoholic, vanished without a trace. Just your typical sob story of a broken home. All my sister and I could lean on was each other—she's two years younger than me. While she was still in college, I'd taken time off midway but had graduated not long ago.
I dreamed of landing a job at one of Japan's top ten companies, but as a local university grad, that was nothing but a pipe dream. Still, I threw in an application on a whim and forgot about it—until the email came. From Yama, no less, the crown jewel among those elite firms. Everyone wanted in, not just me, but anyone my age with half a brain. Run by Yamato, one of Japan's top ten conglomerates, it was said to treat employees like royalty. The fact that they gave a nobody like me a first-round pass? I actually considered showing up for the interview.
"...Me, really? This can't be some scam, can it?"
Hard to believe, but no—this email was definitely for me. With a job being so urgent, I decided to at least go through with it. Dad was out of the picture, but my sister's tuition was staring me down right now. One thing nagged at me, though: Normally, departments get assigned after passing, but mine was already set as the "Assistant Secretary Office." Sketchy, sure. But if I could get in, my life would change in an instant. Pushing down the doubts, I headed to the company.
The interview was in Yama's Tokyo high-rise. Inside, I spotted about twenty others who looked like fellow applicants. The weird part? Every single one was a woman. But when the guide called my name, all suspicion melted away. I followed her to the seventh-floor interview room, where an eerie chill hung in the air from the entrance. Was I even in the right place? Stepping inside, I saw staff in sunglasses, though they weren't paying me much mind. Plenty of time before my turn, apparently.
...They do interviews like this? I'd been to enough to know this vibe was off. Big company eccentricity? Maybe. But the unease lingered. As time passed, I calmed a bit and sized up the others—all women, no men. Probably splitting by gender, I figured. Glancing around, they all had a similar look: slim or a bit curvy, but mostly busty, heights clustered between 160 and 170 cm. Like they'd cherry-picked a type. And they were all pretty, without exception.
Why does this feel so off? Are they hiring based on looks? Sure, secretaries might need to be presentable, but judging solely on appearance? Disgusting.
As my thoughts swirled, the staff approached. "Interviews begin shortly. Called applicants, line up in order."
I was in the first group. These women looked just like me—similar, except for hair color. Then the announcement: "After the first round, you'll decide immediately on the second. Your choice."
Fast turnaround. A little shady, but not a dealbreaker. Then they handed out papers before the interviews. Something was wrong.
- The applicant acknowledges that they cannot withdraw or cancel their responses during the interview.
- The applicant pledges to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all matters heard during the interview.
"Uh... what's this?"
The staff was merciless. "Is this a required question?"
"Pardon?"
"I asked if it's required. If not, I can't answer."
It wasn't worth pushing. Swallowing my discomfort, I nodded. "Let's begin the interview. Head inside."
What would they ask? What if I flubbed it? And that pledge—what the hell? Emotions clashed inside me. Tension mounted; I couldn't relax. Lips trembling, heart pounding. Then my name echoed.
"Ms. Yukari. Enter the interview room."
"Y-yes..."
The staff pointed stiffly. I stepped inside slowly. Three men with soft features sat waiting.
"Welcome."
"Hello. I'm Yukari."
Against my fears, the room felt welcoming—awkward, but gentle.
"Have a seat up front."
I sat as guided. They whispered among themselves, then beamed with cryptic optimism.
"Ms. Yukari, you've passed the first round."
"Pardon?"
First thing in—what? No explanation, but hey, good news.
"...And?"
"The second round is your choice. But first, review this."
The paper they handed me hit like a shock.
"...Internal Livestock Secretary application?"
"What is this?"
"Simple. We've already decided to hire you. No penalty for refusing, but as per that pledge, keep everything confidential."
I needed details. "Can you explain? I'm confused."
"We've started a new secretary office—the 'Assistant Secretary Office.'"
Didn't see that coming.
"Truth is, your specs don't cut it for the main office."
Harsh, but fair. Still stung like they were digging in.
"But the assistant office is different. Specs don't matter if you've got the body and the will."
"...What kind of work requires that?"
"Your major? Honestly, it's useless for real secretary duties."
"I know."
"Whatever you studied doesn't matter. Once you're in, you won't need your brain."
"Huh?"
"You'll be the executives' sex relief secretaries. Company whores, basically."
"Or livestock secretaries, if you prefer."
"Oh, right—that term. Still getting used to it."
I couldn't believe my ears. Sex relief? Whore? Livestock Secretary? None of it computed. Was this tied to that controversial Livestock Law? The interview itself for prostitutes? Before I could speak, they pressed on.
"We vetted all applicants thoroughly. Mom bolted young, Dad's an alcoholic who left massive debts, sister's in the money-pit phase of college."
"...How do you—!"
"You didn't think Yama's intel was a joke, did you? Debts piling up, sister needing to graduate—rough spot."
"Yes..." I bit my lip hard.
"Accept this role, and we clear your debts.treatment matches main secretaries—insurance, salary, raises, all identical. You just service with that body."
I weighed it. Sure, it'd trash my dignity as a human... but in exchange, security. Unpayable debts. Demanding sister. Unreachable parents. Decision came quick. Just me—sacrifice one, and it all ends.
"I'll accept..."