The anime adaptation of the light novel Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court surprised fans by publishing a new illustration showing its protagonists, Kou Reirin and Shu Keigetsuafter having exchanged bodies. This revelation offers a deeper look at the contrast between the two young women and the impact this change will have on the plot.
Going from light novel to anime
The original work began to be published in July 2020 on the platform Shosetsuka ni Narowritten by Satsuki Nakamura with illustrations of YukiKana. Later, the publisher Ichijinsha released it under his label Ichijinsha Novelsaccumulating ten volumes in Japan to date. The story also received a manga adaptation drawn by Ohi Ohitsujiwhich is published in the magazine Monthly Comic Zero Sum since June 2021, already having eight compilation volumes.
In the international market, both the light novel and the manga are distributed in English by Seven Seas Entertainmentwhich has allowed the work to gain popularity outside of Japan.
Team behind the adaptation
The anime is being produced by the renowned studio Doga Kobounder the direction of Mitsue Yamazaki. The script is written by Yoshiko Nakamurawhile the character design is in the hands of Ai Kikuchi. Although an official release date has not been revealed for now, expectations grow with each new visual preview.
A story of intrigue and rivalry
The plot takes us to Kingdom of Eiwhere five clans offer their maidens as imperial consorts, although only one will be crowned empress. The delicate and admired Kou Reirinknown as the “court butterfly”, seemed destined to marry the crown prince.
However, the envious Shu Keigetsunicknamed the “court rat”, hatches a plan and manages to steal his body. Reirin awakens in the dungeons under the identity of a conspirator, facing the threat of execution. But what seemed like a misfortune turns into an opportunity, since with her new robust body, nothing will stop her from changing her destiny.
