The Though I am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court (Futsutsuka na Akujo dewa Gozaimasuga ~ Sugu Choso Torikae den~) TV anime series has released three new character visuals for Seika Kin, Kasui Gen, and Houshun Ran. The series was previously announced for April 2026, but was delayed to July 2026 because of production delays.
© 中村颯希・一迅社／「ふつつかな悪女」製作委員会
© 中村颯希・一迅社／「ふつつかな悪女」製作委員会
© 中村颯希・一迅社／「ふつつかな悪女」製作委員会
The original series is a Japanese light novel written by Satsuki Nakamura and illustrated by Kana Yuki. It began in 2020 and released 11 volumes, with the 12th volume releasing in Japan on March 31, 2026. It inspired a manga adaptation by Ei Ohitsuji.
Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed and is publishing the English version and describes the series as:
In the Kingdom of Ei, five clans put forth their maidens as imperial consorts—but only one will be crowned empress. Just when frail and beautiful “court butterfly” Kou Reirin seems poised to marry the crown prince, jealous “court rat” Shu Keigetsu steals her body! Reirin wakes up in the dungeons as the conspirator, and things look dire…or do they? Now that she’s got a robust new body, not even the looming threat of execution can stop her!
Staff:
- • Director: Mitsue Yamazaki (Zenshu, Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle)
• Series composer: Yoshiko Nakamura (RPG Real Estate)
• Character designer: Ai Kikuchi (Shikimori’s Not Just A Cutie)
• Animation production: Doga Kobo
Cast:
- • Manaka Iwami as Kou Reirin
• Natsumi Kawaida as Shu Keigetsu
Sources: Though I am an Inept Villainess official website, official X/Twitter
