Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Swap in the Maiden Court (Light Novel) (2025)

In a kingdom inspired by historical China, five clans put forth their maidens as imperial consorts-but only one will be crowned empress. The frail and beautiful Kou Reirin, the so-called "butterfly" of the imperial court, is a shoo-in to marry the crown prince. But when "court rat" Shu Keigetsu lashes out at her during the glittering Lantern Festival, it's Reirin who wakes up in the dungeons! Body-swapped by her assailant to steal her position at court, Reirin's plight seems dire... to everyone else! Now that she's got a robust new body, not even the looming threat of execution can stop her!

In a kingdom inspired by historical China, five clans put forth their maidens as imperial consorts-but only one will be crowned empress. The frail and beautiful Kou Reirin, the so-called "butterfly" of the imperial court, is a shoo-in to marry the crown prince. But when "court rat" Shu Keigetsu lashes out at her during the glittering Lantern Festival, it's Reirin who wakes up in the dungeons! Body-swapped by her assailant to steal her position at court, Reirin's plight seems dire...to everyone else! Now that she's got a robust new body, not even the looming threat of execution can stop her!

SWAP TILL YOU DROP!The Rite of Reverence has ended, yet Prince Gyoumei warns Kou Reirin not to undo the body swap in the Maiden Court—lest the emperor discover Shu Keigetsu's forbidden magic! Unwilling to take chances, Reirin and friends split up, promising to rendezvous in the city and reverse the switch. While each team finds a way to spend their day at the market, there are kidnappings, theft, and thuggery afoot...and our heroes won't let such crimes go unpunished! Can they trounce the bad guys and still assemble at the appointed hour?

SUNSHINE, SEA BREEZE, AND SCHEMES APLENTY!On the shores of the Kin domain sits a grand port city, a trove of treasures and delicacies from all over the continent. When the prince of a neighboring kingdom drops in for a visit, it's up to Kou Reirin, Shu Keigetsu, and Kin Seika to welcome him. Unfortunately for the girls, the flamboyant, prodigal Prince Nadir stubbornly stymies every aspect of their hospitality. Never one to let a slight against her friends stand, Reirin prepares to strike back. Little does she know that a greater conspiracy is unfolding behind the scenes!

MORE TWISTS AND TURNS IN THE KIN DOMAIN!Kou Reirin, Shu Keigetsu, and Kin Seika have pulled off their grand welcome for Prince Nadir and overcome an overdose scare with a well-timed body swap. With the immediate danger past, the Maidens spring into action, infiltrating the brothel involved in the drug trade to nail down proof of their crimes. Yet when the girls come face-to-face with the brothel’s highest-ranking courtesan, the so-called “heavenbloom,” her true identity has them reeling—Seika most of all!