Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court (Manga) Vol. 1

ふつつかな悪女ではございますが ~雛宮蝶鼠とりかえ伝~ [Futsutsuka na Akujo dewa Gozaimasu ga: Suuguu Chouso Torikae Den] (Manga) #1

by Ei Ohitsuji (Illustrator), Satsuki Nakamura (Original Creator), Kana Yuki (Character Design)

Prepare for swirling court intrigue in this magical "trading places" tale of maidens competing for the crown--and don't miss the original light novels, also from Seven Seas!

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!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Romance, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Historical

204 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2021

About the author

尾羊英

Reviews

[Rereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn, this was so fucking good! I'm usually not into inner court drama because there is only so much drama I can take before I inevitably explode, but this was really interesting. I have so many thoughts and am already theorizing on what could happen next (cuz I haven't read the light novel and don't plan to), but really I'm just hoping it can maintain this quality throughout its run.

The best way I can some up the dilemma between Reirin and Keigetsu is "be careful what you wish for, kiddos". I thought that this was going to be a journey to get the body-swap reversed, but now I'm wondering where the story's gonna go.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Now that Keigetsu's aware of Reirin's body's limitations as well as her responsibilities, I'm anticipating that Keigetsu's going to reverse the body-swap once she realizes she can't handle it physically, mentally, or both. Meanwhile, Reirin's having the time of her life in Keigetsu's body, and I'm curious if she's going to even want to return to her own body. I think what I like the most about how body-swapping is handled in this instance is the context surrounding each person's situation. Usually in body-swap stories, its meant to be a "walk a mile in my shoes so you know that I don't have it any easier than you" scenario, but what's interesting about Reirin's and Keigetsu's case is that its not just about how difficult each person's life is; Reirin's body is on the cusp of dying at any point because its so frail, which adds an extra layer of understanding for Keigetsu. Now, its not her just realizing, "oh wow, Reirin has a lot of responsibilities, I'm not equipped to handle this," its also, "oh crap Reirin's body is super weak and since I'm inside it, I can die at any point," which makes the story more interesting and the stakes even higher.

Okay, I need to end it there otherwise I will not stop rambling and this review barely makes sense as it is. I loved this first volume and am so sad I have to wait so long for more, but it will (hopefully) be worth it. Give it a shot if you're looking for an interesting, drama-filled body-swap story.

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/39fLB19C1nk

"One is alive until death has its grip. As of this moment, I am unbitten and will remain so until I've been bitten. If I agonize over the pain before those fangs ever touch me wouldn't I be overexerting myself for nothing?"

I am kicking my past self in the bootie for not reading this sooner because while I struggled a little bit with the first chapter, once the body switch took place, I was HOOKED!

I was deeply surprised by how engaging this first volume was and how emotionally touched I was by Reirin's actions, especially with her THRIVING as a "villainess." Goodness, even before she could technically start thriving in her new life, she was so modest and kind while waiting to see if she would remain alive after her trial. It was incredible to see her show no signs of fear in her cell or even when faced with an extremely hungry lion before her. She held herself with dignity and couldn't help but be inspired by how she looked forward with determination and even excitement.

If I was surprised at her actions here, I was almost to the point of being flabbergasted at how when she is exiled and sees her extremely run-down home, she smiles and laughs and implies it's perfect. Perfect! This home is in shambles and infested with mold and she's HAPPY?! Oh yeah, and she's been told no one is going to come bring her food, so she's on her own there too!

Yet once again she carries herself in a strong and beautiful way even though she is ridiculed and abandoned by everyone (thanks to the previous owner of her new body). By the end, I caught myself being completely captivated by her and wanting to be thankful for the strong body I have. She faces each day of hardship with complete joy I felt myself being humbled while reading.

There is definitely a lot more I could say about this first volume, but I will stop there as I could write several paragraphs concerning the other characters and how interesting everyone is! However, I will mention that I never expected this story to be as wonderfully written as it is. I don't mean to say I thought it would be bad, but I don't think I was prepared for the emotional rollercoaster I had.

Definitely recommend it if you like drama in a political inner palace, a very strong and kind heroine who takes every situation thrown at her with a smile and grace, and if you're looking for a new villainess series to try!

[KristynRene SwissCheese JellyBean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Phenomenal. I honestly have no coherent words. This is just an artistic masterpiece, every inch of space utilized with a flourish. The story is equal parts emotional and humorous?? I have no idea how that was achieved. I'm so impressed. 🥹

This is absolutely a new favorite series. Even taking the spot of established favorite, vying for a top spot. Wow. Seven Seas, keep it up! The English print licensing of the last two years has been PERFECTION. 😌

Definitely a series I will be eager to continue the day of publication for each volume 🤣

[Natalie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

December 2023
Kindle edition
Manga

I'm getting the light novels pay day. I loved the idea of this one and going into it I loved the art and the story. The start is similar to Mr Queen on Netflix and that was one of my fave things to watch. Five consorts in training, with Reirin the fave but sickly butterly and Shu the least fave bitter sewer rat. One body swap later and the two have what they want, although it looks like Shu will regret it soon. I couldn't stand the prince. The captain is interesting. I hope the two of them end up together.

[Yuiko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one :)

[Luz T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining!

[Azbaqiyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot - 5 ⭐
Character - 5 ⭐
Writing Style - 5 ⭐
World Building - 5 ⭐
Art - 5 ⭐
Cover - 5⭐

Overall - 5⭐ / 5 ⭐

[Helluwutra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Les dessins sont magnifiques et l'histoire très intriguante. Pour une fois la méchante n'est pas que méchante.

[༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️

[Sunread26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chronique complète :
https://sunread26.wordpress.com/2024/...

Extrait :
Encore une nouvelle série Meian (j’essaie aussi de commencer les séries que j’ai, pour savoir si je les continue ou non), un titre un peu long, qui aurait largement pu être plus court… L’intrigue se passe à la cour, comme pour d’autres séries que vous connaissez peut-être déjà : le palais des assassins ou les carnets de l’apothicaire par exemple. Toujours avec la même vision, vicieuse de la cour, cette série a aussi un petit côté fantastique, avec la présence de magie, mais la protagoniste semble en avoir cure.

La princesse Reirin, est l’une des princesses formée pour être la prochaine impératrice. De l’extérieur elle semble avoir tous les atouts pour le devenir, une beauté époustouflante, une délicatesse attendrissante. Le prince héritier semble déjà en être fou amoureux, même s’il s’agit aussi de sa cousine (à l’époque, ça ne devait pas être tabou après tout). Tout le monde la désigne donc déjà comme la prochaine impératrice, les autres prétendantes, se sont pour la plupart résignée, et vise une autre place aux seins du « harem » du prince. Parce que oui, une seule deviendra impératrice, mais toutes seront concubines, donc bon. Reirin, quant à elle, ne semble pas trop avoir d’opinion à ce sujet, elle fait juste de son mieux, malgré son corps et sa santé plus que fragile. Elle ne laisse rien transparaître de ses véritables envies et de ses souffrances, même ses servantes l’adore, son surnom : le papillon, beau, mais fragile. À contrario, la princesse Keigetsu est la risée de la cour, voire même au sein de sa propre famille. Elle est jalouse et déteste Reirin, qui juge tout le monde comme son égale. Méchante, arrogante, elle est détestée par tout le monde, son surnom : le Rat.

Poussée par sa jalousie, Keigetsu utilisera la magie pour échanger de corps avec Reirin, et tentera ensuite de l’éliminer. Pas de chance, Reirin survivra dans son corps, sans pour autant pouvoir expliquer aux autres ce qui lui arrive. Premier bémol pour moi, le fait que Keigetsu indique rapidement (en étant dans le corps de Reirin), qu’elle tenait un journal, afin de justifier les connaissances de Reirin désormais dans son corps. La pauvre était toujours tellement faible, qu’elle était aussi tout le temps surveillée. À quel moment ses servantes ont-elles pu croire un mensonge pareil ?? Surtout en sachant que la famille de Keigetsu maîtrise la magie et que personne n’a rien vu de l’attaque ?? Je ne dirais pas que c’est une incohérence, bien au contraire, c’est sans doute le fait que Reirin est idolâtrée par tous qui en est la cause. Mais il faut avouer que c’est quand même bien idiot, elles passent leur temps avec elle, mais ne sont pas capable de voir que ce n’est plus la même personne. D’un autre côté, cela pousse aussi Keigetsu à devoir jouer un rôle, un rôle qu’elle semble avoir grandement sous-estimée.

[...]

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the night of a comet's centennial appearance over the emperor's court, a wicked consort-in-training pushes a gentle one, from a different household, off of a roof. Kou Reirin lives, and Shu Keigetsu is imprisoned, and condemned to be tried in a lion's den. Whether via magic, or some power of the comet, the two young women's consciousnesses have swapped places, and Reirin could well lose her life before she knows what it might mean to become the "sewer rat" of the court.

Well, this story wouldn't get very far if we lost half of our good girl/bad girl equation, so Reirin (henceforth in Keigetsu's body), with more than a little bit of luck, survives her trial and is exiled to a disused storehouse to live with her handmaid, Leelee. Leelee, having suffered abuse from Keigetsu, is more than a little baffled when her lady treats her kindly.

In the meantime, Keigetsu (henceforth in Reirin's body) plots to seduce the crown prince. She's caught short by the fact that her new body is quite frail, but she is thrilled that she now has luxurious quarters and everyone around her adores her.

I didn't find this story very interesting at first. "The adorable personality making people adore her regardless of what body she's moving around in, and the nasty one making people hate her" was a bland setup to me. But the various plots and court intrigues that came up in the latter half of this first volume made me change my mind. There was even a scene where one woman supports and protects another that made me near tear up. I'm impressed!

The elemental magic of the various houses is hinted at rather than shown, aside from Reirin's talent at gardening. Since the Kou house are Earth element mages, this isn't too surprising, but now I'm starting to wonder if this is a light novel trope, since I've also seen Katarina as an earth mage/gardener in My Next Life as a Villainess.

There seems to be romance in the offing between Reirin and the captain of the Eagle Guard (an in-house police force of sorts within the inner chambers of the imperial palace), and, as previously mentioned, something rather more base between Keigetsu and the crown prince. But although we're absolutely in a patriarchal society and the inner house is very much a harem, female characters are always center stage, and their decisions drive the story. I'm very interested in seeing the drama that surrounds these two in the court, and whether either of them changes as a result of their new environment and experiences.

The art's fairly good, a little above average. That it managed to evoke something stronger than pleased interest was a surprise in a light novel adaptation.

A winner from my partner's library! I don't think he's read it yet, and I will encourage him to.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could have been a Standard Body-Swap Fantasy story is made more interesting with a few important touches: in what feels like a Chinese imperial palace women's quarters, the crown prince's favourite, kind and talented Kou Reirin, is attacked by his least-favoured maiden, the jealous and bitter Shu Keigetsu. What nobody realizes is that the two women have swapped bodies, so scheming Keigetsu is now enjoying the care and adoration of the court for their precious Reirin, while the real Reirin is imprisoned for attempted murder in a body everyone now hates! It seems like a bad deal, but what Keigetsu was not expecting was that Reirin actually had quite a sickly constitution, so she is (guiltily) enjoying her strong new body, while Keigetsu will have to figure out how to adapt to her weak body and new persona. The spell prevents Reirin from telling anyone about it, but will anyone figure it out? Does she want them to?
Key side characters (like the lady-in-waiting) are given personality, motivations, and backstory as well, so this is not a story of 2-3 Important Characters surrounded by convenient cardboard cutouts, and gives us more characters to think about or care about. The story also shows different ways that different people respond to traumatic histories or difficult circumstances, so it doesn't act as if there are only two possible results (supervillain or saint). I look forward to seeing how this goes!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reirin est la favorite parmi les 5 princesses prétendantes au titre d’impératrice. Keigetsu est la prétendante la plus détestée de la cour, va par jalousie un soir lors de la fête des étoiles du palais, pousser Reirin dans le vide. A leurs réveils, elles se retrouvent dans le corps de l’autre..

J’ai été très surprise par cette lecture. L’univers est très sympa et il y a une vibe les Carnets de l’Apothicaire. L’intrigue est passionnante et le graphisme est vraiment magnifique.

Concernant les personnages, Reirin est très attachante. J’ai adoré suivre ce personnage. Malgré qu’elle se retrouve dans un autre corps , elle profite de cette nouvelle vie. Alors que pour Keigetsu, elle m’a fait beaucoup de peine et j’ai fini par m’y attacher . Elle qui voulait avoir ce que possède Reirin, se retrouve dans une prison dorée avec des problèmes de santé. J’ai trouvé ce personnage très intéressant et je me demande bien comment elle va évoluer dans les prochains tomes.

En bref, j’ai eu un petit coup de cœur pour les deux premiers tomes. J’ai très hâte de découvrir la suite de cette série!

[L.ivresse.des.mots · Rating 4 out of 5]

La légende du papillon et du rat

Appréciation excellente pour cette nouvelle série. C’est une histoire de jalousie et d’humilité.

Car tout oppose ces deux âmes qui sont réincarnées. dans les corps opposés. Je ne vous gâche rien ce sont les premières pages.

Il y a de la complexité dans l’intrigue entre les différents clans au palais, la narration est soutenue on sent vraiment l’implication de l’auteur dans les développement des personnages centraux et secondaires.

Énormément de travail dans les détails et les enjeux sont très shojo puisqu’il est interdit ou en tout cas limité à la jeune fille qui a été spoilé de prononcer le moindre mot sur l’échange.

Le plot twist est bien ficelé même si les attitudes sont clairement bien différentes et qu’on est mis dans la confidence.

L’échange ne devrait pas durer toute l’intrigue car un plan machiavélique se met en place mais j’espère qu’il ne sera pas mis à exécution parce qu’il ne me plaît pas.

C’est chez Meian j’adore leur travail éditorial et je me ruerais bien sûr la suite mais le pumpkin autumn challenge.

Mot clé valide : âme

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Mir hat dieser erste Band super gefallen! Ich mag Reirins Charakter sehr, denn ihre Lebensfreude sowie positive Ausstrahlung lässt sie selbst in dieser Situation nicht die Möglichkeiten aus den Augen verlieren. Gleichzeitig ist sie aber auch echt intelligent und scheint die, die ihr wichtig sind, beschützen zu wollen. Man darf sie nicht unterschätzen, denn trotz ihrer Krankheit hat sie sich immer bemüht. Keigetsu scheint dies durch ihren Neid nicht gesehen zu haben. Ich frage mich, wie sie nun in diesem Körper klar kommt - denn witzigerweise scheint es für Reirin eher ein Segen als ein Fluch zu sein. Ich finde auch den Kommandanten der Adler sehr interessant und ich glaube, da könnte sich was anbahnen, was ihn jedoch auch in eine schwierige Situation bringen würde. Die Reihe ist auf jeden Fall sehr vielversprechen, mit Intrigen und Witz, sowie moralischen Fragen und generell Lebenseinstellungen. Freue mich schon, weiterzulesen.

[Kailah May · Rating 5 out of 5]

By pure coincidence, I came across the trailer of the anime adaptation for this manga (set to release in July).

I dabbled a bit in Raven of the Inner Palace and The Apothecary Diaries, but with my attention span, never got very far along with either of the two. Maybe it’s just because I have more time now, but I enjoyed going through this in one sitting.

As a self-proclaimed devotee of the villainess subgenre, we absolutely need more stories with this kind of inner court setting! I find the worldbuilding so compelling, especially the clans and their respective elemental affinity. Kou Reirin’s fortitude is so endearing, and thankfully doesn’t fade into the Mary Sue territory that typically befall protagonists from similar titles. I also appreciate that Shu Keigetsu was written with care and depth. Their dynamic as each other’s foils is unraveling quite nicely.

Came for the art and character designs, stayed for the plot <3

[Lucee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This manga was SO cute, especially considering I'm not usually one for body swap storylines. I didn't know much about this book going into it, so I wasn't aware it was a body swap until I cracked open the first volume (dumb of me, considering the title, I know XD).

Our main character was immediately likable, with her unwavering determination and grit despite her less-than-ideal circumstances — in both her original body and her new one! She reminds me somewhat of Tohru from Fruits Basket. This volume would've received a 5-star rating were it not for the fact that I didn't enjoy how much time we spent with Reirin's court lady. I know it was to develop her for further volumes, but I would've preferred that time to learn more about our heroine — her history and true feelings for the people in her life interest me the most!

I've already bought and read the second volume (which DID receive a 5-star rating!), so I'm heading over to write a review for that now. This series is off to a great start, and I'm happy to have another to add to my collection!

[Fallon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A body swap between two people who couldn't be more different. At first I thought, ok, how are you going to work out the characters and why does the bad guy do that? So I was all the more surprised that you can follow it from the good guys' point of view. Reirin is a character where I thought oke she's boring and useless. So it was cool that it's not like that but that she deals with her situation in a completely different way and can now breathe a little more freely. I found it strange that no one noticed the change in the commander, but it reflects society and I think it's great. I also think Li-Li is super cool and I'm excited to see how the story continues. The first volume was quiet and I missed a bit more action, but we're only in the first volume. Somehow I also hope that she doesn't choose the man who is meant for her. So please don't let the body swap be noticed :-)

[Zaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ce premier tome était agréable à lire. L'histoire est assez basique pour le moment et l'ensemble manque un peu de maturité, mais les personnages font bien fonctionner l'ensemble. On retrouve une ambiance historique dans les mêmes tons que les Carnets de l'Apothicaire avec différentes concubines, un jeune empereur et son frère (ils sont bien dessinés...) et une héroïne attachante super à fond dans sa nouvelle vie. Les dessins et les expressions sont réussis, ce qui permet de relever le niveau de l'ensemble.

[Saidah Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked seeing the story in pictures but there were a couple typographical errors that almost ruined the experience for me. Fortunately, I'd bought a digital copy rather than physical one. I dislike seeing errors in print. At least, a digital copy can theoretically be updated. However, that wouldn't stop me from collecting the rest of the series. I already have all the novels digitally and I plan to get them physically as well. So rounding out the collection with the digital manga series is not a problem for me. That's how much I enjoy this series.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely absorbed and very interested in this book. I wanted to keep turning the pages and know what happens next.
There’s deceit, drama and lies, emotional torment, jealousy and pain, comedy and joy, romantic hints and inclinations.
I love a story abundant in emotional challenges and relatability. And of course add in the comedy and to me it’s a winner.
I am invested in what’s to happen. I will try to be patient as I wait for the rest of the mangas to come out at my local library.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up for the combination of gorgeous art and the promise of political intrigue, and I got both. Since the lead is so adored by everyone in the court, it would have been easy to make her unrealistically perfect, but the truth is just that she's a hard worker. I'm intrigued by the potential romance, and interested in seeing the fallout, as the body swap will inevitably "go back" at some point.

[Darcy Roar · Rating 4 out of 5]

eheheheheheheh! A delight! Body swap shenanigans between the perfect prized future empress and the evil bottom run consort, but surprise! Reirin loves her new life! This one's lots of fun so far & hopefully we'll stick to mostly silly fun for a bit. Some good starting thoughts on privilege and expectation that will hopefully grow into something interesting but may just get glanced over.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rereading this series. I read the the first three volumes of the manga and the first two light novels, but found myself souring on them after a while and I'm trying to figure out why.

I do really enjoy this part of the story. I like the characters so far, especially Reirin. I also live Keigetsu's design. Maybe that's part of the problem as I find Reirin's original eyes super creepy.

[Progreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine, seems well plotted for a light novel.
Unfortunately it's all very tame and ultimately left me wanting to read the chinese courtly novels its based on where there's actual stakes and death instead of just easily foiled threats, or at least The Apothecary Diaries which does a better job of adapting the deadly scheming of chinese court into a light novel series.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read volumes one and two.

Quite entertaining and I enjoyed our MC's attitude towards life and the new hardships she faces. I could see this getting repetitive after a while, so hopefully in volume three things become a bit more complicated.

[Sarah Anne Ross (farfromsarah) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because the manga doesn’t subject me to the crown prince’s awful countenance as much I rated it higher than the book

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun!

[Dani(elle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun romantic drama/comedy. I'm interested to see how the light novel expands on it.