The official website for the upcoming TV anime adaptation of the Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court light novel series created by Satsuki Nakamura (story) and YukiKana (illustrations) announced today that the anime is set to premiere in Japan in April 2026 . A new visual featuring previously unreleased key animation drawings has also been unveiled. After being serialized on the novel self-publishing website Shousetsuka ni Narou, Ichijinsha started publishing the novel's print edition from its Ichijinsha Novels imprint in December 2020. The novel series has released 11 volume to date. Meanwhile, the novel's manga adaptation illustrated by Ei Ohitsuji has been serialized in Ichijinsha's Monthly Comic Zero Sum magazine, releasing nine volumes to date. The total number of copies of the series, including digital editions, has exceeded four million copies. The series' fifth anniversary website also opened, streaming a commemorative promo video narrated by the anime's two lead cast members — Manaka Iwami (Kou Reirin) and Natsumi Kawaida (Shu Keigetsu). Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court Series 5th Anniversary PV RELATED: Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court Anime Shares New Seasonal Art Mitsue Yamazaki ( ZENSHU ) directs the historical drama series, with Yoshiko Nakamura ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ) in charge of series composition and Ai Kikuchi ( Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie ) providing character designs. Doga Kobo ( Oshi no Ko ) works on anime production. Seven Seas Entertainment publishes an official English version of the light novels and its manga adaptation, describing the story as such: 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! Source: "Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court" TV anime official website , X (formerly Twitter) , 5th anniversary site
