A key visual and three additional voice cast members have been revealed for the second cour of the Though I Am an Inept Villainess TV anime series, following the final episode of its first cour. The second cour will premiere in Japan in January 2027 and will adapt “The First Royal Outing” story arc.
The three new cast members for the second cour include Yuichi Nakamura as Reirin’s eldest brother Keikou, Shunichi Toki as her second-eldest brother Keishou, and Chiaki Kobayashi as Unran — the young leader of a village in the southern territories.
Toho describes the synopsis of “The First Royal Outing” arc as:
Through Reirin and Keigetsu’s actions, the series of disturbances caused by a curse in the inner court has settled down. Through their swap, Reirin and Keigetsu learned about each other’s character, and a friendship began to bud between them.
Seasons pass, and we are now in early autumn. The ritual where the Crown Prince and the Maidens wish for a bountiful harvest (the Harvest Festival) has been set in the southern lands ruled by the Shu clan. With no consort as guardian, Keigetsu continues preparations despite the pressure of hosting the Harvest Festival. Meanwhile, Reirin wholeheartedly supports Keigetsu while being thrilled about her first royal outing.
However, right upon arrival, an unforeseen accident occurs, and the ritual is interrupted. An agitated Keigetsu’s spell runs out of control, and she once again swaps bodies with Reirin. On top of that, amid all the confusion, the post-swap Reirin is abducted…!?
Reirin’s two overprotective brothers, Kou Keikou and Kou Keishou, get involved, and the situation takes an unexpected turn. Who is the new mastermind sneaking in to frame Keigetsu…? The gratifying tale of switched fates brought to you by two girls who are opposites—the curtain rises on the second act, “The First Royal Outing” Arc!
Mitsue Yamazaki (Zenshu, Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle) is directing the anime series, with Sumie Noro as assistant director, Yoshiko Nakamura (RPG Real Estate) as series composer, and Ai Kikuchi (Shikimori’s Not Just A Cutie) as character designer. Doga Kobo is in charge of the animation production.
Meanwhile, the anime’s voice cast include:
- • Manaka Iwami as Ko Reirin
- • Natsumi Kawaida as Shu Keigetsu
- • Makoto Furukawa as Ei Gyomei
- • Yuichiro Umehara as Shin-u
- • Hana Hishikawa as Leelee
- • Farahnaz Nikray as Ko Tosetsu
The first cour of Though I Am an Inept Villainess aired on July 12, 2026 and is streaming on Crunchyroll in select countries and territories, Disney+ and Hulu in the U.S. and Europe, and Netflix in Asia.
The light novel series is written by Satsuki Nakamura and illustrated by Kana Yuki. It was first published by Ichijinsha on December 28, 2020, and has released 12 volumes in Japan as of March 2026. It is known in Japanese as Futsutsuka na Akujo dewa Gozaimasuga ~ Sugu Choso Torikae den~.
A manga adaptation by Ei Ohitsuji was launched in December 2020. The series began as a web novel on Shosetsuka ni Naro in July 2020. Ohitsuji is given the original character design credit for the anime adaptation alongside Yuki.
Seven Seas Entertainment licensed the light novels and manga series for English release under the title Though I am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court.
Crunchyroll describes the synopsis of Though I am an Inept Villainess as:
As maidens from the Five Clans battle for the Crown Prince’s heart, jealous Keigetsu uses forbidden magic to swap bodies with the beloved Reirin. Switching places does not guarantee happiness for Keigetsu with her new body’s ill health leaving her hanging on the verge of death. Meanwhile, Reirin, now wearing the face of a scorned outcast, must answer for Keigetsu’s crimes in a dangerous trial.
The unlikely pair become increasingly entangled in each other’s lives and they will need to work together to survive after discovering the dark conspiracies brewing beneath the palace’s genial surface. To confront the deadly threats lurking in the shadows, Reirin must embrace her new identity and defy their expectations of the court’s inept villainess.
Source: Press release
