The highly-anticipated anime adaptation of Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court has once again captivated fans with the release of breathtaking new seasonal artwork. Today, the official X account of the anime shared a vibrant summer-themed visual, showcasing the series’ main heroines, Kou Reirin and Shu Keigetsu, in a radiant display of seasonal charm. This latest piece continues the anime’s tradition of monthly seasonal art releases, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of this unique fantasy tale.
The summer artwork portrays Kou Reirin and Shu Keigetsu against a backdrop of fireworks. Reirin, the delicate yet determined “court butterfly,” is depicted with an air of elegance, her kimono adorned with subtle floral motifs that evoke the warmth of summer. Beside her stands Keigetsu, the cunning “court rat,” whose sharp gaze and confident posture hint at her ambitious nature. The visual masterfully balances their contrasting personalities, highlighting the tension and chemistry that define their body-swapping narrative. This seasonal art not only celebrates the beauty of summer but also teases the emotional and dramatic depth of the upcoming anime.
Here's a teaser visual revealing video:
Directed by Mitsue Yamazaki, known for her work on How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? and Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun, the anime is being produced by Dōga Kōbō, a studio celebrated for its vibrant animation style. The series scripts are overseen by Yoshiko Nakamura, whose credits include Detective Conan: Zero’s Tea Time and The Helpful Fox Senko-san, ensuring a compelling adaptation of the source material. Character designs by Ai Kikuchi, previously involved with New Game! and Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie, bring the heroines to life with a blend of grace and intensity that promises to elevate the anime’s visual storytelling.
While a release date for Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court has yet to be announced, the monthly seasonal art releases keep anticipation high. Earlier visuals, such as the rainy season artwork unveiled in June 2025, have similarly showcased the heroines in evocative seasonal settings, building excitement for the anime’s debut. Each piece underscores the series’ commitment to blending aesthetic beauty with narrative intrigue, setting the stage for a memorable adaptation.
What is Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court about?
The anime is based on a light novel series by Satsuki Nakamura, first published under the Ichijinsha Novels label on December 28, 2020. The series, which has released ten volumes as of April 2025, began as a web novel on Shosetsuka ni Naro on July 15, 2020. Its popularity led to a manga adaptation by Ei Ohitsuji in December 2020, with both the light novels and manga licensed in English by Seven Seas Entertainment. The story has garnered praise for its inventive premise and richly developed characters, making it a standout in the fantasy and romance genres.
Set in the fictional Kingdom of Ei, the narrative revolves around a dramatic body-swap between two rival maidens vying for the position of empress. Seven Seas Entertainment describes the plot as follows:
As the crown prince’s favored maiden at court, Kou Reirin’s future as the next empress is all but assured. That is, until her rival Shu Keigetsu, the court’s ‘sewer rat,’ pushes her over a balcony! Reirin survives, but wakes up in Keigetsu’s body! Turns out, Keigetsu has used magic to swap bodies with Reirin in order to steal her position at court. After being sickly her whole life, Reirin is determined to use this new body to turn things around. She won’t let anything stop her, not even her impending execution!
This tale of rivalry, magic, and resilience promises to deliver a captivating blend of court intrigue, fantasy, and personal transformation. With its richly crafted world and complex characters, Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court is poised to be a highlight of the upcoming anime season.
