Though I Am an Inept Villainess’ Shu Keigetsu and Kou Reirin character visuals show their personalities perfectly
Steven Reynolds 
When it comes to fantasy romance anime and a beautiful art style, it would be hard to beat the upcoming Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court. (Yep, that’s really its title).
Especially when you see the Kou Reirin and Shu Keigetsu character visuals released earlier today on the anime’s official website. Both visuals were drawn by character designer Ai Kikuchi (Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle).
Kou Reirin and Shu Keigetsu are two of the anime’s main characters — with Reirin the fragile protagonist, and Keigetsu the villainess who deliberately switches bodies with her.
We got a glimpse of both women in the teaser trailer released by Toho Animation a couple of months ago (watch below) and, with the new Kou Reirin and Shu Keigetsu character visuals we get a closer look.
In their character visuals, both women look at the camera — Keigetsu frowning nastily, with Reirin looking like her sweet self.
At the end of the teaser trailer, however, we also get a short look at the women after they have switched bodies and, from the changed expressions on their faces, it’s easy to tell who is now really who. (watch below)
Though I Am an Inept Villainess production details
The fantasy anime series is based on the light novels written by Satsuki Nakamura, and illustrated by Yuki Kana.
Mitsue Yamazaki (Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle) is directing, with Yoshiko Nakamura (Zatsu Tabi: That’s Journey) in charge of series composition, and character designs from the previously mentioned Ai Kikuchi.
Doga Kobo (Oshi no Ko) is in charge of animation.
As for the Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court plot, the first volume of the original Japanese light novel explains it:
Reirin, the daughter of the Kou family, known as “Her Highness’ Butterfly,” had her body swapped bodies with Keigetsu, the daughter of the Shu family, the most hated person in the palace.
Imprisoned and unable to reveal the truth of the swap, Reirin is accused of harming herself and faces death…or so it seems.
However, Reirin, who has always lived close to death due to her frail health, is instead happy to have a healthy body, and overcomes one adversity after another with her natural steely mentality.
No premiere date has been announced for the anime as of yet but, with the newly released character visuals, hopefully that means it won’t be long?
We’ll keep you updated! (Update: Character designs for the very hot Crown Prince Ei Gyomei and maiden court overseer Shinu are out).
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