Summary: Rachel Ferguson, the daughter of a duke, was engaged to Prince Elliott… Until she isn’t. Accused of a crime she doesn’t commit she is thrown in prison without trial, but it almost seems like she might be enjoying the whole ride a bit too much? The story of a lazy yet cunning villainess who is more than willing to play along with her ex so long as she can lounge around in comfort.
Villainess series are all the rage across Asia, and its spread is only growing with creators around the world picking up on the idea to make their own stories. Most of the time they follow a rather basic plot: a rich, sometimes misunderstood main character gets accused of something (usually a crime they didn’t commit) and wrongly punished for it. Throw in some reincarnation or time loop antics and you have the basic format all done, with only the details varying piece to piece. So what makes this particular novel different from the rest?
If I had to summarize the unique point of this particular work, it would be that author Yamazaki Hibiki understands readers are mostly here for the escapism and catharsis. The story begins with the so-called condemnation scene (wherein the engagement between the main character and one of the supporting cast is broken off in an unreasonable way) and just jumps straight into Rachel’s many plans for both revenge and leisure. Her characterization may be flat and completely underdeveloped, but Rachel’s role in this story is less of a fleshed out human being, and more a way of comedically delivering justice to the prince and his cast.
The plot itself reflects the fact that this story is about that sense of retribution that gets people coming back time and again to villainess works. The writing is straight to the point and the pace quick, with art that enhances key points throughout the work. The wonderful balance between the quick pace of the story with the clever twists on your typical villainess storyline completely makes you forget that these characters simply don’t have any depth to them. After all, much like how you might go for a snack and beer after work, we’re not here for thought-provoking stuff – just a hilarious and fun read. So quick is the first volume that when I reached the mini-climax featuring the utter and complete social execution of one of the minor villains I barely had noticed I had finished the entire book in one sitting.
Overall, this isn’t a masterpiece, but a work that understands it is here to provide the reader with a sense of escapism from their day. For people looking for a great brainless but fun read this is definitely a work to pick up.
Find a copy of the work here!
