Breaking Up Was the Plan, the Duke Falling For the Villainess Was Not!
A villainess who wants a breakup, but the duke won't let go.
Breaking Up Was the Plan, the Duke Falling For the Villainess Was Not! is a Japanese light novel series written by Kotoko and illustrated by Ataka. It began as a web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in April 2022 and was later published in print by Enterbrain under its B's Log Bunko imprint starting November 2022. The series follows a Japanese office worker reincarnated as the villainess Grace Saintsbury, who attempts to follow the original plot by breaking up with Duke Zane Winslet, only for him to remain obsessed with her.
- Original run
- April 2022 (web novel); November 2022 (light novel)
- Genre
- Isekai, romance, comedy
- Author
- Kotoko
- Illustrator
- Ataka
- Publisher
- Enterbrain (B's Log Bunko)
- English publisher
- Cross Infinite World (licensed October 2025)
- Manga adaptation
- Illustrated by Minori Amanatsu and Ayumi Nakashima, began December 2022
Lore & Background
The story centers on Grace Saintsbury, a reincarnated office worker who knows she is the villainess of her favorite romance novel. To prevent a war, she plans to break her engagement with Duke Zane Winslet and push him toward the heroine Charlotte. However, Zane remains obsessed with her, and her former ally Count Gardner also takes an interest, complicating her plans.
Reader's Guide
The series is notable for its twist on the villainess genre, where the protagonist actively tries to follow the original plot but is thwarted by the male lead's persistent attachment. Critics have highlighted its unique approach, comparing it to self-insertion fanfiction, and praised its handling of the personality change inherent in isekai reincarnation. The first volume received mixed to positive reviews, with some noting a lack of darker moments despite their presence, while others commended the smooth translation and the complexity of Grace's character. The manga adaptation began serialization in December 2022, and an English license was announced in October 2025.
Did You Know?
- The series originally started as a web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in April 2022.
- The light novel is published by Enterbrain under its B's Log Bunko imprint.
- The manga adaptation is illustrated by Minori Amanatsu and Ayumi Nakashima.
- Cross Infinite World licensed the light novel for English publication in October 2025.
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