The Condemned Villainess Goes Back in Time and Aims to Become the Ultimate Villain
A duke's daughter seeks revenge after time-traveling from a tragic fate.
The Condemned Villainess Goes Back in Time and Aims to Become the Ultimate Villain is a Japanese light novel series written by Bakufu Narayama and illustrated by Ebisushi. It began serialization on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō in November 2020 and was later acquired by TO Books, which began releasing it in September 2021. The series has expanded into a manga adaptation, a stage play, and an announced anime adaptation, accumulating over 2 million copies in circulation by April 2026.
- type
- Light novel series
- author
- Bakufu Narayama
- illustrator
- Ebisushi
- original_serialization
- Shōsetsuka ni Narō (November 2020)
- publisher
- TO Books
- first_volume_release
- September 18, 2021
- volumes_released
- 10 (as of April 1, 2026)
Lore & Background
The story follows Claudia, the daughter of a duke, who is tricked by her half-sister Fermina, leading to the cancellation of her marriage and her sale to a brothel. While working there, she gains a reputation as one of the best workers but dies of an illness. She then finds herself transported back to when she was fourteen, retaining all her memories, and vows revenge. The series explores her calculated efforts to become the ultimate villain and exact retribution.
Reader's Guide
The series is notable for its popular isekai and revenge narrative, beginning as a web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō before being picked up by TO Books for print publication. Its success led to a manga adaptation illustrated by Rat Kitaguni, serialized on TO Books' Corona EX manga website from May 2022, and a stage play held in Tokyo in March 2025. An anime adaptation was announced in March 2026, indicating sustained interest. By April 2026, the series had over 2 million copies in circulation, reflecting its commercial impact. The English licensing by Seven Seas Entertainment has also expanded its international reach.
Did You Know?
- The series began as a user-generated novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in November 2020.
- A stage play adaptation was held at Shibuya's CBGK Shibugeki from March 26–30, 2025.
- The anime adaptation was announced on March 27, 2026.
- The series had over 2 million copies in circulation by April 2026.
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