The popular light novel series, “The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom” (Japanese title: Akuyaku Reijō wa Ringoku no Ōtaishi ni Dekiai sareru), is officially set to receive an anime adaptation. The announcement was made on July 4, 2025, much to the anticipation of fans of the fantasy romance series.
From Web Novel to Screen: The Series’ Journey
Penned by Puni-chan and illustrated by Akeno Naruse, “The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom” originally began its life as a web novel on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō online publishing platform in March 2016. Its popularity led to its serialization as a light novel by Enterbrain under their B’s Log Bunko imprint, with the first volume released in October 2016. As of November 2023, the series boasts 14 volumes.
The franchise has seen several adaptations prior to this anime announcement, including a manga illustrated by Hoshina, which began serialization in December 2017 and has accumulated 15 tankōbon volumes as of January 2025. Additionally, a visual novel adaptation developed by Operahouse was released for Nintendo Switch and Steam on March 21, 2024. The visual novel covers the first three volumes of the light novel series and features a cast of popular voice actors.
The Allure of the “Villainess” Trope
The series follows the increasingly popular “villainess” trope within the otome isekai genre. The story centers on a Japanese woman who, after an accident, finds herself reincarnated as Tiararose Lapis Clementille, the antagonist of her favorite otome game, “Lapis Lazuli Ring”.
In the game’s original narrative, Tiararose is destined for exile after her engagement to Prince Hartknights Lapis-Lazuli Lacmouth is broken. However, the plot takes an unexpected turn when Aquasteed Marineforest, the crown prince of a neighboring country, intervenes and proposes marriage to her, diverging from the game’s original events. This surprising twist forms the core of the romance, as Tiararose navigates her new life, attempting to avoid her predetermined “villainess” fate while embracing an unforeseen path with a doting prince.
Further details regarding the anime’s staff, cast, and release window are expected to be announced at a later date.
