Gloria von Caldwell’s Condemnation and Revenge

Be kind to the “target” to avoid condemnation? Use your “knowledge of otome games” to live as a commoner in hiding? …Pathetic. Find a lover better than your fiancé and have them take revenge? –Leaving your fate in the hands of others is utterly laughable. Friendship and love are unnecessary. If it’s for revenge, I’ll bow my head, but I will always crush them all later, without fail. This is the story of Gloria, a villainous noblewoman who is wholly dedicated to revenge. Gloria, of the Duke of Caldwell’s family, was accused of injuring the saint who had received the crown prince’s true love at her graduation party. Then, she was framed for another crime she didn’t commit and was executed. She died cursing everything in this world that had wronged her, but when she woke up, she was ten years old again, revived. At the same time, a ghost from another world appeared, saying, “This is the world of otome games, and Gloria is a villainous lady.” But instead of ignoring it, she made the ghost submit and decided to live her second life solely for revenge.

Original Publisher

kakuyomu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Gloria von Caldwell’s Condemnation and Revenge ### First Impressions "Gloria von Caldwell's Condemnation and Revenge" immediately grabbed my attention with its premise: a villainess noble girl, otome game elements, and a strong focus on revenge. I was eager to see how the author would handle the familiar trope of reincarnation within a game world, and whether Gloria would be a compelling protagonist. The tags certainly set the stage for a potentially dark and dramatic story, and I dove in hoping for a captivating read. ### What Works Well One of the strongest aspects of this novel is Gloria herself. She's not a damsel in distress waiting for a prince; she's actively shaping her destiny and enacting her revenge. I appreciate that she relies on her own intelligence and resources rather than being dependent on others. This independence makes her a much more compelling character to follow. The story doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of its class-based society, which I found refreshing. It adds a layer of depth and realism often missing in similar stories. The world feels lived-in and believable, making Gloria's struggles and triumphs all the more impactful. I also really appreciated the portrayal of Ako. Her character arc, from viewing the world as a game to understanding its real-world consequences, was well-executed and added a unique dimension to the narrative. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the overall story, I did feel that the pacing was a bit rushed at times. The chapters are short, and I would have loved to see certain plot points and character interactions fleshed out more. I also felt that Ako's presence diminished too quickly. I understand the narrative reasons for it, but I missed her unique perspective and how she balanced Gloria's more ruthless nature. The desire for more Ako is a testament to how well-written she was. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning The following section contains potential spoilers about plot elements. Proceed with caution! There's a general sentiment that the ending felt a bit too abrupt. While Gloria achieves her revenge, some readers (myself included) might have wanted a bit more closure or exploration of the world beyond the immediate conflict. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Gloria von Caldwell’s Condemnation and Revenge" is a solid read for anyone who enjoys villainess stories with a strong focus on revenge and realistic world-building. The protagonist is compelling, and the plot keeps you engaged. While the pacing could be improved and some aspects could be fleshed out more, the novel delivers a satisfying story with a unique twist on familiar tropes. I give it a strong recommendation, especially if you're looking for a female-led story where the heroine takes charge and doesn't pull any punches.