I Favor the Villainess

“I am the heroine of an otome game, so is it wrong to like the villainess?” Corporate s*ave OL, Oohashi Rei, reincarnated as the heroine Rei Taylor in the world of the otome game 「Revolution」. Her preference isn’t the capturable princes, it’s the villainess, Claire François. She merrily accepts Claire’s dislike. With the protagonist’s involvement, it’s the beginning of a unique romcom. To make it worse, Rei’s love became directed at the villainess, what does Claire’s future hold? It’s my second series with a screwball villainess. A little different from ordinary… I hope you can enjoy the villainess who’s just a little different.

Original Publisher

gl bunko

English Publisher

seven seas

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on I Favor the Villainess "I Favor the Villainess" had me hooked from the start with its unique premise: a protagonist reincarnated into an otome game who's far more interested in wooing the villainess than any of the male leads. It's a refreshing twist on the isekai formula, and I found myself eager to see how Rei, the main character, would charm the prickly Claire. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the humor and the dynamic between Rei and Claire. Their interactions are genuinely funny, and the story has a light-hearted feel that makes it easy to pick up and enjoy. It felt like a fun, fluffy yuri romance with a comedic edge. ### What Works Well The strength of this novel lies in its characters, particularly Rei. I loved her unwavering dedication to Claire and her almost aggressively flirtatious nature. The slow burn of their relationship is well-paced, and it's satisfying to see Claire gradually warm up to Rei's affections. Many readers praised the author's exploration of LGBT themes, which adds depth and authenticity to the story. I felt the author's realistic take on homosexuality in Rei's original world compared to her current one really hit hard. ### Areas of Concern However, as the story progressed, I did notice some potential pitfalls. Some found that the story loses its way around chapter 60, abandoning the initial plot for social commentary. I also felt that certain plot developments felt rushed or forced, and some characters faded into obscurity without much explanation. The shift in tone, from lighthearted comedy to a more serious exploration of political and social issues, may not appeal to all readers. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers have expressed concerns about the later parts of the story, where the plot takes a rather bizarre turn involving sci-fi elements, demons, and clones. This drastic shift in genre and tone may alienate readers who were initially drawn in by the yuri romance and comedic elements. The MC's initial behavior towards Claire can be interpretted as sexual harassment and made some readers uncomfortable. ### Final Verdict Overall, "I Favor the Villainess" is an enjoyable read, especially if you're a fan of yuri romance and don't mind a bit of over-the-top comedy. However, be aware that the story takes some unexpected turns, and the later chapters may not live up to the promise of the initial premise. Despite its flaws, I still found it to be a worthwhile read, thanks to the engaging characters and the unique dynamic between Rei and Claire. I'd recommend giving it a try, but with the caveat that your mileage may vary depending on your tolerance for genre-bending plot twists and heavy-handed social commentary.