Reiko’s Manners – She’s Referred To As A Villainess, But Actually She’s Just Penniless

I am Kujouin Reiko, a poor lady living without my parents. My Grandmother, who died two months ago was a self-indulgent Ojou-sama, who actually has no ability to look after herself. My Father left the infant me after having led the Kujouin family to ruin, and is still missing. It was my Grandmother’s maid, Fuki-san, who brought me up. Thanks to Fuki-san, I was able to acquire the ability to look after myself. Meanwhile, my Grandmother, whose pride was tall enough to tower over Mt. Everest, instilled in me disciplines that the daughter of the Kujouin family ought to have. She sat up a piano in our modest rented house and gave me strict guidance. She did the same for dance, manners, and language too. My Grandmother had been studying piano in Europe for a long time. I decided to enroll in the high school of the prestigious Meisei Private Academy, which has a special scholarship system, but was tackled from behind on the day of the entrance ceremony, and was tackled by Sakurada Yuria, who called me, “Villainess young lady” apparently believes that this world is that of an Otome Game. She makes sure I stay away from her childhood friends (whom she called, ‘capture targets’), and makes great effort to stick the heroine, Yuuki Miu, and the capture target, Takanashi Ryou, together. I don’t have the time to be bothered about that though, because of the state of poverty I am in. Meanwhile, it turns out that the house where our maid, Fuki-san, finds retirement is the house of the very same Takanashi Ryou, the capture target. Fuki-san was apparently the great-grandmother of Takanashi Ryou. He accuses me of pushing Fuki-san around but I just want to see her again. At such a time, I lose my home to a landslide. Do your best, dear Me! Don’t give up, dear Me!

Original Publisher

kadokawa

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Reiko’s Manners – She’s Referred To As A Villainess, But Actually She’s Just Penniless This novel presents an intriguing twist on the villainess trope, and I found myself surprisingly drawn into Reiko's world. It's a story that blends comedy, drama, and a touch of romance, all set within the confines of a prestigious academy. While it has its flaws, there's a certain charm that kept me reading. ### First Impressions The initial premise is what hooked me. Instead of a reincarnated soul taking over the villainess's body, we get the actual "villainess," Reiko, who is completely oblivious to the otome game scenario. Instead, she's just penniless and trying to navigate the complexities of high society. This subversion of expectations is refreshing and immediately sets the novel apart from others in the genre. ### What Works Well Many readers, myself included, enjoyed Reiko's character. She's not your typical strong, independent protagonist. Instead, she's a bit airheaded and naive, but possesses a natural elegance and kindness that draws people to her. Her manners, drilled into her by her grandmother, inadvertently give her an "I'm from a noble family" aura, which earns her acceptance among the wealthy students. The supporting cast, while somewhat archetypal, is also enjoyable, particularly Reiko's best friend, who adds a touch of yuri undertones to the story. I also appreciated that the world wasn't presented through rose-tinted glasses. The novel acknowledges the classism present in high society and portrays characters with both strengths and flaws. Reiko's passion for music, particularly the piano, also adds depth to her character and provides a potential avenue for future development. ### Areas of Concern While the premise is strong, some readers felt the author lost direction as the story progressed. The "otome game" aspect fades into the background, and the novel devolves into a more generic shoujo slice-of-life. I can see how this could be disappointing for readers who were drawn in by the initial concept. Some have also criticized the pacing, with excessive descriptions of mundane details and repetitive interactions. Reiko's naivety, while endearing to some, can also be frustrating, as she tends to forgive her abusers and give people too many chances. The quality of the translation has also been a point of contention, with some finding the use of honorifics like "Lord" and "Lady" in English unnatural and off-putting. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers felt that the plot goes haywire later on, with random events and unbelievable scenarios. ### Final Verdict Despite its flaws, "Reiko's Manners" offers a unique and enjoyable reading experience. The subversion of the villainess trope, the charming protagonist, and the exploration of class dynamics make it a worthwhile read. However, be aware that the story may lose focus as it progresses, and the translation may not be to everyone's taste. Ultimately, I'd recommend giving it a try if you're looking for a lighthearted and unconventional shoujo novel.