7/20/2026
New Light Novel: From Bumbling Prodigy to Villainess: Will the Duke’s Love Go Unnoticed?

We’re delighted to announce the acquisition of From Bumbling Prodigy to Villainess: Will the Duke’s Love Go Unnoticed? by Saki Ichibu and Yukako Fujimura, a romantic comedy light novel series about Avril, an oddball prodigy who happily enters a contractual marriage to a duke with the understanding that she will play the role of a villainess for three years and then divorce him. Follow Avril as she simultaneously bewilders and charms everyone around her this September!

“This is a contractual marriage,” the duke said.

“Nice!” the young lady replied. “I’ll take it!”

“What…?”

Despite Avril’s unique ability, her family has always treated her like a bumbling waste of space. Eventually, her parents force her into a marriage of convenience in her wicked half-sister’s stead. Contrary to the rumors, however, the decrepit, lecherous Duke Lanchester turns out to be a gorgeous young man. Of all things, Duke Lanchester wants to marry a villainess for three years before divorcing her. For Avril, this is the perfect opportunity to secure her freedom in the future. Thus, the oddball prodigy must do her best to play the villainess, simultaneously bewildering and charming everyone around her!

From Bumbling Prodigy to Villainess: Will the Duke’s Love Go Unnoticed? Vol.1 will be available digitally worldwide on September 30th, 2026 for $7.99. It will have a paperback release at a later date for $14.99. You can pre-order your copy through Amazon now:

©Saki Ichibu 2023 Illustration / Yukako Fujimura