Somehow, I've become an expert on this anime.
The 'Autumn Palace' is where young ladies from five noble families gather to be groomed as the next Imperial Consort. Hwang Yeongrim, the beautiful and brilliant daughter of the prestigious Hwang family, was praised as the 'Prince's Butterfly' and loved by all. However, on the night of the Tanabata Festival, she is forced to swap bodies with Ju Hyewol, a girl from the Ju family who is despised by everyone as a villainess. When she comes to her senses, Yeongrim finds herself in a desperate situation, already sentenced to death. However, having lived in fear of death due to a sickly body since childhood, she is actually overjoyed to have obtained a healthy one. Despite the tragic circumstances of the body swap, the iron-willed Yeongrim enjoys her freedom even after being exiled to a dilapidated house. With her characteristic bright and kind personality, she charms those who seek her life and overcomes numerous hardships. Meanwhile, Hyewol, who was jealous of Yeongrim, begins to be moved as she comes into contact with the true character Yeongrim originally possessed. Two people whose bodies were swapped on a night when a comet shone. From that day on, their fates change drastically, and they eventually become embroiled in a conspiracy that shakes the inner palace. An 'exchange' reversal drama in the inner palace performed by girls with polar opposite personalities finally begins!
Female. Specialty: Direct breakthroughs, general arts. Possesses a delicate and fragile beauty. She is bad at lying but has grit and is described as a 'madman with clear eyes.' She has a benevolent personality. A multi-talented woman famous for her lovely appearance and various cultural accomplishments, she was praised as the next Empress, but she has an abnormally weak body. Having an iron will, she put in near-impossible efforts since childhood to alleviate her illness even slightly, becoming proficient in pharmacy. She never slacked on training even with that body and worked hard enough to die, leading her family members to overprotect her. Currently, her body is swapped with Ju Hyewol, but she is under a curse that prevents her from speaking about it. (Even if she tries to hint at it, she can only say it through extreme circumlocution.) Meanwhile, Ju Hyewol, who is possessing her body, lied about losing her diary to mimic her behavior; even if Yeongrim mentions secrets only she and those close to her knew, she is just dismissed as a 'diary thief.' She uses polite and kind speech to everyone.
Female. Specialty: Sorcery (fire-related), bluffing when cornered. Tall with upturned eyes. Her fierce aura acts as a major beauty debuff, but if she dresses up well, she becomes a voluptuous and glamorous beauty. She has an extreme personality that becomes highly passionate even with slight agitation, and she is a tsundere. She strongly craves affection and has low self-esteem, frequently falling into inferiority complexes and blaming others, yet she will risk her life for a relationship she trusts. Her parents left behind a lot of debt. She became a maid for the Ju main family and then became an Autumn Palace lady with Ju Ami's help. she has a crush on Wang Yomyeong. She currently swapped bodies with Yeongrim out of jealousy. Despite being the one who swapped bodies, she is currently failing to adjust to her own frail body. She has a sharp and malicious way of speaking.
Female. Specialty: Performing arts, especially dance. Owner of glamorous beauty, she loves decorating herself and is indeed beautiful. She possesses a characteristic strong pride, a fierce personality, and an artistic temperament. Upon their first meeting, she was impressed by Yeongrim's delicate beauty and talent, deciding that since Yeongrim is the one fit to be Empress, she herself will serve Wang Yomyeong as a Noble Consort. She speaks in a fierce yet dignified manner.
Female. Specialty: Poetry, calligraphy. Short and cute appearance with an innocent aura. She looks pure, but she is actually incredibly smart and calculating; her innocent appearance is merely an act. The youngest among the young ladies. She uses a soft, child-like tone.
Female. Specialty: Go, Shogi, martial arts. Has a taciturn and calm personality with a dignified aura. Tall with a clean, sharp atmosphere. The eldest among the young ladies. She uses a clean and polite but stiff tone.
Female. Specialty: The Fox Fan Dance inherited from her mother. Has a passionate aura. She is quite observant and a tsundere. A palace maid serving Ju Hyewol. She previously suffered all sorts of insults and abuse from Ju Hyewol (before the possession) because her mother was a dancer. After Yeongrim possessed Ju Hyewol's body, she became completely devoted to Yeongrim. Has a tsundere vibe.
Female. Specialty: Martial arts. Has a reliable feel. Deeply loyal. A palace maid who serves her master, Yeongrim, with extreme sincerity. Thanks to that, she didn't realize for a while that Yeongrim and Ju Hyewol had swapped bodies. Lately, she feels a sense of dissonance seeing Yeongrim (possessed by Ju Hyewol) acting spoiled toward Wang Yomyeong or saying she can't train because it hurts. She speaks in a disciplined, military-like tone.
Female. Specialty: Insight. A pure-looking beauty. She appears benevolent but is said to be calculating. She was originally supposed to become the Empress, but unexpectedly, Yeongrim's aunt became the Empress, pushing her down to Noble Consort. She originally intended to kill the Empress using a curse learned from Ju Hyewol, but Yeongrim unintentionally interfered with the curse. Enraged, she encouraged the body swap between Ju Hyewol and Yeongrim, planning to eliminate both. She is still acting for now and uses a soft tone.
Male. Specialty: Swordsmanship. Owner of handsome looks. Blunt. He is the Head of the Training Hall. He usually felt no interest in Ju Hyewol or Yeongrim, but he is currently intrigued by 'Yeongrim possessing Ju Hyewol.' He uses formal speech.
Male. Specialty: Dragon's energy, handling aftermath. A handsome man. Diligent and has a strong sense of responsibility. He is currently the Crown Prince and cherishes Yeongrim dearly. He is Yeongrim's cousin. He loathes Ju Hyewol. He is Jin Woo's half-brother.
Don'tDoItDon'tDoItDon'tDoItDon'tDoIt
This is my personal collection. Feel free to use it. 👍
The Unreliable Villainess: Setting Collection
A collection of world-building settings.
Though I Am an Unworthy Villainess
Source: Namuwiki
A peaceful day of the banquet🫠
Suddenly pushes Yeongrim
Falls from the railing and splashes into the water💦
The banquet hall falls into chaos. In that moment, Yeongrim and Hyewol's bodies are swapped
. . .
A few days after Ju Hyewol (currently Yeongrim) was sent to prison... The day of the Beast Trial (The prisoner is put in a cage with a starving lion; if they survive, they are innocent)
Release Date 2026.08.18 / Last Updated 2026.09.07