The third episode of Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court is set to release on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The episode will first air in Japan at 11:45 PM JST on Tokyo MX and other local networks. International viewers can watch it on Crunchyroll and Hulu shortly after the Japanese broadcast.
Episode 3 Release Date and Time
Though I Am an Inept Villainess follows a weekly release schedule. Episode 3 arrives on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The show airs in Japan at 11:45 PM JST. For viewers outside Japan, Crunchyroll releases the episode at the following times:
- Pacific Daylight Time: 7:45 AM
- Mountain Daylight Time: 8:45 AM
- Central Daylight Time: 9:45 AM
- Eastern Daylight Time: 10:45 AM
- Greenwich Mean Time: 2:45 PM
The series will run for 12 episodes in total, with new episodes arriving every Sunday. The season will continue through September 27, 2026.
Where to Watch Episode 3
Though I Am an Inept Villainess is available on multiple streaming platforms worldwide.
- Crunchyroll handles international streaming for most regions.
- Hulu carries the series in the United States.
- Disney+ offers the show in Canada, Latin America, and parts of Europe.
The series is also available on the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. There are currently no free options to watch the show legally.
What Happened Previously
The story begins at the Maiden Court, a palace where princesses from five noble families train to become the next crown princess. Kou Reirin is known as the “court butterfly.” She is beautiful, kind, and loved by everyone. She is the top candidate to marry the Crown Prince. Shu Keigetsu is the opposite. People call her the “court sewer rat.” She is hated and lives in the shadows.
On the night of the Kikkou Festival, Keigetsu uses forbidden magic to swap bodies with Reirin. Reirin wakes up in Keigetsu’s body, confused and scared. She finds herself in the dungeons, now seen as the villain. Keigetsu takes over Reirin’s body and her place at court.
But the swap does not bring Keigetsu happiness. Reirin’s body is weak and sickly. Keigetsu now faces the same health problems that Reirin dealt with for years. Meanwhile, Reirin must answer for Keigetsu’s past crimes in a dangerous trial.
Episode 2 continued this story. Reirin, now in Keigetsu’s body, decided to make the most of her new healthy body. Keigetsu, trapped in Reirin’s frail body, struggled to survive.
Episode 3 Story
Episode 3 is titled “Keigetsu Immerses Herself in Farm Work”. The official story summary reveals that Keigetsu (in Reirin’s body) devotes herself to farm work, making full use of her healthy body. Meanwhile, Lily is coaxed by a certain individual to harass Keigetsu (Reirin).
Preview images for the episode have been released. The episode will show Keigetsu adapting to life in Reirin’s body. The story continues to explore the consequences of the body swap and the growing conspiracy within the palace.
About the Series
Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court is based on a light novel series. The manga began in 2020 by writer Satsuki Nakamura and artist Ei Ohitsuji. It is serialized in Comic Zero-Sum for Ichijinsha and has ten volumes released so far. Seven Seas Entertainment releases the English version.
The anime adaptation was announced in March 2025. It was originally set for an April 2026 debut but was pushed back to July 12, 2026, due to production delays.
Mitsue Yamazaki directs the anime, with scripts overseen by Yoshiko Nakamura. Ai Kikuchi handles the character designs, and Doga Kobo produces the animation.
The main Japanese cast includes:
- Manaka Iwami as Kou Reirin
- Natsumi Kawaida as Shu Keigetsu
- Makoto Furukawa as Ei Gyoumei
- Yuichiro Umehara as Shin-u
- Hana Hishikawa as Lee Lee
- Farahnaz Nikray as Kou Tousetsu
- Rei Igarashi as Kou Kenshū
- Ai Kayano as Shu Gabi
- Mai Nakahara as Kin Seika
- Inori Minase as Ran Hōshun
- Yui Ishikawa as Gen Kasui
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What to Expect in Episode 3
Episode 3 will show Keigetsu (in Reirin’s body) taking on farm work. This is a significant change from her life as a hated princess. Reirin’s healthy body allows her to do physical work for the first time. The episode will also introduce conflict with Lily, who is encouraged to harass Keigetsu.
The episode will continue to build the inner-court conspiracy that threatens both women. Reirin, now in Keigetsu’s body, must navigate the dangers of being a hated outcast. She is determined to live, no matter whose face she wears.
The series explores themes of identity, resilience, and the harsh realities of palace politics. Both women must learn to survive in bodies that are not their own, while uncovering the dark secrets of the Maiden Court.
Episode 3 airs on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 11:45 PM JST. International viewers can watch it on Crunchyroll and Hulu shortly after.
Also Read: The Classroom of a Black Cat and a Witch Episode 16 Arrives on July 26 With New Magical Challenges
For more updates on Though I Am an Inept Villainess and other anime series, keep reading VvipTimes for the latest news and release information.
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