The popular anime series Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court is getting its ninth episode this weekend. The show, which started airing on July 12, 2026, has been releasing new episodes every Sunday. Episode 9 is scheduled to arrive on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
The anime, produced by Doga Kobo with Mitsue Yamazaki as director, has gained attention for its unique take on the body-swap genre set in a royal court. The series follows Kou Reirin, a beloved maiden known as the “court butterfly,” and Shu Keigetsu, the despised “court rat,” who swap bodies through forbidden magic.
Episode 9 Release Time for Different Regions
Episode 9 will be available at different times depending on where you live. The show airs in Japan at 11:45 PM JST on TV Tokyo and other networks. For international viewers using streaming services, here are the release times:
- Japan (JST): Sunday, September 6, 11:45 PM
- United States (EDT): Sunday, September 6, 10:45 AM
- United States (PDT): Sunday, September 6, 7:45 AM
- United Kingdom (BST): Sunday, September 6, 3:45 PM
- Europe (CEST): Sunday, September 6, 4:45 PM
- Australia (AEST): Monday, September 7, 12:45 AM
- India (IST): Sunday, September 6, 8:15 PM
- UAE (GST): Sunday, September 6, 6:45 PM
Where to Watch Episode 9
The series is available on multiple streaming platforms depending on your region. Crunchyroll handles international streaming and is the primary platform for most viewers worldwide. In the United States, the show also streams on Hulu. Disney+ carries the series in Canada, Latin America, and parts of Europe. Netflix streams the show in select Asian regions.
The English dub version became available starting July 26, 2026, and is also accessible on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Disney+. New episodes arrive weekly with the simulcast, meaning international viewers can watch shortly after the Japanese broadcast.
What Happened So Far
The story takes place in the Maiden Court, where unmarried daughters of five noble families train to become future queens. Kou Reirin is admired for her beauty and kindness but has a weak body. Shu Keigetsu is hated by everyone and called the “court rat”. Consumed by jealousy, Keigetsu uses an ancient spell to swap bodies with Reirin during a sacred ceremony.
Reirin wakes up in Keigetsu’s body and faces immediate danger. She is now seen as the villainess and has an execution order against her. Meanwhile, Keigetsu, now in Reirin’s frail body, struggles with poor health. Neither can speak about the swap because of the spell.
As the series progressed, both characters discovered that the palace holds dark conspiracies. Reirin, using her kindness and strength, slowly changes how people see Keigetsu. Keigetsu learns that Reirin’s life was not as perfect as it seemed.
In the previous episodes, Reirin was banished to an abandoned storehouse after causing a commotion in the inner palace. She surprisingly enjoyed her new freedom and started farming enthusiastically. Keigetsu, in Reirin’s body, looked back at her painful past and realized how her jealousy grew over time.
What to Expect in Episode 9
Episode 9 continues the palace intrigue as the two swapped maidens face new challenges. According to the series synopsis, Reirin and Keigetsu must work together to survive the dark conspiracies within the palace. Reirin must embrace her new identity and prove herself despite being seen as the inept villainess.
A preview for the ninth episode was released on September 5, 2026. The episode will likely address the fallout from recent events, including Reirin’s banishment and the growing threats around both characters. The series has built tension around the Emperor’s hunt for sorcerers and the political games within the court.
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Why Viewers Are Watching
The series has found an audience because of its fresh take on the villainess genre. Instead of a typical revenge story, it shows two very different women learning to understand each other’s lives. Reirin’s positive attitude, even when trapped in a hated body, gives the show a different energy.
The body-swap premise creates interesting situations. Reirin, who was always weak and sick, finally gets to enjoy a healthy body. Keigetsu, who was strong and despised, now has to deal with physical weakness and the weight of being admired. Their growing connection and need to trust each other keeps viewers interested.
Doga Kobo, known for works like Oshi no Ko and My Senpai Is Annoying, handles the animation. The voice cast includes Manaka Iwami as Kou Reirin and Natsumi Kawaida as Shu Keigetsu. The English dub features Brianna Knickerbocker as Reirin.
The series will run for 12 episodes total, with the finale scheduled for September 27, 2026. Episode 9 marks the beginning of the final stretch of the season.
Also Read: Though I Am an Inept Villainess Episode 8 Release Date and Story Recap
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