Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Slice of Life, School Life, Villainess, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Otome, Game Elements, Misunderstandings, Romantic Subplot

The Fake Embarks on a Journey to Defeat the Witch!

An Unknown Element in a World of Tragedy

Majestic, kind and caring; all traits that make up the perfect version of a saint. Ever since waking up in the world of an Otome game, Ellize’s actions have been nothing like the ones of her original game counterpart, defeating monsters and bringing the public away from the fear they once knew. Unfortunately, this is just a thin veneer, a façade hiding the often unhinged thoughts of a reincarnated guy from Japan.

Key to this series’ version of comedic hijinks is the often conflicting moments between Ellizes’ thoughts and her actions. Her saintly act covers a multitude of sins, and her thoughts are reminiscent of Yuki’s from Now I’m a Demon Lord. This fake saint constantly thinks like a horny teenager and often insults and even forgets the names of the supporting cast. It all adds towards the creation of a well-thought-out protagonist. 

Contrasts can be found all over the story in general. Despite the light, comedic undertone of the series, the author invites the reader into a world of unimaginable tragedy. From the often tragic scenarios of the original Otome game to the wider horrors faced by the population at the hands of the witch’s curse, the depth of the world-building in the series surpasses most by going beyond the confines of the original setting. It seeks to show how Ellize’s impact as a saint goes further than her predecessors, not only bettering the lives of those close to her but helping entire countries and solving crises that exacerbate the witch’s evil deeds. 

A Fake Surpasses the Real Deal

The main story plot finds the reincarnate inhabiting Ellize’s body attempting to stop the Otome game’s tragic end and ensure a happy ending for Verner and Eterna. Her actions to ensure a better future have unintended consequences both within the game world and back in Japan. These new directions lead to new characters playing major roles and players discovering new romanceable routes and new favourite waifus.

As a result of these changes, the first volume incorporates game events alongside surprise new events. The volume shines best in these new events as they often don’t have a pre-determined outcome. Highlights include Ellize’s desperate attempts at staving Verner away from the bodybuilder route and the more serious moments where Ellize has to convince Eterna that she’s not the reincarnation of the witch. 

The mix of old and new come to a head by the end of the volume. Having played through the game, the protagonist already knows that the headmaster turns traitor. This fight sees the truth about saints and witches revealed, leading to a host of new possibilities in future volumes.

Overall, Fake Saint of the Year makes for an excellent addition to the villainess genre. Switching up the usual formula for a crude and unfiltered protagonist only adds to the series’ great world-building and comedic undertone. For chuckles and an engaging story, this series comes highly recommended.