Synopsis

“Lady Bumpkin”—that is what most of high society called Agnes Evantail, eldest daughter of the venerable House of Evantail. Ridiculed for her outdated makeup and antiquated clothing, she has been a pariah among her peers for as long as she can remember. After yet another failed attempt at becoming engaged, her parents make her attend the princess’s engagement celebration in hopes of finding a fiancé there. Agnes begrudgingly goes to the party, where she encounters perfect Nazelbart Florescruz, the princess’s fiancé, and the only person to ever show her kindness. When the princess schemes against him and he’s branded a villain, it’s Agnes’s turn to offer him a helping hand. The two are then bound together in the most unlikely turn of events—how will their story unfold? (Source: J-Novel Club)

The Frontier: A Perfect Place for Villains and Bumpkins!

Written by Ageha Sakura and illustrated by Kurodeko, Lady Bumpkin and Her Lord Villain, a new title from the J-Novel Heart label, teaches that looks can be deceiving.

Following Agnes, aka Lady Bumpkin, the series sees her thrust into the limelight when she’s offered as a punishment prize to Lord Nazelbart, a man painted as a villain thanks to the schemes of his princess fiancée. Exiled together, Agnes is forced to live her new life on the frontier as a newlywed with Nazelbart. Far from the horror story she’s been led to believe, however, the frontier offers a chance at a new beginning and perhaps even a happy future.

While generic, the story of change and blossoming love between Agnus and Nazelbart is well written. It is clear that the author, Ageha Sakura, knows their audience and has aimed to create a cute comfort story with hints of catharsis and something more substantial on the horizon. The first volume starts this aim as it centrally focuses on Agnes and Nazelbart’s newlywed life on the frontier.

Faced with a difficult world to adapt to, the volume shows the pair under fire from both hostile locals and environments. To contend with these problems, the author often splits them up, with Agnes in charge of issues at their new estate while Nazelbart deals with the murky world of territory management.

Splitting the deuteragonists ultimately helps with the series’ tone. Focusing on Agnes’ struggle to adapt to becoming a lady of the manor gives her a well-earned sense of agency throughout the novel. Meanwhile, keeping Agnes away from the nitty-gritty of territory management helps to maintain a sense of lightheartedness that the author projects through their writing. Moreover, keeping them apart unintentionally makes their romantic moments together all the sweeter.

Far from just showing Agnes and Nazelbart’s cozy frontier escape, the first volume also creates the first threads for the series’ future. As Agnes confronts her family towards the novel’s climax, the story reveals potential rifts within the nation’s royal family and movement concerning the next heir to the throne. This future intrigue shows foresight into the country’s world-building and sets up avenues for further continent exploration, all good signs of a continuation.

Overall, Lady Bumpkin and Her Lord Villain’s first instalment makes for an engaging read. Although the series doesn’t stray far from the beaten path, it is well-written and gives ample opportunity for both protagonists to grasp their own sense of agency. With clear plans for the future of the series, things are looking bright for its sequel.

I Give Lady Bumpkin Volume 1: 8/10