This is about as good as you can reasonably expect the Otome genre to get. Maybe I'm jaded but it seems like 80% of reincarnation stories are "I woke up in an Otome game and...*insert every sitcom trope*"

It's the best of a bad gener, and probably about the only one I've encountered that passes a Becktel Test (2 named female characters talk about something that isn't a male character. That's literally how low the bar is and most still fail by the time I give up on them).

If you like... more>> the genre you'll love it, if you don't like the genre you'll wonder where the conflict is for the first 40 some chapters. Though

Spoiler

the excommunication ark could have been quite a bit higher stakes it still handled it fairly well and the after portion gave a few side characters some much needed development.

[collapse]

<<less

The MC starts off as a Mary Sue for like 50 chapters, only because she has revolutionary knowledge from her previous life. After the Queen Dowager restores her status in society, our MC is harassed with conspiracies after conspiracies by the Second Prince Faction (belligerents include the Royal Concubine, the Otome Game's protagonist ... more>>

Spoiler

who turns out to be a spy from an enemy country

[collapse]

and a Marquis traitor). Each time the MC faces oppression from SPF, she peels away her Mary Sue aura and becomes more pragmatic. Her character growth is especially stimulated by the general toxicity of noble society, and so she has to make measures beyond cause and effect.

Edit: Earlier I made a harsh opinion on the translations, however, I recently learned what MTL and I have a feeling it was used in some of the chapters. Thankfully the comment section is full of people who are either good at interpreting MTL, or memorized the story so far; even the grammar police are a godsend. <<less

A very good read to change your pace from Chant Orbs, gun enthusiasts, slime MCs, kumo chans and hitogami...

1. It starts out slightly slow but skips the obligatory hoopla's of being a kid again.
2. Characters beside the MC are kinda hard to tell apart.. (don't know if I'm the only one)
3. Being better than being bitter after a breakup
4. Sadly... no magic users but still a great read nonetheless

The premise of the story is very misleading.

The essential idea is that the main character is from Japan, and reincarnates into the body of a villainess from an Otome game she played. Except she “merges” with that villainess, and it happens at the moment where the villainess gets a bad end. Great premise.

The problem? The villainess wasn’t really evil.

Everything she does is petty stuff that is justified later. The entire “redemption” promise is completely discarded. Rather, it’s the good guys who are apparently stupid and bad. Everyone that opposes the... more>> MC is shortsighted, ignorant, or dumb. Everyone that supports her is brilliant and capable. She always succeeds in everything she does.

Characters are flat and one-dimensional. Most exist purely to admire and brag about how brilliant the MC is. Because of this, the story is predictable.

Overall, the writing is decent. I can see why people would like it. But a ton of wasted potential. <<less

**reading the synopsis**
>tag: reincarnated
"Meh, another reincarnation story?" O.o

**tried to read it because I was bored**
**got hooked**
**keep checking Japtem everyday for the newest release**

"Where's the next chapter, oh Cat-sama...." 😞
... more>>

Spoiler

MC was a woman who works with tax in her previous life. She regain her previous life's memories right when she was almost publicly humiliated. With quick thinking she was barely able to slipped out from such predicament. Now after being 'exiled' from the noble society, she decided to use her previous life's knowledge to create a better place for the people in her dukedom.

[collapse]

tl;dr
It's a slice of life story, about a woman who's more noble than those sh*tty nobles in her country. <<less

One of the best reincarnation Oujo-sama stories I’ve read yet. As the MC doesn’t have a clue about the future as the ending already happened when she gets there. She’s the "rival villainess girl" and gets her “bad end, " yet she’s still trying to prevent any further negative consequences. She doesn’t get the “prince” and her rival "the main girl of the game" can be all lovely dovey with him. She doesn’t care, It’s all about her rising up and building a brand empire. With memories of her past... more>> and current life, she navigates through politics and business. There’s no action in that sense but there’s a lot of glorious drama. It’s a very good and quick read. There are hints of a romance but that is put on the back burner.

It’s funny how we see the other side of how the main girl of shoujo manga’s are usually air-headed, stupid and not to their own benefit but detriment. They wouldn’t survive in the real world. It also shows how providing care for "everyone" leads to extravagant futility. That the prince was actually a wasteful moron as well. This includes everyone in the "main girls" harem, who having some positive qualities and look beautiful are inept to the real world, blind to reality.

So far so good. <<less

Like most of the typical novel “Reincarnation, World Transfer and “Overpowered Protagonist” is applied here, the Exceptional Things are “Political schemes, Economic development and Business Management”

The novel is using frame-up technique, but one of the problems in this novel is the slow pacing execution, It’s not really bad but it’s one of those problems that affects the character development. The story is not really complex, nor simple, but to call it unique is an exaggerated remark, this one in the category of ‘exceptional’. The novel does not rely on... more>> the typical tropes of Shoujo themes nor relies on the Adventure themes, most of the time the novel focuses on Business management and Territorial development, it’s not really bad but it makes the novel very ‘predictable’. There’s only few complex things which was mentioned in the novel and almost are very simple, well the as I’ve stated, the story is slow and it’s affecting the development. The Individual elements are so slow, it’s more on foreshadowing the schemes, planning rather than results. The ‘genres’ does not shine very well, the ‘tags' (shorten version of Business Affairs [just look in the information of the novel] are shining so much that most of the chapters are all about the ‘tags’. So the problem here is the Execution, since the novel is quite intelligent but it’s not very intelligent as it seems to be. Well as for the redeeming factor, it’s Intelligent, most of the time is all about the intelligent dialogue and planning, it’s logical, the Business was logical, it’s realistic, like the Improvement of the Fief. The characters here are very predictable, only few are well rounded and some are still mysterious. Though that might be the case, at least the characters are developing in a very slow way and at least they are not typical as the other novels. The Protagonist is a very intelligent character, but at least she’s not the Perfect Character as it seems to be, but she’s not flawed either too, the only problem to her is that she’s not good at Romance that have lead to trust issues. The supporting characters are flat or not well rounded, but not so much to consider them as plot devices or stepping stone, just bad execution and lack of written developments about them, the only redeeming supporting character is the Queen Dowager, the Mother of the protagonist and the Prince. The antagonist are still your typical stupid characters, except for Yuri who seems to have a mysterious background. So only few are memorable and most are forgettable, well the main problem here is the execution.

Well I’ve mentioned so much Flaws, but I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve never regretted reading this novel, it’s not mindless like most of the novels out there, nor it’s full of unpredictable intelligent writing, it’s really one of those novel that I enjoy despite of flaws, and those flaws are forgivable. This novel is not dreadful, trying hard, nor stupid, it’s a novel that is aware of itself, the whole series focuses on the responsibility of the protagonist. Well the most enjoyable thing here is the process of transferring the knowledge by using that knowledge to improve the livelihood of the people, where responsibility, discipline, and goal setting shines.

Overall if you like to an exceptional world transfer reincarnation overpowered intelligent protagonist, then this is one of the best pick along with “A Realist’s Kingdom Reform Chronicles” before reading Genuine Intelligent Econmic Focus Novels like “Ookami to Koushinryou” and “Maoyuu Maou Yuusha” <<less

I think this is a fair read. I really love reincarnation novels and I like the fact that the MC isn't stupid or dense BUT there is just one problem, the MC is too smart, too knowledgeable. How the hell does she know how to make chocolates from cocoa beans, even I had to research it after reading this not only that how the hell did she manage to create different flavors, is she a chocolatier perhaps in the previous life? Nope, she was an office lady, she knows... more>> so much it's just too unbelievable. She also knows so much about banking, how to make a bank, accounting, bookkeeping, oh and she's a designer too, a seamstress, shoe maker and patissier? Wait there's more, a chemist cause how the hell can she make beauty products, I can understand her using eggs or coconut oil for her hair but making a conditioner let alone other sort of beauty products? And let's not forget a perfume maker.. Or perhaps she was a DIY enthusiasts, yeah right. I just don't understand how she knows so much, as far as I know, on her previous life she spent a whole night playing an otome game.

The plot was good the first chapter I liked how she pointed out the damage the others had done to her but that was it, what the f. The only redeemable point for me was how that knight boy who was violent to her at the first chapter realized how stupid they were. And that was it. <<less

I started to read the manga before I picked up this novel because I couldn't wait to see what happens next. It turned out to be a good idea. I was surprised that this isn't much more popular!

This is by far the most interesting reincarnation novel, were the MC remembers her past life, and how used to play the very game she has now reincarnated into as the main bad guy, that I have read.

The MC gives off at first the typical overused reincarnation trope, but as the story goes... more>> on her character grows, showing how strong she really is, and how after all that happens around her, she still stands tall and proud. As we get to know her and those around her better, we come to understand why she acts the way she does. I would also like to add that I really like the way we get to see some of the things from other characters POV, it gives more in to the story.
Not to forget, all those minor characters are very interesting too! MC's mother, and Queen Grandmother so far are my favorite.

The translation of this novel is very good, even if there are so many different groups whom have translated different chapters of this novel. It is very easy to read, and I like how some of the translators have written more information about facts (and their own thoughts about the chapter).

EDIT: the current translation is really bad and hard to read. I would suggest getting a good editor, or just dropping the series and giving it to someone else to translate. <<less

The story, is great, well should be great. But unfortunately, it isn't written well. So Unfortunately, it's a horrible 2. Not a 1, since the story setting is pretty interesting. As to why I ranked it that way.

There are too many missing links. A single paragraph can skip a few days, a single chapter difference can be months apart.

It's a diary where the author writes what the MC did for Day 13 and then the next chapter it's day 97.

... more>> Exaggeration? No.

in chapter 11, the MC planned to create a business by selling a certain product, mind you from chapter 1 to 10, there's no mention of said product, so at that chapter, you have no idea where the heck it came from, anyways, the plan was suppose to take 3 months.
In chapter 12, The chapter title is Conglomerate Established. That means between chapter 11 and 12, you have a missing link of how that happened, what did the commoners, the nobles think of a business suddenly rising. What happened in that 3 months. And that Business was concluded without you knowing anything, and on that chapter 12, it took 6 paragraph to end it and start a new topic.

Basically, you have no idea, much like the product mentioned in chapter 11, you have no idea, how, when or what.

The story itself? It's nice. But the way it was written, was horrible.
There are stories out there with too much details, but this story does not much detail to the point it killed the characters.

Do I recommend it? For the novel, It's a big NO,
My ranking might be horribly low for this novel, but there is a manga out there. The manga created what this novel lacked, atmosphere and life to the characters, The author for the manga also added in bits and pieces to fill up the missing days that the author of the novel somehow just skipped thinking the reader can just guess what happened.
For the Manga for this Novel, I sort of recommend, mainly because the chapter updates are so slow

A year and a half for the Manga and only 13 chapter are translated to English, don't know how many are raws. So be warned, don't get hooked. <<less

MC experiences no adversity whatsoever. You would think that maybe as the "villain" character in the game she may have many enemies and few friends, but no. She's loved by everyone and has plenty of attractive, talented loyal allies right from the get-go. In addition to that, the land she is given to manage is described as the second-most prosperous in the kingdom. The only thing that isn't going perfect for our beautiful, intelligent, ultra-rich noble-lady MC is the income inequality of the lower-class, but we're never given a real... more>> example that makes us give two sh*ts about it anyway, so I see no reason why I should be invested in this story at all? I guess the translation is good though, not like it matters. Entire thing is a wasted potential. <<less

Started well, became boring and stale at later chapters.

It seems like the author is milking the plot as much as he can with fillers. He set up all these nice scenarios about politics, wars and intrigue, but doesn't seem inclined to follow through with any.

Prepare yourself for dozens of chapters with lots of talks about how the character is feeling, inner monologues or random POVs that adds nothing to the plot.

About Translators: AsianHobbyist divided each chapter into 3 parts and had slow releases. Djurasico made a lot of releases but... more>> it's bad MTL. Meaning, both are far from good and make things worse for a novel that was already going sour with its plot.

Tried to give this a second chance, got even more frustrated.

<<less

One of my fav reincarnated FL

• She is not like Bakarania, our stupidly cute harem queen
• She is not like Reika-sama, our cute and imperfect empress
• She is not like Rose-sama, our loli princess and her weird harem

She is our Lady Iris, A duke daughter that has common sense and quick witted. I love her at the first ch. I really want to call her oneesama. She is so cool when dealing with the breaking engagement event on ch 1.

For me, reading this really bring a refreshing feeling because Lady Iris is already... more>> meeting a dead end on the very first chapter. So, this is a story beyond the game that she played. <<less

Although it’s different from other otome stories, as a reincarnation story, the MC displays cliche traits generally found in many other reincarnation novels (generally male leads). She’s very much like a “Mary Sue”: an idealized perfect character who’s so young and beautiful but can yet solve any problem with unworldly abilities. Lacking in seemingly any character flaws, if not endearing, the story revolves around her achievements at a fast pace. I agree this story itself is unique because it focuses on business and politics. This brings to light the practicalities... more>> of her accomplishments and, of course, her efforts are done with good reason. So there’s no doubt the MC is very intelligent, and it creates for an interesting turn of events now that the story line is no longer follows the format of the otome game. Naturally, she’s a favorable character.

But like a Mary Sue, she doesn’t face too many problems that could obstruct her, and so her large accomplishments happen easily. The development of other characters is also rather shallow in that they either love her or are against her. And those who are against are always wrong and deplorable. So all-in-all, it has under-developed characters but the story is okay. <<less

Don’t let appearences fool you. This is not you usual otome game reincarnation story. No, this story is a giant “f*%# you” to the cliches of otome games reincarnation stories and otome games in general. The MC is the “villain”, but is kind, intelligent and caring, the “heroine” have dubious morals, and the “romantic interests” are giant self-centered fools. The whole “downfall of the villain” is a giant injustice. The message of the author is very clear: otome games stories are usually stupid when confronted with reality.

Instead of a usual... more>> pink bubble story type, the author delivers us a story about public service, management and politics that makes you think that you are reading Game of Thrones if Tyrion was the MC. It is one of the best stories in this site and I cannot recomend it enough. <<less

Oh my gawd, , this novel is really exciting XD, thankyou for your translation, I'm waiting for the next chapter XD.

But, suggestions from me are: please give tags to who is the speechs belong to... it really confused me, makes me wonder who conversates with who.... sometimes I lost, but still I can guess.

Then, the other suggestion is, , please give the an arrow to next chapter so we can directly continue to the next chapter...

♡♡♡♡♡

I really like this WN but since asian hobbyist took over I dropped it.

3 pages per chapter, how shameless could they be? It's not like the chapters are long that hinder loading on mobile.

So I decided that everything that those tls took over will be automatically dropped. Sad but there are other WN out there.

Reviewed at c50, rated 4.

Common Sense of A Duke's Daughter is a very nice read. However, I wish it would go more forward at times. The way it develops right now, it is rather half-hearted, be it as an otome game-based novel or as domestic affairs-based novel, as well as the political maneuver around the MC.

Still, Common Sense presents a unique charm in the way a modern woman who was transported into the body of a supposed villain in an otome game faces her adversity (yes, she did face adversity).... more>> Also, the novel's characterization are "make sense" and relatable, be it on how the higher echelon of the country acts or how the stupid youths make mistakes. <<less

Boring stuffs; not because of the content, but because of the writing style. It dragged on and on. If you have a conversation, you started with greeting and pleasantries, then proceed to talk about the thing you want to talk about. Almost. Every. Dang. Time. It's rather tiring to read. I really don't want to read "hello-how-are-you-how-was-your-day-oh-by-the-way-your-house-is-on-fire" every chapter, every conversation. Did I mention conversations are boring? And that the story itself was so slow and full of filler scenes? For example ther's this one time the MC went into... more>> a restaurant, it went like this:

MC and her grandpa went in. Someone greeted her. They went to sit. "Welcome. What will be your order"

"I'll take xxx"

"Then I'll take xxx"

Waiter went away and came back "Here is your order~"

I mean, seriously? Do I need to know all these info? It always goes on like this. <<less

Interesting plot, more on government and economy which is uncommon for me, I like iris, the fact that she is selfless and goal oriented protagonist makes the story even more interesting. She reminds me of shuurei from saiunkoku monogatari

its pretty good, the characterization is pretty solid, the characters aren't bad and her mother is quite interesting. Writing wise, it's very detail packed. It does edge into "all loving saint like shoujo protagonist" territory a few times and she doesn't face a lot of "real" opposition. As an accountant in the past life, it does help her with her governing duties but her product line is a little too over top. Chocolate, beauty products, conditioner, dresses, the list goes on. It's not impossible to recreate but don't you have... more>> to have the knowledge on how to do create these products first? Her companions are also a little too godly: top tier swordsmen, skilled assassin-intel gatherer maid, grandmaster chefs, salesmen, etc etc. The weapons that the MC have are a little too OP to be truly believable. Overall, it's a pretty good read. It wasn't earth shatteringly lovely, nor did I leave my reading session with an overwhelming hatred for the characters; but it was still an enjoyable time. <<less

All in all it is a good novel, with fresh idea and plot about social-politic and economy, not so cliche romance and enjoyable MC. But the most disappointing about this novel is the writing style that makes reader sometimes got confused, and there are too much skipping in it that the novel's potential cannot brought out.