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Guidebook for the Dark Duke
Type
Web Novel (CN)
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Rating(4.3 / 5.0, 170 votes)
5    64% (109 votes)
4    16% (28 votes)
3    8% (13 votes)
2    6% (11 votes)
1    5% (9 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
N/A
Year
Example: 2012
2016
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
125 Chapters (Complete)
Licensed
N/A
Completely Translated
Original Publisher
One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
N/A
Release Frequency
Every 80.3 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #8737
Monthly Rank: #11333
All Time Rank: #4234
Reading List
[Graph]
On 3132 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #7741
All Time Rank: #3291

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

Evan transmigrated to late 19th-century England, finding himself in the identity of a fictional duke and a non-existent place. It didn’t take long for him to realize that he was in a fabricated world—one that existed within the pages of a book. And in this world, he was none other than the most despicable and shameless character.

To survive, Evan had no choice but to play the role of a virtuous and pure-hearted priest, carefully plotting his way into the heart of the cold and aloof duke—and finally became the winner in life!

CP: A seemingly gentle and kind-hearted but secretly devious priest top × A cold, sharp-tongued aloof bottom with a righteousbody.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Hēihuà Gōngjué Gōnglüè Shǒucè
黑化公爵攻略手册
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Faking Straight (3)
Raiders Counterattack [Quick Transmigration] (1)
He Became a Salted Fish After Inheriting Millions of Secret Arts (1)
Chaise a la Reine (1)
M*rderous Lewellyn’s Candlelit Dinner (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. To be read 2026 - part 2
  2. read 6-
  3. (BLs) Extremely Manipulative MC
  4. Gong/Seme Protagonist
  5. Seme Protag Favorites

Latest Release

Date Group Release
11/29/22 KnoxT c95
11/29/22 KnoxT c94
11/29/22 KnoxT c93
11/29/22 KnoxT c92
11/29/22 KnoxT c91
11/29/22 KnoxT c90
11/29/22 KnoxT c89
11/27/22 KnoxT c88
11/22/22 KnoxT c87
11/11/22 KnoxT c86
11/06/22 KnoxT c85
11/03/22 KnoxT c84
11/01/22 KnoxT c83
10/25/22 KnoxT c82
10/20/22 KnoxT c81
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28 Reviews sorted by


whodacrush
whodacrush rated it
August 5, 2022
Status: c65
I really want to like this novel. I really do. However, the translator's comments during the story are so distracting. Imagine if while reading a novel, the author just has thoughts about what the character is doing or what is happening. It ruins the immersion.

I do find the comments funny and insightful, I just think it would be better suited to be added at the end of the chapter rather than breaking up the flow of the story with personal thoughts. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, I'm just expressing... more>> my honest thoughts. Obviously your mileage may vary, and this may not bother you at all.

The story and plot is great, and the translation is excellent otherwise. My only issue is that the plot can feel dragged out and repetitive at times, but it's not a particularly bad issue. <<less
75 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Rurella
Rurella rated it
September 9, 2022
Status: c75
It's a nice light novel to read between things. Very counter-attack villainess novel style, which if you enjoy it, and like BL, you'll love this. It doesn't blow my mind or stand out much from others in the genre, but nice nontheless.

However. The translator. Holy shit. I usually avoid commenting on the translators unless it's clearly illegible MTL in respect to the fact that they're putting out free content. BUT, as some of the other comments already pointed it out, jfc the translator ruins the flow and immersion of the... more>> story. I can't enjoy it or even have room to formulate my own opinion of the characters, because anytime something happens, there would be a " (Die XYZ character!!! I hate you!!! -Emoji spam-) " or " (Come on ML do the thing already! -Emoji spam-) " and some of the comments are straight up spoilerly because the story is meant to have a series of crime mystery throughout, but translator just screams their established (because they already read the novel) opinion about every character that shows up.

They don't change or lighten the text color of their commentary, they don't try to right side indent it, they don't have click/hover to see option or even separate it into it's own paragraph. Their opinions are literally a part of the text, you can't avoid it even if you try.

Makes it nigh impossible to enjoy the novel. I'm very tempted to just drop the english and MTL it, at least then I don't want to slap a real person.

Anyways, the novel is a 4 star novel. The translator drags the rating down to 3 stars. <<less
61 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Dearest_Reader
Dearest_Reader rated it
March 5, 2022
Status: Completed
I didn’t check the tags. Still, it was a good mistake.

I never liked reading seme protagonists pov as I am quite used to reading uke ones. This made me really mind blown after seeing that chapter. Very much baffled, If I do say so myself.

The plot is really nice! Goddamn plot twists. It’s really on tune with the word, ‘Love’. Love is the main point of the whole book, like love comes from different shapes and sizes all that shit. So, hypocrisy here is really outstanding.

Although there were some things... more>> I liked to point out. It’s more or less the knowledge of the olden times. The way MC solve crimes were decent enough. The way the cases ended really gives satisfaction! Except for Mrs. Johnson’s case.

edit: Damn, I’m still salty that MC is seme. Whatever, I’m still satisfied. <<less
17 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Jewellia97
Jewellia97 rated it
January 14, 2022
Status: Completed
When I read the first chapter, I had this hunch that it would be an absolutely and wonderfully great novel. So I went to read the raws and my hunch was completely right. This novel is f*cking awesome. The plot is great, there are no annoying plot fillers. Everything was well thought out. The plot, the characters, the world building, the motives, everything just went well together. I'm not exaggerating, believe me. The crimes Evan helped solve were so good, I was at the edge of my seat every time... more>> especially the last crime
Spoiler

where Evan was framed by the Colonel for the mu*der of the nun, turns out the nun was by the Colonel's side acting like the wife while the real wife was the nun that was killed, the two looked alike

[collapse]

Everyone has to try this novel, the raws are pretty straightforward, at least not as horrible as you'd expect, as long as you ignore some stuff.

If I could rate this how I want, it'd be a 100/100 <<less
16 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Meatshield
Meatshield rated it
March 15, 2022
Status: Completed
I started reading this story after reading the glowing reviews and I don't regret it at all! This was a well-paced and interesting read.

Neither of the leads are good people but that's probably why they're really good for each other. On the surface the MC is kind and softhearted but in reality he is ambitious, two-faced, sharp, clever and selfish. Though this might make him sound like an AH idk why I couldn't hate him. I think it's because he felt realistic? Like ofc a guy transmigrated to those times... more>> would want to fight for power and riches. During those times wealth and status were really everything. Plus, besides his scheme to seduce the duke, he didn't really go out of his way to hurt anyone (except the original heroine). The ML is a yandere but we never really see him go out of control so I didn't have any issues with him. I thought he fell for the MC kind of quickly considering his personality was set to be suspicious and sensitive but I liked their romance. Their relationship made them better people. The side characters added to the plot nicely and I liked how there were episodic mysteries to solve to liven up the story.

Overall, recommended! <<less
10 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Cucumber Pie
Cucumber Pie rated it
January 24, 2022
Status: --
Oh I love it! A priest MC is quite rare to read nowadays. From reading the first few chapters, I gotta say the translator did a very good job translating. I am very excited for the next chapters as well!
7 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
apparentlyangel
apparentlyangel rated it
November 4, 2023
Status: Completed
It's pretty good. One of the only few BL novels on this site that has a set plot that doesn't rely heavily on romance. It's funny, haha, because the whole point of this novel was Bruce attempting to seduce the Duke to not die.

But getting into it, from the beginning to the end, I'd say the continuity regarding the atmosphere was a little weird? I guess, at the beginning it felt like a psychological novel. The ambience felt sort of like grimdark. But as it progressed, it really leaned into... more>> the drama tag, and it felt kind of predictable? I don't know how to explain it, but it was quite close to falling flat for me, and so I took a bit of a break (Like a year, haha) and finished it.

I noticed that Rev. Bruce was quite lucky, considering his circumstances. On the final case, he quite literally gets an anonymous tip, if I recall correctly, that basically solves the entire case. Had we ever gotten his complete backstory, before he transmigrated into this book? All I remember was that it just said he was a playboy, but he seems like a genius. Well, it's been a while since I've read the exposition, so there might be a reason for it that I just forgot.

I would say, that after they have s*x (shocker!), the novel changes slightly every couple of chapters. I don't think it's a surprise to say I like the beginning more than the end. Especially as the end somehow feels a bit rushed after a few chapters, but what am I to say about that! It's the same book through-and-through, I guess it just degraded a bit. It was four stars regardless, but you know.

There are a few parts I rose an eyebrow to, like how the former female lead became very prissy and impudent, a common cliche in boys love novels where they demonize female characters who, 'get in the way' of the main love story. I feel like, if the Duke came to like her, and eventually destroyed their town for her, she should've at least had the competence to become the main villain, right? Oh well.

Again, good story, may feel tedious to read at times, especially if you're in this for the romance, but give it a shot. <<less
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
ladyartemis
ladyartemis rated it
March 24, 2022
Status: c24 part2
This is actually so good! But I'm also salty that the MC is seme since I don't really like reading novels with a seme protagonist. But, I guess I'll have to make an exception for this one. Also, the translation is excellent. Bookmarked!
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Liken143
Liken143 rated it
March 20, 2022
Status: Completed
I like this novel it totally hooked me up.

I like transmigration novels and this one got to my fav lists.

I like the attitude of the MC and ML towards each other. Well, I expected from the very being that the MC with be such a pretender towards everyone but I don't think it actually harmed anyone too.

I also like how the MC deals with the cases. XD

I want to read more novels like this. Does anyone have a recommendation?
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
earlgreyt
earlgreyt rated it
April 25, 2023
Status: Completed
The novel had a lot of potential. The MC was really interesting, probably considered a "black lotus" (aka, a ruthless/manipulative white lotus), and it's also rare to see seme protagonist.

The ML was also pretty interesting, there was a lot of mystery in his background, as well as his supposedly dark and horrific deeds. However despite the author repeating ad nauseum how crazy / dark / unbelievable the ML was like, the ML never showed any of that in his actions. As a matter of fact, the ML and MC had... more>> fairly normal? Moral compasses, with things like being shocked at mu*derers and trying to catch the evil person etc. Which completely opposed how the author tried to set them up as morally gray/ambiguous characters. Actually, they were quite righteous with the MC even becoming a detective and solving mu*der mysteries.

The ending was really lacking; it seemed to end very abruptly, and many of the internal conflicts as well as character growth that the author mentioned in earlier chapters were abandoned or not mentioned again (for example, the MC's inheritance, why the MC had a bad relationship with his father, etc.)

I think it had a lot of potential but sadly wasn't carried out well. Translation was good though.

If you like BL / victorian style novels with some mysteries or occult, this is a much better one [He Became a Salted Fish After Inheriting Millions of Secret Arts]. <<less
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
whitespade
whitespade rated it
September 28, 2022
Status: Completed
This novel is full of wonderful points but the STAR of the story is the SETTING. You know how all these Asian authors just mash up some vague Disneyland version of Europe but somehow they still retain Asian mannerism, habits, culture etc? But not this novel. This author actually respect other culture enough and eventhough they are not 100% accurate they are still smooth and nothing jarring here.

Another good point is the wonderful array of characters. In other faux European novels, there's only the royals and the aristocrats - anyone... more>> else don't exist. But this actually have characters with different professions like doctors, lawyers, nuns, priests, police etc. We are not surrounded by the same old same old dukes and princes (eventhough ML is a duke) having their drama.

The mu*der mysteries here is also awesome. They are not convoluted but still exciting. Clearly author read a lot of classic mu*der mysteries like Agatha Christie based on the setting and the characters, and the author write well.

Of course the MC and ML are great. It is the black bellied gong pretend white lotus MC x yandere shou pretend stoic ML. I love how our MC pretend to be so nice and gentlemanly but actually full of cunningness haha. <<less
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
L_ose
L_ose rated it
November 19, 2022
Status: c68
Oh my!

This is my first time making a review here (I also just made an account, like a minute ago lol)

I've never read a novel where the MC is a priest or some holy staff. I love this (ˊ˘ˋ*)

Hope they continue translating this until the end!

Btw, about the translator's side comments, I can easily ignore them (the side talks), that's why I don't really have any negative impression and even found some of their comments quite funny
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
thematic0
thematic0 rated it
July 10, 2022
Status: c1-58
Thank u for translating this masterpiece! I enjoyed reading this novel with your perfect translation, my eyes popped out when I read the rest in Google Translate my soul died honestly because I think this novel deserves to be read proply and be admired! It would be wonderful to read this in the original novel language but I have a thing for the English language and I'm so grateful that you guys are translating this great work it's beyond good, looking forward to reading the whole novel when it's finished... more>> and to the countless times I'm gonna re-read it And thank you guys in my heart! :) <<less
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ruxi
ruxi rated it
April 25, 2026
Status: Completed
I know a lot of people are commenting on the translator, but they genuinely do a good job at translating the novel. A lot of people have an issue with them posting in-line comments throughout the novel, but they realize their mistake about halfway through and correct it.

Don't let the comments about the translator stop you from reading the novel. Besides, the translator can be funny sometimes. 😄😄 Review of the novel: (no spoilers) I really like the pacing of the story. Though there were a few loose ends, it satisfied... more>> my curiosity. The author did their best to show the lives and dilemmas of many characters, and that isn't something I see in a lot of books. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel!! 😆 <<less
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KartKid111
KartKid111 rated it
April 10, 2025
Status: Completed
Got stuck in a reading slump and this pulled me right back up! I'm mostly amused by the few reviews and comments I've read in the novel of the readers who didn't check the tags carefully... 🤭, but as a lover for top MC novels, I'm just glad we get a few to join or drive through our community.

The only complaint I have of this is the slightly excessive comments from the translator in this novel. And no, I don't mean that I don't appreciate their enthusiasm for this novel...... more>> but it does ruin the immersion...

Spoiler

I'm not joking, I had to train my eyes to disregard sentences written in parenthesis to simply avoid being spoilt by the translator. Plus, aside from ruining immersion, it prevents readers forming an opinion either positive or negative about a character. I'm glad the translator picked this up and worked hard on translating these for us, but could you leave your comments at the end and maybe make those comments less spoiler-inducing, as in ambiguous?

[collapse]

... Especially in matters either serious or intimate. But other readers too feel the same way, and since it isn't directly related to the novel or author, there isn't really too much to complain about this novel. And some of these complaints of mine may just be entirely subjective so don't let it stop you from picking this up!

The first few chapters of the novel, I might say that it felt a little boring and ehh... for me for some reason. I am not sure if any other reader feels the same way, but this is entirely my opinion and everyone may have different say regarding this matter. But if you do feel this way, please persist! It's a really good novel and it improved splendidly over the course of the story throughout! I absolutely love the dynamics between the MC and ML. The MC is strong and intelligent by himself, but he's also a person, he grew from detachment to attachment. And personally, I love this development! The same goes for the ML. He is neither overshadowed by the MC and vice versa.

The MC is not a good person at heart, and he admits that. Neither is the ML, and they both have a strange yet beautiful possessiveness and obsessiveness with one another (In all honesty, I don't enjoy this trope as much as I used to do, but since its mutual, It's perfectly fine in my view) ! Also I love how the MC went from using the ML to falling for him. And I also love the MC's backstory, I believe it matches very well with his personality, and his abilities. Most of the gong MC novels I read (Or MLs from shou MC novels), I repeat "most", are so incredibly experienced in the affairs of the bed despite being a virg*n because of their "talent", which feels a little unrealistic.

But here, the MC's experience and his expertise in reducing the Duke into a beautiful mess is truly well-explained. The MC was once a promiscuous man, and some people may not be okay with that. But that is truly how he was built. If you're not into that, you could as easily swipe left to this novel. Though, you might miss out! If you're not bothered or are bothered but intrigued by the novel, I highly recommend you give this one a look and maybe even stick around!

Spoiler

Who knows... maybe you get to be blessed by some juicy spicy scenes near the end 👀, though not explicit smut... maybe implicit... It does race one's heart O///O... and maybe a little more than once. The MC has some moves!

The only other thing I'm uncomfortable with was how they spent their first time, when MC was drugged by his father and brother. (Very annoying) BUT! The ML later confirmed his consent on the matter. Though personally, I believe their first night and beginning of an already budding relationship could have been handled better without the use of... supposedly aphrodisiacs. Oh and regarding as to why MC's father and brother drugged him...

I suggest you read this novel to find out 😉, although the reason is not quite pretty. But it does make one curious.

[collapse]

I also adore some of the side characters and their complicated little relationship entanglements with one another, ranging from small miniscule schemes to bigger plots and conspiracy. If you're into some mu*der mystery, then this might just be another intriguing aspect to draw you in. All in the small town of Delanlier. Thank you for taking the time to read through this review if you did, I deeply appreciate it even if you take it for a grain of salt. <<less
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Luvd007
Luvd007 rated it
October 10, 2023
Status: Completed
3.5 stars

Awesome read so far. I've never read a story with the protagonist being an actual practicing priest. Interesting indeed. So far, it seems to almost be in the format like solving the mystery/mu*der of the week. That's a different take as well, given that the MC is a priest, not a detective.

The MC is calculative, manipulative and pretty much a green tea b*tch, but, we love it!

The translation is great, except for the fact the the TL feels the need to insert their thoughts in the MIDDLE OF THE... more>> TEXT. Sigh. I'm like a year behind the TL date, but it seems that due to ppl complaining on site and on discord, TL was almost convinced to either put notes at end of chapter, or remove them entirely. Unfortunately, some, should I say, misguided souls, convinced them otherwise, so random inserts, which take you right out of the story came back. I'm hoping they don't increase/continue for long, cause I'm really enjoying story otherwise

Update- completed

A good read with mostly morally grey characters. It would have been interesting to see how the book compared to 'reality', but the only information we got about the book was who the protagonists were, and that Evan got a bad end. We know nothing about the original MC and the world he came from, except that he was a rich man whore. The ending could have used a bit more work as well, but it was an overall ok read <<less
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Monicas
Monicas
September 14, 2022
Status: Completed
I love all the novels by this author. All the story is beautiful and satisfying.
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Iwo
Iwo rated it
March 7, 2025
Status: Completed
I loved it!!

100/10

At first I wasn't sure about reading it, I was looking for a more fluffy story and here there are twists and turns of crimes, but in the end that's what made this novel so special.

... more>> I liked the characters, they feel real, with their own motivations. The setting also makes sense, considering the time and everything, with the strength of religion, the dirtiness of the nobility or h*mophobia, everything felt real but not too raw to the point of being unpleasant.

I loved the interactions of Evan and Charles (the Duke). And yes, there are 2 scenes of the fantastic fruit. <<less
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CynicalStrawberry25
CynicalStrawberry25 rated it
October 1, 2023
Status: Completed
I see a lot of mixed views here, especially on the translator's comments. Personally, I loved this novel. And as for the translator's comments, I ignored some and found the rest funny. First of all, I'm grateful for the translator even translating this; the quality also isn't bad; I've seen much worse.

The novel itself is a gem. I noticed someone else mentioned that there were too many side characters. Personally, I liked it that way. It gave the story a solid plot beyond the romance, and the duke actually had... more>> a reason to see the mc's behavior in all these situations and slowly fall for him.

If you're looking for a quick read with insta-love, this isn't it; and believe me, there are plenty of those on this site. I almost saw this as a strategy-type novel, where the main character has to strategize his way through, make sure not to die, be a semi-decent person (even though he's selfish he's honestly better than many people there just because his mindset comes from a more peaceful world), and get the duke to fall for him along the way.

It's satisfying to see the MC navigate all these situations. At the same time, I loved that he was the seme protagonist. I used to be like many of you here, I was used to uke protagonists, and I only read those novels. But something got me into seme protagonists and now I'm hooked. There's something satisfying in seeing the male lead be possessive and obsessed with the MC, yet letting the MC top them. That's just my personal preference. Regardless, this novel is a gem so don't miss it! <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
FabiolAAA
FabiolAAA rated it
July 20, 2023
Status: Completed
Aaaaahhh I feel saaaddd! The novel ended just like that. There were some lose ends in the end, like people/stuff brought up that never gets mentioned again. I wish they would've brought them up so that the story would be longer (⁠｡⁠•́⁠︿⁠•̀⁠｡⁠)

I wish there were extras to see more fluff at the end Ó⁠╭⁠╮⁠Ò

The translation is really good! Although the Translator intersects a lot in the beginning, they kinda stop doing it the latter half of the novel. And if it brothers you a lot you just skip over... more>> anything that has brackets, because that's when the TLer is talking.ฅ⁠^⁠•⁠ﻌ⁠•⁠^⁠ฅ

The relationship between the Evan and Charles is so sweet! They're both crazy so they're quite evenly matched! Very cute and very nice, like I said before, wish I got to see more of that

(⁠っ⁠˘̩⁠╭⁠╮⁠˘̩⁠) ⁠っ

This novel is definitely a must read! I highly recommend you read it!! (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠) <<less
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