From Bureaucrat to Villainess episode 1: Kenzaboro reincarnates as his colorful rewriting of Grace Auvergne begins

Modified Jan 10, 2025 16:30 GMT

Grace Auvergne aka Kenzaboro Tondabayashi (Image via Ajia-do)

From Bureaucrat to Villainess finally debuted as one of the first Isekai anime of the year on January 10, 2025. Following the hype created by animating Studio Ajia-do Animation Works, the first episode dropped amidst much excitement. With a bit of a different take on the genre, From Bureaucrat to Villainess justified the thrill surrounding it with a promising first release.

Episode 1 introduced protagonist Kenzaboro Tondabayashi, a 52-year-old public servant. Following a road accident, the aged salaryman reawoke as Grace Auvergne, daughter of Duke Auvergne and the villainess of an Otome Game. As an otaku, Tondabayashi was familiar with the Isekai concept but had no experience with otome games, and it showed.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the series.

From Bureaucrat to Villainess episode 1: Kenzaboro reincarnates as Grace to begin his new life

Grace Auvergne in From Bureaucrat to Villainess (Image via Ajia-do)

Titled "The Old Man Turned Into The Villainess," From Bureaucrat to Villainess episode 1 began with Kenzaboro accepting what he had become. He recalled getting hit by a truck while saving a child and waking up in an otome game. Being an otaku, he was familiar with Isekai but not with otome. His naivety showed when he was cordial with Josette, his little attendant, instead of being strict.

He seemingly possessed the memories of his character, Grace Auvergne, too. Thus, he concluded that his role was the villainess of the game he was in. The episode then transitioned to a brief snippet of his previous life. In it, he interacted with his daughter, Hinako, over a similar otome game that she was playing, i.e., Magical Academy: Love & Beast.

Through that, he knew the premise of this new setting. The episode then introduced the deuteragonist, Anna Doll. She was the game's protagonist and the one Grace (Kenzaboro) needed to oppose. Given that the Royal Academy of Magic only accepted the elite, Grace (Kenzaboro) was to look down on her. However, Kenzaboro's nature disallowed this, and he praised her enrollment instead.

Anna Doll and Grace Auvergne in From Bureaucrat to Villainess (Image via Ajia-do)

This was simply his "parent perspective" talking. As such, Anna became teary-eyed at the compliments, and the pair had to move to a quieter spot. Here, it is revealed that Anna's folks worked hard to help her enroll at the Academy. Once again, Kenzaboro's inner parent spoke and urged Anna to work hard to build a happy life.

Just then, one of the game's romance options for Anna entered. This was Crown Prince Virgile. Through Grace's memories, Kenzaboro knew him but couldn't remember his name. He wasn't bad with names, but he had met so many people that he couldn't place the name and face. Following introductions, the true sequence of events was revealed — Grace was to insult Anna at the gates, and Virgile would find her crying and calm her, vital for the "Prince Ending."

Thus, Grace (Kenzaboro) and Anna became friends. As they walked the Academy's halls, the principal greeted them. Kenzaboro bowed reflexively and displayed immense respect, something he called "The Elegant Cheat Skill." After the opening ceremony concluded, Grace (Kenzaboro) was chosen as the representative of the freshmen.

Anna and other students in From Bureaucrat to Villainess (Image via Ajia-do)

Next, a classroom scene followed. So far, events were progressing according to the original storyline, but the only issue was that Anna liked Grace. She looked up to her as an elegant upper-class lady. Grace (Kenzaboro) tried being strict with her by telling her to contain her excitement until the class ended but this made Anna like her more. She even admired Grace for being present in class.

Anna was thankful that Grace (Kenzaboro) was addressing her shortcomings. She was more impressed when she saw the blonde glancing between the book and the podium, believing Grace (Kenzaboro) was preparing for the class. But in reality, Kenzaboro was thrilled that his vision was much better now. He could read finer print, look farther, and adjust his eyes to distance quickly.

There is also a brief scene with Virgile and a certain redheaded male character discussing future additions to the student council. From Bureaucrat to Villainess episode 1 concluded with a cafeteria scene. Grace's (Kenzaboro) elegance in serving herself, eating, and thanking the chef created waves. Thus, paying compliments to the chef became a tradition.

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Edited by Shreya Das