Memoirs of Your Local Small-time Villainess
Self-Published
Community Rating
Description
An editor at the prime of her life—and with maybe just a little too much free time—finds herself waking up in one of her favorite RPGs with no clue as to what's going on or how to get back home. This might be the part where others rejoice over getting whisked away to a world of wizards and magic, but she certainly doesn't think it's anything to celebrate about. After all, she woke up in the body of a small-time villain with someseverepersonality issues. Updates Thursdays and Sundays.
Information
- Status
- Ongoing
- Year
- 2021
- Author
- Flameruner
Royal Road Stats
- Rating
- 4.7/ 5.0
- Followers
- 11,640
- Views
- 13,037,323
Chapters(438 total)
- Chapter 433 - GrehalyrApr 23, 2026
- Chapter 432 - Howl Nr.2Apr 20, 2026
- Chapter 431 - Ascending byesApr 16, 2026
- Chapter 430 - AdtiaApr 13, 2026
- Chapter 429 - DelineateApr 9, 2026
- Chapter 428 - Cramped new endeavoursApr 5, 2026
- Chapter 427 - Old knightsApr 2, 2026
- Chapter 426 - Impressive shiniesMar 29, 2026
- Chapter 425 - BargainsMar 26, 2026
- Chapter 424 - Pulling back the tapeMar 23, 2026
- Chapter 423 - The sistersMar 20, 2026
- Chapter 422 - MelodyMar 16, 2026
- Chapter 421 - QuestgiverMar 13, 2026
- Chapter 420 - All the BernalsMar 8, 2026
- Chapter 419 - SkyeMar 5, 2026
- Chapter 418 - Group A, meet Group BFeb 22, 2026
- Chapter 417 - HeistFeb 19, 2026
- Chapter 416 - ProngsFeb 16, 2026
- Chapter 415 - Forest boutsFeb 12, 2026
- Chapter 414 - In beforeFeb 8, 2026
What readers say about Memoirs of Your Local Small-time Villainess
“I recently discovered this gem a few weeks ago, and I've eagerly read up chapter 167 (so I am now current on Royal Road). I loved every minute of reading this! It is different in interesting ways; great world building, fascinating characters, great writin…”
DavidScottGRoyal Road5.0 / 5“So lot of things piss me off. Like for instance, when I see more lit rpg apocalypse stories, tower climbing stories, dungeon apocalypse, alien isekai system nonsense, and overall blue boxes clouding the story. Essentially what pisses me off is cliche predic…”
FIENDRoyal Road5.0 / 5
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Community Reviews(10)
- DavidScottGRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0I recently discovered this gem a few weeks ago, and I've eagerly read up chapter 167 (so I am now current on Royal Road). I loved every minute of reading this! It is different in interesting ways; great world building, fascinating characters, great writing. I wouldn't say it is especially deep, I place it firmly in the page-turner category, but it is quite a bit better than most of the other page-turner LitRPG style fantasy. Highly reccomended!
- FIENDRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0So lot of things piss me off. Like for instance, when I see more lit rpg apocalypse stories, tower climbing stories, dungeon apocalypse, alien isekai system nonsense, and overall blue boxes clouding the story. Essentially what pisses me off is cliche predictable plots that have already been done.
but this story ? It's different. I went in expecting ofc the same bogus "I reincarnated as a villainess, but I will proceed to act nothing like one but instead, I shall act 20 years younger than my mental age and fall for men half my age and act like a saint. Somehow anyone half brain dead around me will rationalize the changes in my personality like the stupid NPC that they are" type story.
this story is different in that the mc retains the conceited arrogance a villainess who is beautiful and an aristocrat should have, at the same time we are given a privy to the inner thoughts of a modern 20 something year old with knowledge of the world due to a game she played. The balance is often breached in other isekai "villainess" stories.
There seems to be a deep over arching plot going on. Perhaps it won't ever be as intriguing as Skeleton monster who couldn't protect the dungeon, but nonethe less I smell deeper nefarious powers and lord hiding within the world while our mc tries to exploit what she knows.
the story itself is nothing crazy. But the previous reviewer fishface docked off stars for that. Like honey it's only 15 chapters in and it's not exactly a short story for a crazy fast pace. Even in popular fiction the plot really doesn't take off until 20-30chapters in. But then again, the first 15 chapters haven't been mind blowing. Kinda underwhelming but it's a wait and see situation
so far no romance, but I honestly wouldn't mind if she found her self in a very smooth underlying romantic subplot with someone equally badass and competent as her.
I think it's doing a good job side stepping the pile of shit called cliches and you all should give it a chance
sorry for my gr - AnonyAusRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Interesting premise of being thrust into the world of a video game that you have played and know, but finding yourself as one of the characters that is not particularly nice, and being further constrained by the personality traits of that character.
Thoroughly enjoying reading through it, and enjoying having a lot of chapters to catch up with! - AdvisorVisorRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Fantasies about cheating, whether the Isekai flavor of bringing in outside knowledge, or knowing the setting as a game, or time travelling, are always thrilling, but for cheat fantasy to be interesting, it needs to maintain a comparison to normality to give it meaningfulness. I think this is one of the best examples I've read where we're breaking the rules, and yet we're not sacrificing the longevity of interest in the story in doing so. The appeal of the isekai, transitioning to solid and well-thought out internals to keep us going on the long haul.
This is a story about absurdities ambushing plains of regularity. This is a story about pacing and delayed revelations. A hundred balls juggling at all times, mysteries and wonder, and endless continued mysteries of greater, but never overly great scale. New, shocking things, and yet never at the expense of what is already here. We could murder our story by having everyone become the Good Alliance to defeat the Cosmic Horror. But it's basically just another thing in the plotline, big but not making other oppositions disappear in comparison. The first absurdity, is of course the protagonist. I think there's something really appealing about watching the reactions she gets for her acts, taking off into the sunset with a plan as obvious as it is untold. Her relationship with her sister is one of the most engaging parts of this story for me, and I find the upcoming plotline with the fragmented younger self to be interesting too.
Scarlett Cares. She paces you. You don't get all of the fun right now, no, you get your cookie for today, and you must wait until tomorrow for the next. This is why I keep coming, like a rat on his wheel. Sure, it feels mundane in the moments, but there's always something approaching that will make that journey worthwhile.
Still, even in these baseline moments, I think this is very well-assembled. There's been exactly one "typo" the entire 300+ chapters at writing. There's an excess of "funny abuse m - Blastfire2Royal Road★★★★★ 5.0Review: Memoirs of Your Local Small-time Villainess
By Flameruner
Memoirs of Your Local Small-time Villainess is a surprisingly rich and character-driven isekai that manages to breathe fresh life into two very familiar tropes: the game-world transmigration and the villainess rewrite. What could have easily fallen into predictable territory instead becomes an engaging mix of introspection, social recalibration, and deliberate world-building.
From the very beginning, the premise hooks you with a sharp contrast to typical isekai adventures. Instead of waking up thrilled to explore a magical world, Amy wakes up in the body of Scarlett Hartford, a minor villainess she’s played countless times—complete with her original personality flaws intact. This unique blending of identities creates an intriguing push-and-pull between who Amy wants to be and who its world expects Scarlett to remain.
Where many novels in this genre rush to reinvent their protagonists as noble heroes, Flameruner leans into the gritty reality of adopting a villainous personality that isn’t easily shaken off. Scarlett’s arrogance, aloofness, and sharp edges are not just cosmetic quirks—they’re fundamental to the story, forcing personal growth that feels earned, not granted.
Characterization is the clear standout here. The cast is layered and varied, with distinct motivations and personalities that elevate the narrative beyond the MC’s internal monologue. Supporting characters aren’t mere props; many have arcs and tensions that add depth to the story’s political and social landscape.
World-building is equally deliberate: while it doesn’t bombard you with systems and stats like a typical LitRPG, the setting feels lived-in, and its mechanics drip into the plot naturally. Moments that leverage game knowledge are satisfying but never overpowering, preserving meaningful stakes and dilemmas.
That said, the pacing isn’t for everyone. Some readers find early chapters slow as the story meticulously establishes per - Deadmoo53Royal Road★★★★★ 5.0I'll be straight with y'all - I've read a lot of villainess isekai/transmigration stories. Like, A LOT. Easily dozens, if not more. I like like the genre. I hope that carries weight when I say that this is, by far, the best one I've ever read.It's a very well written story. Grammar is well above par, writing is good, and the story is fantastic. Every chapter the main character makes interesting, unique, and smart decisions that often subvert expectations in the most satisfying ways that keep you wanting to see what she does next. The worldbuilding is solid, with it's own unique charm in how the world works as well as the unique terms that make the world feel more real, yet departed from earth.The mechanic of the main character's personality being limited/constrained by the personality traits of the character they've transmigrated into is a refreshing take in transmigrations stories that I rarely see and adds a lot to the story in how the main character navigates it.Characters are well developed, and the chemistry between the main cast is great, with evolving relationships that have a real weight to them. Power growth is steady but you never get the sense of plot armor the way some stories do.And my goodness, the main story. There are great twists and turns in the plot that get your more excited every time. You can tell a lot of work and thought has been put into this story.Easily a 5/5 and more, if I could give it. Of the dozens of stories I've read just here (not to mention the multitude of webnovels I've read elsewhere), this is one of only 3 or 4 that I have consistently caught up to the current chapter and continued to keep up to date on. The moment I see a new chapter is released I dive into it because I know it's gonna be yet another good chapter.
- BriakRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0One of the Best Isekai I have read. The plot is great and the character are well thought. You can feel the developement of the character, be it in their magical prowess or in their personality and the POV changes are few but always great to read. It is a must read if you like isekai story.
- ClassicjonRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0This is so well written, it’s a pleasure to read. You’ll find great pacing, a gripping plot, an intriguing MC, and a very original twist on the Mary Sue concept. I was hesitant to start reading because the title put me off a bit and the summery sounded bland. (I suspect the title is meant to be a sort of portmanteau.) Don’t let this keep you from reading what is sure to be a fast favorite!
I just had to update to say this continues to be excellent and enjoyable. - DBoyBluesRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0It's a good story, some minor things concern me plot wise but so far Flamruner seems to package up any issues witha neat tidy bow as the story progresses. As is, and a I hope for the future, 5/5. I definitely recommend it. So 50 word limits. Those are nice. Nice is such a nice word. Add an O and you get a funny word, add a tongue click before and it's great. *Click* Noice
- Frodo_SagbagRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0I am a big fan of reincarnation/isekai stories where they are reincarnated as the villainess in an otome game. This usually comes in two forms:
1. The villainess is killed and reincarnated as herself, with knowledge of why she died (such as her insidious yet apparently 'sweet' sister)
2. Someone has played the game and takes over the villainess when they are young, and now has to change their fate.
How this story changes this up, is by melding the characters together. The MC from our world, Amy, can't fully take over Scarlett, in that she still holds the personality and traits from before the take over. Its a great way to do it. I love how certain actions, other characters, and their actions, affect Scarlett deeply, according to how she would've been affected in the past. Its very interesting, and definitely makes it a little harder for Amy.
Style
The writing is very characterful. The few PoV swaps are obvious, with the writing matching the personality of the character. This is most prevalent for Scarlett, and Kat, our resident happy-go-lucky adventurer. Scarlett's unique way of thinking, and cold demeanour really comes through, but so does Amy's own. It peeks through and shows how she really feels and wants to interact, especially as the story goes on.
Story
The story itself is great. You have this pretty evil person, who no one seems to like, doing pretty horrific things, turn a new leaf. Amy uses the opportunity to overturn the horrendous things Scarlett does, and change how people view her, without alerting many people to it being Amy.
She tactically uses her knowledge from the game to change the fate of herself and her house, whilst improving the pretty broken relationships from her past. A lot of this sounds rather generic, but something about it really sticks out. I couldn't stop reading!
Grammar
No issues with the grammar. I may have come across a couple of issues, but nothing major.
Character
Each character is unique, stylised, and great for the story.
Sca
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