Botsuraku Yotei no Kizoku Dakedo, Hima Datta kara Mahou o Kiwamete Mita [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

Review: I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic (Season 1, Episodes 1-12)

A Fresh Take on Isekai or Just Another Generic Ride?

If you’re a fan of isekai anime, you’ve probably seen it all—truck-kun victims, overpowered protagonists, and harems galore. I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic (let’s call it Botsuraku Yotei for short) doesn’t exactly break the mold, but it does offer a few twists that make it stand out—at least for a while.

The story follows Liam, a modern-day guy who wakes up in the body of a noble’s fifth son in a fantasy world. His family is on the verge of ruin, but instead of panicking, Liam decides to spend his free time mastering magic. And boy, does he master it—attribute magic, spirit summoning, powerful familiars, you name it. By the time he’s done, he’s practically a one-man army.

The Good: Magic, Economics, and a Side of Politics

One thing fans seem to appreciate is how the show blends magic with real-world logic. Liam doesn’t just brute-force his way through problems; he uses his knowledge to innovate. For example, minting high-quality coins becomes a political power move, something rarely seen in isekai where the MC usually just punches harder. Scarlet, his sharp-witted retainer, adds depth by teaching him economics and strategy. As one fan put it: “Scarlet’s the best. She’s pretty and really smart. She’s been assisting Liam since she met him in every way. Love her.”

The magic system is another highlight. Liam’s progression from novice to master feels earned, even if he’s OP by the end. The introduction of Radon, a legendary dragoness (yes, she’s a girl, despite initial confusion), spices things up. Fans were divided over her loli form—“Radon turned into a cute little girl! lol”—but it’s a fun twist that keeps the dynamics fresh.

The Bad: Pacing and Plot Holes

Where Botsuraku Yotei stumbles is in its pacing and narrative focus. Some episodes feel rushed, with new plot points introduced and then abandoned. One viewer noted: “The writer of this must have ADD because they keep introducing new plot points and then completely ignore them.” For instance, Liam faces an assassination attempt, helps a manipulated girl, and then… mints coins? It’s a weird shift that leaves fans scratching their heads.

Another gripe is Liam’s spell variety—or lack thereof. Despite being a magic prodigy, he relies heavily on the same few spells. “They keep saying he’s really good at magic but he has barely used any spell variety,” complained one fan. It’s a missed opportunity to showcase his supposed genius.

The Ugly: Generic Tropes and Missed Potential

Let’s be real—this show leans hard into isekai tropes. The harem elements, the beach episode tease (“Obligatory beach episode incoming! LOL”), and the OP protagonist are all here. Some fans are tired of it: “Bruh, this anime is 50% more pure trash isekai than generic trash isekai.”

But here’s the thing: Botsuraku Yotei had potential to be more. The political intrigue, the economics, and the magic system could’ve made it a standout. Instead, it often falls back on clichés. As one disappointed viewer put it: “This series started off really good, but it’s gone downhill.”

Final Verdict: Worth a Watch, But Don’t Expect a Masterpiece

If you’re looking for a fun, mindless isekai with a few clever ideas, Botsuraku Yotei delivers. The magic is cool, Scarlet is a gem, and Radon’s twist is entertaining. But if you’re hoping for a deep, well-paced story, you might be left wanting.

As one fan summed it up: “I know what I’m watching. I must be like Albrevit though because I can get that making a quality coin is a display of manufacturing ability, but I can’t see the grandiose nature of it transforming everyone’s view of the nation with one simple trick.”

In other words, enjoy it for what it is—just don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel.

Rating: 6.5/10
“Solid, but could’ve been legendary.”