Cross Infinite World Licenses Four New Light Novels: Assassin Empress Bellreuge, The Villainess’ Journal, and More
Light novel publisher Cross Infinite World announced on July 22, 2026, that it has acquired four new series for English translation. The licensed works include Assassin Empress Bellreuge, The Villainess’ Journal, From Bumbling Prodigy to Villainess, and From Corporate Drone to Mincemaster. This move once again highlights the interest in the 'villainess' and isekai genres, which have exploded in popularity in recent years.
Among the newly licensed series, Assassin Empress Bellreuge, as the name suggests, tells the story of an assassin empress; The Villainess’ Journal is a work structured in diary format about a classic villain. From Bumbling Prodigy to Villainess deals with the unexpected transformation of a prodigious child into a villain. One of the most notable titles, From Corporate Drone to Mincemaster, is an unusual isekai about an office worker who becomes a mincemaster in a fantasy world. Looking at Cross Infinite World's published catalog so far, the company seems to invest in works that center on female protagonists, blending light comedy and fantasy elements.
Cross Infinite World has previously brought popular series such as I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss and The White Cat’s Revenge to English. The company typically licenses from major Japanese publishers like Kadokawa and Shogakukan to cater to the Western market. Although no specific release dates have been announced for the new series yet, fans can expect digital and print versions to be announced in the coming months. Titles like The Villainess’ Journal and Assassin Empress Bellreuge have already generated excitement among loyal followers of the villainess genre.
The light novel world has seen significant growth in the English translation market over the past few years. Independent publishers like Cross Infinite World, along with names like Seven Seas Entertainment and J-Novel Club, are bringing dozens of new series to readers each season. These licensing deals allow works that have not yet been adapted into anime but have high potential to reach a wider audience. As the promotion process for the new series continues, Cross Infinite World is expected to soon share cover designs and translator lineups for each book.
