The First Night With the Duke is a captivating historical romance webtoon that puts a comedic spin on the popular isekai genre. The story follows a modern-day woman who finds herself transported into the world of a novel as Ripley de Liverpool, a count’s daughter with no major role in the original plot. While she initially intends to enjoy her noble status while watching the main characters fall in love from afar, a single night of drunken recklessness changes everything. Ripley wakes up next to Duke Zeronis de Ingid, the story's powerful and cold-hearted hero, who is now determined to make her his duchess.
The series is widely loved for its vibrant art style and the hilarious dynamic between its two leads. Unlike typical romance heroines, Ripley is a relatable and expressive protagonist who often finds herself in absurd situations as she tries to push the Duke toward the novel's original heroine, Etoile. However, Duke Zeronis is not easily swayed; he becomes intensely devoted to Ripley, leading to a series of grand romantic gestures and protective displays that slowly break down her defenses. Their chemistry balances laugh-out-loud comedy with moments of genuine passion and emotional vulnerability.
As the story unfolds, Ripley must navigate the dangers of high society, including the schemes of the jealous villainess Rose and the unexpected shifts in the novel's timeline. The webtoon explores themes of agency and fate, questioning whether Ripley can truly change her destiny or if her presence has already rewritten the stars. With over 100 episodes of romance, humor, and beautiful character growth, The First Night With the Duke is a must-read for fans of the 'reincarnated as an extra' trope and obsessive, devoted male leads.
