KADOKAWA Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda City, Tokyo; Director, Representative Executive Officer, President & CEO: Tsuyoshi Konno) will publish three selected works from the 8th Fujimi Novel Award—'The Black Doctor Duke and the Saintess Who Dies and Returns' (author: Wani Inono), 'Royal-Approved Fake Saintess' (author: Hinagi Sakai), and 'The Chef at Kakuriyo Embassy' (author: Yuka Yagoh)—under the Fujimi L Bunko label, with consecutive monthly releases from June to August 2026.

Special Website for the 8th Fujimi Novel Award Winning Titles

https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/topics/17009/

The three exceptional titles, selected from numerous submissions, will be released consecutively starting with 'The Black Doctor Duke and the Saintess Who Dies and Returns: Their Love Breaks the Cycle of Fate' on Monday, June 15, 2026.

We invite you to experience these three fresh and exciting works that will bring a new wave to the label.

【Excellence Award】 A must-read with a stunning twist in the final chapter! 'The Black Doctor Duke and the Saintess Who Dies and Returns: Their Love Breaks the Cycle of Fate'

The Black Doctor Duke and the Saintess Who Dies and Returns: Their Love Breaks the Cycle of Fate

Author: Wani Inono

Illustrator: Azuki Fujii

Publisher: Fujimi L Bunko / KADOKAWA Corporation

Release Date: June 15, 2026

Price: 990 JPY (900 JPY + tax)

ISBN: 9784040764016

Bibliographic Info: https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/322601000510/

A tragedy strikes during the sacred Saintess Selection Ceremony—can a miracle of resurrection rewrite the ending?

During the holy Saintess Selection Ceremony, four candidates are murdered.

Faustina, the only survivor, is framed by a scheming crown prince and dies in despair—only to wake up one year in the past!?

Determined to avoid the worst possible future, she races to change events, but again meets the same tragic end, followed by another time loop… After four repetitions, realizing this is her final chance, Faustina turns to the enigmatic first prince, Fidenzio, for help. With his skill in 'autopsy' and Faustina’s memories of the 'past loops,' they begin their final attempt to create a future where no one dies!

Main Characters

【Selected Work】 A country noblewoman becomes a fake saintess!? 'Royal-Approved Fake Saintess'

※Image is for illustrative purposes only.

Royal-Approved Fake Saintess

Author: Hinagi Sakai

Illustrator: Uru

Publisher: Fujimi L Bunko / KADOKAWA Corporation

Release Date: July 15, 2026

Price: 990 JPY (900 JPY + tax)

ISBN: 9784040764511

Bibliographic Info: https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/322602000844/

A small love story hidden behind palace intrigues.

Alette dreams of a world where anyone, regardless of status, can learn magic—and joins the Ministry of Magic to make it happen. But she’s overwhelmed by the hectic pace of daily life.

Then, Yurius, the second prince and her former classmate from magic school, asks her: “Will you become the saintess?”

To question the hollow tradition of saintess summoning, Alette disguises herself as the saintess and travels across the land. As she performs magic for people, she rediscovers her original dream—and realizes Yurius asked her to help fulfill it, deepening their bond.

But soon, she’s caught in a conspiracy surrounding the saintess summoning and falsely accused of plotting to overthrow the nation—!?

Main Characters

【Special Judge's Award】 Solving problems with Western cuisine!? 'The Chef at Kakuriyo Embassy'

※Image is for illustrative purposes only.

The Chef at Kakuriyo Embassy: A Western-Style Course to Entertain the Dragon God

Author: Yuka Yagoh

Illustrator: Shabon

Publisher: Fujimi L Bunko / KADOKAWA Corporation

Release Date: August 12, 2026 (planned)

After solving troubles with her cooking, she’s deeply adored by the Black Wolf guardian of Kakuriyo…!?

After losing her father and becoming utterly alone, Sakurako accidentally stumbles into Kakuriyo, the world of spirits. She arrives at an embassy guarding the boundary between the human and spirit worlds. To return home, she needs the help of Subaru, the Black Wolf guardian—but he deeply dislikes humans. So Sakurako decides to hide her identity and work in the embassy’s kitchen!

Galette, meunière, roast beef—Sakurako’s heartfelt Western dishes melt the hearts of even the most stubborn spirits and help resolve various crises. As Subaru witnesses her devotion, he gradually begins to fall for her…

A heartwarming Japanese-style romance filled with delicious wine and Western cuisine, now beginning!

Related Information

Special Website for the 8th Fujimi Novel Award Winning Titles

https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/topics/17009/

Official Fujimi Novel Award Website

https://lbunko.kadokawa.co.jp/award/

About Fujimi L Bunko

Launched in 2014 with the theme of 'entertainment for adults,' Fujimi L Bunko is a character-focused literary label. It has published numerous hit series, including 'My Happy Marriage,' which has surpassed 10 million copies in cumulative sales and has been adapted into a TV anime and live-action film, as well as 'Kakuriyo: The Restaurant to Another World' and 'Asakusa Demon Bride Diary.' The label is widely popular, especially among female readers, for its diverse genres such as spirit-themed stories, Japanese fantasy, Chinese fantasy, mystery, and workplace tales. New titles are released around the 15th of each month.

Fujimi L Bunko Official Website

https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/label/lbunko/

Fujimi L Bunko Official X (Twitter)

https://x.com/fujimi_L_bunko

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