Hi, 2hv1e

I'm looking for a series with a perceptive female lead who is politically active and/or manipulates other characters to her benefit.

She doesn't need to be OP, in fact, it would be a lot more interesting to me if her political machinations were survival-focused. The closest thing I've read that kinda scratches this itch is probably Danzaisareta Akuyaku Reijou wa, Gyakkou shite Kanpeki na Akujo wo Mezasu, which is one of those villainess stories. Other characters that are sort of what I'm looking for include: Kanoko from Koi Dano Ai Dano, Yankumi from Gokusen, and Makima from Chainsaw Man, and the MC of The Villainess Lives Twice. The MC of All Cheaters Must Die, or whatever that's called, is kinda there, but she feels less human/real to me than even Makima which is... a feat.

I've gone through the entire Manipulative Female Lead tag, so I'm more of asking for reader recommendations based on vibes/personal feelings.

I think the most ideal plot for me would be something like an otome isekai from the white lotus POV where she manipulates other characters to rise to power and keeps having to make moves to survive/maintain her position in society.

Shoujo is a waste of time that makes me happy.