Novels where the MC has subordinates that don't know the meaning of failure and take everything way too far and serious (cough Overlord). Example: MC: takes a stroll to the enemy kingdom Subordinates: Subarashii, our boss will conquer the kingdom and he is analyzing the defense and manpower before the massacre begins at the royal capital. Example 2: Mc: *Enrolls at the enemy kingdom's magic school* Subordinates: Brilliant! Our boss is going to pouch talent while scouting how powerful our future enemies will be. I am moved to tears! I don't want a kind protagonist but someone evil (close to Overlord levels of evil. Beyond that is even better!). No romance. If you are recommending a novel chances are I have read it. Try recommending hidden gems and not the 'popular' ones.
I think that's To be a Power in the Shadows And to satisfy the evil portion, I saw one recommended yesterday: Isekai Apocalypse Mynoghra
To Be a Power in the Shadows is nothing but hype (trash)... I am caught up with the official LN release. Someone give me back my precious time! *quietly adds IAM to the list* Thanks. Thanks. Just finished that one sadly, hence my insatiable craving for similar novels
Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~ I’m Really Not The Demon God’s Lackey First one isn't really an evil MC, but otherwise it fits your bill. Second one is a bit more complicated than that, the MC is a good person, but his actions end up usually chaotic neutral, and he sometimes helps support some very heinous criminals in doing very evil things.
i'm actually a cultivation bigshot the MC got a system that forced him to learn basic skills until they were god level but because the MC can't cultivate he thinks he's still a mortal even though he is the most OP person in existence. all the immortals and cultivators see how OP he is but they think he's just pretending to be a mortal and think his every action is filled with hidden meanings and truths.