On December 3, The Apothecary Diaries unveiled a short preview of episode 10, which is airing on December 9. The episode is titled “Honey” and is summarized as:
A rumor spreads in the palace that the culprit who poisoned Lady Lishu at the garden party was a consort who committed suicide by drowning herself in the moat around the outer palace. However, Jinshi questioned why a servant girl would poison Lady Lishu, and ordered Maomao to investigate the Garnet Palace where the dead courtesan had served. Guided by the head maid, Fengming, Maomao helps with the cleaning. Then, Maomao notices Lady Lishu discreetly observing the Garnet Palace, which leads to the solution of a great mystery.
The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) anime is based on a light novel series written by Natsu Hyuga, illustrated by Toko Shino, and serialized by Shunfunotomo. The light novel series has inspired a manga adaptation by Itsuki Nanao and illustrated by Nekokurage. It is published by Square Enix and serialized in Monthly GanGan. The Apothecary Diaries anime series is animated by TOHO Animation and OML while Norihiro Naganuma is in charge of directing.
The light novel series has also inspired a short mini-anime series called Maomao’s Diaries (Maomao no Hitorigoto). This short mini-anime series features the main character Maomao, as she explains an important item shown during the week’s current episode. Fans can watch Maomao’s Diaries on TOHO Animation’s official YouTube Channel.
The Apothecary Diaries light novel series is licensed and published digitally by J-Novel Club while the manga adaptation is licensed and published by Square Enix. Square Enix will also publish the English version of the light novel series physically starting in May 2024.
The anime series is streaming on Crunchyroll. The streaming site describes the plot as:
Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!
Source: Official Website
©Natsu Hyuga/Imagika Foss/”The Apothecary Diaries” Production Committee