The story of MaoMao will finally make its onscreen debut with the anime adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries. The series will treat the awaiting viewers with a three-episode premiere. That said, the anime has now revealed the preview stills and synopsis for the first episode, giving a good look at MaoMao and the other characters.
In the preview stills released by the anime’s official website, MaoMao, a pharmacist-turned-servant, seems to be looking at someone behind her while in the garden. The preview also gives a glimpse into the busy streets of China, while another shows Princess Rika and Princess Gyokuo, two of the four emperor’s wives, looking problematic.
The next stills show Renshi, a eunuch with great power in the palace, smiling sheepishly and a stunned Maomao. The chibby versions of Renshi and MaoMao are revealed for the last preview.
You can check the preview stills below:
Based on the light novel of the same name written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino, the series was first serialized online in 2011 and was later published as a novel in 2012 and then as a light novel in 2014 after being acquired by Shufunotomo. It was then adapted into two manga in 2017, published by Shogakukan and Square Enix. After 12 years following its first serialization, MaoMao’s story was finally adapted into anime by Toho Animation Studio and OLM.
What to expect in The Apothecary Diaries Episode 1?
The anime’s website also revealed the official synopsis for The Apothecary Diaries Episode 1 and its title, Cat Cat. The premiere episode will see how MaoMao is kidnapped and sold to the palace to work as a servant. She knows the rumors surrounding this mansion after hearing about the curse that probably caused the death of the emperor’s sons one after another.
When she finally realizes the real reason behind the curse, she goes to the palace and hears the two princesses’ arguing. As a former pharmacist and drug store owner, her curiosity piques after hearing “medicine” and “poison” while eavesdropping.
You can read the synopsis below:
Neomako, who runs a drugstore in the red-light district, is kidnapped and sold to the inner palace, where she ends up working as a maid. One day, he hears a rumor that the continuous deaths of the emperor's sons are due to a curse. When Maomako deduces the true nature of the curse and goes to the palace where the princesses live, she hears the voices of two senior consorts arguing. Maomao has a strong curiosity and desire for knowledge and gets excited when he hears the words medicine and poison. He begins to move.
The Apothecary Diaries Episode 1 will be released on Saturday, October 21, along with Episodes 2 and 3. It can also be streamed on Crunchyroll on the same day and Netflix in select regions on October 22. With the series’ success, becoming one of the best-selling light novels in 2019-2021, fans are surely waiting to see this.
