After sharing a good bond with Jinshi in the previous episode, Maomao will be on another mission in The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18, titled Arhat. By the looks of it, Jinshi and Maomao are already developing a close relationship as they spend some time together wandering the town as the eunuch goes in disguise. So, in the new episode preview, he will start worrying about Maomao as he starts noticing Lakan’s relationship with her.
You can see the preview below:
The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18 teaser starts with Lakan, hinting at his major appearance in the series this time. It’s followed by Maomao walking away from Jinshi as they part ways after going out together. Lakan is seen again talking while Jinshi starts frowning, seemingly feeling something odd about this military tactician. Later, Maomao is once again looking after a sick woman. The discussion between Lakan and Jinshi continues, followed by the appearance of a healthy version of the woman holding the scythe. For the last sequences, a tired-looking Maomao is revealed, while Jinshi seemingly gets angry at Lakan.
Alternatively, the new episode’s preview stills show Maomao watching over a sick woman, followed by Lakan, apparently at Jinshi’s office again. A mysterious lady holding a knife and stabbing someone in a bed in a dark room is seen, while the cute, chubby versions of Jinshi, Suiren, and Maomao are revealed. Maomao is then on a field with the woman she’s looking after. For the last still, Jinshi holds Maomao’s arm while they disguise themselves in the city.
You can see The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18 preview stills below:
Credit:
Natsu Hyuga / Imagika Foss / “A Pharmacist’s Monologue” Production Committee
Credit:
Natsu Hyuga / Imagika Foss / “A Pharmacist’s Monologue” Production Committee
Credit:
Natsu Hyuga / Imagika Foss / “A Pharmacist’s Monologue” Production Committee
Credit:
Natsu Hyuga / Imagika Foss / “A Pharmacist’s Monologue” Production Committee
Credit:
Natsu Hyuga / Imagika Foss / “A Pharmacist’s Monologue” Production Committee
Credit:
Natsu Hyuga / Imagika Foss / “A Pharmacist’s Monologue” Production Committee
What to Expect from The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18
The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18 will see Maomao going home after parting ways with Jinshi in the city. Her father will then ask her to deliver medicines to Ryokuseikan's annex to look after a sick courtesan. Elsewhere, Jinshi will also return to the inner palace after being out and about and will talk with Lakan. As the latter continuously shows interest in Maomao, Jinshi notices Lakan has a relationship with her.
You can read the synopsis below:
Maomao, who parted ways with Jinshi in the city and returned home, is asked by Ramon to deliver medicine to Ryokuseikan's annex. There is a courtesan lying sick, and while Maomao gives her medicine, she is lost in thought, remembering the old Ryokuseikan and the courtesans of those days. Meanwhile, when Jinji returns to the inner palace, he becomes involved with Jinji at every opportunity, and as he speaks with Rakan, a tactician who shows an interest in Maomao, he realizes that he has a relationship with Maomao.
The anime is based on the light novel of the same title written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino. It has been serialized on the website Shosetsuka ni Naro since 2011. It was later published as a novel with a single volume in 2012 and as a light novel in 2014 by Shufunotomo after acquiring it.
In 2017, it was adapted into two manga and published by Square Enix in Monthly Big Gangan and Shogakukan in Monthly Sunday Gene-X. J-Novel Club licensed it digitally and Square Enix in print in North America. Square Enix also licensed its manga illustrated by Nekokurage in English. Toho Animation Studio and OLM produced its anime adaptation, premiering in October 2023 and releasing 17 episodes so far.
What are the release date and times of The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18?
The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18 is scheduled to release on Saturday, February 10, and to premiere on Sunday, February 4, on Nippon TV in Japan. International fans can stream the new episode in North America on Crunchyroll and Netflix in select regions. For the release times based on your region, you can check the list below:
10:45 AM Pacific Time
12:45 PM Central Time
1:45 PM Eastern Time
6:45 PM Greenwich Mean Time
7:45 PM Central European Time
12:15 AM Indian Standard Time (February 11)
2:45 AM Philippine Standard Time (February 11)
5:45 AM Australia Standard Time (February 11)
Fans who have read The Apothecary Diaries novel and manga probably know the relationship between Maomao and Lakan. And by the looks of it, the anime-only fans are about to learn the connection between the two as Jinshi may start to investigate.
