The Apothecary Diaries (2018)
[薬屋のひとりごと]
Volume 3
Original Author: Natsu Hyuga
Adapted By: Itsuki Nanao
Artist: Nekokurage
Original Character Designer: Toko Shino
Publisher: Big Gangan Comics
Synopsis:
Maomao works to solve the mystery of the poisoning at the garden party.
Story/Characters:
Thanks to Gao Jun having preserved the evidence, Maomao is able to pretty well figure out the story behind the whole poisoning incident. Said incident becomes quite the topic of palace gossip, so of course Xiaolan is all over it, but beyond this gossip, she tells Maomao that the tokens of favor she received can be used to be granted leave from the palace. Rather than turn to Jinshi, Gyokuyou or Lihua, she targets the young officer who was giving out hairpins to pretty much all the handmaids as a courtesy. Naturally, he's not impressed by regular mode Maomao and is annoyed at her presumption to use him to be granted leave, but a girl from the red-light district has her tricks (which doesn't mean what you might think it means). However, Maomao doesn't understand the full implications of taking someone up on their favor, which provides a fine opportunity for Gyokuyou to torment poor Jinshi.
We get to learn more about the red-light district and the madam of the Verdigris House as Maomao delivers Li Hak (the officer). She then gets to go home and I love how nonchalant her adoptive father is when she comes back. We then have what appears to be an attempted murder-suicide case with a prostitute and her client. This provides an opportunity for us to see dear old Dad in action and we can see that for all Maomao's talents, she still has a ways to go before matching him, both in terms of knowledge and skill but also the savvy to know what truths need to come to light and which ones need to remain in the dark.
Back at the palace, Maomao has to deal with a quite upset Jinshi. (Her explanation of the situation, leaving out certain key details, only makes it worse, to hilarious effect.) However, things take a more serious turn when I high-ranker named Kounen apparently drank himself to death. Of course the case isn't as simple as all that, but Detective Maomao is on it.
Art:
The art is as good as ever with the great reaction shots that make this a treat. I particularly liked seeing Maomao spring into action to save the victims in the murder-suicide case.
Other:
We get a thank-you page from Nekokurage, a two-page omake with Xiaoran from Nanao, then a couple 4-koma and an extra two panels under the dust cover to continue from Page 160.
Conclusion:
There's more than enough reason to enjoy the story here for its own sake, but with the advantage of hindsight, I can say that the pieces set down here will have a connection later on, which I appreciate as part of the author's craft. Giving Maomao the opportunity to go home is a nice change of pace and Jinshi's misunderstandings are pretty funny. If you're enjoying the series as much as I am, you'll be more than happy to add this to your collection.
Own It