Episode 37 of the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries, titled “Bathhouse,” aired on April 4 on Nippon TV and other networks. The series continues to follow Maomao, a pharmacist’s daughter obsessed with poisons and medicine, as she teams up with the enigmatic and beautiful eunuch Jinshi to unravel mysteries in the imperial palace.

Episode 37

"Bathhouse"

Xiaolan, whose years of service in the rear palace are coming to an end, consults Maomao about where to work next. While Maomao listens, Shisui suddenly suggests heading to the bathhouse to seek new connections.
At the grand public bath used not only by handmaidens but also by lower- and mid-ranking consorts, Xiaolan begins her job hunt by offering a certain “service” to the consorts. As the relaxed consorts let their guard down in the bath, Maomao overhears intriguing rumors—talk of high-ranking consorts being pregnant, and whispers about a newly arrived, exceptionally beautiful eunuch.

A Steamy Scheme in the Bathhouse

In this episode, Maomao and her companions Xiaolan and Jisui carry out a plan at the bathhouse, following a suggestion by Jisui. Their goal: to help Xiaolan build future connections as her service term in the rear palace nears its end. While listening in on relaxed conversations among high-ranking consorts in the bath, they catch rumors about possible pregnancies and a newly arrived, exceptionally handsome eunuch.

Loulan Consort Speaks — But Who’s the Voice?

What truly set fans abuzz was Loulan Consort finally speaking a line — simply saying, “Sou...” (roughly “I see…”). This one word was enough to cause a stir online, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where #薬屋のひとりごと trended immediately after the episode aired.

Viewers posted reactions like:

“Loulan Consort finally spoke!!!”

“She talked after so long, but who’s the voice actor?”

“Why isn’t she credited?”

The identity of her voice actress remains unknown, heightening fans’ curiosity.

Three Girls, One Mystery, and a Touching ED

While the episode initially appears to be a slice-of-life featuring the trio’s daily escapades, it subtly deepens the overarching mystery. Fans were treated to a new version of the ending theme “Hitorigoto” by Omoinotake, highlighting Maomao, Xiaolan, and Jisui.

Online comments included:

“The trio is so cute!”

“Xiaolan is just too adorable.”

“Wait, did Jisui disappear at the end??”

The episode leaves viewers charmed and curious — a signature blend of mystery and warmth that defines the series.

About The Apothecary Diaries

Based on the light novel series The Apothecary Diaries by Natsu Hyuuga with character designs by Touko Shino, the franchise boasts over 38 million copies in circulation. This mystery-solving entertainment follows Maomao, a pharmacist with a peculiar obsession with poisons and medicines, and Jinshi, a mysterious and handsome eunuch, as they unravel complex incidents in the imperial palace.

The anime's first season, which aired in October 2023, captivated audiences with Maomao’s spirited heroine, engaging mysteries, and intricate human drama within the rear palace. The series consistently ranked high across streaming platforms.

In Season 2, tensions escalate in the imperial palace with the announcement of Empress Gyokuyou’s pregnancy. Adding to the intrigue are the arrival of Consort Rouran, daughter of a key minister from the previous emperor’s era, an unprecedented unresolved attempt on Jinshi’s life, and the disappearance of suspect Sui Reiyuu. Foreign delegations and special envoys with unreasonable demands further complicate matters, leading to a crisis that threatens the entire nation.

Cast

Maomao
Aoi Yūki
Jinshi
Takeo Ōtsuka
Gaoshun
Katsuyuki Konishi
Gyokuyō
Atsumi Tanezaki
Lihua
Yui Ishikawa
Lishu
Hina Kino
Xiaolan
Misaki Kuno
Shisui
Asami Seto
Narration
Sumi Shimamoto

Staff

Original Work
Natsu Hyūga
(Published by Hero Bunko / Imagica Infos)
Character Design Draft
Touko Shino
Chief Director & Series Composition
Norihiro Naganuma
Director
Akinori Fudesaka
Assistant Director
Wataru Nakagawa
Script
Yuko Kakihara, Misuzu Chiba, Hitomi Ogawa
Character Design
Yukiko Nakatani
Art Director
Katsumi Takao
Color Design
Misato Aida
CGI Director
Aru Nagai
Director of Photography
Mayo Suzuki
Editing
Daisuke Imai
Sound Director
Shouji Hata
Music
Satoru Kōsaki, Kevin Penkin, Alisa Okehazama
Animation Production
TOHO animation STUDIO × OLM
Production
"The Apothecary Diaries" Production Committee

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 37 Trailer

Opening Theme Lilas Ikuta – "Hyakka Ryouran"

Hirai Dai – "Shiawase no Recipe"

Source : ORICON NEWS