Episode 40 of the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries (aired on April 25 on Nippon TV, Fridays at 11:00 PM) titled "Malice Within the Court" Story & Preview Images Released.

About The Apothecary Diaries

This captivating mystery-drama follows Maomao, the eccentric apothecary’s daughter obsessed with poisons and medicines, and Jinshi, a beautiful yet enigmatic eunuch. Together, they solve a series of perplexing cases within the imperial court. The series is based on the original novels by Natsu Hyūga, with illustrations by Touko Shino.

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.

Episode 40 “Malice Within the Court” – Story Summary

To support Consort Gyokuyō, who may face complications from a breech birth, Luomen—Maomao’s foster father and mentor in medicine—arrives at the inner palace’s medical office. He quickly identifies current issues in the palace and prepares a sample document for the court ladies attending the learning hall, both for reference and practice.

When Maomao delivers the document, an elderly eunuch from the hall tells her that Luomen had done the same thing before being expelled from the inner palace. This sparks a subtle sense of discomfort in Maomao. To uncover the root of this uneasy feeling, she decides to visit a certain individual…

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 39 Trailer

Opening Theme Lilas Ikuta – "Hyakka Ryouran"

Hirai Dai – "Shiawase no Recipe"

Source : ORICON NEWS