Episode 41 of the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries (aired on May 2 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 41 “The Fox Village” – Story Summary

Maomao suddenly vanishes from the Inner Palace. Even the Jade Pavilion holds no clues, leaving Jinshi anxious. At the Medical Office, he retraces Maomao’s last actions and notices that her cat, Meimei, is also missing. Luomen, having overheard the conversation, suggests that finding Meimei may provide a lead to Maomao's whereabouts. Carrying the medicinal herbs Maomao had last handled, Luomen begins his search within the palace grounds.

Meanwhile, Maomao and Shisui, now captured by Suirei, are being taken far from the Inner Palace. As Maomao observes Suirei’s inexplicable behavior, she begins to realize something crucial...

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

Global Streaming Details

Season 2 premiered on January 10, 2025, in Japan.

United States & Canada: Crunchyroll – Fridays
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam: Netflix – Fridays
Other Regions: Crunchyroll – Fridays

Check the official website for up-to-date release schedules.

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 41 Trailer

Opening Theme Lilas Ikuta – "Hyakka Ryouran"

Hirai Dai – "Shiawase no Recipe"

Source : ORICON NEWS