The Apothecary Diaries Light Novel Unveils Volume 15 Cover With Maomao and Jinshi

The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) series revealed the cover illustration for Volume 15 of the light novel, which is set to release on March 29, 2024. The illustration features protagonists Maomao and Jinshi, who were last together on the cover of the 8th light novel. It was also announced that the series has now sold over 33 million copies largely because of the success of the anime adaptation. The light novel series is written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Toko Shino.

As described on Hero Bunko’s Amazon, the plot of the 15th light novel of The Apothecary Diaries series is as follows (spoilers ahead):
In the pursuit of the descendant of the imperial family who owns the Jade Tile, Maomao and her friends come to obtain a copy of the “Book of Hua Tuo” a forbidden book, but also an excellent medical book. While waiting for the damaged book to be restored, the medical officers are subjected to take an unannounced exam. Maomao passes the exam and is assigned to do medical experiments under her adoptive father, Luomen. She is pleased to learn about the art of medicine from him, but the experiment is a large-scale one that involves the sick people of the city. Those who failed to respond to the medication would be moved to a different location and undergo surgical procedures. The medical officers are brought together to repeat the large-scale drug experiment, but for what purpose? And for whom?

Maomao’s questions are not allowed to be asked. The other medical officers are also aware of the purpose of the experiments, but no one is willing to give a definite answer. Even when they realized that a man of such high rank had fallen ill, everyone knew that revealing this to the public would shake the country to its very core. Then, Maomao asked Jinshi to show her the restored forbidden book. On it was written a name that would never be forgotten. Mandala (Thornapple) Flower. The plant, which resembled a morning glory, was the ingredient of a certain secret medicine.

apothecary diaries volume 15 — 15th light novel of *The Apothecary Diaries*

A collaboration event with the Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) was also announced in celebration of the upcoming novel. The English version of the light novel series, which is digitally published by J-Novel Club, is currently translated up to its 10th volume. Chapter updates of Volume 11 are available to read with their premium membership, while the complete version is set to be released on May 20. It is currently available for pre-order on multiple platforms.

The Apothecary Diaries is a Japanese light novel series written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Toko Shino. Shunfunotomo’s Hero Bunko currently publishes the light novel series, J-Novel Club publishes the digital English version, and Square Enix publishes the novels in print. The series also has two manga adaptations: the manga series of the same name by Itsuki Nanao, illustrated by Nekokurage on Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan; and “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Maomao no Kokyu Nazotoki Techo (The Apothecary Diaries: The Palace Cloister Mystery-Solving Notebook of Maomao)” by Minoji Kurata on Shogakukan’s Monthly Sunday Gene-X. TOHO Animation and OML are currently animating The Apothecary Diaries series, which is set to have a total of 24 episodes. The ongoing series, which is currently on its 21st episode, is available to watch on Netflix and Crunchyroll in select regions.

J-Novel Club describes the plot of The Apothecary Diaries:
In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in an unassuming town by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there. Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That’s her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao’s façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor’s favorite consort… so she can taste the lady’s food for poison! At her lady’s side, Maomao starts to learn about everything that goes on in the rear palace—not all of it seemly. Can she ever lead a quiet life, or will her powers of deduction and insatiable curiosity bring her ever more adventures, and ever more dangers?