The back cover of the French edition of the light novels written by Natsu Hyuuga and illustrated by Touko Shino, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (The Apothecary Diaries), revealed that the franchise will have an adaptation to the “small screen” Coming Soon. While the main suspect is an anime adaptation, it might also refer to a live-action series adaptation. However, it seems that there are more clues to ensure the former, such as a trademark registration made in June 2021.
The snippet writes:
- «Discover the hidden face of the saints of the imperial city! In this world of women ruled by men, Mao Mao will need all her wits and all her knowledge to unravel the intrigues of the court… A phenomenal bestseller in Japan, soon to be adapted for the small screen, this novel introduces us to a fascinating period in history and an incredibly lovable heroine.».
Hyuuga began publishing the novels on the website Shousetsuka ni Narou in October 2011, and later began its publication in paper with illustrations by Touko Shino in August 2014. The publisher Shufunotomo published the twelfth volume on July 28. The work inspires two manga adaptations simultaneously, one by Nekokurage which is published in Big Gangan and another in charge of Minoki Kurata which is published in Sunday Gene-X.
Sinopsis de Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
In an Imperial Court in ancient China, a few months have passed since a 17-year-old girl known as Maomao was kidnapped and forced to work as a low-ranking servant for the emperor’s palace. She still manages to maintain her curious and pragmatic spirit, planning to work until her years of servitude are over. One day, however, she realizes that two of the emperor’s sons have fallen seriously ill, so she decides to act in secret, using her experience as a pharmacist raised in a slum.
Despite Maomao’s efforts to remain anonymous, she soon catches the eye of Jinshi, an influential eunuch who recognizes her talents. Maomao then soon begins to gain positions in the empire, and she gradually begins to make a name for herself by using her knowledge and her eccentric personality to solve medical mysteries.
Fuente: @Mask_Malthael on Twitter
© Natsu Hinata (Author), Cat Jellyfish (Author), Kazuki Nanao (Author), Touko Shinoto (Author) / SQUARE ENIX Square Enix