The release of The Apothecary Diaries episode 13 on January 6, 2024, marked the beginning of the anime's second cour. This episode mainly focused on Maomao's official and ceremonial entry into the Imperial Palace under a formal contract. New characters, such as a mysterious palace worker and a menacing palace official, were introduced to the viewers. The series can be streamed on Netflix and Crunchyroll and consists of a total of 24 episodes. Episode 14 is scheduled for release on Saturday, January 13, 2024. English dubbed episodes are also available, with 9 episodes currently accessible in English.
Disclaimer- This article contains spoilers for The Apothecary Diaries anime series.
The Apothecary Diaries episode 13 highlights
The anime image via TOHO Animation displays Maomao. In episode 13 of The Apothecary Diaries, the focus is on Maomao's official farewell from Hanamachi and her return to serving within the imperial palace.
The episode begins with Meimei diligently handing various items to Maomao to ensure her well-being during her time in the imperial court. Afterwards, Pairin, Joka, and Meimei bid farewell to Maomao as she sets off for the imperial palace.
Jinshi and Maomao as shown in the anime (Image via TOHO Animations)
After arriving at the imperial court, Maomao realizes that returning to her previous role as Lady Gyokuyou's maid is impossible due to her previous dismissal. As a result, she takes on a position as a regular palace servant in the outer court, avoiding the inner palace.
At first, she faces bullying and harassment from jealous fellow maids due to her close association with Jinshi. Maomao cleverly diffuses the situation by fabricating a story in which she claims to have been mistreated and asserts that Jinshi appointed her as a servant out of compassion. This helps her to integrate into her new role more smoothly.
The anime depicts Lady Gyokuyou (Image via TOHO Animations)
In light of these events, Jinshi tasks Maomao with preparing for an assessment that would allow her to reclaim her former position as Lady Gyokuyou's personal maid. Much to Jinshi and everyone's surprise, Maomao unexpectedly does not pass the examination, leading to her becoming Jinshi's personal maid instead.
The enigmatic palace official portrayed in the anime (Image via TOHO Animation)
In episode 13 of The Apothecary Diaries, Maomao stumbles upon a new area of the outer palace and comes face to face with a mysterious servant, while a mysterious palace official watches her from afar. The unpredictable pacing of the anime has kept viewers intrigued, sparking speculation that the first season may end with Maomao uncovering the overarching secret behind the minor incidents.
Final Thoughts
Get ready for the next installment of The Apothecary Diaries! Episode 13 left us hanging with the introduction of a shadowy palace official, adding even more depth to the storyline. Mark your calendars for January 13, 2024, and don't miss out on episode 14 as we uncover more about this mysterious character and their connection to Maomao.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the release of The Apothecary Diaries episode 13 and the commencement of the anime's second cour. The series has captivated me with its intriguing storyline and lovable characters, and I can't wait to see what unfolds in the upcoming episodes. The introduction of new characters, such as the mysterious palace worker and the menacing palace official, adds an element of suspense and keeps me eagerly anticipating each new episode.
I particularly enjoyed the focus on Maomao's official entry into the Imperial Palace and her interactions with the other characters. The anime does an excellent job of portraying the challenges and obstacles she faces as she navigates her new role, and I admire her resilience and determination in overcoming them. The series also delves into the complex relationships between the characters, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. Overall, I am thoroughly enjoying The Apothecary Diaries and can't wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds.