Maomao’s Adorable Relaxed Expression at Her “Home” Verdigris House, as Rarely Seen in The Apothecary Diaries

Even the usually unsociable Maomao (Aoi Yūki) displays a different expression around her “family.” Episode 18 of the anime “The Apothecary Diaries” features an unmissable scene in which Maomao, having returned home for the first time in a while, takes a bath together with the popular courtesans.

In episode 18, Maomao returns to the Verdigris House, a courtesan house in the red-light district where she was born and raised and which serves as her “home.” The popular courtesans, known as the “Three Princesses”—Meimei (Megumi Han), Pairin (Ami Koshimizu), and Joka (Hiroki Nanami)—are like family to Maomao.

While bathing together, Meimei offers, “Shall I wash your back? It’s been a while,” which Maomao initially declines with a blunt, “No, that’s alright.” But when Pairin and Joka reminisce, “It’s been ages since we did that for each other,” and gently encourage her, “Let her do it. You won’t be able to come back again for a while, right?” Maomao finally lets Meimei wash her back. Her “sisters” watch over her with gentle smiles, seeing the quietly delighted look on Maomao’s face.