Although this is officially a “fan service” bathing scene, most viewers seem to have felt more warmth than excitement at the interactions between the Three Princesses and Maomao. Online responses included comments like, “The extended family feel of Verdigris House is so heartwarming,” and “I love the four sisters’ vibe.”

“The Apothecary Diaries” is an anime adaptation of the light novel series of the same name by Hyuganatsu. It has been adapted into manga in two monthly magazines, and the series has surpassed 40 million total copies in print. The TV anime aired for two consecutive cours from October 2023, becoming a major hit thanks to Maomao’s deduction stories as a palace food taster and her comical exchanges with Jinshi. The anime’s second season will air in January 2025, with a sequel already announced in July. Furthermore, Universal Studios Japan is currently running the limited-time attraction “The Apothecary Diaries Mystery Walk: Investigate the Mysterious Medicine” until January 4, 2026. Plans for the first online game adaptation have also been confirmed, as the series continues to soar in popularity.

(C)Hyuganatsu, Imagica Infos/"The Apothecary Diaries"Project

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