[Photos/Images] "Too Cute, It's Making Me Cry...": New Illustration of The Apothecary Diaries' "Three Girls," Separated at the End of Season 2, Sparks Mixed Reactions 1st

The official X account for the anime The Apothecary Diaries announced the start of sales for Marukuji's "TV Anime The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 2" merchandise, and a newly drawn illustration was unveiled. The artwork shows the "three girls" — Maomao (voiced by Aoi Yuki), Xiaolan (voiced by Misaki Kuno), and Shisui (voiced by Asami Seto) — lying together happily in a grassy field.

The anime The Apothecary Diaries is based on the light novel of the same name by Hyuganatsu. The megahit series has also been adapted into manga by two different publishers. Its mystery drama, centered on Maomao as she ends up working as a poison taster in the rear palace, along with the comedic exchanges between Maomao and Jinshi, became hugely popular and a major topic of conversation. The TV anime has aired through Season 2, and Season 3 is set to air in two split cours, beginning in October 2026 and April 2027. In addition, the franchise's first film, The Apothecary Diaries the Movie: Bouhi no Hihou, is scheduled to open on December 11, 2026.

The main visual for Marukuji Vol. 2 is a newly drawn illustration of Maomao, Xiaolan, and Shisui smiling as they lie in a flower-filled field. The visual is used on the "Super Great Blessing" acrylic stand and the two "Great Blessing" tote bag designs, as well as on the large bromide included as a purchase bonus. Other items include an acrylic diorama and a letter & bromide set featuring chibi-style character illustrations, plus can badges.

Fans reacted with surprise and delight, with comments like "It's the Apothecary Diaries Marukuji, and it's the three girls!!!" Since the trio was separated at the end of Season 2, the new visual also stirred more complicated feelings among some fans, who wrote things like "It's just too cute, it's making me cry...," "That gave me a real pang of sadness...," and "I wonder if the three of them will ever be together again..." Itsuki Nanao, who handles the composition for the manga adaptation, commented, "I think I might just move in here."

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

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