REVIEW: ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ Episode 14 — “The New Pure Consort”

No matter where Maomao (Aoi Yûki) goes, an ordinary life isn’t in the cards for her. While her duties are that of a regular servant, more will always be in store for her. Like a summons from the Emperor’s favorite concubines to teach a class educating the new Pure Consort, Lady Loulan. Peculiar as the request may be, a lowly servant has little choice but to answer it in The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no hitorigoto) Episode 14, “The New Pure Consort.”

Humor is the element of this episode’s first story that will most easily stick with viewers. Everything from Maomao’s scheming to get paid extra for her work to the reactions of some of the ladies in her class are laugh-inducing. These elements skillfully conceal the real importance of this sequence: introducing Lady Loulan.

The new consort presents herself as cold and distant, never speaking once or sharing in the other consort’s amusement during the lesson. This introduction does a great job of making both Maomao and the audience curious about the new consort. Why is she so aloof? Is she like this naturally, or is it a response to being brought to the Rear Palace? All questions Maomao seems likely to get to the bottom of in coming episodes.

The visual presentation in The Apothecary Diaries Episode 14 does a great job of reinforcing the striking differences in the energy of its cast. Warm and bright colors always accompany the cheerful members of the class. Meanwhile, the colors lose a bit of their brightness when Loulan is on screen. Not enough to pool her in darkness, but just enough to visually remind the viewer that she is not sharing in the others’ mirth.

Further setting Loulan apart from the other characters is her notable choice of dress. Maomao remarks that she is dressed in the “flashy southern style.” This look manages to be visually appealing, while further building her character. The clothes accentuate the closed-off energy the consort projects. Her garb feels much less welcoming than the bright, flowing hanfus the other consorts usually wear.

Once the lesson is complete, The Apothecary Diaries Episode 14 sees Maomao join in on the investigation of a warehouse fire. This incident gives Maomao a chance to flex her deduction skills. While there are concerns about arson, the crafty investigator pieces together a plausible case for the truth in an interesting manner. It harkens back to the powder incident that first gained the attention of the notable personalities within the Rear Palace. It also points out how Maomao recognizes common dangers others are not aware of.

Much like the opening of the episode, this second story feels like it conceals more than a simple puzzle for Maomao to unravel. The clues she uncovers hint at something strange going on. Even if the fire was an accident, the question of who caused it may yet hint at a deeper mystery.

This sequence also sees the return to the show of Lihaku (Kenji Akabane). The young officer who helped Maomao return home for a visit seems just as amicable as ever in aiding the protagonist in her pursuits. The duo slips into a familiarity with each other that makes them feel like easy allies in the pursuit of this newest mystery. This strong chemistry helps keep the episode’s energy up while also delivering some further chuckles to the back half of the episode.

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 14 delivers a fun pair of stories highlighting the series’ humor while subtly laying the groundwork for further potential mysteries. That it can do both of these things without having them conflict with each other is a credit to the sharp writing of the show.

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 14 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.