1 00:00:08,008 --> 00:00:11,970 The Apothecary Diaries 2 00:01:31,049 --> 00:01:36,012 Also, regarding today's schedule, This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. there will be a medium ceremony in the afternoon. 3 00:01:37,013 --> 00:01:38,014 Yeah... 4 00:01:45,021 --> 00:01:48,983 I think I know what's on your mind. 5 00:01:48,983 --> 00:01:51,027 But please, don't forget about work. 6 00:01:52,070 --> 00:01:53,988 I know. 7 00:01:54,989 --> 00:01:58,993 EpisodeChance or Something More 8 00:01:59,994 --> 00:02:02,038 Master Lihaku, what's wrong? 9 00:02:02,956 --> 00:02:04,040 We have a problem. 10 00:02:04,999 --> 00:02:06,960 Trouble, is it? 11 00:02:07,001 --> 00:02:10,004 Remember that fire at the warehouse? 12 00:02:10,004 --> 00:02:10,964 Ah. 13 00:02:10,964 --> 00:02:15,009 Apparently, a thief broke in to a different warehouse on the same day. 14 00:02:16,010 --> 00:02:19,055 I'm sure they were taking advantage of all the chaos at the time. 15 00:02:19,973 --> 00:02:23,977 A looting. What got stolen? 16 00:02:26,980 --> 00:02:29,065 Not something to discuss openly, it seems. 17 00:02:29,065 --> 00:02:30,024 Sneak. 18 00:02:35,029 --> 00:02:39,033 Ceremonial tools. And not just one. 19 00:02:39,033 --> 00:02:41,995 Were they being managed that haphazardly? 20 00:02:41,995 --> 00:02:44,080 Well, I don't really know. 21 00:02:44,998 --> 00:02:48,001 There's no knowledgeable managers right now. 22 00:02:48,001 --> 00:02:50,044 The last one passed away last year. 23 00:02:50,044 --> 00:02:54,048 What about the current manager? He must know the basics, right? 24 00:02:54,048 --> 00:02:58,052 Well, he got food poisoning awhile back. 25 00:02:58,970 --> 00:03:00,013 Food poisoning? 26 00:03:00,972 --> 00:03:04,976 His favorite seaweed made him sick and he hasn't woken up. 27 00:03:04,976 --> 00:03:08,980 He can't come back to work. Trouble, right? 28 00:03:08,980 --> 00:03:11,024 Where have I heard that before? 29 00:03:11,983 --> 00:03:15,987 Was it that official who likes rare foods? 30 00:03:16,029 --> 00:03:17,071 How did you know? 31 00:03:17,989 --> 00:03:19,032 A lot happened. 32 00:03:20,033 --> 00:03:22,994 Theft at the time of a fire. 33 00:03:23,036 --> 00:03:26,998 The warehouse manager is missing due to food poisoning. 34 00:03:27,999 --> 00:03:30,001 It's a bit too suspicious to be a coincidence. 35 00:03:31,002 --> 00:03:34,047 Who was the manager who passed away last year? 36 00:03:35,006 --> 00:03:40,011 Hmm. I remember that he was famous for being really by-the-book. 37 00:03:40,011 --> 00:03:45,016 I forgot his name. I remember he had a sweet tooth and things like that, but... 38 00:03:45,058 --> 00:03:49,020 Was it Master Kounen, by chance? 39 00:03:49,020 --> 00:03:54,025 Oh, that's it! Hey, how'd you know? 40 00:03:54,025 --> 00:03:55,985 A lot happened. 41 00:03:56,069 --> 00:04:01,032 Master Jinshi told me about the tough official with a sweet tooth. 42 00:04:01,032 --> 00:04:03,076 The man who died of salt overdose. 43 00:04:04,035 --> 00:04:07,038 These are all coincidental? 44 00:04:07,038 --> 00:04:09,958 Each incident looks like an accident, 45 00:04:09,958 --> 00:04:15,004 but if they were all done in pursuit of some goal... 46 00:04:15,046 --> 00:04:18,007 So, what can I do for you? 47 00:04:18,007 --> 00:04:20,009 Right! The main point. 48 00:04:20,009 --> 00:04:22,053 Remember this? You gave it to me back then. 49 00:04:23,012 --> 00:04:25,014 Ah, from the fire. 50 00:04:25,056 --> 00:04:29,978 I tried to give it back, but the owner declined. 51 00:04:29,978 --> 00:04:30,979 He doesn't want it anymore. 52 00:04:31,020 --> 00:04:35,066 It seems very expensive. I assumed it was important. 53 00:04:35,066 --> 00:04:38,987 Apparently, he got it from some court lady. 54 00:04:38,987 --> 00:04:40,029 From a court lady? 55 00:04:40,029 --> 00:04:42,073 Sounds weird, right? 56 00:04:42,073 --> 00:04:45,994 Why give this to a random warehouse guard? 57 00:04:47,996 --> 00:04:52,041 Apparently, the guard escorted the court lady outside the castle, 58 00:04:52,041 --> 00:04:55,003 because she was walking alone in the dark. 59 00:04:55,962 --> 00:04:59,048 She gave him this pipe as a token of gratitude. 60 00:04:59,966 --> 00:05:04,971 Receiving such an expensive item might compel him to use it right away. 61 00:05:05,972 --> 00:05:08,975 Start a fire to divert the guards' attention, 62 00:05:08,975 --> 00:05:10,977 and break into another warehouse. 63 00:05:10,977 --> 00:05:15,982 If the court lady gave the guard the pipe for that purpose... 64 00:05:16,983 --> 00:05:19,027 Master Lihaku, about that court lady... 65 00:05:19,027 --> 00:05:22,030 Yeah, I tried to get the details about her. 66 00:05:22,071 --> 00:05:25,074 But she was wearing a scarf that hid her face, apparently. 67 00:05:26,034 --> 00:05:30,038 Maybe she was hiding her face intentionally. 68 00:05:30,038 --> 00:05:31,039 Yeah. 69 00:05:31,039 --> 00:05:37,003 But she was "quite tall for a woman, and smelled like medicine." 70 00:05:38,004 --> 00:05:41,966 I know it's not you, given the height. 71 00:05:41,966 --> 00:05:43,051 Can you think of anyone else? 72 00:05:45,011 --> 00:05:48,973 A tall court lady smelling of medicine... 73 00:05:49,932 --> 00:05:54,937 Were there any more strange incidents other than the events we mentioned? 74 00:05:55,897 --> 00:05:58,900 Hmm. I can't say... 75 00:05:58,983 --> 00:06:01,944 Do you think there's something to find out here? 76 00:06:01,944 --> 00:06:03,946 There could be. 77 00:06:04,906 --> 00:06:06,949 Or there might not. 78 00:06:06,949 --> 00:06:07,950 Which is it? 79 00:06:10,953 --> 00:06:13,956 Two coincidences can often occur simultaneously. 80 00:06:14,957 --> 00:06:17,919 Three at once isn't that rare, either. 81 00:06:18,920 --> 00:06:20,963 But when several of them pile up 82 00:06:21,923 --> 00:06:23,925 and become clearly intentional... 83 00:06:24,926 --> 00:06:29,931 What if a person who fits the description of a tall court lady appeared here? 84 00:06:31,933 --> 00:06:36,938 This way, even if Suirei's name comes up, it has nothing to do with me. 85 00:06:38,898 --> 00:06:42,902 Wow, you're a lot smarter than you look! 86 00:06:43,903 --> 00:06:48,950 Conversely, Master Lihaku, you're as big a brute as you look, so please go easy on me. 87 00:06:51,953 --> 00:06:53,955 Looks like fun. 88 00:06:54,956 --> 00:06:56,958 Looks like fun. 89 00:06:57,959 --> 00:07:00,878 There's nothing fun here. 90 00:07:00,962 --> 00:07:02,922 I'll take my leave! 91 00:07:06,968 --> 00:07:09,971 You seem very close to that officer. 92 00:07:09,971 --> 00:07:10,972 Do I? 93 00:07:11,889 --> 00:07:16,894 He just came to talk to me about some concerns he had. 94 00:07:17,937 --> 00:07:21,983 I can't say for certain that this has nothing to do with Master Jinshi. 95 00:07:24,902 --> 00:07:27,905 May I explain the details to you? 96 00:07:29,949 --> 00:07:32,910 What a strange way they connect. 97 00:07:32,910 --> 00:07:33,870 Yes. 98 00:07:33,953 --> 00:07:35,955 So, what do you think is behind them? 99 00:07:36,873 --> 00:07:37,915 I don't know. 100 00:07:37,915 --> 00:07:40,918 None of those incidents are certainties. 101 00:07:40,918 --> 00:07:45,923 It's more like setting several traps in the hopes that some of them work out. 102 00:07:45,965 --> 00:07:49,927 In that case, do you think there are other traps? 103 00:07:49,969 --> 00:07:52,889 I can't say for certain. 104 00:07:52,889 --> 00:07:56,934 It's hard to determine which are accidents and which were plotted. 105 00:07:56,934 --> 00:08:00,938 It's still possible that these are all just coincidences. 106 00:08:04,901 --> 00:08:05,943 You're not excited? 107 00:08:06,903 --> 00:08:07,904 Excited? 108 00:08:10,948 --> 00:08:15,912 I'm just a servant. I only do what I am told. 109 00:08:15,912 --> 00:08:16,954 Hmm. 110 00:08:18,915 --> 00:08:20,875 In that case, how about this? 111 00:08:21,918 --> 00:08:25,880 The other day, I visited the trader. 112 00:08:25,922 --> 00:08:28,883 He told me there's an interesting item in stock. 113 00:08:30,885 --> 00:08:32,970 Ox bezoar This is what it was called. 114 00:08:33,971 --> 00:08:36,933 Ox bezoar, a medicinal gallstone from a cow! 115 00:08:36,933 --> 00:08:40,937 The most exquisite medicine only found in one in a thousand cows! 116 00:08:40,937 --> 00:08:43,898 Are you going to give me that?! 117 00:08:43,898 --> 00:08:45,942 Ox Bezoar You'd better not be lying! 118 00:08:48,945 --> 00:08:49,946 Do you want it? 119 00:08:49,946 --> 00:08:50,947 I do! 120 00:08:50,947 --> 00:08:51,989 Xiaomao. 121 00:08:58,996 --> 00:09:00,873 Excuse me. 122 00:09:01,874 --> 00:09:03,876 Looks like you're excited now. 123 00:09:03,876 --> 00:09:05,878 Will you really give me this? 124 00:09:05,920 --> 00:09:09,882 Depends on how well you work. I'll keep you updated. 125 00:09:09,882 --> 00:09:10,883 Understood. 126 00:09:11,884 --> 00:09:13,886 As you wish, Master Jinshi! 127 00:09:13,886 --> 00:09:16,931 And so, Gaoshun, take care of it! 128 00:09:21,978 --> 00:09:23,980 This is the incident from the other day. 129 00:09:24,897 --> 00:09:27,942 The officer who got food poisoning was from the Board of Rites. 130 00:09:28,943 --> 00:09:33,948 Which one was the Board of Rites, again? The education and foreign affairs one...? 131 00:09:35,950 --> 00:09:39,912 If only I'd studied for the court lady exams properly... 132 00:09:39,912 --> 00:09:41,872 I'll leave these here. 133 00:09:42,957 --> 00:09:44,875 Thank you. 134 00:09:44,875 --> 00:09:48,921 No problem. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions. 135 00:09:48,921 --> 00:09:51,882 Um, what does this division do? 136 00:09:51,882 --> 00:09:52,883 Hmm? 137 00:09:53,926 --> 00:09:55,970 They deal with ceremonies. 138 00:09:56,929 --> 00:09:57,972 Ceremonies? 139 00:10:01,934 --> 00:10:03,936 Do you have anything to write with? 140 00:10:03,936 --> 00:10:05,896 Huh? Y-Yeah. 141 00:10:05,938 --> 00:10:07,940 Ceremonies, ceremonies... 142 00:10:08,899 --> 00:10:13,904 The food-poisoned official and Master Kounen were both were related to ceremonies. 143 00:10:13,904 --> 00:10:18,909 If the incident with the pipe was a way to help steal ceremonial tools... 144 00:10:19,869 --> 00:10:22,913 These events, disguised as coincidences, must line up 145 00:10:22,913 --> 00:10:25,875 to form an intentional incident, somewhere. 146 00:10:25,916 --> 00:10:29,962 If someone went through so much trouble to steal ceremonial tools, 147 00:10:29,962 --> 00:10:32,882 it has to be a ceremony of some importance. 148 00:10:33,883 --> 00:10:35,885 Medium or higher, most likely. 149 00:10:35,885 --> 00:10:38,971 I should find out when all of these ceremonies take place. 150 00:10:39,930 --> 00:10:43,976 Come to think of it, Master Jinshi did purify himself often. 151 00:10:43,976 --> 00:10:47,938 If you're interested in ceremonies, here's something good. 152 00:10:51,984 --> 00:10:54,945 Is this a picture of a ceremonial building? 153 00:10:54,945 --> 00:10:59,909 Yes. It's at the west end of the outer court, and called the Altar of the Sapphire Sky. 154 00:10:59,909 --> 00:11:01,911 Quite an interesting design, don't you think? 155 00:11:02,912 --> 00:11:05,915 There's a large pillar hanging from the ceiling. 156 00:11:07,917 --> 00:11:10,961 There are these banners hanging above the central altar. 157 00:11:11,879 --> 00:11:15,883 They lower the pillar to add festive texts every time. 158 00:11:16,884 --> 00:11:17,968 You're very knowledgeable. 159 00:11:17,968 --> 00:11:21,931 Yeah. I'm ashamed to admit it, but before I got assigned to the archives, 160 00:11:21,931 --> 00:11:24,892 I was doing more important work at the Board of Rites. 161 00:11:24,975 --> 00:11:29,897 I talked back to my superiors once, and got demoted to this role. 162 00:11:30,940 --> 00:11:35,945 I used to be worried about the build strength, but I'm glad to know it's fine. 163 00:11:35,945 --> 00:11:37,905 What are you talking about? 164 00:11:37,988 --> 00:11:41,951 You see how the pillar is hanging from the ceiling like this, right? 165 00:11:41,951 --> 00:11:46,872 It's big, so I was worried about it falling down. 166 00:11:46,872 --> 00:11:48,916 When I voiced my concerns about the parts' strength, 167 00:11:48,916 --> 00:11:51,919 it got me sent to this place. 168 00:11:52,920 --> 00:11:54,964 That is indeed scary. 169 00:11:55,881 --> 00:12:00,970 If the metal parts fixing the pillar in place broke, and the pillar fell... 170 00:12:02,888 --> 00:12:06,892 The person directly underneath performing the ceremony would be at the highest risk. 171 00:12:06,934 --> 00:12:09,895 Someone of truly noble birth could be lost. 172 00:12:11,897 --> 00:12:13,983 Strength issue... Strength... 173 00:12:14,900 --> 00:12:18,904 What was the stolen ceremonial tool, anyway? 174 00:12:18,904 --> 00:12:22,908 If something so important went missing, surely they'd make a new one. 175 00:12:23,951 --> 00:12:25,953 Make a new one... 176 00:12:27,913 --> 00:12:28,914 Excuse me! 177 00:12:28,914 --> 00:12:31,959 When is the next ceremony taking place at this venue?! 178 00:12:31,959 --> 00:12:34,920 When? Well... 179 00:12:34,920 --> 00:12:35,963 Oh, today, actually. 180 00:12:44,972 --> 00:12:49,935 If my predictions are correct, this is a plan that was concocted over a long period of time. 181 00:12:51,937 --> 00:12:53,981 Not ever piece is likely to work. 182 00:12:53,981 --> 00:12:57,943 But by placing numerous traps everywhere, some are bound to work and overlap. 183 00:12:57,943 --> 00:13:00,905 And finally, it connected to this. 184 00:13:04,909 --> 00:13:07,953 It's just conjecture on my part. 185 00:13:07,953 --> 00:13:11,874 But if I happen to be correct... 186 00:13:14,877 --> 00:13:15,878 There! 187 00:13:23,969 --> 00:13:24,970 Hey! 188 00:13:25,888 --> 00:13:27,890 What are you doing?! 189 00:13:28,891 --> 00:13:29,934 I need to get inside! 190 00:13:29,975 --> 00:13:30,976 No. 191 00:13:30,976 --> 00:13:32,937 This is an emergency! 192 00:13:32,937 --> 00:13:36,899 What right does a servant like you have to interject in this ceremony? 193 00:13:37,983 --> 00:13:42,947 He's absolutely right. I'm just a servant with no authority at all. 194 00:13:42,947 --> 00:13:45,908 But if something happens, it'll be too late. 195 00:13:46,909 --> 00:13:48,994 That's always the case with things that can't be undone. 196 00:13:50,913 --> 00:13:54,917 There are lives at risk. Please stop the ceremony. 197 00:13:54,917 --> 00:13:56,919 That's not a decision for you to make. 198 00:13:56,919 --> 00:14:00,965 If you have something to say, put it in the suggestion box. 199 00:14:01,882 --> 00:14:03,884 That will take too long! 200 00:14:04,927 --> 00:14:08,889 A fatal defect was discovered in the altar! 201 00:14:08,889 --> 00:14:11,892 There is reason to suspect that someone tampered with it! 202 00:14:11,892 --> 00:14:15,938 If you don't let me in now, you'll regret it! 203 00:14:15,938 --> 00:14:20,901 If, after listening to my warnings, you still reject... 204 00:14:20,985 --> 00:14:24,947 Oh, I get it, so that's what it is! 205 00:14:24,947 --> 00:14:30,953 I see. You're obstructing me and waiting for the incident to happen! 206 00:14:31,912 --> 00:14:35,875 In other words, you're in league with the ones who tampered with the— 207 00:14:53,934 --> 00:14:55,936 I'm about to lose consciousness. 208 00:14:56,937 --> 00:15:01,901 It's only natural for him to get upset, hearing a girl talk to him like that. 209 00:15:01,901 --> 00:15:04,945 That was intentional, so it's fine. 210 00:15:06,906 --> 00:15:11,952 It's no use. This isn't a big enough of a commotion to stop the ceremony. 211 00:15:12,953 --> 00:15:17,917 I'm fine. I can't lose consciousness now. 212 00:15:20,961 --> 00:15:22,922 Do you feel better now? 213 00:15:25,925 --> 00:15:26,967 Please let me through. 214 00:15:29,970 --> 00:15:33,891 There is a person of the most noble birth inside, isn't there? 215 00:15:34,934 --> 00:15:38,938 If something happens, you all will be the ones to lose your heads. 216 00:15:39,897 --> 00:15:42,900 I won't ask you to cancel the ceremony. 217 00:15:42,983 --> 00:15:45,945 Please just let me through. 218 00:15:46,904 --> 00:15:48,948 Just say a rat got in accidentally. 219 00:15:50,908 --> 00:15:53,953 In that case, the only person getting beheaded will be me! 220 00:15:54,912 --> 00:15:57,957 Why should I trust the words of a girl like you?! 221 00:15:57,957 --> 00:16:01,877 What about my words, then? 222 00:16:08,884 --> 00:16:10,928 S-Sir, you're... 223 00:16:14,890 --> 00:16:19,937 Now, why would you strike a young girl like that? 224 00:16:21,897 --> 00:16:23,941 She's hurt. 225 00:16:26,944 --> 00:16:31,907 At any rate, why don't you just go ahead and do as the girl says? 226 00:16:31,907 --> 00:16:33,951 I'll take responsibility. 227 00:16:34,952 --> 00:16:37,913 I don't even want to see who's behind me. 228 00:16:37,913 --> 00:16:40,874 It's perfect timing, as if everything was planned... 229 00:16:40,874 --> 00:16:43,919 No, I can't concern myself with that right now. 230 00:16:43,961 --> 00:16:46,880 It doesn't matter who this voice belongs to. 231 00:16:53,971 --> 00:16:55,973 I must look terrible. 232 00:16:55,973 --> 00:16:58,892 I'll ask Master Gaoshun after all this is done, 233 00:16:58,892 --> 00:17:01,895 and take a nice, long bath. 234 00:17:01,979 --> 00:17:03,897 But first, 235 00:17:04,898 --> 00:17:06,942 I have to avoid getting beheaded. 236 00:17:47,691 --> 00:17:49,651 Gotta stitch that... 237 00:17:50,694 --> 00:17:51,653 Hey. 238 00:17:56,700 --> 00:17:59,703 What's going on here? 239 00:18:00,746 --> 00:18:02,664 Master Jinshi... 240 00:18:04,708 --> 00:18:06,710 Can I have the ox bezoar now? 241 00:18:08,420 --> 00:18:12,424 What's that look on his face? 242 00:18:12,883 --> 00:18:17,429 Sorry, I need to stitch up my leg first— 243 00:18:17,596 --> 00:18:19,681 Wake up! Hey! 244 00:18:20,599 --> 00:18:21,683 Hey! Stay with me. 245 00:18:22,643 --> 00:18:24,645 Hey!