The Apothecary Diaries: Author’s Short Story on Loulan’s Fate Released Online, Apology Issued After Site Overload

Following the final episode of Season 2 of the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries on July 4, it was announced today (July 7) that a short story by the original author Natsu Hyūga, titled "Sazen’s Secret (JP: 左膳の秘密, Sazen no Himitsu)," has been released online via the official X (formerly Twitter) account for the original novels. Due to a flood of access immediately after the announcement at 10:00 a.m., the official account posted an apology.

At 10:00 a.m., the official account posted:

“To those who have finished watching Season 2 of the anime... A new short story by Natsu Hyuga, depicting what happened to Loulan (also known as Shisui), is now available online: 'Sazen’s Secret'!” along with a link to the story.

It added, “The continuation of the anime’s story can be found in Volume 5 of the original novels—don’t miss it!” along with a photo of the book.

Sazen was the guard assigned to watch over Maomao when she was confined in the underground cellar. In the anime, he is shown discovering something just before escaping the palace.

Immediately after the announcement, the site experienced a massive surge in traffic. Quoting the initial post, the account issued an apology:

“Due to heavy traffic, the website is currently difficult to access. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”

They continued, “We kindly ask for your patience and understanding—please try accessing the site again after some time.”

(note) It’s now back online.

About The Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries is a “mystery-solving entertainment” series that follows Maomao, a pharmacist’s daughter with an obsession for poisons and medicines, and Jinshi, a handsome and enigmatic eunuch. Together, they take on a series of puzzling incidents within the imperial court. The novels are written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino.

The short story released this time was originally distributed as a bonus in the past and has now been re-edited for this online release.

Source : ORICON NEWS