The Apothecary Diaries episode 21 was released on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 1:05 a.m. JST. It was titled “How to Buy Out a Contract,” and a major chunk of the episode focused on Lihaku and his burning passion for Pairin.
However, the episode, which is available to stream on Crunchyroll, opens with another scene in which Maomao is in the quack doctor’s chamber at the rear palace. In what viewers can construe as an attempt to keep herself occupied, she shows up to help the doctor clean his office. After all, nothing could be better for the curious protagonist than being surrounded by medicines.
In a conversation with the doctor, Maomao discovers his family’s historical involvement in the paper trade. The former also opens up to her about how he happened to start working at the royal palace. Meanwhile, he also narrates the issues in the trade that his family has recently faced.
Maomao helps him understand his problem’s solution, solving another mystery on a whim. This light-hearted opening prepares fans for a fun-filled episode compared to the solemn air surrounding the recent episodes.
The Apothecary Diaries episode 21 spoilers: Lihaku seeks advice from Moamao to pursue Pairin
Later, a worried Lihaku summons Maomao to seek her advice on buying out a courtesan. However, Maomao knows the courtesan that Lihaku is particularly interested in. She eventually escalates his anxiety by revealing that buying out Pairin is no child’s game.
As such, anyone who pursues her has to pay at least 10,000 silver in cash. Upon hearing this, Lihaku frets over the situation. However, he solemnly plans to do his best and make Pairin his wife. However, Maomao wonders if Pairin will accept him even if he manages to gather the required amount.
Hence, without putting much thought into it, as one can expect of Maomao, she asks Lihaku to strip his clothes so that she can assess his body build. Maomao, with a serious look, tries to understand whether Lihaku is a good fit for Pairin. However, Jinshi halts this humorous investigation with his sudden appearance.
A jealous Jinshi asks for an explanation from Maomao. After understanding the matter, he summons Lihaku to offer him 20,000 silver to pay the amount required for Pairin’s contract. This surprises Lihaku, but he refuses the offer. He states that Pairin deserves a man who can pay off her contract with money.
His desire to marry Pairin, but only by being worthy of her affection, displays that he does not treat her as a possession. He respects her just as much as he loves her, establishing a gentlemanly front with the audience.
The Apothecary Diaries episode 21 ending shifts focus to Lakan
While Maomao is busy with Lihaku’s matter, a flashback takes viewers to an infant Maomao being cared for by the three sisters at the Verdigris House. Among them, Pairin feeds her, making the young courtesan almost like a mother to Maomao. This flashback shows why Maomao is severely attached to the Verdigris House and why the three sisters seem to love her so much.
In the end, the episode takes a somber turn as Maomao learns that Lakan visited the Verdigris House. While viewers try to understand his interest in Maomao, given his biological connection with her, one cannot deny that there is something off-putting about him with the way he talks.
After morning glories, the anime introduces another symbolic flower through Lakan. As far as the lore goes, blue roses symbolize mystery and pride. With Lakan’s intentions still being a mystery in the narrative, fans can only hope that Lakan becomes a caring father in the end.
