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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 20

Hi and welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here. I go about translating to the best of my abilities, relaying all that happens in the chapters - pretty much playing wine-aunt.

So, be warned that all the spoilers are down below. Want some but not all? My dm's/asks are open!

New here or missed a part? Check out the Masterlist.

Enjoy & please take a look at the notes, if you're caught up!

Chapter 20 | A Twisted Past

Maomao checks with Kurumu: So you know the wind reading clan?

The self-proclaimed “beautiful girl” crossed her arms and grunted “Hmm/Well”.

Kurumu: I know, or rather, that’s what my great-grandfather used to call it when he was still living in the grasslands. Well, I only know very little/not much about it either, I’ve only asked my grandmother a few times.

Maomao: Can you tell us as much as you know?

Kurumu: Eh, what should I do?

Narrator-Mao notes that as she made a bad move, Kurumu got carried away.

Kurumu: I can’t say it’s free but/though

Grinning, Kurumu asks for money.

Taomei: Hehe, do you want to get turned in by/to the officials?

Eyes reminiscent of a bird of prey flashed behind Kurumu. Taomei looks on with a smile. Narrator-Mao notes that.. for some reason, the unrelated Basen cowered and the owl was trembling, its wings ruffled.

Kurumu’s face twitched.

As expected, Taomei is a scary wife who puts Gaoshun in place.

Maomao deliberately clears her throat.

Maomao(?): …… I think we’re making a concession here. You answer the questions. I won’t expose you to the officials. Also, depending on what you do in the future—

Taomei: Right, we can also discuss what to do with this owl

Taomei continues Maomao’s answer.

Kurumu: Understood. (it’s short and rushed, fitting for being gaslit like this). What I heard from grandma was that a long time ago, a nomadic family was hunted by slaves. I heard that most of the people who were hunted were killed, the women were taken as wives and the children were sold as slaves.

Narrator-Mao’s like “that’s info even I know”.. however, there is one thing that’s bothering her.

Maomao: I heard that the wind reading clan uses birds. Does this mean that the method of incubating and raising bird eggs has never ceased?

Kurumu: That’s it. Ah, that was a bad thing to say. The wind reading clan was destroyed. The divided half

Maomao: Half?

Maomao and the others stare at Kurumu.

Kurumu: That’s right. They must’ve been going around the grasslands for some kind of festival or something. In that case, wouldn’t it be better to move in parts, rather than all at once. There was also a means of communication using birds.

Maomao nods, saying that’s certainly true.

Maomao: But what happened to the remaining half? It seems that the wind reading clan is thought to have disappeared. Was the festival not continued?

Kurumu: Yes/Hmm. I don’t really understand/get it. Apparently my great-grandfather was one of the surviving members of the family, but he died when grandma was about ten years old. Granny said that he had taught her a lot about birds, but he was no longer grazing and was living in the city. However, there was a regular customer who would buy the pigeons he raised, so he didn’t have to worry about food/eating them.

Maomao: A regular?

Kurumu: Well, I was told that he must be some kind of big name, but I haven’t heard any details about him. I mean, even grandma didn’t seem to know much about it.

Everyone falls silent at Kurumus testimony.

Kurumu: Huh? Did I say something weird?

Maomao?: No, thank you very much.

As narrator she goes on ask-stating if that’s what’s meant with a horse coming from a gourd, which is a literal translation from a saying about a joke/something very unexpected actually coming true. But then she argues that she’d assumed it could be somewhat related to the wind reading clan, it just got to the core of it all more than she expected.

Kurumu: Compromise. Can I take this one home? I found a place that looked like a good spot for releasing (owly).

Maomao(?) asks if she’s actually going to let owly go if they hand owly over and Kurumu explains that that’s what she’d intended to do and what she’d been taught by her grandmother.

Maomao makes eye contact with Taomei. Taomei nodded quietly, so Maomao handed the cage containing owly over to Kurumu. Kurumu smiled broadly.

Maomao: May I ask you one more question?

Kurumu: What is it?

Now that the bird had been returned, Kurumu seemed to be in a good mood, saying this with her teeth showing.

Maomao: You said that your father and Gyokuou-sama’s mother are related, but is it okay to assume that your mother is also part of the wind reading clan?

Kurumu: I can’t say for sure, but…… She seemed to like birds and was used to handling them.

Narrator-Mao notes that if Gyokuou’s mother is from the wind-reader clan, there would be various connections.

Going on to think: I got some useful information though

However, Narrator-Mao’s like.. if they believe Kurumu’s story, several contradictions will appear.

Maomao thinks: If the wind-reading clan had not perished, perhaps they could’ve continued the festival even after that.

Which would mean they’d have to question what the meaning of what Nenshin, who’d become a serf, was doing actually was.

And why did the wind-reader clan become extinct?

Narrator-Mao thinks that a strange/suspicious point just appeared.

In her mind, concluding that one possible possibility is…

Maybe they pretended the wind reading clan was destroyed and used their abilities for something else. (also got that they destroyed them to use their abilities)

“The faster information is transmitted, the stronger it is” - she points out in her head.

Once you surround them with the fact that they perished, there’s many ways to use them. This isn’t strange, considering that Kurumu’s grandmother was already living in the city. It also makes sense that Kurumu’s great-grandfather passed away so early.

Maomao goes on thinking, about great-grandpa’s premature death, that once the technique has been passed down - those who know the past are in the way. (because they know too much)

Kurumu: Hey. Nee-chan. Can I go home now?

Maomao startles as Kurumu pokes her. She seemed to be in deep thought.

Maomao: Sorry. Could you please give me/us your contact information? I might also be able to introduce a customer who also wants a small bird.

Kurumu: …… Eh, I’m kind of scared

Narrator-Mao notes that Kurumu doesn’t seem to be fooled by her fake smile. (Maybe) There was a look on Maomao’s face as if she was going to let a valuable source of information escape.

Taomei: Hehe. I(?) would never do anything terrible to a child. Hey/Listen, could you please introduce me to your father?

Taomei’s eyes light up.

Kurumu reacted timidly, nodding.

Mind-Mao’s like: She’s just too strong

Going on as narrator: Even though she’s a different type from Suiren and the Madam (granny from Verdigris)

Mind-Mao thinks that it’s quiet around her/that it’s no wonder everyone around her (Taomei) is so quiet.

Chue is not as bubbly/outspoken as usual and Basen has a selfless look on his face, one that resembles Gaoshun. Maomao wonders if this is how today’s Gaoshun was created.

Once Kurumu was sent home with a/her servant, Taomei looks at Maomao.

Taomei: From the look on your face it seems like you’ve come up with a few things.

Narrator-Mao notes that this seems to be a polite way of saying: If you know something, tell me.

Maomao: This is just my assumption and it may be (wild and?) absurd

Recently, Maomao has had some antipathy with her adoptive father, Luomen, but she is basically faithful to his teachings. She doesn’t intend to judge things based on speculation without evidence.

Taomei: But my-, our master isn’t looking for a definite conclusion every single time/for every single thing. He’s a master of taking everything into his own hands, but could you please speak with him once so that we can plan for possible future countermeasures?

Taomei looks at Maomao with the eyes of a bird of prey.

Maomao?: Well then—

Maomao opens her mouth to tell Taomei to tell Jinshi her story.

Taomei: No, please meet and talk with him directly.

Maomao: I don’t think there’s a problem with talking about it here

As narrator Maomao doesn’t think that Taomei would twist around the speculations she told her.

Taomei: No. Sometimes I need a distraction

Maomao: Huh?

Maomao could only narrow her eyes at Maomao, who gave her a slightly mischievous smile

Notes

This shit’s getting wild xD

– Please note that this was originally Arc 10. I wrongly assumed since it's going to be LN 10 it would line up, but it was brought to my attention that 2 of the arcs are split up due to how long they are. It doesn't change much per se, since it's still future LN V10, but I'm sticking to the promised honesty, if I get something wrong somewhere. I've gone ahead and renumbered all the posts by now.

– A bird of prey is a bird like an eagle/hawk that kills and eats other birds/animals

– The line about the horse and the gourd was an actual chain of kanji. You can google it and it'll come up: hyōtankarakoma xD

– Which, btw is unrelated, but Basen’s often coming up in translators as “Horse flash” which is always funny. Taomei is peach(es)

– The “selfless” expression mentioned from Basen towards the end is “muga no kyouchi”, a state of self actualization. It’s a state where a person has surpassed his/her limit and starts to copy and execute techniques that he/she has seen/experienced in a random pattern. And yes, this is part of Prince of Tennis xD

– One of the only things I don’t know this time is who’s servant Kurumu leaves with.

– I most often got that sometimes Taomei (aka “I” not “you”) needs a distraction, which.. She's a married wife, with grown kids, her husband in tow - I did get it a minimal amount that sometimes “you” need a distraction, but with Maomao’s reaction and Taomei’s mischievous smile.. 6 and 9 is a number once added up that equals yoga between the sheets.

– I also got it a couple of times that Taomei has a couple of potential clients that could want birds from Kurumu’s dad, but for now I settled on one (Jinshi, the obvious target)

I hope you enjoyed. Buckle up, this is going somewhere. I just love that Taomei is domming anyone and everyone like they’re all just clay in the palm of her hands. Stay safe and I’ll see you soon!

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 19

Hi and welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here - I relay all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt as I go about translating to the best of my abilities.

Hence, be warned: All the spoilers are down below. Want some but not all? My dm's/asks are open.

New here or missed a part? Feel free to check out the Masterlist!

Please note that there's a a lot of chars and some new ones in this and likely at least the next chapter. I'm pretty certain on the pronoun of one chars, but the owl is just a lil question mark.

Chapter 19 | The Wind-Reading Tribe

The chapter opens with Chue guiding Maomao to the suspicious person.

“That-is-why I told you it’s all a misunderstanding.”

Maomao hears a high-pitched voice - it was too harsh/sharp a voice to be called a woman’s. Looking at the figure, even Maomao understands.

“It’s a brat.”

Narrator-Mao thinks she’s about ten years old. Her eyes are narrow and her skin is yellow (not my wording choice). Rather than being a resident of Saito, she has more characteristics of a race in Hisashi-Shu… Her face looks like a boys but her long hair is tied up, so she’s probably a girl. In Saito (the western capital), boys - even children - will often wear a tight head scarf or have their hair in a long braid.

Since she wore a mask and had long hair flowing down her face, people probably mistook her for a woman.

“I’m not a brat.”

Narrator-Mao notes something about the kid lashing out - and that it pretty much confirms her being a brat.

Within the room there are: the sus child, Maomao, Taomei, Basen and one guard who is often seen around but whose name.. Maomao doesn’t know.

“Maomao-san.” - Taomei squints her differently colored eyes.

I’m not fully sure if Maomao asks why Taomei is there or something but she’s like “Why, Taomei-sama?”.

Taomei goes on ask-stating “I thought it was a girl, but my second son said he was interrogating a boy - what would happen if he realizes it’s a girl?”

Maomao’s like “Ah-” - agreeing.

As narrator stating that generally.. Basen doesn’t like women/isn’t good with them. When it comes to his bad skills, she’s worried that it’s gotten so far that he won’t be able to have kids in the future.

“Mother… …” - Basen looks uncomfortable.

Narrator-Mao notes that the girl still looks like a child - then wonders if it’s still no good.

Me and Chue-san seem fine though. - Mind-Mao thinks (reference to him not being into them hence having immunity)

Chue seems to be a rare breed, so it can’t be helped.. but perhaps she’s classified in the same way?

“Are your interrogations not going well? Shall we do it, Chue-san?”

Chue approaches with a smile and narrowed eyes.

“Chue-san, you don’t have to do it.” - Taomei stops her.

“I see. I’m good at handling children.” - Chue pulls out a flag from her sleeve.

“I’m sorry, but what is your current situation?” - Maomao steps between Chue and her mother-in-law. Noting as narrator that everyone from their family has strong personalities, so if you don’t express yourself properly you’ll likely be left behind.

“I’m very sorry. As for the current situation, the child is Kurumu (Krum).”

“Ku-ru-mu?”

“It’s written like this.” - Taomei writes it on the table and shows it to Maomao.

“Thank you.”

Narrator-Mao let’s us know that the atmosphere of the name is far from the general sound around the capital. If anything, it sounded like it was coming from the direction of Xiao (don’t ask me if that’s it or not, it’s none of the places mentioned so far)

“Please tell me clearly too/You too, speak up/louder. As you can see, I’m just a beautiful young girl that can be found anywhere/from anywhere. I was just wandering around here, trying to catch the bird that I used to keep!”

{Beautiful girl..} - all eyes are on Kurumu. She seems to have a very high self-esteem. However, if they (Maomao) complain they’ll go off-topic again.

“As you can see, there is no other intention than catching the bird, and of course there is no malicious intent. So, I’m/she’s telling you calmly to return the bird and release her.”

“That’s quite brazen.” - Chue speaks for Maomao as Taomei explains (I think during this part Taomei is like a speaker for Kurumu)

“Alright! I raised this bird originally. Look at it. Look how friendly it is/Look, it’s attached to me like this!”

“It doesn’t look like it though”

The bird turned away from Kurumu without looking at her. Up close (owly) really had a strange mask like/look on its face.

“I’m telling you, look!” - Once Kurumu puts on the mask, wearing all black the owl finally approaches her.

“Hehe. The owl hatched from an egg. I’ve been taking care of (owly) like this for a long time.”

“In other words, if you dress like that, the owl will react no matter who the person wearing this is. Even if it’s not you”

“?!” - Hearing Maomao’s words, Kurumu looked like her jaw would fall off.

“No, it’s true! Believe me! Believe in this precious child!” - Kurumu looks like she’s about to cry.

“Look, I know that this is (owly's) favorite food.”

“He’s cute, isn’t he? Here, it’s chicken.” - Taomei handed the owl a piece of chicken with her chopsticks. The owl hopped around in the cage, approached and ate the chicken.

“?!”

“It seems like (owly) will take the food, even if one doesn’t wear black clothes (and the mask).”

At this point Kurumu makes a stuffy nose sound - that sounds like something I can’t quite figure out, it’s something about wearing the mask while scratching something, sometimes I get head, other times nose.

Speaking of, since his mother is in charge, Basen just stands there without saying anything. He’s a little similar to Gaoshun, who reached the state of nirvana.

“I-I raised (owly) properly……”

Maomao(?): “If you say you raised (owly), please show me the proof.”

Kurumu(?): “Even if you say evidence-” (i’m not 100% but i think the kid tries to bring across that she doesn’t know what she’s supposed to do)

Chue: Maomao-san, you are ruthless, even with children.

Chue says this as if it’s someone else’s business while offering Taomei an extra piece of chicken.

Narrator-Mao notes that it seems like she’s being careful about her mother in law. Although she seems to be free when it comes to her father-in-law and brother-in-law. (free as in doing as she likes)

Maomao: Even if you say it’s ruthless, even a child can light a fire. It would be normal for even children to be punished if they are acting strangely in the villas of Saito’s powerful people.

Chue(?): That’s right

Maomao(?): Ah, Chue-san. Raw chicken is dangerous, so please heat it before eating.

Chue: Oops, excuse me/sorry

Chue was naturally trying to put the chicken in her mouth. No matter how much of a picky eater she is, Narrator-Mao doesn’t recommend eating raw pig or chicken. (real lesson, my people)

Kurumu: Pro-Properly. I-I raised (owly)…… (owly) hatched from an egg, too

Maomao(?): Is that so. If, how did you get the egg? And how did you hatch it? Please explain why the bird you raised ran away

While sniffing (nose runny) Kurumu begins to speak.

Kurumu: I got the e-egg. Ah, the hunter who knows my dad said he didn’t want it. My father didn’t want it either.

Maomao: Hunter?

Kurumu: When you hunt a hawk or something - if you find a nest, you get the eggs. Father will buy the eggs, raise them and sell them to the rich/nobelman.

Maomao: I see

This bird turned out to be an unsold egg - Narrator-Mao notes.

Maomao: So, how did you hatch it?

Kurumu: ……Oh. Father always keeps the room warm. You burn a lot of fuel, ventilate when it gets too hot, and turn the eggs about five times a day. I wasn’t allowed to use the room, so I put the egg under my arm. I think the parent birds kept it warm for a long time, it hatched in about five days

Maomao: Hmm

Maomao knew that Kurumu was telling the truth. She only had a rough idea of how birds hatch, but she doesn’t think Kurumu is wrong.

Basen: Hey, what’s going on?

Basen, who was in the Gaoshun reserve army, asked Maomao. (let’s be real for a sec he totally napped)

Maomao: I don’t think there’s anything strange about it. I don’t think she could say this much as a quick lie

However, there was something that bothered her.

Maomao: Did you raise this owl with the intention of selling it?

Kurumu: N-No!

Maomao: Guessed so

Maomao goes on grabbing the black costume.

Maomao: It looks like you raised it with the intent of returning (owly) to the wild.

Kurumu: …… Yeah (this is not the usual hai). I taught (owly) how to catch insects so (owly) could hunt

Maomao: But do you think (owly) was sold?

Kurumu: …… Yes/That’s right. My damn old man

Kurumu balls her fists.

Kurumu: (Owly) had an interesting face and a unique color, so he sold (owly) while I was gone. Without discussion, on his own. Since there was no mate, I was supposed to return (owly) to the forest. That’s why I raised (owly) in such hot clothes and with the mask on!

Kurumu feels angry, but it’s nothing unusual. The head of the household is in charge of the belongings of women and children. That’s the general view in Li.

Maomao thinks that it feels near paralyzing for strong women to live in a place like this(?)

Going on as narrator that it’s not uncommon for daughters to be raised as instrument for a polotically motivated marriage, or marriages in general.

Maomao: I understand. Well then, can I continue speaking? This is just a prediction, so correct me if I’m wrong

Kurumu: Y-Yeah

Kurumu sniffs and nods.

Maomao: Is your father’s occupation not falconry, but selling falcons to rich people? For falconry and as pets

Kurumu nodded.

Maomao: This is the mansion the owl was sold to. To the daughter of Gyokuou-sama, right?

Kurumu: That’s not it. To be exact, she’s an adopted daughter. There’s no daughter of this age from Nightingale-King

Kurumu seemed to have stopped sobbing and was now talking in a much clearer voice.

Maomao: Nightingale King?

Maomao asked back at the unfamiliar words. Adopted daughters aren’t particularly unusual, and she expected it, so it doesn’t really bother her.

Kurumu goes on to explain that there’s a main character in a play with that name. He defeats his enemies as if.. he were a swordmaster. The story is based on the old lord and the nicknames, Gyukuou and Nightingale King, came about as people in moments of mischief tried to say them. (ik it’s a mess, i’ll explain the kanji in the notes)

As narrator Maomao tells us that while Kurumu looks pretty young, she thinks Kurumu is quite intelligent and notes the high vocabulary Kurumu has for a kid her age.

Maomao’s like “Gyokuou-sama seems to be popular among people.”

Kurumu’s like “Oh well. He’s the eldest son of Gyokuen-sama, the king who brought the city to life, and he is friendly and even talks to commoners.”

Maomao only gives back an “...... I see/Is that so”

She’s honest as narrator that she doesn’t know much about Gyokuou and has other things she needs to hear right now.

Maomao: Are you saying that the owl was sold to Gyokuou's daughter, but the owl really ran away and ended up living in the mansion?

Kurumu’s like “Sort of” and Maomao asks how she knew that the owl ran away. Kurumu explains that “the person themselves” looked apologetic as they told the news and apologized.

Maomao’s like “the person themselves?” - Maomao turns to look at Chue, who’s next to her. Both Taomei and Basen have strange looks on their faces.

Kurumu goes on explaining that despite what she looks like, she’s known the people from the Jade house for a long time, they even taught her how to write.

Chue’s like “Yeah, you’re a little dirty.” and Kurumu snaps back at Chue's murmuring “Who’s a little dirty, I’m a beautiful girl!”. Narrator-Mao notes that the child’s tear stained face seems to be entirely gone.

“What do you mean? You don’t look like someone who goes in and out of a mansion.”

As narrator Maomao says that while Taomei changed the wording, what she says to Chue is the same (as what Chue had said about Kurumu)

Kurumu goes goes on explaining that she was good friends with Kaa-Chan, the wife of Gyokuen and mother of the Nightingale King. The lady was a relative of her father(?), and was the one who sold birds to rich people and that's how she got the news. Kurumu met her daughter several times when delivering goods. But when she asked to get the owl back, the daughter(?) was troubled. Kurumu concludes this part by saying “I guess you can’t just give back something your father gave you.”

Maomao tries to check/confirm: That means she/they let the owl escape on purpose.

Kurumu: I don’t know about that. However, I received a message saying that it was trouble because (owly) escaped. In other words, I understood that they were asking me to catch (owly). I’m innocent, right?

Maomao: No, that’s no good because you unnecessarily startled the residents of the mansion.

Kurumu lets out a growl like an animal “Ugh.”

Chue: “For the most part, I was able to understand the situation. Maomao-san”

Kurumu(?): “Yes, but”

Chue: “I think Maomao-san would like to ask you something else.”

Chue was right.

Narrator-Mao let’s us know that her main issue wasn’t figuring out the reason why Kurumu was wandering around the mansion - because that part was largely predictable for her.

“Then, would you mind if I asked you to answer some of my question in exchange for the inconvenience fee?”

“Sure, go ahead.” - Taomei speaks on Kurumu’s behalf again. Maomao was looking at Taomei as she asked the question

Maomao’s like “I understand that your family raised birds, but did you do anything to use them as means of communication?”

Kurumu explains that they don’t do that at their home - however, in her great-grandpa’s time, it seems that her relatives did, but she doesn’t know about it (happening) now.

Narrator-Mao’s like “Hmm” and crosses her arms.

Maomao then asks if her family used to do falconry, back in the day.

Kurumu admits that they(?) did that - her dad just started selling them to rich people instead because he thought it’s a lucrative business. They still hunt rabbits and sometimes foxes, but the reason she was told that they didn’t need the owl eggs is because unless it’s a hawk or eagle, it won’t be able to catch large prey. They’re more convenient to use for hunting than as a pet.

Narrator-Mao agrees that this owl seems to be able to, at most, catch a mouse or small rabbit.

“Then, can you make a bird that you raise catch only certain creatures?”

Kurumu furrows her brows.

Kurumu: I’ve never done it, but I can’t say it’s impossible. If you continue to feed only certain foods from the time they are chicks, they may/can become picky eaters. Or, when hunting, you could change their bait depending on the prey. When falconers bring in the prey they have caught, they exchange it for (animal) food. Once they learn what prey they can exchange for their favorite food, they may pick and choose their prey.

Maomao thinks again that Kurumu is smart after all. Except for the high-pitched voice, Maomao feels like she’s talking to a much more grown-up person than Chou’u, who is the same age as Kurumu.

Maomao: Then it might be possible to create a bird that only targets flying locusts

“Flying locusts?” - Basen catches on.

Kurumu: Flying locusts. Then it would have to be a bird that’s not very big, like this one. And since they prefer meat, it might be more realistic to switch the meat and the prey.”

“I see. Then, the last question.”

Maomao took a deep breath, then exhaled.

Maomao: Are you part of the wind-reading clan?

For a moment Kurumu just blinked.

Kurumu: How do you know that name?

Maomao clenches her fist.

Notes | Chapter 20

A couple things, once again!

Owly is not the owls name, I just used it as a stand-in instead of pronouns because they're constantly changing in my translators and there's a ton of he's and she's as is.

The part where Maomao refers to Chue as a rare breed in context of Basen's shyness immunity towards Maomao and Chue it's a kanji that's used for rare animal species xD

As always, Kurumu's name is up in the air, it's what I get most in my translations. However, there's no character fitting her in the wiki - which is awefully behind/lacking detail and characters anyway

To get to the names 玉鶯 is Gyokuou's usual spelling. Nightingale King is this spelling 鶯王. Basically, the kanji are flipped and in Nightingale King a little line is missing. As people tried to play about, the nicknames happened. In the wiki the faux title is “King Ou”. I went with the more literal translation because it's pretty much what you usually get translating his name - like how Chue is Sparrow. A tiny translator easter egg while also making it easier to keep track, plus it's so play/theatre coded xD

Maybe there's more notes, but here's the key points. I hope you enjoyed, stay safe and I'll see you with the next one!

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 18

Hi and welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here. I relay all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt.

So, be warned, all the spoilers are down below. If you'd like spoilers, but less - my dm's/asks are open!

New here or missed a part? Check out the Masterlist.

Chapter 18 | Hitoban Pt. 3

There was an uproar in the courtyard but as soon as Jinshi, the mightiest man, told them to disperse, everyone returned to their posts. Once everyone was gone they checked inside the net.

“What *the hell* is this…..” - both Jinshi and Basen went wide-eyed. Based on Basen’s reaction, Narrator-Mao concludes that the bird must’ve escaped him before he could get a proper look.

The bird that Chue had caught was an owl (esp ural owl), about a foot long. However, it had a somewhat eerie look (kao) to be called an owl and they were taken aback by it.

It’s face (men) was white and round, as if it was wearing a mask (men). The feathers around the face were dark, so if it were in a dark place without spreading its wings, it would look like a floating mask (men).

But—

“It’s kind of small, isn’t it?” - It’s Tianyu who says it plainly.

I think Narrator-Mao goes on noting that even in front of Jinshi, the moon prince, Tianyu looks/is bold/imposing. The double mention of Jinshi’s titles is throwing my translators off.

Maomao nudges Tianyu with her elbow.

“Oh, I’m very sorry. You were here too, moon prince”

Maomao finds Tianyu pretty unfriendly. Of course she’d moved herself elsewhere.

Jinshi too wore a slightly hard/stiff facial expression. On the surface it was the smile of a heavenly being/he had the smile of a celestial being.

“There was an uproar. It would be strange if we didn’t notice. But what were you doing?”

Maomao thinks something that's either “shameless” or “hypocritical”

She goes on wondering as narrator what he (Tianyu) is going to say since he (Jinshi) even sent Basen to her.

Maomao steps forward because she doesn't know what Tianyu would say/reply.

“Okay. Lately, there have been rumors that strange things have been happening around this mansion. The military attaché with the medical officer had been consulted about this matter by a servant, so he investigated it while patrolling the residence. Today, I was consulted by that servant in the morning, but I was reluctant to ask the military officer, who had (just) finished his night guard, to directly investigate. His original job is to protect the medical officer, not doing chores.”

Maomao thinks “Let’s mix a little sarcasm in there”

She goes on adding something along the lines of “So I, as a court lady and medical officer went out to see if I could hear the story.”

Jinshi’s pretty much like “I see/Hm. Then what about the doctor next to you. There must be other work for a doctor to do.” (referring to how she couldn’t wake Lihaku but chilling with Tianyu’s fine) - His eyes sharp/cutting/discerning.

In her head Maomao’s like “Ah-” - going on as narrator that in the end it wasn’t good to involve Tianyu at all.

“I’m very sorry. I forced myself to follow her (he’s basically saying he forced his presence upon her). Maomao is better at dispensing medicine than a young medical officer like me, and I’m currently learning a lot of things *from her*. When I heard Maomao was walking around the courtyard, I thought she was looking for something to use as ingredients for herbal medicine, so I followed her.”

Mind-Mao’s like “This guy… …” - apparently Tianyu shifts the way he refers to himself, using second person now. She also notes as narrator that he apparently seems to purposefully misspell someone’s name on purpose (I think it’s hers?)

She feels like Jinshi’s eyes have become even more stern/steely.

“I see. I understand the general situation, but is it true that the real mystery is this bird/I have a general understanding of what’s going on, but the key question is, is this bird the true identity of the monster?”

Maomao’s like “Yes. Half of it.”

Maomao looks at the owl.

“There will be people watching us here. I’d like to change the location and ask for more details, is that okay?”

“Yes, sir.” - Maomao accepts Jinshi’s offer/request.

“I’ve never seen a bird with a face (kao) like this before.” - Jinshi gives the caged bird a serious/fixed long look.

From the courtyard they were led to the guest room used by Jinshi - there’s also another couple of rooms in use that Maomao notes you could hold a light/small tea party in.

Jinshi is sitting as the host, and around him are the usual: Suiren, Maomao, Taomei, Chue and bodyguard Basen. Narrator-Mao also has a feeling that Basen’s older brother Baryou is probably nearby but she doesn’t think he’ll come out.

For some reason Tianyu is also in the same room, smiling.

Maomao thinks that Tianyu should just say he has some job to do and decline.. but as narrator she knows that “if something seems interesting, he’ll follow you, that’s Tianyu”.

“Why did you think this bird was the true identity of the mysterious “Hitoban”?”

At Jinshi’s question Maomao closes her eyes. She has to be careful not to give Tianyu strange information. (one could also use suspicious or unexpected, etc)

“Okay - the first thing that struck me as odd/I thought was strange was the word “mask” (men). When I heard that people had seen “masks” on trees and buildings, I first looked around/checked the trees.”

Then she found the bird droppings which clarified that it wasn’t a small bird, but a carnivorous one of a certain size.

“Small bird were normally flying around the residence during the day, so I suspected that if there were carnivorous birds, they must be nocturnal.”

“I see/Hm. At that point you felt like the bird was the true identity of the monster, but what was the basis for that?”

“If you know this bird, you can imagine it. This is my first time seeing one in real life, but I knew that there were birds that looked like they had masks (men) on. They were drawn in an illustrated book of living things that I got at the pharmacy I used to work at.”

Jinshi, Narrator-Mao assumes, would probably know what the illustrated book is - it’s one of those taken from the Shi clan’s fortress. She also notes that he should be the one holding onto it now, so he can see it if he gets someone to bring it to him.

“The name is said to be: barn/masked (men) owl. If it was a normal owl, you wouldn’t think it had a floating face - but, above all, I feel like this owl has a slightly unusual color.”

Dark feathers. She notes that she thought most owls had black wings and a white belly, but this one’s almost entirely dark brown except the face.

“May I ask you a question?” - Tianyu raises his hand.

“Let’s hear it/Say it.” - Jinshi’s tone is a little more imperious/coercing than usual.

“It certainly looks like a mask, but isn’t it too small? It’s too pretty/cute to be a human face though/called a human face though.”

Tianyu looks at the owl in the cage. The owl didn’t act violent, it just looked sleepy. If they were to put nesting material in the cage it might sleep.

“Human eyes are ambiguous/unclear. I think that the presence of the white floating in the air is significant. Besides/Also-”

Maomao takes a piece of paper out of her pocket - when she’s looking for a writing utensil Chue quickly handed one to her. Narrator-Mao notes that she moves quick/works well. In addition, she often provokes Basen, who let the owl escape, by giving him an irritated look.

Maomao writes four dots on a piece of paper and shows them to Jinshi and Tianyu - they should be exactly where eyes, nose and mouth are.

“The human eye is designed so that when the dots are lined up like this, it looks like a human face. This is similar to the idea of seeing a persons face floating on a pillar/It’s just like the way people’s faces are often seen on pillars.”

“Understood. You found out the identity of the mask(men) floating in the night.”

Tianyu puts his hand in the cage and.. pokes/nudges the owl - it doesn’t put up/offer any particular resistance. Taomei(?) comes over with a plate with raw chicken on it.

Maomao thinks “Luxurious.”

As Taomei(?) offers the owl the chicken with chopsticks, it easily takes a mouthful (beakful? xD). It has no qualms about eating things offered to it by others.

“You found out the identitity of the mask (men). But what is the identity of the head (atama)?”

Narrator-Mao notes that Tianyu’s not a fool - he remembers exactly what Maomao said.

“Mask (men) and head (atama)? What does that mean?” - Jinshi’s asking for an explanation.

Maomao decided to speak again, including a review.

“There have been reports of sightings for the past 20 days. At that time it was called “men” or “kao”. However, it seems that the last few sightings are of a head (atama). Moreover, it was floating outside the mansion.”

“I suppose you are trying to say that “mask/men” and “head/atama” are different things. So, if this bird is the “mask/men” what would/will be the head/atama?”

“That’s the thing.” - Maomao glances at Chue.

“What is it? Do you need something from Chue-san?”

“It’s not Chue-san, is it?”

Maomao was thinking about the chronology. Witness testimony of the “atama” from a few days ago. This coincides with the date when Maomao and the others came to/arrived in Saito. And there’s one person who seems to be doing something strange.

“Pardon me. Chue-san has been with Maomao-san for the past few days.”

That’s right, she was away plowing the field with Maomao.

“This is just a hypothesis. However, just by looking at this owl, I feel like I figured something out.”

Narrator-Mao takes note of the owl eating chicken with its foot, spotting beautiful goldwork.

“Probably, but I think we’ll find it soon. We just have to leave a little trap.” Maomao grinned, patting the owl with its creepy face.

The next day Chue appears, alongside with her the distinctive sound of her footsteps.

Maomao had finished cleaning up the breakfast and was preparing medicine with the quack doctor.

“Are you a prophet, Maomao-san?” - Chue said/asked while blinking.

“I see that you found it. Have you been rough with them?”

“What are you two talking about? I have no idea what you mean.”

He’s a quack from beginning to end, but since it’s too troublesome to explain Maomao asks him to continue dispensing medicine - after, the tea should be prepared.

Chue, looking like she owned the place, sat on a chair waiting for Guen to bring the tea and sweets. (i’d like her balls, ngl xD)

“Okay. As Maomao-san said, I kept watch over the owls cage at night. Then, I looked to the place where the owl suddenly started making noise - there was a big problem/and lo and behold, there it was. I/We found someone dressed in black with a strange mask on.”

Chue seems to be having fun, drinking the tea that Guen was offering quietly - the sweets he brought were dried fruits from Saito.

“I couldn’t believe he really looked/was dressed like that.”

Even Maomao was surprised that it fit so well.

“So, is that suspicious person the one who raised the owl?”

“Correct.” - Chue makes a large circle. (i’d assume with her arms)

“Maomao-san, why did you think that the culprit behind the strange incident was the owl breeder?” - Chue asked frankly.

Maomao recalls/remembers the owls characteristics.

“Because it was clearly a pet owl. It also had the decoration/ornament on its legs and it didn’t seem to get angry in the cage, so it was eating the processed chicken without any caution. I thought that he had been taking care of it for many years, rather than just temporarily caught it as a pet.”

“Ah/Oh”

“And there was one thing that bothered me about the sightings.”

Narrator-Mao explains: The sightings of the “mask/men” were reported about 20 days ago, and the sightings of the “head/atama” was reported a few days ago. There’s one/some similarity.

“If it was twenty days ago, it must’ve been around the time that Empress Gyokuyous niece left for the capital.”

“Ah/Oh” - Chue seems to understand.

“Owl’s were originally one of the offerings brought to the capital/The owl was originally one of the offerings taken/to be taken to the capital. What if it somehow escaped?”

“Oh/I see. So did they decide to capture it now because the royal family was coming and they wanted to present it again? Is that the reason he put on such a strange mask so that no one can see his face?”

Maomao had an idea about the strange appearance - but it’s not a clear answer, just one of the guesses that Maomao makes.

“Maomao-san. Chue-san is a easygoing person, but I’m not a fool, so I won’t take Maomao-san’s opinon as just a story.” - Narrator-Mao notes that she’s basically telling her to keep it short - once she hears this she feels lighter/her mouth does.

“I think the mask and black costume are probably meant to resemble the owl’s parents.” - Chue tilts her head at Maomao’s words.

“Do you know what imprinting is?”

“Yes, Chue-san knows. When a bird is born from an egg it recognizes the first thing it sees as its parent.”

“Right. I wonder if the caretaker intended to release the owl back into the wild. I thought that they might’ve tried to avoid them remembering people’s faces.”

“Oh”

Narrator-Mao remarks that judging by the owl’s droppings, it was probably catching its own food.

“But in the end, it seems like it developed the habit of receiving chicken from people. If an owl with a funny face was accustomed to humans, rich people would buy it as a novelty, or give it as a tribute to a nobleman.”

“Do you mean that the person who raised it didn’t like that and let it free or let it escape?”

“It’s just an assumption.”

“However, the owl that was supposed to run away ended up living in the villa of Gyokuen-sama. And if the royal family were to stay there, it would be a big problem.”

“That’s just hypothetical.”

“If you call for the owl and are dressed as you were when you raised it, it will come - then catch the owl and release it far away.”

“Assumption.”

“I know.”

Narrator-Mao notes that to call the owl they’d have to blow a whistle or something. The owl responded, but couldn’t get out. (that’s when it went crazy in the cage while Chue was keeping watch on it)

She goes on that whether or not her assumptions are true, one thing has been learned.

“There’s no doubt that he’s an owl breeder.”

“I agree.”

Maomao and Chue laugh with a grin. The quack doctor watches the two evil spirits outside the mosquito net and is frightened. If he, like Maomao assumes, is a person that can raise birds from chicks, a certain problem will come closer to being solved.

“The wind reading tribe”, told by a former serf named Nenshin - a tribe said to have been surrounded by the dog clan.

Maomao thinks that they probably can’t survive just by holding festivals/rituals.

Also, if “we” think about how they exterminated insects, one answer emerges.

The “wind reading tribe” is said to have handled birds. Maomao recalls that a certain thing was once done with birds.

Communication using pigeons.

Similarly, if birds were used as a means of communication, the wind-reading-tribe would become adept at not only festivals but also about espionage.

Maomao decides to meet the suspicious person they had caught.

Notes | Chapter 19

Yeah.. it was an owl all along xD outside of Tianyu, this was the most confusing back and forth so far. If you stuck around or knew what the ending was gonna be, congrats!

Maomao calls Jinshi shameless/hypocritical because Lihaku had mentioned he's been involved in getting the job to Maomao yet acted like he didn't know a thing.

Yes, Jinshi was jealous and Maomao knows.

I'm sorry that the mansion and villa thing keeps switching, we all know it's just a pricey, fancy house at the end of the day

So, now it's officially confirmed for you and me that the "dog clan" was Nenshin's group. It was confusing for me, but yeah.

Hope you enjoyed and stay safe!

#the apothecary diaries #kusuriya no hitorigoto #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 17

Hi and welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here - I relay all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I translate to the best of my abilities.

So, be warned, this involves all the spoilers. Want some but not all? My dm's/asks are open.

New here or missed a part? Check out the Masterlist!

Chapter 17 | Hitoban Pt. 2

“Now, what are we going to do?” - Tianyu asks like it’s someone elses problem.

“Whatever I say, won’t you just show me how to do it right?” - Maomao looked at the courtyard.

She/they had decided to let Lihaku sleep since he’s on night patrol. In return, Maomao got a map of the villa.

Narrator-Mao also lets us know that she’s persuaded the quack to go out, so they have to wrap it up early.

“I’m scissors. I’m not going to cut, unless you tell me what paper I’m supposed to cut. If you want to stab anything in the back, that’s fine.”

Maomao: … …

Narrator-Mao notes that Tianyu seems to have a deep-rooted feeling that she doesn’t trust him.

Maomao thinks something along the lines of “But that guy’s someone like that.”

And goes on as narrator that he seems to be lacking ethics.

“For now, let’s go to the place where the yokai appeared.”

Tianyu then uses a word that’s common for interjections but can mean a couple different things - natives don’t rec using that phrase unless it’s orally ‘cause it’s that hard to pinpoint.

The first location is a courtyard where the floating head is seen often.

“Sightings are concentrated on that tree or building/toward the tree and on top of the building.”

Maomao glances at the floorplan of the villa - noting as narrator that, although a villa, it’s quite spacious.

“Ho/Huh” - Tianyu looks alternately at the tree and building.

“Is there anything you’re curious about?”

“Not particularly. What about you, young miss Maomao?”

That’s how Tianyu calls her.

“For me, there’s two things.” - She turns her initial attention to the tree.

“It’s a little different from the trees that grow elsewhere in Saito. It’s larger and taller than the others”

“So what/What’s that about?”

“Don’t you care? Different types of plants produce different kinds of medicines. I’ll have to get a little closer to see/find out.”

Tianyu’s like “Yeah, what’s that got to do with anything right now?”

If he’s got an uninteresting personality, Maomao will get/look bored.

“And the other one?”

“The other thing is that the trees and buildings look like “masks”.”

“That’s because he said it would show its face.”

“Yes. When a/the “mask (men)” or “face (kao)” appears/comes out. But they didn’t say “head (atama)” (alt version could be: they say when a mask or face appears - but they don’t say head, it’s complicated, stick with me pls)

One thing that bothered Maomao is that there are two different testimonies: “mask (men)” and “head (atama)”.

“Are you sure they mean “mask (men)” and “head (atama)”, so flat and three-dimensional?”

Narrator-Mao notes that “Tianyu is kinda/somehow very smart. He got close.”

Maomao argues that she doesn’t know about that, but she’s wondering and says that she’ll check out the tree.

Tianyu’s like “Please do. Is there anything to do?” and Narrator-Mao notes that “It looks like the scissors are ready to work.”

“Yes, then/well…” - Maomao pulls out a Tenugui from her pocket and wraps it around a stone that had fallen on the ground.

“Please hook this well to that tree.”

Tianyu’s response can be translated a couple of ways “Don’t talk nonsense/That’s unreasonable/Don’t be absurd/…” in short, he’s not pleased…

But as he says that, he already swung the Tenugui neatly and hooked it on the tree. Now she can climb confidently.

Maomao goes under the tree. The tree is broad leaved and around 2 jo tall.

“Is this an osmanthus?” (fragrant olive - osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus)

Maomao looks around. It’s a tree that produces small flowers with a strong fragrance - it’s used to make keika chinshu wine and flower tea.

Maomao puts her hand on the tree and lets out a “Wow!” sound.

Tianyu: Ugh that’s disgusting/dirty.

Maomao, in her head: Shut up/Be quiet.

She had dried bird poop on her hands - going to try and rub it off on the trunk of the tree.

Tianyu’s like “Huh?” and asks her something, I’m not 100% of. It’s related to smell/a stench. I mostly get what she’s sniffing at/smelling but I don’t know if that quite makes sense, in or out of context.

“Eh? What are you stirring with the stick?” - Tianyu looks at her with blank eyes.

Maomao’s like “Huh? Picking it up/apart? I’m picking the contents of the feces up/apart like with chopsticks.”

Tianyu takes half a step back.

Narrator-Mao notes that even she doesn’t like to do it - animal feces contain a lot of information.

“This bird seems to mainly eat insects.” - Tianyu seems to mockingly repeat “It seems to only eat insects”, given the ending & context.

“But there are also some hairs mixed in, probably from a rat or some other small animal.”

“Eats rats? It it a falcon/hawk or black kite (milvus migrans)?”

Narrator-Mao notes that if the bird doesn’t just eat insects but also small animals it would’ve to be of a certain size.

“Yes. But… …” Maomao looks around - letting us know in narration that while the villa has a lot of greenery and plenty of water, meaning there are a few birds here and there, none of them were big enough to eat mice/rats. Also, if there was such a bird, the smaller ones would run away.

Or, at least they don’t appear to be there at this time - Narrator-Mao thinks, turning her attention next to the building.

“You can’t get up on the roof of that building, can you?”

“The roof, huh. Do you want to throw another tenugui?”

“Can you reach it?”

“Looks like it’s impossible/I don’t think so.”

Since there didn’t seem to be a solution, Maomao thought about heading back.. but then Maomao felt/saw something move at the edge of her vision.

She wondered what it was, but since she couldn’t find anything in particular, all she took note of was the openwork decoration under the roof.

“... I really want to climb the roof.”

“Eh, that’s impossible.”

“Let’s do something. We need a ladder.”

“Even if you say that, you’ll have to ask the gardener.”

Narrator-Mao concludes that “perhaps his interest has waned considerably, and he’s not motivated.”

But in her head she’s like: speaking of gardener, if I remeber correctly…

He should be/is the old man who said he’d seen the head yesterday.

She goes about heading to the hut where the gardener’s supposed to be.

“Even if you suddenly ask me to lend you a ladder…” - The old man responds with a troubled/annoyed look and Narrator-Mao wonders that it might be because of the strange thing he saw yesterday that he’s feeling a little lackluster/lifeless.

“I’m told to be kind to guests, but I’m not told to help them rummage around the mansion.”

Tianyu’s like “That’s a fair point.” and in her head Maomao’s like “Which side are you on?”, concluding as narrator that Tianyu’s completely unreliable.

“It looks like a bird is nesting in the cracks in the roof of this mansion.”

“A nest? Well, there’s been a lot of poop lately.”

“Yes. It would be a hassle if the birds were to nest, so I thought I’d clean it up. I would be happy if I could get the eggs. We use them as an ingredient in our medicine.”

“Medicine? Even though we don’t know what kind of bird it it?”

“Yes, eggs are generally good for nourishment.” - Maomao says the appropriate things.

But there’s one more thing to add/that she’d like to add.

“The monster commotion that has become a hot topic lately - I think I know the cause.”

“R-Really?!”

“Yes.”

Narrator-Mao notes that she thinks at least half of the problem can be solved.

The elderly gardener immediately prepared a ladder, but it turned out to be more unstable than expected.

“Maybe I should be (the one) climbing?” Tianyu asks Maomao.

“The way you put it, you have no intention of climbing (it).”

“Yeah.”

Maomao doesn’t feel like asking that much of the old gardener, so she decides to climb up herself. However, as she put up the big ladder, a bunch of government officials and servants gathered around.

“.......”

Unfortunately, no one stepped up to take her place, it was really just a sight-seeing trip.

“Incidentally, the original man of leisure/busybody was also there” - Narrator-Mao notes.

It’s Jinshi. The people around him took three steps back at the appearance of “the great man”.

Jinshi had an indescribable look on his face and went about telling Basen something - Basen nods and comes over to Maomao.

“It looks like you’re going to climb the ladder, but I’ll take your place. What do you want me to do?”

“Are you, Basen-sama?”

Narrator-Mao’s like: To be honest, if Basen were to go, it would be faster if she just did it herself. Although Basen has better athletic abilities, she felt like he would be slow to make quick decisions. In addition—

She goes on thinking that he’ll do something with his enormous strength.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll go.” - While she flatly/firmly refuses, there’s no way he’ll back down.

Basen goes on to argue that either he or Jinshi said he’ll replace her, asking again what he should do. Maomao realizes she has no choice but to give up because it’s assumed/expected that they switch.

“Perhaps, just perhaps, there’s a bird nesting in the gap in the roof. If there is a bird would you be able to/could you please catch it?”

“A bird?”

“Yes, I think it’s probably a nocturnal bird. If it’s asleep, please take your time. If you can reach it.”

“Understood.”

Basen lets out a heavy breath - Maomao on the other hand becomes anxious.

“Basen-sama. Please don’t kill it, because it won’t be able to get into paradise if it’s killed in vain.” (alt is that he won’t if he kills in vain.)

“Please don’t kill it… …” - Basen’s voice immediately becomes quiet.

Maomao thinks “I’m anxious/nervous.”

As narrator she tells us that she was thinking about going to wake up Lihaku, ask him to switch places but then she saw the gap in the roof. It seems like Lihaku would never be able to get into it.

“I think it would be better if I go because of the size of the gap.”

“No, no, I’ll go. Leave it to me!”

Maomao is filled with anxiety as she watches Basen climb the ladder. One lucky thing is that his body is strong, so even if he would fall of the ladder they wouldn’t have to worry about him getting injured.

Basen climbs the ladder and looks through the opening beneath the roof. He makes a circle with his thumb and forefinger.

Maomao thinks something along the lines of “So there’s a birds nest *right?*”

The openwork is removable and Basen goes about removing it slowly. He threaded a string through it and lowered it to the ground. He then twists his body through the gap and enters.

Not only Maomao but everyone around them swallowed hard.

She thought everyone was quiet but before she knew it Chue came over and showed everyone a board with the word “Quiet” written on it.

There was nothing for a while, but then suddenly there was a loud rattling/clattering sound.

“I missed it/It got away-” Basen’s voice echoes.

Maomao thinks something like “Oh/Hey”

As she’s panicking, Chue climbed up the ladder with a note. Maomao was wondering what she was going to do, but Chue waited in front of the gap Basen had gone into. Chue catches what jumps out of the gap with a net.

“....”

Even Maomao was stunned at how skilled she is.

“I caught it!”

Chue was holding up a large net, she looked very triumphant, proud and a little irritated.

She was a showoff and didn’t miss the delicious moment.

Notes | Chapter 18

The scissor part is a refence to chapter 1(?), aka the rock paper scissor fight. This part held me up so hard, 'cause I was like "is this guy high? scissor? why scissor?". I opened a solid 20 tabs and translator for this just to go "you can't be serious" xD

A tenugui is a japense towel/the cousin of a cloth handkerchief. It's usually made from thin, colorfully printed cottonwool. Around 30cm by 90cm big, on average.

The part where Maomao and Basen go back and forth based on his wording Basen really wants her to trust him/put faith into him. I'm not sure if she says if killed in vain he or the owl won't get into heaven, I'd assume it's about Basen though.

Like I said in last chapters notes, everything will make sense in the next one. It's not the conclusion of this mini-arc per se, but it's a good enough point to post.

Start of some JinMao crumbs xD

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 16

Hi and welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here - I relay all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I translate to the best of my abilities.

That said, all the spoilers are down below - if you'd like some but not all, my dm's/asks are open.

New or missed a part? Check out the Masterlist.

I'll be dropping 3 chapters in a row this time! Please read the notes.

Please note that I only realized as I was translating this chapter, after posting 15, that they weren't going to explain what a Hitoban is. I went back to add the explanation in the notes of chapter 15 - if you missed those, it's a mythical peron-like creature that can extend its neck in some cases and detach its head from its body in others; depending on legend and country.

These chapters will make sense by part 3, please hang in there. I was as lost as you'll be, hence the delay.

Chapter 16 | Hitoban Pt. 1

It seems that strange rumors have been going around for about 20 days.

The first person who saw it was a servant after work.

As he were walking absentmindedly in the moonlight, he noticed something white floating in the air. When he looked closely, he saw a pure white mask (men).

Someone must’ve played a prank. The servant, who was tired, tried to pass by without paying attention. Then, the mask (men) turned to look at the servant.

The servant was frightened and ran away.

The next morning, the servant who had calmed down was tired and thought he’d seen something wrong/made a mistake. However, there was nothing where the mask (men) had been last night.

After that/Since then.

He began to hear stories about this strange sight from people other than that servant.

Some said that when they turned towards the strange sound, they saw masks laughing, and others said that they saw masks flying through the air.

And for the past few days a womans head has been flying down a hallway.

Therefore, someone said something.

In that aspect, he thinks it’s “Hitoban”.

⚫⚪⚫

Hitoban is something like a monster/yokai. As far as Maomao knows, it was a yokai that flew away at night with its ears like wings and only its neck/head.

“That’s why he asked me for advice.”

“Where and by whom?”

Lihaku explains that he’s talking about a little servant girl and (i think) says that the kid got used to him after he gave her candy.

Maomao thinks she’s not a cat or a dog.

Narrator-Mao notes that since he began attending the Verdigris House (Rokushoukan) Lihaku seems to have gotten a lot better at handling children.

She then adds in her head that, if the young servants don’t like him, he won’t be able to connect with Pairin.

As narrator she goes on that she doesn’t think that doesn’t mean he should show that strength in the faraway Saito/western capital. And also that that’s probably why the guards around the quack have been having so much free time these past few days.

“Of course, don’t think of it as some kind of monster. But if you leave it as is, you’ll be worried, right? If it’s your character, young miss”

Maomao thinks that he doesn’t have to say that/he doesn’t have to tell her that.

She wouldn’t have been concerned if he hadn’t told her. He “kindly taught her about it”.

In the end, Lihaku went “home” late at night, perhaps out of concern for her, just talking to her. If he knew that she was tired, maybe he would’ve waited until tomorrow—

The next day, while Guen and Tianyu were having breakfast, a small child hurriedly came to the temporary medical room.

“Where’s Bukan-sama?”

The childs face turned pale and she came looking for someone. It seems that the military officer who’s currently blocking entry is not “Bukan-sama”.

“If it’s Lihaku-sama, he’s not here.”

Maomao caught on immediately. Lihaku is in charge of night duty, so there is a different military officer in the morning.

Narrator-Mao wonders if the little girl he was talking about last night was this girl.

“I-I see.” - The girl shrank/shuddered and looked away.

Maomao glances at Guen and Tianyu.

“(Well) Then, shall we head over to Lihaku-sama’s place? I’ll guide you.”

Narrator-Mao lets us know that she was trying to be considerate given that Lihaku was concerned that the quack might get scared - so she was going to take the girl to Lihakus room, but then suddenly stops.

Maomao: … … Where is Lihaku-sama sleeping?

Tianyu: Uh-huh.

Tianyu points the way with his chopsticks, effectively misbehaving since it’s bad table manners. It’s the room closest to the entrance on the ground floor. (also got first floor)

Maomao says she’ll show the girl around for a bit. The quack’s like “Okay. Young miss, do you want to leave the dishes?”. Maomao replies that she’ll clean them up so he can leave them there - but Guen argues that if she won’t eat, he’ll clean them up for her.

The quack gives her a friendly smile and puts Maomao’s bowl away.

Tianyu, as always, hits where it hurts by questioning if it’s alright to let an outsider inside. Narrator-Mao even admits that usually she’d think that what he said was right.

However, now she was just thinking about the fact that Lihaku had gone out of his way to consult her.

In her mind she wonders if he’d thought about that beforehand given he’d told her about it - then groans as she leads the girl to Lihakus room.

“Yo.” - Lihaku was awake. As expected, after the night shift, he looks sleepy and rubs his eyes. His room’s just a room with a bed and a dresser - and Narrator-Mao wonders if the quack will try his best to renovate this one as well.

“Bukan-sama” - The girl approaches Lihaku, who’s on the bed.

The girl and Lihaku have a short exchange about the head having shown up again. As expected, our narrator notes, this is about the same monster.

The next dialogue between the girl and Lihaku is a mess to translate but in short: Lihaku asks where it appeared. The girl says at “her?” grandpas.

Lihaku says “I see. Okay. Where is grandpa, the gardener?” and the girl explains that he’s taking care of the garden.

Lihaku’s like “Got it. Alright, I’ll give you some candy.” and the girl’s like “Yay”

The girl then leaves the room and Maomao stares at Lihaku.

“Lihaku-sama, let me confirm something.”

“What is it?”

“Is this an investigation, not a curiosity?”

“Oh, you know.” (he’s amazed she’s caught on already)

Narrator-Mao notes that he admits it without showing any signs of trying to hide it. Mind-Mao then repeats that he doesn’t really want to talk to Guen or Tianyu.

As narrator she goes on telling us that the quack aside, Tianyu is hard to handle - but she doesn’t think Lihakus method is right and that she thought he’d be a bit more deft at it.

Maomao then asks aloud if he can’t do better since this is just making it all suspicious - but Lihaku argues that his original intent was different, with a bitter smile.

Lihaku goes on explaining that it doesn’t seem like Tianyu gets along with him very well. It’s not like he’ll start a fight, but it’s hard to talk with him. He ends that part by asking Maomao if she understands.

Maomao: … …

As narrator she adds that that was exactly what she’d felt.

She adds, out loud, that “In other words, he’s the type of person that usually doesn’t hit or touch you, but it’s difficult because of the close proximity. It’s fine if he’s the type that you can fight with, but what if he definitely doesn’t have that sorta personality?”

Lihaku’s like “Whoa, you know what I mean.” and then explains that it’s not like it’s elusive, he just can’t see the core of Tianyu. He can see the branches, but not the trunk.

Narrator-Mao notes that Lihaku instinctively sees Tianyus true nature.

(i’ll try to make sense of this ↑ whole thing in the notes, it’s a whole ass mess)

Lihaku goes on saying that while Maomao’s actions seem unrestrained, there’s a logic to them. They feel like medicine or poison or something.

Maomao interjects with “Please at least say medicine and poison in that order.” but as narrator adds that now at least she knows why Lihaku’s moves are bad.

She goes on saying “Tianyu’s personality is a bit problematic, but I don’t think it’s something to worry about.”

Adding her reasoning as narrator: For now, he’d managed to become a medical officer. Even if they were lacking staff, she doubts they’d have allowed him to come to Saito if his background/identity wasn’t cleared.

Lihaku argues that he understands that - he then apologizes before explaining that since he’s a military officer, he tends to think from a war perspective/in terms of war.

Maomao’s like “A war perspective?” - Lihaku explains that he knows when he can’t trust someone with his back, no matter what he does.

Maomao: … …

Narrator-Mao adds that she can’t/won’t say anything about Lihaku’s wild instincts - but notes that for now the story with Tianyu will be put aside.

She instead goes on to inquire if the Hitoban investigation came from “the moon prince” and Lihaku says that it did come from Jinshi-sama - Narrator-Mao notes that it’s a name he/she hasn’t heard from anyone else lately.

“Why didn’t you/Wouldn’t it have been better if you told me that from the beginning last night?”

“Sorry, sorry. Yesterday, after that (their convo), I went to investigate the neck. Since it’s you, young miss, if you’re interested you’ll try to keep moving, ignoring sleep and food. I was told not to push you too hard.”

Narrator-Mao notes that Jinshi is considerate in strange ways - even though his unreasonable/absurd requests/orders remain the same.

She thinks “And this time it’s about the flying head” (it’s neck, but we know they mean head).

Adding as narrator that he seems to still be bringing things like ghost stories to the table/up.

Lihaku’s like “That’s strange.”

Maomao wonders “What’s strange? The floating head itself is strange.”

Lihaku explains that the first time he heard the story the mask/men was floating - but the last few days he was often told it’s a “flying head”.

“.... that’s it” (?)

“Isn’t that interesting story?”

Hearing a voice from behind, Maomao turned around in a panic.

Tianyu was there. He’s smiling.

Lihaku’s expression didn’t change, probably because he’d assumed this to some extent.

“It’s not polite to eavesdrop, is it?”

“No, no. I was just wondering as to how long the two of you would be talking alone. After all, she’s an unmarried young woman.”

“Ah, no no no.” - Lihaku and Maomao deny at the same time.

“I know, right? I didn’t think so either.” - Tianyu enters Lihakus room without hesitation.

“Where’s the doctor?”

“He’s preparing after-dinner tea. He wants me to get you.”

Sounds like the quack. He was probably waiting for patients to arrive while chatting over tea.

“So what about the flying head? Sounds interesting.” (i think the last part I didn't include is him asking if he can be part of it)

“No.”

“Why?” - Tianyu lowers his brows.

I can’t figure out if Maomao says that he seems easy-going or looselipped but Tianyu goes on denying that. Maomao then argues that she believes he’ll get bored halfway through and let it be and he’s like “That could be true.”

Lihaku’s leaving the handling of Tianyu to Maomao. It seems like Tianyu is a type that he’s really not good with.

“I’ll be useful. If you think I’m useless or dangerous you’re just not good at handling me.” - honestly, he goes on asking if she can’t even handle a pair of scissors with dexterity. (see notes)

Maomao: … …

Maomao looks at Lihaku. He looks like he’ll leave it to her.

“Please don’t disturb us.”

“Okay.”

Tianyu’s eyes twinkled a little.

Notes | Chapter 17

These chaps, esp Tianyus parts, have given me grey hair.

I can't make full sense of the lines about what kinda person TIanyu is. What I understood from it is that he's provocative but you can't go in on him - which is hard, because they're so close together these days.

Like I mentioned at the start, these chapters have parts that are confusing until part 3. I was debating to clear it up, but it'd spoil too much so just keep track of the switching head, mask, it's not a mistake on my part.

Once again, we're back at Tianyu. The scissor comment has filled me with so much frustration and rage xD This cost me half the time I could've spent on a different chapter. It gets clear in the next, but it's like.. so silly that I still wanna strangle him.

The black, white, black dots were present in the WN, they haven't appeared before or since as a divider.

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 15

Hi, whichever way you found this: Welcome.

For a number of reasons I ended up here. I relay all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I go about translating to the best of my abilities.

So, be warned - all the spoilers are below. Want spoilers, but less? My dm's/asks are open!

New here or missed a part? Check out the Masterlist!

Enjoy!

Chapter 15 | Please read the notes at the end!

The smell of fragrant tea and sweet pastries fills the air.

Their skin was glossy and like that of a baby, as they were chatting happily in a cheerful voice.

From the desciptions so far, one might imagine a tea party of young girls.

But, but—

“Welcome back, young miss.”

The host of the party was an old man, and moreover, he was an eunuch.

He’s the quack. The person he was talking to was Tianyu, who was eating dried chinese dates while chiming in. Lihaku is standing guard against the wall, but perhaps because he is bored, he’s holding a walnut in each hand - trying to break the shells.

Maomao thinks “Aren’t those walnuts brought in as medicine?” - she has some doubts, but tentatively returns the greeting to the quack doctor.

She says the usual “I’m home” phrase, then adds “It’s starting to look a lot like a doctor’s office.”

The outbuilding of Gyokuens villa, which had been converted into a medical office, was quite well-equipped. Shelves and beds have been added, as well as screens.

The quack tells Maomao that her room’s right up the stairs. Then he asks her if she knows, since she slept there on the first day, right?

Maomao’s like “Yes. What did you do with my luggage?” - she’d left for the village without even unpacking. She’s sure, as narrator, that they haven’t cleaned up anything.

“I haven’t touched your luggage. However, the room was a bit bare, so I added some furniture - so it should be a lot more comfortable!” (he’s so excited, bless him)

Narrator-Mao notes that the quack’s strangely motivated (kanji used esp for eagerness to work). In other words, he’d had enough free time to redecorate her room.

Tianyu, with his ususal superficial smile, says that the “beardless man, worked really hard on the renovation.”, giving Maomao a very bad feeling.

“Did you have any particular problems?” - Maomao asked as she unloaded her bag and opened the drawer of the new medicine cabinet. To her, the bitter smell of medicine, which she hadn’t smelled in a long time, was pleasant.

“Hmm, nothing in particular. As usual, I went to visit the moon prince, and occasionally patients came—”

“Generally speaking, we have a lot of colds. Due to the extreme temperature difference, there are many cases where they felt weak from the boat trip.”

Tianyu cuts in from the side, maybe because the quacks laid-back way of talking makes him drowsy. Since she’s Maomao, she’d like to hear the short version of all this, so she looks at Tianyu while checking her inventory.

“One person got stung by a scorpion, but he was okay. Someone nearby said he treated it right after the sting, so the guy was crying but he didn’t die.”

Narrator-Mao notes that the reason why Tianyu was a good listener that time was probably because it’s a field he doesn’t know much about. Plus, there’s no way the quack would’ve known, so maybe someone else was familiar with scorpion poison.

“Is there anyone here who knows anything about poison?” - Maomao takes a Senburi off a shelf, tears off a piece of it and licks it. It’s so bitter - she notes as narrator that you’ll regret licking it but she’s just in for the kick of it tasting like true medicine.

Tianyu says that scorpion poisoning isn’t uncommon around here, so the lady in the cafeteria told him about it.. the lady asked him if he was even a doctor.

“Yeah. In Saito they eat scorpions deep-fried. It’s scary/horrible.”

The quack arches his eyebrows into a figure 8. (pls don’t ask, he keeps doing this and idek)

“Let’s go eat this sometime!” Maomao’s spirits suddenly rise. She puts back the licorice she pulled out.

“Yeah, I don’t want to.” - The quack shakes his head.

Maomao then decides that, since Tianyu and the quack (the two medical officers) are in such good condition, there’s no particular problem. She’d wanted to play around with the medicine a little longer, but decided to head to her room.. feeling reluctant.

She goes up the stairs, opening the door. As soon as she does that, she immediately understands why Tianyu was smiling (earlier).

“What is this… …”

This was supposed to be a simple, empty room.. but a cherry blossom colored curtain/pavillion was carefully placed over the bed. It was very cute, considering it was an insect repellent, and it had embroidery all over it. The built-in desk is covered with an embroidered tablecloth and the chairs are fitted with western-style cushions made with openwork weave.

The windows also had awnings with open work patterns and the walls were decorated with fabrics with floral patterns.

The room smells like incense - a floral scent that is too cute for Maomao. As a finishing touch, dried rose flowers were scattered all over the place.

Maomao: ……

She trembles, wanting to redecorate immediately but Guen is right behind her with glistening eyes. He has his expectant gaze fixed on her.

“Ha ha. That openwork is nice, a peddler recommended it to me as being perfect for a young girl.”

The young girl is also Maomao. Besides, in terms of age, she’s already close on falling behind.

“Did you like it, miss?” Round/cute eyes approach Maomao.

(Maomao makes a sound used for expressions of surprise or effort.)

Her face tenses and his shoulders slumped.

Behind the quack was Lihaku, who looked sorry for him - and Tianyu, who was laughing. For now she decides that today she’ll be making Tianyu’s tea with senburi.

(there’s a break in the chapter. sen’buri is a japanese green gentian - swertia japonica - or alderfly - esp special sialis japonica)

After dinner, Maomao returns to her room. She felt a little better now that she had gotten proper revenge on Tianyu.

She thinks something about medicine.

As narrator she goes on talking about how the herb was originally mixed with eyebrow ink in the red light district. It seems to be effective against hair loss - while also being effective against indigestion, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but because of its unplesant taste, it is not used much in the medical rooms of the imperial court.

It’s usually brought/bought for it’s more publicly accepted hair-loss prevention effect than used as a gastrointestinal drug.

She thinks that they sometimes come to her(?) for hair consultations.

Of course, Maomao, unlike the quack, protects personal information. However, that doesn’t mean she can’t ask them something in the process. (i also got that it doesn’t mean she won’t ask for something)

She sighs because of how cute the room is. If she’d do a quick redecoration, Guen will be sad, so she has to make changes little by little without him noticing.

She was about to change into her night gowns, thinking that today would be too much trouble so she’ll start tomorrow..

Then she hears a knocking sound.

She says it’s fine to come in.

The voice says “Oh” or “Hi” - It was Lihaku who came in.

“What happened?”

“No, I didn’t want to say it in front of “uncle” or Tianyu, so I came to say it directly.”

Narrator-Mao notes that she had a vague idea that Lihaku and Tianyu didn’t seem to have good chemistry. It doesn’t seem good that Lihaku, who gets along with everyone, didn’t get along with him/It seems that even Lihaku who gets along with everyone had someone he had a hard time with.

Lihaku may seem like a fool/simpleton, but he is quick-witted and has good intuition. He must’ve sensed a certain untrustworthiness in Tianyu.

“Did Tianyu do something?”

“No, that guy has nothing to do with it. However, I didn’t talk to him because he seemed like he was playing around with teasing the old man.”

“So… … is this something you don’t want the medical officers to hear?”

“I’m not saying it’s okay to ask, but…—”

“It would be helpful if you could tell me directly.” (she’s pretty much telling him to hurry up and get to the point.)

She’s just returned from the trip and is sleepy - but she’s aware that it was a bit harsh to say it that way.

“It looks like it’s going to come out.”

“Come out? What?”

“It's a flying head.”

“Huh/What?”

When he says neck, he means necks. A flying head.

“It seems a Hitoban will appear.”

Lihaku said in an extremely serious voice.

Notes | Chapter 16

Just the usual few things.

- There is no mention of what happened to the others or in the village, it's a straight cut to this chapter.

- Maomao doesn't use Guens name, I just did to not make it too redundant.

- The quack is just too adorable, he's really seeing Mao as the kid he could never have.

- Coming back here from the future to edit. I thought they were gonna go more into what a Hitoban is, but so far it hasn't happened.

A Hitoban is a Chinese yokai/spirit whose head separates from it's body and floats around. Like the rokurokobi (japanese version), the hitoban has a line around its neck. Chinese stories also tell of a yōkai called a rakutō (落頭) whose head comes off and floats about while the torso remains at rest on the futon (somnambulism). There is a tale that in the Three Kingdoms period, an Eastern Wu general, Zhu Huan employed a female servant who was a rakutō. It's said that she used its ears like wings. Another tale relates that in the Qin era, there was a clan from the south called rakutōmin (落頭民) who could fly around with only their heads.

The “when he says neck, he means neck” is because apparently Japanese use the word for neck sometimes for anything that's neck and above - the kanji is used for head and neck.

So far it seems that the alleged yokai we're dealing with is a rakutō more so than a hitoban - but there's a lot of back and forth, everyone's just trying to figure things out right now!

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 14

Hi, however you found this: Welcome.

For a number of reasons I ended up here. I relay all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I go about translating to the best of my abilities.

Be warned that all the spoilers are down below - want spoilers but less? My dm's/asks are open!

New here or missed a part? Check out the Masterlist.

Enjoy!

Chapter 14 | Festival

The chapter opens with a rustling sound being heard from the entrance of the tent. Once Maomao opens her eyes, Chue had returned (from the festival) with food.

“This is for (you), Maomao-san.”

Maomao thanks her. As narrator she goes on saying that Chue places a tallow candlestick on the carpet - it had a strangely delicious smell which, Maomao gathers, is because it might be made from animal ingredients.

Chue had brought along two sets of each dish, plus new soup, placing everything around the candle. The food was made with potatoes and other ingredients they had on hand, but it turned out to be quite luxurious.

Maomao pats her stomach, she’d had a good night’s sleep so she was hungry.

Chue then tells her that the festival was well-received by everyone and Maomao says that that’s good to hear.

Chue goes on saying that now everyone’s eating, drinking and feeling good “Just like that.”

Our narrator tells us that stringed instruments and singing can be heard from outside the tent. While the whole thing felt like an afterthought/a spur-of-the-moment affair, she’s glad it worked itself out as a proper festival in its own way.

Chue says that she’ll go about telling Maomao the impression of every dish one by one, Maomao says “Please.”

Like before, they somehow end up sitting straight, facing one another, looking at the food that’s laid out.

The first Chue goes over is “roasted sweet potatoes, like the name suggests, they’re just that” and Maomao’s like “Yes.”

Both types of potatoes were roasted. However, since they were baked under the supervision of a professional potato expert (Lahan-nii), they were more moist and delicious than if Chue had simply cut them up and roasted them over an open fireplace.

Chue notes that they have a nice honey color - Maomao says that they still have some flakes left.

“Sweet potatoes were popular among women and children. The men preferred potatoes with *milk* cheese.” - Chue fills Maomao in, who adds that “We prepared milk with added salt.”. Which would’ve helped to stir up their appetites.

Chue asks “How do you make that?” and Maomao’s like “Oh, that is” - letting us know that Chue’s wondering about “the viscous mass”.

Chue fills us in that at first no one ate that, because it gave them the creeps. It wasn’t until after she herself had put some on a piece of pan and ate it that the villagers began imitating her.

Maomao adds that it was also her first time seeing the dish, out loud, and that Lahan-nii made it.

As narrator she explains that you have to steam, peel and mash the potatoes. After that the mashed potatoes were mixed with cheese and pieces of smoked meat, as well as seasoned with salt.

Chue, I think, says that the dish would go even better if they had some green pepper - but Maomao argues that green pepper is a lil too expensive for common people.

As she munches, Maomao grabbed some soup (it should be her).

She asks “Who made this?” and Chue explains that when they ran out of soup, Lahan-nii would improvise. Aka, the remaining boiled sweet potatoes were crushed and added to the leftover soup from home. Cow’s milk and salt were added to adjust the taste. She says that he also added leaves, but has to inquire about what those were.

Maomao explains “Ah, that’s an aromatic herb. There was some growing on the way here.”, then she snorts - causing Chue to give her a look with half-lidded eyes.

“I heard that some people were making a fuss about not having enough medicine a few days ago.” - Chue says, but Maomao counters that “Herbs are more of a seasoning than a medicine.”

Narrator-Mao’s like “Anyway, let’s see how the soup tastes.”

Maomao says that it’s good, considering it was improvised and Chue agrees, saying that she’d like to try it at home in the future.

Maomao then thinks something along the lines of “Lahan-nii’s waste of talents is way too effective” based on the kanji.

As narrator she guesses that, since he’s such a jack-of-all-trades, he/they probably didn’t think there was anything noteworthy about him (or that he himself was too clumsy to notice) - as well as that it/he is actually very convenient.

Maomao then kinda says and repeats that one line from a while ago about how nice it would’ve been if he was born into a normal/good family.

Chue agrees with “Yes, he’s an unfortunate gentleman/man.”

They just kept talking about him without knowing his name.

Another dish he prepped is made of sweet potatoes, which were mashed, then kneaded with milk and the mix was roasted. The outside is coated with egg yolk and browned.

Chue repeats that sweet potatoes were popular with kids.

Maomao in turn says that he could’ve made them with starch syrup made from sweet potato instead of white yam - but as the narrator notes that unfortunately making starch syrup takes too much time.

She goes on thinking “Isn’t there malt sugar too?” and adds, as narrator that, although starch syrup is made from malt, it also uses sticky rice as an ingredient. Hence, it couldn’t be produced in this region where there’s no rice.

In addition there’s another dish made of cut up potatoes that are stir-fried with smoked meat and other vegetables. That was then seasoned with little bits of herbs and salt. The salty flavor seemed to be popular with men.

Chue then brings up another dish “Oh, this one was popular with the wives. They asked Lahan-nii how to make it.”

What Chue’s picking up with her chopsticks is sweet potato mochi. For that, the potatoes are mashed, kneaded and mixed with flour. Salt is then added and they’re baked with dried cheese. Since they’re cooked with buttermilk instead of oil they have a much nicer scent.

Chue adds that the wives seem to like the unique texture and the way the cheese stretches when freshly baked. She then goes on eating the mochi, causing cheese to flow from it.

Chue goes on noting - while eating - that given all the dairy products and meat.. The fact that they can use it as much as they like, is a strength. In Hisashi-shū those are luxuries. She then asks if “When it comes to potatoes, the combination and ingredients are.. suitable, aren’t they?”

She also adds that they were glad they could match it with everything - but then admits that not everyone was served fish.

Narrator-Mao fills us in that it’s apparently for religious reasons.

In her head Maomao’s like “Even though the river’s nearby”, but recognizes as narrator that, while a waste, it can’t be helped.

Once she’s done eating most of the food, she checks in with Chue.

Whether it’s a god or ritual, Chue doesn’t think they’ll listen to her or Maomao. From the get-go the imitation of the ritual was a farce.

And, speaking of reality– (Not sure about that one)

“Do you think the villagers got greedy?”

“Yes, they had a good appetite.” Chue sips from her milk tea and laughs.

Narrator-Mao goes on with the fact that the biggest problem of this village is its simplicity. They generally have no motivation and will be satisfied as long as they can keep up a certain living standard.

They don’t work because even if there’s no harvest they’ll have their bare minimum livelihoods secured.

Since they have no material desires, they don’t want more. They’re satisfied with just what they’ve been given.

That’s why they/Maomao decided to serve a dish the villagers never had before - trying to make it as easy as possible by only using the materials available in the village.

The next line is either about Maomao’s group not knowing the villagers taste hence they tried as many varieties as possible - or about the villagers not knowing what would be to their tastes so they tried the most varieties.

Maomao thinks that so long as they have certain ingredients, they can eat this anytime.

Those *ingredients* are sweet potatoes and potatoes.

In other words, if they have those two things, they can recreate this entire feast Maomao’s group prepared today.

Chue then says that the village chief asked her how much he could buy it (potatoes) for. Maomao asks what Lahan-nii said.

Chue says that it seems like Lahan-nii doesn’t know much about accounting, so she informed him (chief?) of the transportation cost.

Maomao kinda teases aloud that in this aspect Lahan-nii doesn’t look much like his brother.

As narrator she notes that she believes she can hear a voice immediately say “I was born first!”.. but maybe that was just her imagination.

Chue explains that when the chief heard the price he was shocked, stunned and disappointed at the cost. Maomao’s like “I’m sure.”

But. “That’s why Chue-san put on a masterful performance and looked at him with compassion like a fairy and said-”

~ Can’t you at least share some seed potatoes for a lower price? ~

In her head Maomao praises Chue for understanding so well. (the whole plot & what to do to make it happen)

Narrator-Mao explains that - If they were to give away the potatoes for free, it’s gonna be alms for the villagers again. They may also start hoping they’ll keep getting them for free. It’s important that they (MM’s group) take at least some money from them.

“And if they have leftover potatoes you can sell them and get salt.”

The large amount of salt used is probably one of the reasons why the dish is highly rated - because the more seasonings you use, the better the quality of the meal will be.

Maomao asks if he (the chief?) didn’t find it troublesome to make the potatoes but Chue explains that “As for growing potatoes, Lahan-nii said that once you’ve planted them, they don’t take much work.”

Maomao argues that the issue is cultivating land - Chue just says “Yes” and smiles.

She adds. “It seems we’ll be planting on the new land Nenshin just cultivated.”

They had connected the festival/ritual with the potatoes.

Chue explains that “It looks like the land was originally used as a field by the serfs. They couldn’t afford wheat, so they only cultivated the land in autumn (akiko). However, as a condition, I asked them (villagers) to dispose of the locusts.

“As expected of you, Chue-san.” - Maomao claps her hands.

Chue goes on with the fact that Lahan-nii immediately taught them (villagers) how to process the seed potatoes. But, he said he’d need plant ash, so Chue asks if the ash here is fine.

Maomao can only counter that she thinks it’s alright.

As narrator saying that the ashes in the fireplace are made from burning sheep dung. Sheep dung is made from grass, so it’ll probably work out.

So far, Narrator-Mao adds, things have gone well. As for the desire of the villagers—

In her mind Maomao wonders if the potatoes will prevail. Adding, as narrator, that she thinks the potatoes are probably okay. That’s why they had prepared so many potato dishes.

When it comes to sweet potatoes, her guess is that it’s 50/50. Even if they can harvest it, it’ll be decreasing - however, if they can grow them with little care it’s worth it.

Because, Mind-Mao notes, sweetness is a luxury item here.

She has high hopes for the kids that were stuffing their faces with sweet potatoes.

And, even if sweet potatoes don’t become established, so long as potatoes are, their planting will compensate for the (missing) amount of sweet potatoes.

Mind-Mao hopes it will go well.

The chapter ends with her having a sip of milk tea.

| Notes & Chapter 15

Just a couple things.

- We're back to the og post format. This involves everything that's said in the actual chapters, but for reading flow I add clarifiers etc. It's basically written how I'd tell a friend what's happening line by line.

Why's that? I've been meaning to explain that the jap writing system is quite different. The usual max is 3-4 sentences, then a new paragraph. Often text is split with "." instead of commas or other means we use on a daily basis.

It makes it difficult to keep track or read without it feeling like bullet points when you're not used to it. Same goes for figuring out who's talking, etc.

A fourth of my time is spent on figuring out who's talking more than actually translating xD Sometimes you need the full chapter to go "Ah, I got it now"

- The back and forth between ritual & festival stems from it being pretty much that way in the story. Sometimes they're clearly referring to a festival, other times it's a ritual.

- Which leads me into a summary explanation of what's going on in these last few chaps. The wind-reading tribe made people believe it's a ritual, while it's more of a.. tradition for crop's sake. In the last & this chapter Maomao & gang tried to make the current villagers believe in it being a ritual for a god so they'll play along.

Everything in these chapters is them trying to manipulate the villagers into moving their own butts to make a living, in short short.

- Not all the dishes are named, that part's as confusing to me as it probably is to you.

- The lines about Lahan-nii were hard for me to translate. Maomao basically notes the same things as before. He's sold under worth, born in the wrong family, but to her causes that's actually convenient.

I'm aware that this comes across as quite shitty, arguably most of the relationships are.. quite shady, the last number of chaps especially, but in her head and based on the kanji usage she actually thinks these.. rude things quite highly of him. The bond in the kanji is pretty similar to how she used to be with Jinshi. Cold and rough but deep down there's actual admiration, etc.

Hope you enjoyed and stay safe!

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 13

Hi, however you found this: Welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here - I relay all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I go about translating best as I can.

So, be warned that all the spoilers are down below. Want spoilers, but less? My dm's/asks are open!

If you missed something or are new - here's the Masterlist.

Enjoy!

Chapter 13

A large hole was dug behind Nenshin’s house. He likely burned garbage on a regular basis, given the black scorch marks left behind.

Maomao, wanting to check carefully, asks if that’s where he usually burns locust eggs.

Nenshin says “That’s right.” and explains that they are hard to burn, so he uses fuel.

Narrator-Mao notes that, when the villagers here think of fuel, it’s oil and sheep dung. The charcoal and firewood she’d taken for granted are luxury items in this region.

Maomao then says something about wanting to burn them differently, to which Nenshin gives her a suspicious look.

He says it’s fine/he doesn’t mind, but asks what she’s planning to do and Maomao says that “For now, I’ll borrow the pot over there.”

Maomao goes and touches the large pot. As narrator she notes that, although old, it’s well made and that it should still be usable once the rust is removed. As well as that it looked like it had been left there for quite some time, there was even dead/dry grass and insects inside of it.

Narrator-Mao thinks that you just gotta turn it around and scrub it.

“Here you go, Maomao-san.” - This is Chue, who had brought water from the river. As she notes that, Narrator-Mao also tells us that she’s grateful that Chue lets her use it.

“That’s a big pot. I think I could make about 30 servings of chinjao rosu at once.”

“Was it used for cooking?”

Maomao and Chue wash the pot while facing each other. Meanwhile narrator-Mao notes that when she’s around Chue she tends to change her tone.

“It was a rice cooker for serfs. They used to make a day’s worth of food with it.”

“Oh, so there were a lot of serfs.”

Maomao went about telling Chue most of what she had heard from Nenshin - but “the eccentric maid” doesn’t seem to care much whether her company is a former bandit, murderer or serf.

In her head Maomao wonders how much the villagers know.

As narrator she goes on with the fact that while they treated Nenshin like an oddity, they didn’t seem to hate him that much - also questioning if they might just have gentle/relaxed personalities, including how little they worry about locust plagues.

“Will this village be safe if it’s attacked by bandits or something?” Maomao couldn’t help but ask. (the words just slip out)

Chue then says that it/they’ll be fine/safe - even though Maomao hadn’t planned for a reply.

“Although they are now settled, they were originally nomadic people, and there were well-maintained bows and swords in the barn. They’re strong because of their geographical advantage and they must have the courage to attack thieves/bandits.”

Narrator-Mao notes that in terms of security, the capital seems to be somewhat better.

“That’s why they target travelers.”

Maomao agreed. Then, in her mind, she wonders what happened to that guide (the faux one). She felt like she shouldn’t think about it, but there was one thing she wanted to confirm.

She asks Chue why she pretended to be a decoy - going on that she doesn’t think Basen-san knows about it and that she doesn’t think Jinshi would do something like that.

In her head, she notes that Jinshi must be sensitive when it comes to her safety at this point. She also thinks that it was probably his own consideration that made him send along Basen as her bodyguard (since he’s his, aka utmost trust on our boy Basen).

Chue narrows her small eyes.

She goes on trying to argue that it’s her mission to reduce the risk of harm/negative events.. So, wouldn’t it be better/safer to know/be able to specify when you’ll be attacked, than to not know?

Narrator-Mao notes that it’s probably, in Chue’s own way, a safety measure.

But outwardly she argues that normally, she thinks, you’re supposed to reassure people so they don’t know they’re in danger.

Chue counters that Maomao has a lot of guts - plus, she thinks, Maomao prefers to take the rational route.

Maomao comes along with the “I’ll just say this, if you hit me, I’ll die.” (throwback to like.. arc 10/chapter 4?)

Chue’s like “Yes, I understand/know. I have high hopes for the poison resistance.”

Our narrator says that she(Chue) is a very agreeable person - and, while they were talking, the dirt on the pot came off.

“What should we do? This pot..”

“Add the locust eggs from earlier.”

“?!”

Chue retreated with great force.

“... … MaoMao-san”

“Chue-san, please rest assured. I won’t eat them, I won’t eat them.”

“Really?” Chue gives her a sus look.

“Yes. They don’t appear to taste good, so I keep collecting them, but they’re disgusting.”

She’d eaten adult locusts, but the eggs are quite intense/tough.

“Put some oil on this—”

“Are you going to fry them?”

“Burn them.”

“Burn them?”

Maomao heads towards the shrine with the pot - even though the shrine is a simple brick mausoleum.

“Wouldn’t it look like a ritual if we lit a fire here?”

“Hoho”

“And a ritual requires a feast, right?”

Maomao glances at the village children who are still wandering around.

Chue grins - it seems as if she understands what Maomao wants to do.

“I see. Now/Then, leave the decoration to me.” - Chue pulls out some sort of deco from her collar.

“We’ll also need a stand to display the pot, so I’ll ask my brother in law and Lahan-nii to help.” - and yes, to her, he was also known as Lahan-nii.

Since Chue took the initiative in setting the stage, all Maomao had to do was make a feast.

Narrator-Mao notes that she’s a good cook - even tho her shine was often dimmed by En’en, who’s on par with a pro cook. In her mind she’s like “Cooking is the same as dosing medicine”, as it only becomes effective depending on the right combination of ingredients.

“What are you doing?” - Nenshin narrows his remaining eye.

“It’s a festival, you have to have fun. This is a feast for that purpose.”

“...... That’s right” - Nenshin shifts his gaze anxiously. Lahan-nii overtakes him.

“Hey! Don’t use it all! There’s only so much we brought!”

“I know, I know. More importantly, please steam them as soon/fast as possible.” - Lahan-nii yells back that she’s rude/harsh on people.

He keeps grumbling as he puts fuel in the furnace - even if the sheep dung is dry, he doesn’t seem comfortable touching it with his bare hands so he’s putting it in by holding it between sticks.

“Use the tools I have *in my house* as you like. If you’re going to use food, I’d be happy if you paid for it later. We’re living at the edge (of society).”

“Thank you.”

“Then, I’ll go sleep.” - Nenshin laid down on his hard bed. While he seems to be in good health, since he’s an old man, working in the fields every day must’ve been tough - Narrator-Mao notes.

“Sweet potatoes become sweeter if heated slowly, right?”

“That’s right. That’s why it’s not just about using a lot of heat.”

In her head Maomao’s like “He seems to be knowledgeable not only about agriculture, but also about cooking potatoes.” (let the poor dude live, love xD)

Narrator-Mao goes on stating that - in any case, Lahan must be using his brother when thinking about how to use sweet potatoes. His older brother seems to have a strong relationship with Lahan, but he’s pretty much just too good-natured. Yet since he outwardly acted like he was ostensibly rebelling, it began to look like a normal, too-late rebellious phase.

“I don’t know much about cooking, but do you know of any dishes that can be made with the ingredients we have here?”

Lahan-nii yells back why she’s asking him. Maomao says that Chue told her she specializes in eating and simple meals and that she can’t rely on Basen.

Narrator-Mao notes that while Chue seems to be able to make porridge, she seems to want to concentrate on eating fancy food.

“... … I don’t know.” - spilling the tea, she lets us in, as narrator, that Lahan-nii tells easy-to-understand lies.

“I see. ……….. I’m sorry, I wanted to feed you lots of delicious food.” Maomao glanced back - children were watching from the gap at the entrance of the house. This time, not just the usual siblings, the number had somehow increased.

“You have friends too. You wanted to eat something delicious and unusual.” - Maomao talks to the children, noting that it’s not like her as the narrator.

“What? Can’t we eat sweet potatoes?” The sister’s voice was sad.

“You can eat it, but I’m sorry. I can’t make anything delicious.”

“Are you bad at cooking?” - Another child tilts his head.

Another child’s sad voice said “I want to eat sweet potatoes. We don’t have any……”

“.......”

Lahan-nii looks uncomfortable.

Feeling sullen, he thought with his back turned and then let out a gasp. Turning around, holding up a finger. “Hey, hungry kids. If you want to eat, help me. Above all, I’ll make you something delicious!”

The children cheer.

Lahan-nii seems to have had a very eldest son’s temperament - Narrator-Mao notes, then thinks “Slightly”

As she does, she opens the lid of the steamer and pierces the potato with her chopstick to see if it was soft yet.

By the time Maomao had finished cooking, the decoration of the temple was also done.

The pot with locust eggs is standing in the middle of the temple - on skillfully assembled bricks to create an improvised platform.

The rough brick mausoleum has red flags hanging everywhere and tallow lights shine brightly. Narrator-Mao thought she heard a clicking sound, but then realized it was pieces of metal that had been tied together to make a clapper.

Shabby barrel chairs are lined up, with woolen cloth covering them, to make tables and Maomao goes about laying out the prepared dishes.

The sun was now just below the horizon.

“What the hell?”

Not only children but adults came as well.

Once everyone had gathered, Maomao poured oil into a large pot. She then uses dried grass as a fire starter.

She's not sure whether the faint smell (from the pot) is fragrant or disgusting. In the dim light, the pot didn't look like a pot at all, but instead was a great bonfire.

“Customers. What are you doing?” The village chief tilts his head.

“I'll explain that to you.” The one to step forward was Basen. Next to him was Chue, who was showing him a piece of paper.

In her mind Maomao lets us know that it is an instruction paper.

Basen: “This village was built a long time ago to hold a certain ritual.”

“...... Yes, that sounds familiar. You don't understand what it means to keep digging up the ground, do you?” - A villager replies.

Basen(?) goes on to say that “Right.”, it won't make any sense to them. Then goes on explaining that the reason they came here was to convey the true form of the ritual, which has only been held/known halfheartedly.

Maomao thinks “Smooth.”

While Basen is easy to read, the bonfire has a halo so it has a strangely mysterious feel to it. Chue was also well-prepared and, from among the many sheets of paper they had written, it seemed that she was selecting the ones that matched the reactions of the villagers - she has Basen read those. (i can’t)

Maomao thinks that Chue’s good at using/makes good use of her brother-in-law.

But then Lahan-nii pokes her.

Whispering, he asks if that’s true. The setting is good and here too there is one man who is fooled.

Maomao tells him that that’s how they set it up - telling him to do his best to match them. But Lahan-nii’s like “Eh, no way”, having a “Are you serious?” look on his face.

Lahan-nii kinda asks if that’s so and then adds that he knows there’ll be a festival, but then he asks if he can check/confirm something.

Maomao asks “What?” and Lahan-nii goes on: Nenshin is the only one in charge of this ritual, right? The villagers had never heard of such a story and were called by the lord of that time as a place to move to. (I think it’s referring to how Nenshin and his men were sent there even tho no one knew about the ritual really)

They hear the sound of something exploding inside the pot.

In other words, it’s fine to hold rituals but they don’t intend to hold them themselves.

Chue pauses for a moment, showing Maomao the paper while thinking.

Basen: “I understand. You guys don’t have to be the ones to hold the ritual.”

Basen looks at Maomao - Chue, behind him, closes an eye.

(i think the next bit is that Maomao thinks that they were tricked)

The rest was up to her.

Maomao reluctantly steps forward.

Walking slowly, step by step, she approached the cauldron.

In her mind she wonders if something happened.

While walking slowly, she thinks of an impromptu script. Standing in front of the large pot, bowing her head.

“This fire is the fire that sends offerings to the gods. There was a time in the past when people were sacrificed, but it seems that God told them that he would not ask for that.” She borrows a line from a novel that was popular in the rear palace.

“The god of this land is an incarnation of a bird, whose favorite food we decided to offer as a sacrifice instead.” - She saw a chicken sleeping in the coop.

“Even though he is called the land god of birds, he is the god of grazing—”

“He, you’ve already settled down but you still believe in the previous god?” Chue says this artificially.

Maomao: “I guess that’s why. Wheat grows poorly around here. Isn’t it getting worse every year? Isn’t it because you are sitting here without faith in the land god?”

The villagers begin to whisper.

It’s probably true that the wheat harvest is decreasing. If they continue to take care of it so badly, it will only get worse. Unlike rice, wheat will lose weight if the soil isn’t properly cultivated.

Maomao wonders in her head if that (act) sounded good - as narrator she adds “But—”

“Isn’t it just that the land is infertile/barren? Most people say there’s a god, but does it really exist?” - A young villager argues.

Maomao thinks “Be more religious!” - She can’t speak for others, but she can think.

One of the villagers, I think, says something along the lines of not wanting to call a god now. Another one’s like “That’s right, even if there’s no harvest, the Lord has a generous heart.” and again one is like “That’s right. The lord is more kind-hearted than a god I don’t know.”

A voice says “That’s right, that’s right.”

Maomao thinks that that’s right and that she also only believes what she sees.

Narrator-Mao notes that she knew she had no choice.

She laughs.

I think one of the villagers asks what’s wrong/so funny and Maomao’s like “No, it seems like you’ve been misunderstanding for a while, so I’ll say it again: You guys don’t have to be the ones to hold the ritual.”

She repeats Basen’s line.

Maomao, with her back turned to the villagers, digs through her pockets thinking “Umm, here”, at last raising her hand.

The flames of the large pot dance.

“Fire, fire!”

“What, the color has changed!”

Maomao thinks: It’s nostalgic, isn’t it?

She always has some alcohol for disinfecting on her, on top of that there's a piece of salt that they had used for cooking earlier. Chue had told her that Salt was a luxury item here, so she had it on her just in case.

However, in her head she wishes she had copper.

The flames turned green, which was even more surprising.

When she turns around, she’s smiling a sales-smile.

She then says something along the lines of “Well, I heard that you won’t be participating in the ritual”, looking at the chairs/barrels with all the food on them.

“I think we cooked a little too much food for tonight. Shall we eat it before it gets cold?”

“Yay.” - The children are the ones who raise their hands. It wouldn’t be good to just let them help without feeding them.

While everyone was looking at the food, Maomao pounced on Chue.

“Please stop being so reckless.”

Maomao exhales. To be honest, she broke into a cold sweat.

“I believed that Maomao-san could do it.” - Chue said that with an innocent face, but then smiled and joined in the fight for the food.

“I hope it goes well” - Maomao thinks.

She had gotten really tired and decided to take a rest in the tent first.

| Notes & Chapter 14

I’m sorry for the delay, most of the text were one liners - so, for future reference, it’s either going to take a bit longer if I’m translating multiple parts at once or if it’s a lot of one-liners.

There isn’t too much to say, but in short it appears that Maomao is trying to bait the villagers into helping Nenshin out - or maybe she’s trying to figure out if something fishy’s going on, maybe even both.

The Chinjao Rosu dish that was brought up earlier is a Japanese style pepper steak stir fry composed of thin strips of pork/beef, bell peppers and bamboo shoots.

The color changing fire goes back to.. oh god, ages ago when the army guy burned a robe at the rear palace, after which Jinshi and Gaoshun were shown by Maomao how salt etc can change the color of flames. That was in like.. A long time ago.

The part about Maomao eating locust eggs, I kept getting that they're tough - I suppose that means they're like.. extremely chewy maybe?

Can we just have a moment of silence for all the roasting? xD Our chars are wildin’ out here. Sometimes you don’t know if they hate or love each other.

Hope you enjoyed.

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 12

Hey, whichever way you found this: Welcome!

For a couple of reasons I ended up here - I relay all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I translate to the best of my abilities.

So, be warned, all the spoilers are waiting down below. Want spoilers - but less? My dm's/asks are open!

New here? Here's the Masterlist.

Enjoy!

Chapter 12 | Farming

For the next two days, Maomao and the others helped Nenshin with his work.

Which was pretty close to the answer Maomao was looking for.

Narrator-Mao leads us through the explanation that, after putting the hoe in the ground and turning over the damp soil, they found worms, ants and small beetles - as well as long masses/clumps, where a closer look revealed that they were eggs/egg masses.

The chicken that had been pecking at the worms then pecked at the egg mass. In her head she wonders “Locust eggs?”

As narrator she lets us know that she would’ve liked to calculate how many there were per tan, but that she didn’t have the time to do that. Once she found an egg the chicken had missed, she picked it up and put it in a jar.

In her mind she notes how many there must be.

Narrator-Mao goes on talking about how people who hate insects would go crazy about this, even if the contents of her jar are still few. Despite being used to dissecting locusts, it’s not something she wants to see or likes either.

Meanwhile she lets us in on the fact that Lahan-nii, the expert farmer, had a special way of holding the hoe - while Basen had his incredible strength and how different the amount of soil is they have to dig up.

In her head she’s just glad that Basen is doing things right.

Narrator-Mao tells us that she’d been worried he’d refuse, because it’s not the job of a soldier, but apparently she was lucky that Jinshi cared about locusts quite a bit. So, Basen quietly helped her.

Thanks to that, she fills us in, the guards and farmers they’d brought along were also helping her. It looks like they’ll be done with the digging by the end of the day.

In addition, Chue - who had joined before they knew it - was moving around near the two of them, collecting locust eggs. Two children were behind her. They’re the siblings that ate the roasted sweet potato - and they seem to think that if they help they’ll get more of them.

“Maomao-san, there are a lot of them, would you like to see them?”

“Chue-san, I don’t want to see them. If it’s mantis eggs, I’ll take it.”

Mantis eggs, she tells us, are used as a medicine called Sohyosho. Since it can’t be acquired in large quantities, it’s quite valuable. (that’s real btw)

“The eggs here are about to hatch. A small one’s coming out.”

“It’s already spring, isn’t it?”

One generation of flying locusts is as long as 3 months, starting march. It's said that they lay about 100 eggs each at a time. This is what was written in the encyclopedia that was in the Shi clan’s fortress. Those born in spring lay new eggs in summer.

They don’t breed all year round, and at this time of year, the eggs laid in the fall are hatching. The eggs are laid hidden in the ground, exposed by akiko/autumn plowing - and once exposed, they become food for birds and small animals.

Maomao wonders, in her mind, if Lahan (the actual one) hadn’t said that before.

Narrator-Mao notes something about him having mentioned rat/mousecalculation.

One pair of mice births 12 children - making the total 14. Of those 12 children, 6 females and the mother bring 7 more pairs into the world - from which, each of them births another twelve.

Of course, this formula is just a theoretical calculation. Not everything grows without dying.

If the number of locusts were to increase in the same way as this rat-calculation, it will be important to reduce the number at an earlier stage.

She calculates in her head that a mass of locust eggs is about 100, 100 times ten is 1000, 100 times 100 is 10.000.

Narrator-Mao goes on that, if they were to get rid of them now, they could lower the amount of locusts appearing later by many times - and that it seems locusts lay their eggs in areas that are moist to some degree.

She thinks that, since there’s a river nearby and plenty of grass to feed on, this area is the perfect spawning ground.

Then notes as narrator that the reason why they (villagers) didn’t dare to cultivate a field is probably to attract locusts.

At that point Nenshin approaches her, a glass of locust eggs in hand.

“Now all that’s left to do is burn them.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Ah. Last year I missed a lot of locusts because I was late with this.”

Narrator-Mao recalls that a farmer of this village had also said that they had a lot of damage from locusts the year before.

“Was the yield quite small?” She asks and Nenshin nods.

“We don’t have any savings, just what we eat. If we pay taxes, we’ll starve. We would no longer be able to afford to buy daily necessities from peddlers, so we would have so sell our cattle.”

“But you said that the feudal lord not only exempted you from taxes but also gave you support.”

“That’s right, he’s a really nice lord.” Once again, Nenshin made a face as if he was going to throw up.

Maomao then asks him directly something along the lines of “What is it that you don’t like about that? It seems like you have a thorn in your side/like it's a thorn in your eye.”

Nenshin explains that, he’s not saying this as former bandit, but they(village people) are just trying to take what they can get. To him, they’re like locusts. If you don’t want to starve, you should take proper care of your field - so that you don’t starve.

Maomao asks if "that’s why" - the reason why the fields in this village aren’t well taken care of is that.

Nenshin responds: “That’s right. It was the same with last years bugs.” and goes on to explain that while they were disgusted, looking at their fields being eaten with dismay - the village chief was always thinking about how he could get the sympathy of the lord, always thinking about how he could make him cry. Nenshin felt like a fool, pulling off the locusts that were biting the leaves and killing them one by one.

Narrator-Mao wonders if the fear of past locust plagues has changed Nenshin - because this doesn’t seem like the behavior of a former bandit who has done all kinds of evil deeds.

She then corrects herself in her mind: No, that’s wrong.

As narrator adding that, from the start, Nenshin probably had an earnest/serious personality. He was born and raised as a bandit, so he learned how to use a bow and started killing people as he was told.

Ethics isn’t something you are born with.

“And judging from the current atmosphere in the village, it seems like they received a lot of money.”

“Right. This hasn’t changed in the last ten years. Even if the harvest fails, the lord will help us. He’s a good lord to everyone.”

In her mind she wonders “Good lord..”

Narrator-Mao wonders where the money for this support comes from. It could be extracted from trade. If Saito was that prosperous, it’s fine to send the money to rural areas.

“If you’re making the money, I think it would be better to build at least one of those waterways/canals.”

She goes on, as narrator, that the less labor is involved in transporting water, the more different work can be done. They could even cultivate new fields.

Nenshin admits that that’s what “that man Rikuson” had said too - Maomao replies with a simple “Is that so.”

Narrator-Mao then tells us again that, once she’s back in Saito, she has to find out how Rikuson found out about the former serf’s existence.

(And then, after all this, days worth of work they did for him, mind you……..)

“By the way, I’m sorry to ask you to help me with my work, but don’t you have other business in this village?”

“Business…….” - Maomao rests her chin on the handle of her hoe and closes her eyes.

“Ah!” - Maomao looks around. She approaches Lahan-nii, who isn’t only digging up the soil but also starting to make ridges.

Maomao: We won’t plant anything here.

Lahan-nii: ?!

She thinks “Shit, he’s making his usual face.”

He(?) denies it, but the farmers are completely on board.

“By the way, aren’t you going to spread the popularity of potatoes? I think that’s why you brought the seed potatoes.”

“..... that’s about it.”

It seems like Lahan-nii has something on his mind.

“The people here have no willingness/motivation to work in the fields, right? If they were to produce more potatoes, do you think they would cultivate them properly? They probably won’t use the old fields for new crops, and I don’t think they have the willpower to cultivate new land.”

“Certainly/Indeed.” Maomao is convinved.

Lahan-nii says that that’s why he wanted to meet the only person who cultivated a decent farm.

Maomao catches on, goes “So that’s what it’s about.” but Lahan-nii already knows better as well: “But I don’t think that old man can do it.”

Maomao agrees, with a simple “It’s impossible, I guess.”

The last former serf of this village. In addition to working on his own field, he also has to perform the fall plowing ceremony, which is called a ritual. Work that was supposed to be completed in fall, continuing into the spring, so no matter how you look at it, there’s not enough manpower.

“Can’t we just leave one person here to help?” They look at the other farmers.

Lahan-nii argues that the people he brought with him are here because he is *in case she’s wondering*. It’s not good to be left behind in an unfamiliar place/You can’t just leave them in an unfamiliar land, in the middle of nowhere.

They seem to have been brought all the way from Hisashi-Shuu.

“Right.” - Narrator-Mao notes that Lahan-nii acts like an older brother in the strangest ways - and that, if he had been born into a normal family, he would’ve been a good eldest son. (damn girl)

Lahan-nii adds that he’s glad his father isn’t there - and something about how he said he’d show them the potential of potatoes yet he didn’t actually know what to do. (the second part’s not wanting to be read, clearly.)

Maomao then says something along the lines of “Let’s at least make the sweet potatoes tasty….. Potatoes……” (it’s a fragmented sentence I can’t make full sense of)

Maomao looks at the two children clinging to Chue’s back. She sets down the hoe and approaches them.

“Hey, you want to eat the sweet potato again sometime”

“Want to eat!”

“I want to eat it! I want to eat!”

The sibling's eyes sparkled.

“It’s my first time eating something so sweet. It was sweet like a raisin.”

“Raisins?”

“Sweets are precious around here. There’s no honey and sugar is a luxury item.”

Chue spins around with a large jar on her head.

“... I wonder, can we use that/Could that work?”

Maomao grinned/chuckled and returned to Lahan-nii.

| Notes & Chapter 13

At long last, a chapter that didn't completely hate being translated.

There's not much to say this time. There is the expression thing where it's not quite clear for me if Maomao is pulling an expression or if it's Lahan-nii, but we'll survive that. The same goes with where Nenshin has the thorn.

I honestly just love it for Nenshin that he waited days, until they were about to wrap up all the work, before asking if it's fine for them to spend all their time with his task. Just, gold.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this one. I'll see you soon with the next. Stay safe!

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 11

Hi, however you found this: Welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here - I relay all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I go about translating to the best of my abilities.

So, be warned, all the spoilers are waiting below. Want spoilers, but less? My dms/asks are open.

If you're new around here, check out the Masterlist!

Enjoy!

Just two things before we get into it.

For those that didn't read chapter 10 due to all the triggers: All you really need to know is that Nenshin's birth tribe committed some of the most awful things. It's like our author-san googled "most gruesome crimes" and mentioned everything under the sun that popped up.

While that was around 50 years ago, Nenshin was an active partaker in said crimes. Plowing the fields is his punishment, instead of having his life taken. In short, his people “offed” a tribe that held a "ritual" to keep locusts away. They cursed the lands with that offing, in brief terms.

Second: I'm giving up on Nengen, I'll go with the main name I keep getting for him which might be too Japanese but oh well. Nenshin (as he'll be called now) will still be around.

Chapter 11 | Aki Kō

Nenshin appeared to be thirsty, downing a gulp of goat’s milk.

Maomao, Basen and Lahan-nii also fell silent.

Maomao thinks that the amount of information was more than she expected or imagined to get and as narrator notes that “One must organize information.” and goes over a basic summary of things.

About 50 years ago, a large-scale locust plague occured.

Nenshin’s tribe had destroyed that of the wind-readers several/a few years prior. (prior to the plague)

Due to the lack of rituals, a large-scale locust attack happened.

And Nenshin, for the rest of his life, ended up holding the rituals in place of the wind-reader tribe.

Narrator-Mao concludes that this is the simplest way to put it.

In her head she goes on wondering if they dig up the soil during the ritual. She’s not quite sure yet, but there’s one person(?) that caught her attention.

“So, you’re Nenshin-san? What you’re doing is cultivating autumn crops (akikō).” - Lahan-nii is audibly trying to recall the right name.

“Akikō?” - Maomao and Basen tilt their heads at this unfamiliar word.

“It means autumn plowing. After harvesting the crops, it’s usually autumn. Akikō refers to the cultivation of the fields at that time.”

“Are there any advantages/What are the advantages? It seems more efficient *to me* to plow just before planting crops.”

Narrator-Mao internally agrees with Basen's point.

“As far as I know, it’s about digging up the ground and putting in rice straw to make good soil, and exterminating the eggs of pests that are buried underground.”

At that Maomao’s ears twitch and she silently grabs Lahan-nii’s collar.

“Please say that again.”

“Eh, uh, we plow in the rice straw and—”

“Not that one!”

“*Is it* "Pest control?”

“That!”

Maomao goes on shaking Lahan-nii. (poor dude)

“Hey, stop it. He can’t breathe.”

Basen stops her, so he let’s go of her arm.

“But what’s so unusual about it? It’s one of those farming methods that isn’t particularly rare, right?” - Lahan-nii looks like he knows this and it’s obvious. (he’s giving them the “that’s common knowledge, right? look in short)

“There aren’t many farmers in the world that are as reliable as you!”

“.... Ah, yeah. Is that so?” Lahan-nii had an emotionally mixed look on his face. Even though Maomao was praising him, it seemed difficult for him to accept it.

“That’s right. You can tell by looking at this village. Even if they have the knowledge, there are those who are not willing to implement it. And knowledge has to be used, or it will disappear.”

Maomao was deeply affected by Nenshin’s words. Lahan-nii had said that Nenshin is the only one in the village who is trying to cultivate his fields properly.

“Can I ask a question? Are the people here trying to grow wheat properly? I feel like they’re cutting corners.” Maomao asks directly what Lahan-nii had wondered earlier.

Nenshin: “.... As expected, can you see it even from a stranger’s point of view?”

Lahan-nii: “I saw it. Your field was much more beautiful than the others.”

Maomao thinks something cheeky along the lines of “Spoken like a professional, expert farmer.”

“... It’s not like I’m making it particularly beautiful. That’s what happens when you build it to increase the yield. I never thought I’d do something so serious/I never thought I’d be the one doing all this nitty-gritty stuff myself.”

“That’s probably right.”

Basen hits hard - but Narrator-Mao notes that it’s understandable why a military officer as serious as Basen would have a cold attitude towards someone who had repeatedly commited acts that were no better than brute - even if it all happened 50 years ago. Basen might even be wondering why Nenshin wasn’t given a worse punishment.

She then goes on to tell us that it’s not like she doesn’t think the same way as Basen. But she does know that nothing will come/be created from punishing someone. At least, thanks to Nenshin being alive, she can hear his story like this.

Maomao questions internally how Rikuson knew about this old man.

Then, as narrator, goes on: A criminal/sinner who was forced onto farmland fifty years ago. Even his status as serf has long since been liberated. She can’t imagine how Rikuson, who’d only been dispatched to Saito(?) for a short time, knows this - or at least finds it unlikely that he would.

In her head she goes on with “Did he ask someone in Saito, or—”

But Narrator-Mao knows it’s faster to listen than to think.

She asks if Rikuson had come to this village after learning about the existence of the ritual.

Nenshin admits that that’s right - but he didn’t think there are any other people left who still know about the existence of the ritual. Even the lord here doesn’t know about it. Rikuson said he had heard about it from an acquaintance or something.

Nenshin then went about putting down his empty cup, sitting back down on the hard-looking bed.

“.... the lord doesn’t know? Um, that’s Gyokuen-sama, right?”

Narrator-Mao recalls that Nenshin had referred to Gyokuen as an upstart feudal lord in his “old tale”.

Nenshin kinda starts backpaddling. “Oh, that was a bad way to say it. It’s not like that. It’s true that Gyokuen is the person who rules the entire Inxi/Nishi-Shu prefecture. But his son is in charge of these things.”

“Son?”

“Yes, the name is Gyokuou, or something like that.”

This man, a former bandit and serf, doesn’t seem to have much respect for his/the lord. While Maomao doesn’t really care, Basen doesn’t seem to like that attitude.

Narrator-Mao’s just glad Basen’s not jumping on Nenshin.

“It seemed to me that Gyokuou-sama was highly valued in this village. Is there something wrong? Is it related to the rituals?” Maomao’s speculating.

“Rituals don’t matter. That’s why he’s popular. The feudal lord doesn’t blame the farmers, even if the crops fail. If we’re in need of food, they have the generosity of heart to give it to us. If you don’t do well, you will get more money than if you work properly.” (sus, so sus)

“Ah, I’m jealous of that” - Lahan-nii blurts out without thinking.

“It’s very charitable. Many people quit ranching because they thought it would be better to become farmers.” - In contrast to what Nenshin was saying, his tone sounded like he was vomiting.

Lahan-nii says that he thinks a lord with that much compassion would perform the ritual properly, tapping on his empty cup as he does.

Nenshin argues:

Like I said earlier, the current lord doesn’t know about rituals. Even the dog clan didn’t know the details of the ritual. What I’m forced to do now is nothing more than an imitation of it, as far as I can tell.

“... these rituals weren’t a divine request or anything, but really a measure to prevent locust plagues.” (I think that's Maomao but there's no proper indicator)

Nenshin goes on:

That’s right. The serfs, including me, were given jobs in exchange for not having their lives taken away from them. We were forced to do it, even if we didn’t want to. Some of us ran away to see if they could, and some were lazy, but they were just allowed to live because of the work - so they were hung without mercy. If you don’t cultivate the field, you’ll die, and if you think like that, you’ll have to work like hell.”

It’s only natural that Nenshin’s past is unforgivable - Narrator-Mao notes.

Nenshin goes on another rant:

After ten years the serfs began to receive money based on the harvest of their fields. It was a small amount, but the ability to save was significant. This area is close to Saito(?). I think that’s why the pardon was so important. It’s simple, you get motivated by that stuff to make your crops grow better, with less diseases, and less insect infested. I began to think about it. I started keeping chickens because they ate the bugs when I dug them up.

“The birds used by the wind-reading tribe are different from chickens, correct?” (Maomao?)

Nenshin argues that no, it weren’t chicken - they wouldn’t be suited for a life of traveling through the grasslands.

Basen makes a serious face.

“A (domestic) duck!”

“There’s no way!” - Lahan-nii shouted immediately (quite aggressively as well by the wording choice used). Basen wrinkled his brows at the sudden attack.

“I heard that the domestic ducks eat insects. Since they’re larger than chickens, don’t they eat more (insects)?”

“The domestic duck is a bird that likes water. There’s no way they could grow in such dry land.”

“Don’t deny it completely. If it works hard enough, even a domestic duck might grow.”

“I’ve never seen a house duck try that hard!”

For some reason, Basen is obsessed with house-ducks.

“Unfortunately, it’s not even a house duck. It was a bird I wasn’t familiar with.” (Nenshin argues)

Lahan-nii makes a face as if to say “Would you look at that!”.

Narrator-Mao thinks that it's a normal reaction for a man his age.

“What's missing from the wind-reading tribe's ritual is the bird. I think they were there not to feed on the insects, but to help them be found. There's no way to know where insects are in the vast grasslands. The Dog Clan probably protected the Wind Reading Tribe because they knew how to do it.” (Maomao?)

And then there are the survivors of the tribe that was wiped out, dismissing it as superstition.

“Hey, can I get back to work now? It's/I'm not quite done yet.”

Nenshin gets up while saying “Alley oops”.

“Yes. If possible, could we help as well?” (Maomao?)

“Visitors from Saito are very fond of this place. The same thing happened with Rikuson as well. This will help though. I'm the only former serf, and the new people in the village only cultivate their own fields. It's getting harder and harder to cultivate the land for those who are gone….”

Narrator-Mao notes that Nenshin must be nearly 70 years old. Yet he continues to work even though he's at an age where he could die anytime.

In her mind she's like “Though, it's not like the crimes he committed can be forgiven.”

The chapter ends with Narrator-Mao noting how it appears that, as he walked, Nenshin seemed to have invisible shackles around his feet.

| Notes • Chapter 12

1) The amount of farming knowledge I have now is.. Anyway, Akikō is an actual thing - just that nowadays they do a lot of it with machines. I couldn't find anything stating that the practice helps against locusts, but jumbo snails came up, ig xD It's also eco-friendly.

Which, btw, seems to be an underlying theme that goes along with more recent-ish political changes in Japan that, I'd guess, influenced all this to some degree. They're digging up the old, tried and true methods to save the environment.

It's for better harvest, less gas emissions, against pests, etc.

2) When Maomao's clutching Lahan-nii's collar, it was a bit hard for me to tell if she stops so Basen pulls away from her or if it might've been Lahan-nii who'd tried getting her off of himself.

3) That one point where Basen's attitude towards Nenshin is brought up, from what I gathered, he's basically being like "yeh sure, a guy like you wouldn't have expected doing any actual, proper work. sounds about right." but it wasn't that elaborated on, which leads into my final note.

4) This chapter and the last had some weird writing structures. 10 had only 3 clear indicators of conversation, while it's clearly told by Nenshin start to finish. No reactions from the others really, or anything.

Similarly, in this one, a lot of the dialogue isn't properly claimed to be this or that person. I went with Maomao for most of these lines since it was brought up before that, since she'd mentioned Rikuson, she'd do most of the talking - but these are free for grabs drafts, I haven't translated the arcs prior to this and compared them to the raw LN's to know if that's stuff that gets fixed by translators or before the offical drops in Japan.

Plus, a lot of sentences are unfinished/cut off or, at other times, you just have to gather from what's going on otherwise or was brought up before. Tough time for the translating wine-aunt but oh well.

The duck joke was fun, apparently Basen's really charmed by them.

I hope you enjoyed. Would you like to get tagged or notified when new chapters drop? Let me know down in the comments or in a dm!

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 10

Hi, however you came across this: Welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here - I relay all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I translate to the best of my abilities.

So, be warned, all the spoilers are down below.

New here? Feel free to check out the Masterlist!

Enjoy!

Warning: I said in the masterlist that I'd give triggers if there were any - the following chapter contains brief mention of everything mentioned before in canon & worse, while at other times you can guess more bad things that happened.

As far as I could gather, this chapter is told entirely by Nenshin, there's not even any interruptions to the madness & honestly, I'm not sure it had to be that loaded with triggers.

Triggers mentioned flat out: stillborn baby, murder, starving, a dead child, animal abuse, eradication of a tribe, selling of that tribe's children into slavery, abducting the women for marriage. cann-balism, which happened & was intended to happen again. extortion, human trafficking. people accidentally setting themselves on fire, everything being eaten by bugs + the feeling of being swallowed by a giant bug. killing of religious figures.

Triggers more than heavily implied: the abducted, forcibly married women "got pregnant", if you get my hint.

None of this is gone into much detail, it's more of rapid fire mention of all of that, for the entire chapter.

This is also not my usual "I give you the tea" post, it's pretty much a 1:1 of the actual WN chapter.

For those that maybe don't feel comfortable reading this chapter, I will try & put a brief summary, if the plot is needed, in whatever chapter it's needed in.

Chapter 10 | Nenshin's folktale

50 years ago there were more than twice as many nomadic people as there are now.

I’m also one of them, and I was born into a tribe that was more of a militant group. It may sound good to call them militants/armed warriors, but at worst they were bandits. They would usually keep livestock - but if they wanted a bride, they'd often just abduct women from other tribes or settled villages. On the other hand, they also had side jobs such as extortion or human trafficking.

Hey, don't glare at me. I think/know it was bad. At the time, I had no doubts, I thought that's what life was supposed to be like.

Well, let's continue this story.

I was still a young teenager, but my archery skills were bought by the chief. He(?) even participated in the robberies. It was worse to be beaten - that was the arrogance of the side that was always winning.

That arrogance was widespread throughout the tribe.

One day the chief's son spoke up. “I want a girl from the wind-reading tribe.”

The tribe of wind readers, you know. They were like priests who were in charge of the rituals of the entire grasslands, so to speak. They kept birds and moved around the grassland reading the wind. Many of them were intelligent enough to guess the weather exactly for the entire year.

There was a silent understanding/agreement even among the nomadic people, who had many wild animals: Do not mess with the wind tribe.

Our tribe broke that.

We attacked the wind-readers tribe, in order for the chief’s son to marry the next head of the wind-reading family. They were in the middle of a ritual, so they had no weapons such as bows or arrows. What did they have? Oddly/funnily enough all they needed for their ritual was a tame bird and a hoe.

The women followed/led the birds, the men dug up the soil.

You probably don’t know what that means. But that’s called a ritual. “He(?) looks like a farmer/peasant”, the chief’s son said. “Kill him/take him out”, he said.

I tightened my bow. The arrow flew with a bang, drawing an arc, then it hit the head of the chief of the wind-reader tribe.

That was the start of the war.

It didn't take any skill to kill these guys who didn't have any kind of weapons and were just digging up the ground. It was like chasing an injured deer.

After everything was over, I realized that the looting at that time was the worst thing I had ever done in my life.

He(Nengen’s chief?) had no hesitation in killing those who were respected as priests. In fact, it was worse than what he’d usually do. I guess it was the fear of having killed a priest. Maybe he thought that if he left the priest alive, he would tell God about it.

All grown men were killed. Only the young women were left behind. The kids were sold as slaves and the birds they kept became our dinner.

It’s a disgusting story. But that’s what I did. There was even a kind of elation.

That’s why I didn’t realize it at the time.

One dull bird was pecking at the ground during the looting. I didn’t care and gave it a kick. Later I found out that it was eating the seeds of disaster.

Since, our tribe has done whatever they wanted, more than ever before. The chief’s son abducted the wind-reading tribesman’s daughter, and the daughter conceived a child. It came around the time the daughter became/was pregnant with her second child.

A black shadow filled the plains. At first I thought it was an out-of-season rain cloud, because the black color looked like it had been painted over with charcoal.

My ears were ringing. The livestock astir. The children huddled close together in fear, the women embracing them.

The man, who said he was going to take a look, returned a short time later with his horse, looking lifeless. His clothes, skin and hair in tatters. The horse was agitated, it took a while for it to calm down. The man had marks, like something had bitten him, and I asked what had attacked him.

You guys look like you already know what’s coming. But please, let me talk. The people in the village don’t believe this story at all.

I didn’t even need to ask the scout.

It quickly caught up to our camp.

Insects. An uncountable number of insects. Locusts.

The loud sound of wings and the harsh sound of chewing. It attacks the tent.

The sheep that were grazing were startled and scattered - and the dogs could do nothing but howl, like they’d lost a fight, with their tails tucked between their legs.

The men brandished their swords erratically. You can’t even knock them down like this. But the biggest mistake was waving the torches around. The flying locusts that were set alight would jump/land on the men, causing even more disaster.

I didn’t understand why, so all I could do was crush the locusts on the ground. Each one is about two inches(5cm) long, but at the time we were being eaten by the belly of one giant bug/locust.

The women and children were hidden inside the tent, but more and more came through the cracks. The kids screamed from inside the tent. Their mothers can’t even calm them down and start screaming. They began cursing the men who couldn’t protect their families from flying locusts. The women, who had been kidnapped and forced into marriage, were so desperate that they revealed their true feelings.

The locusts weren’t satisfied with just grass, so they devoured all our food.

Wheat, beans, some vegetables, even the dried meat was chewed on. The tent had holes in various places and after the insects left, the bodies of exhausted, screaming people and countless locusts were left behind.

Everything was eaten up. Livestock fled.

They managed to catch a horse to head to the village to get some food. Since we’re bandits, they chose someone with an unscathed face. They chose—

As soon as I got close, I was shot with an arrow. I never thought someone would shoot me without them even checking who it was. My friend, who was late to escape, was left behind. I could do nothing but show my back to him as he reached out his hand and hung onto it.

When I looked back, the villagers had recovered their companions and the horses they were riding/When I looked back later I saw that the villagers had recovered the horses their friends and associates were riding.

If you think about it you’ll understand. Our tribe wasn’t the only one starving after being attacked by locusts.

I prayed that the friend I had abandoned would at least die without suffering. I thought it was inappropriate for us, who killed the priest’s tribe, to pray.

With nothing to eat, we killed the few remaining cattle. There were times when I would add grass to the soup and get an upset stomach. The hungry children ate the fallen locusts, but one of them died. Either the locusts were poisonous or they ate the legs without shredding them. They were undernourished and very emaciated. If there’s not enough food, the weaker individuals die first.

Moreover, it was natural for pregnant women, who needed more nutrition than anyone, to become weak.

On her body, only her belly is swollen. Although she was in the position of being the next chief’s wife, she was unable to eat properly after that tragedy. The first child clinging to her, sucking his thumb to disguise his hunger.

It was obvious that the baby was stillborn.

The chief’s son was disappointed in his second child. To add insult to injury, his wife was dying after giving birth.

“You guys interfered with the ritual. There are no more people holding the wind-reading ritual. The people of the grassland will continue to be threatened by insects for eternity.”

For several years, the people of her tribe were brutally murdered and kidnapped. Those were words that she had been holding in for a long time. The woman laughed loudly and died, holding her dead baby and the emaciated child in her arms.

As the woman said, it turned out that the cause of this disaster was our tribe’s punishment for disrupting the ritual.

Our tribe was hunted down as a common enemy of the grasslands.

I can only say that it was our own fault. Still, we were determined to live.

We ate grass, ate insects, sometimes we killed or were killed and running away.

A starving man ate the flesh of his dead companions. Not content with just that, he tried to kill even the living. My left eye is (gone) because the guy who tried to eat me shot an arrow into it. I pulled out an arrow on the spot and fired back at him.

I ran away because I didn’t want to eat or be eaten. As I ran, I found nothing and was starving and dry. The smell of barley porridge led me into the city.

The porridge that was prepared by the lord’s blessings, and was so salty that you could mistake it for cattle feed, was delicious.

I was a dirty mess, covered in tears and snot, and was immediately arrested by the guards. Apparently someone in town knew of me being a robber. I had no intention of resisting or anything, and even thought it would be better if I could just eat in prison. All I was looking forward to was seeing how many meals I could eat before I was hanged.

But they never put a rope around my neck.

What I got instead, was the amputation of the finger that draws the bow. And then I became a serf. I still think it was a rather lenient punishment, considering what I’d done.

Even the feudal lord knew about the wind-reading tribe’s ritual. The reason why they were able to eat while continuing to hold meaningless rituals was because the lord protected them. The ritual, which was thought to be meaningless, turned out to have meaning.

Hm, what do I mean by lord? You know, the now defunct dog clan. This was a time before upstarts like Gyokuen emerged.

The dog clan knew about the ritual of the wind-reading tribe. So they decided to have serfs take the place of the wind-reading tribe by placing them in different parts of the country.

Unfortunately, all I can do is till the soil. It seems that even the dog clan wasn’t sure if they could control the birds. All they had were chicken. (idk why but this paragraph is just a mess to translate)

You’re right. I’m being kept alive just to hold rituals. A sacrifice called a serf/I’m a sacrifice in the name of serfdom.

This is the village that these sacrifices created. The mausoleum next to the house is to worship/enshrine the wind-reading people we killed. So I paid the price for killing the priests, for calling in the disaster, with my small life. No matter how you look at it, for those around me it probably isn’t worth it/From the perspective of those around me, I don’t think it’s worth it.

Well, that was until 17 years ago.

With the dog clan gone, the serfs disappeared as they pleased. Some of these idiots have returned to the thievery family business. Because they’re used to being vandals. Hmm, it looks like you’ve run into bandits.

Eh, why did I stay?

Well, I don’t want to be eaten by locusts again.

Never again……..

Well, the old story goes like this/Well, so much for the long old story.

Do you have any questions?

| Notes & Chapter 11

I feel like this chapter took the part of my soul that at long last restored after reading the faces scenes in TGCF by MXTX and lit it up xD

Jokes aside, this was a pretty tiring chapter to translate. There are no comments or reactions from the other characters at all, the only 3(?) lines said by anyone other than Nenshin were that of the chief's son and his forced wife.

That said, I think I got most of the past and present tense right, the they vs I should be fine too - it's a bit tough with just one character doing all the talking though.

This is a strange, heavy chapter for sure. I hope you enjoyed either way. Stay safe!

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 9

Hi, however you found this: Welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here - I relay all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I translate to the best of my abilities.

So, be warned, there's all the spoilers down below. If you want spoilers, but less - my dm's/asks are open!

If you're new, here's the Masterlist.

Enjoy part 3 of the corn mini arc, as I dubbed it!

Cornfield - Conclusion

The house of the elderly man named Nenshin had what could only be called as a simple exterior and interior. Maomao even thinks that it’s similar to her own in the red light district.

There’s a stove, a bed, a shabby table and chairs - the only difference was that, if Maomao’s house was centered around medicine, Nenshin’s is all about agricultural equipment.

She thinks that just by looking at it all, she knows he’s a simple man.

The next line’s giving me a hard time but Narrator-Mao either notices an injury on him that’s not serious or that his injuries show how serious he is.

There were three chairs and only Nenshin stood as he poured goat milk into a battered cup. He goes on saying that “The man named Rikuson did come here. About five days ago.”

Narrator-Mao notes that that was exactly the day before she met Rikuson in Saito(?).

She asks what Rikuson had been here for - she’d intended for Basen or Lahan-nii to ask the questions, but since she’d been the one to bring up Rikuson's name, she spoke.

Nenshin explains that whatever the reason was (for Rikuson to show up) he just handed him a hoe and asked him to plow.

Maomao’s like “Plowing? Isn’t it already late for wheat? Or is wheat sown in the spring?”

She’d heard that wheat is a crop that can be grown in two seasons. Some seeds are sown in winter and harvested in the spring or early summer, while others are sown in the spring and harvested in the fall.

Nenshin argues that that’s not it, putting a cup of goat’s milk on the table and offering it to Maomao. Basen has a strange look on his face at the unfamiliar drink but Maomao was grateful and decided to quench her thirst. The milk was lukewarm but there’s nothing weird in it, it’s just goat’s milk.

Nenshin then drops the bomb that “To put it simply, he was asked to help out with a ritual.”

Maomao tilts her head, repeating “A ritual?”, while Basen and Lahan-nii look at each other, unable to get a grasp on what was said.

Maomao asks “Do you mean one to celebrate a good yield?” but Nenshin argues that “Instead of celebrating a good one, it would be better to say that we’re trying to exorcize a bad harvest.”

“......... I apologize. For us that’s a difficult topic. Could you explain it a bit more clearly?”

In response to her request, Nenshin sits down on his bed with his tongue sticking out. It somehow oozes a sense of ill-naturedness.

“What? Please be this old man’s conversation partner for a moment. The villagers don’t want to talk with me.”

Basen, slightly irritated, replies “Old man, we don’t have free time.” (it’s trying to make the point that they aren’t in the village to play)

Nenshin, however, says “Oh, I see.” and.. just lays down on his bed.

Maomao gets up from her chair to hold Basen back. She apologizes and asks him to please talk with her.

Narrator-Mao notes that a lot of things are free if you just bow your head.

“Hmm, what should I do?” - Nenshin’s tone is more sadistic than playful. But then he adds that he doesn’t feel like it, so he won’t.

Basen(?) can only respond with “Oh, that’s it?!” but when he's about to get in trouble and tries to take a step forward Maomo stops him.

She thinks “Please stop fighting just because you’re hot blooded”.

Meanwhile Narrator-Mao thinks about the fact that she knows how skilled Basen is and that she doesn’t think he would be able to back down against an old man - but she’s not sure.

She thinks “People with this type of character can be oddly stubborn”. then adds as narrator that, even if Basen was stronger, Nenshin would never admit he’d lost. He would shut his mouth like a clam though.

Which, in her head, she knows is a problem.

Narrator-Mao, however, felt that the way Nenshin went about phrasing things was a bit mean-spirited. She wonders if he really wants to talk with her about something, given how he’d let her into the house once she had mentioned Rikuson.

She asks “How can I get you to talk to me?” and realizes that her words just come out badly/awkwardly.

Nenshin replies: “I know. How about you guess?”

Maomao’s like “Guess? What should I guess?”

He says.. “It’s simple. I wish you to guess who I am/was.”

Maomao thinks that that doesn’t make any sense.

Basen and Lahan-nii look at each other again - Narrator-Mao can’t help but notice that for some reason they seem to be a good match.

“Then I…” Basen tries, raising his hand to answer, but Nenshin raises his own - the one with the missing finger. He says “I’m asking the young girl over here, I didn’t ask you, boy.”

Basen tries to get something else out, but he’s holding back.

To the old man covered in scars, the baby-faced military officer must be like a boy.

Now, if only Maomao has the right to answer, how should she respond?

She thinks that Nenshin is a great name though.

It means reading the truth.

Then she thinks that it’s such a great name, she hopes it’s not false or a bluff.

He had called himself “Locust.” If you're a farmer, that’s a pest.

She thinks “Destroying/Devouring crops?”

He’s missing his index finger.. even his eye.

She thinks that he has a really scarred up body for a farmer - but he’s never served in the military.

He must’ve fought, at least once. Moreover, they look like scars from a past battle.

She then thinks about how, when you lose your fingers, you become unable to hold a weapon - especially bows…

Suddenly she remembers the bandits that attacked them the day before. Wondering if those who had their arms broken had been handed over to the authorities by now.

If they’re bandits, they’ll be hanged, or at best executed - she thinks.. and Narrator-Mao recalls that Nenshin said what Rikuson had helped him with was a ritual.

“... Nenshin-san.”

“What is it?”

Nenshin had told her that if she could guess it, she should.

While unrelated, Lahan-nii is glaring at Maomao with anger on his face. He probably doesn’t like the fact that she’s calling the old man she just met by his name.

But she reminds herself, in her head, that that’s not what this is about right now.

Maomao takes a deep breath, then exhales. “Are you a sacrifice?”, she asks and the people around her froze at that.

“What- What is that answer?” Basen tosses back at her.

“You don’t know? It’s a person who’s sacrificed while alive.”

“I get that much. Why is this old man a sacrifice? He’s alive, as you can see.”

Speaking of sacrifice, it’s usually synonymous with the loss of life.. However, to Maomao, this answer seemed most appropriate.

“I’m not sure why you asked this question.” Maomao admits.

Unlike Basen’s reaction, as Maomao looks at Nenshin, the old mans face showed a somewhat satisfied expression.

“I see, that’s right.. Sacrifice.. Is that what I was/I guess that’s what I was.” He lets out a deep breath, then narrows his one remaining eye.

Nenshin then says: “Hey, you three. Would you like to hear an old story about a certain stupid bastard?”

Although his tone was light, there seemed to be a heavy emotion behind Nenshin’s one eye.

“Please.”

This time Lahan-nii and Basen both bow their heads, as to not spoil Nenshin’s mood.

| Notes & Chapter 10

So, uh,.. I said I’d be honest if I went wrong somewhere. Apparently I did because in the last chapter I didn’t get it anywhere that Nenshin calls himself a locust.

I guess maybe I missed a line or he says it in response to Basen asking if he was in the military? I’ll have to check. Just know that sometimes I get the actual needed context for a minimal thing 3k words later.

I'll just prep you now, since I've seen what goes on with his story, that Nenshin sticks around for quite a while. His story is pretty.. honestly, it's probably the heaviest/darkest chapter so far. Trigger warnings are up, please mind them.

So, while the corn mini arc ends here, farmville lives on.

There is one line where Nengen tries to get them to engage with him where I got both - that he wants our 3 buddies to play with or talk to him, because the villagers won’t. I settled with the more mature option, but.. yeah, you saw the chapter.

About the “Would you like to hear an old tale of a stupid bastard” line, you could also go with “guy”, but I honestly have never heard the specific word used in a light way like that.

I’ll keep trying to add little bits of character that would get lost in translation. I feel like it’s really shifting a lot of the ways they come across in just a plain english novel version. That’s honestly one of my favorite parts, but I don’t know if you guys would get too annoyed about it, so yeah.

If you'd like to get tagged or notified when new chapters drop, let me know!

I hope you enjoyed and I’ll see you with the next one! Stay safe!

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries • WN Translation • Masterlist

Hello, if you've never seen this blog before - I write up posts as I go along translating the web novel for myself. For now, I'm working on arc 9/soon to be V10 of the LN.

I translate the entire chapters, so be warned, as I go through telling you all that happens.

If you'd like spoilers, but less - my dms and asks are open!

I'll add my proper introduction at the end, to keep this rather user friendly.

Arc 9

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3 • 🃏

Chapter 4 • 💭

Chapter 5 | Chapter 6

Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9

Chapter 10 • 🃏📍 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12

Chapter 13 | Chapter 14

Chapter 15 | Chapter 16

Chapter 17 • 💭 | Chapter 18 • 💭

Chapter 19 | Chapter 20

Masterlist Notes

The chapters divided by “|” are parts that link directly together. I'll usually provide the titles I get in the post, but since not all of them translate as well for me, I'll omit them from the masterlist for now.

I'm probably going to use three symbols:

💭 is for chapters that involve Maomao and Jinshi interacting

📍 is saved in case there should be any triggers - which I'll detail in the chapter posts

🃏 is for a change in narrator

For now I don't have a proper update schedule. I'll usually post once a day, if not then I'm probably working on a string of chapters that are tied together, or the chapter and I have some communication issues.

Just save the post, follow, or check the tags. If you'd like to get tagged in updates or be notified when I do, send a dm my way!

Introduction

I originally had this intro in chapter 1, but since I'm getting things done quite quickly, we're here.

I picked this up because, like many, I would likely never hear the end of this story, if I kept waiting for the LN translations to get up to date. Out of sight out of mind is a real issue.. but I love the story, plus I've translated some bits and pieces before - so, I chose to not stick my head in the sand while all the content is right there.

I'm pretty transparent if I don't know something, this is all just for fun and a learning curve while trying the best I can. My main perk is that I can translate to both english and german, which is pretty much what I'm doing to try and raise accuracy.

Please note that there are differences between the Web Novel vs the finished Light Novels. I chose to go with the WN, so that the actual finished LN's remain exciting - it's also why I don't share the art that's out there.

So if you're up to go down poison alley with me/my posts - Welcome!

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 8

Hello, however you found this: Welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here - relaying all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I translate to the best of my abilities.

So, be warned that all the spoilers are below. If you'd like to get spoiled, but less? My dm's/asks are open!

If you're here for the first time, here's Chapter 1 | Masterlist here.

Part 2 of the corn mini arc, as promised. Enjoy!

Cornfield Pt. 2

Narrator-Mao directs us right back to where we left off: What does it mean, she wonders, her head still tilted, as she walks through the village.

In short, this is a peaceful, barren village. There are no stores, it’s almost self-sufficient with the exception of peddlers coming every ten days or so, or that’s what’s being said.

The villagers are friendly people. It doesn’t look like they’re doing anything wrong.

Maybe it’s all just the misunderstanding of a child and their own imagination that is at fault, she thinks.. but there was a man that was even more blunt than her.

“Oni-san, you make a grim/stern face, smile smile.” Chue nags Lahan’s brother.

He narrowed his eyes as he looked around at the fields of the village - in his hand was a cloth type bag, filled with seed potatoes.

Despite having said himself that this is just a reconnaissance mission, he’s actually here to spread the word about new crops. He has them with him because they’re supposed to serve as a bit of a motivator for those interested in growing new crops.

He’s an ordinary man with a paradox/contradiction - he denies being a farmer, yet he is sincere about farming.

Narrator-Mao’s like “If I say normal, I mean normal.” because there’s eldest sons everywhere that don’t want to take over the family business.. but she’s afraid that if she were to bring that up, he’d get mad.

She goes on to note that it would’ve been more efficient for them to act separately with her going about asking questions, but she can’t do that. Even in this prefecture the spirit of men vs women is strong and people don’t like it when female outsiders act all bossy and go about their own lives. Even if she had an escort it would be useless, because she’s Maomao.

In her head she’s like “Chue-san does move on her own, however.”

Chue went elsewhere because she had other work to do and although she has her quirks in her personality, since she’s someone Suiren approves of, Maomao doesn’t think she’ll mess up.

Narrator-Mao then notes that she should be fine guiding Lahans brother and Basen through the interrogations. “Even without her guidance, Lahan-nii will do whatever Maomao wants him to do” xD

Farmer A: “Insect damage, huh?”

Lahan-nii: “Yeah/Oh. Wasn’t it bad last year?”

Farmer A: “Mmh/Well, insects cause damage every year. Of course it happened last year, and there was a lot of damage, but we managed it somehow - it’s also thanks to my lord and master that I can eat like this without starving.”

Narrator-Mao wonders if “Lord” is referring to Gyokuen before relating to us that while there had been a lot of insect damage, damage from locusts wasn’t as severe.

Lahan-nii: “Hmm. Well, I’d like to ask you another question. Who cultivates/grows that field over there?”

Farmer A: “That one? Ah, that’s Nenshin's field. He’s an old man who lives in the house at the edge of the village over there. There’s a shrine next door, so you’ll know right away.”

Lahan-nii “Thank you, I understand.”

Farmer A: “No (awkward no), I told you, but are you really going to meet him?”

Lahan-nii: “That’s my intention.”

Farmer A: “Hmm, that’s fine.. However, I think that old man will be a little confused/embarrassed.. Well, he’s not a bad person, so if you don’t mind, that’s fine.”

Narrator-Mao notes how strange that way of phrasing things was.

Maomao makes her way to where they were told to go.

Lahan-Nii’s like “Excuse me.” because Maomao’s tugging on his clothes, then he asks what’s up. She, in turn, inquires why he’s interested in that field.. and he’s like “Can’t you see it? Only that field over there is beautiful.” - poor Maomao can only say “Is it beautiful?”

It’s probably an adjective that would be more pleasant if used for something other than a field, but his face is completely serious.

He goes on. “Although everything else is sloppy, that field is neatly divided. The wheat is well treaded, and the seedlings look strong.” - Maomao then says “Is that so…” (it’s that questioning japanese tone without it being a flat out question)

It does look like that to Narrator-Mao as well, if you were to ask her, but she’s just not really interested in wheat.

She goes on thinking that snake’s beard probably doesn’t grow around here. The wheat connection reminds her of herbal medicine - which “by the way” has no connection with wheat and instead refers to the roots of the plant called snake’s beard. (it’s also referred to as wheatman which is the wheat connection)

Maomao in her head is also noting that there aren’t many plants growing around here in general.

It seems that she’s facing a chronic shortage of crude drugs.. and since she’d become a court lady and was a apothecary, her reaction to that is.. great (yeh she has withdrawal)

She thinks “medicine, I really want to see medicine” and as she’s thinking about it she’s starting to have some sorta attack and her breathing gets rough.

Lahan-nii gets totally freaked out and worried by that, saying “Oy, oy, are you alright? You’re really pale.” and Maomao stutters out that she’s sorry and that it’s not a big deal-

But Narrator-Mao keeps the sentence going “But I want to see medicine. I want to smell it. At this point it could even be poison.”

If there was any herbal medicine nearby, would it be from the carefree sheep? She wonders in her head if the horns could be used for medicine.

Narrator-Mao thinks rams have horns. However, maybe, the shape isn’t the same as the medical horn she’d seen before because it’s a different one.

With a ghostly hand she reaches for the sheep on the other side of the fence.

Poor Lahan-nii then puts her in a chokehold as he says “Hey, you’re acting really weird.”

Narrator-Mao lets us know that she’s aware she’s acting strange, but she can’t help it. She’s in desperate need of some kind of medicine and stutters out “M-Medicine….”

Lahan-nii’s like “Medicine? Are you sick?” and Narrator-Mao remarks that “Lahan-nii, Maomao really just wants you to bring any kind of medicine”.

“Medicine? Come to think of it, there was something that Suiren-dono entrusted me with.” Basen pulls a cloth baggy from his pocket. Suiren had told him that if Maomao starts acting up, he should show her this - Basen explains. What he pulls out is a strange dried fish in the shape of “S”

“S-Seahorse!”

Narrator-Mao notes that it’s also called dragon’s spawn. It’s a strange underwater creature that can neither be called fish nor insect.. but Basen quickly hides it from her again.

Maomao's like “Hey!” but Basen pulls out a piece of paper that was also in the lil baggy, saying “Ehm, so..” as he does.

• If Maomao doesn't behave well, show her what's inside this bag. Don't give it to her right away - only do so when the job is done. •

While it was Basen who was reading the note, all Maomao could hear was Suirens voice. She thinks “As you'd expect from a skilled old lady.”

Narrator-Mao admits that Suiren is better at handling her than the lady from Verdigris,.. but it's probably because she saw how Jinshi went about baiting her so many times before. The fact that it was Suiren who gave this to Basen and not Jinshi shows that to her Basen is still a kid.

Lahan-nii(?) then asks if she's recovered from her fit and Maomao's like “Yes! I'm fine.”

But, of course, he isn't used to this.. so he goes “No, there's no way you're fine? There's no medicine that can cure you just from looking at it!”

He never forgets to attack. However, Maomao tells him not to worry and instead they should just get their job done quickly.. In her head she adds “For the seahorse”.

Narrator-Mao fills us in that in herbal medicine it’s generally used as a tonic.

But Lahan-nii keeps arguing, saying that he’s not convinced and repeats “Isn’t it strange? Isn’t it strange?” and Maomao remarks that “You’re kind of reminding me of someone who repeats things. Lahan-ani.”

The most glaring thing, Narrator-Mao notes are the glasses - it’s the most glaring thing.

Lahan-nii attempts complaining that he’s not Lahan-nii, but before he can actually go on Maomao interrupts him by asking if they should leave now, they don’t have much time. Meanwhile Narrator-Mao adds that while, as promised, the name introduction was interrupted, she feels like she’s getting kinda tired of it.

So, instead of more such shenanigans, we have her setting the next scene for us.

While the farmer said there would be a temple, it’s not like any Maomao has seen before. It’s made of brick, has no windows and inside cloth hangs freely. Instead of statues, there are wall hangings depicting gods and buddha.

Despite sounding unconvinced, Lahan-nii says “Well then, here I go..” as he knocks on the door of the house next to the shrine.

“........”

No response.

“Is he away?” - “Maybe he’s away? Taking care of the sheeps and field..”

Narrator-Mao says that it seems like a good idea to head back soon for lunch/that it would be a good time to come back for lunch.

“Do you need something?”

A low, hoarse voice could be heard.

As they turned around, they saw a dark-skinned old man standing there - a hoe in his hand and a towel around his neck indicating that he must be a farmer. His clothes are also stained with black dirt and have been patched many times. Narrator-Mao’s sure he’s a farmer-

“!?”

Basen had reached for the hilt of his sword, but stopped himself - even Maomao understood why he took a stance without realizing.

Lahan-nii’s like “Hey hey, what are you doing taking a stance against a farmer” and Narrator-Mao notes that the man's dark skin has a lot of pigment spots, proof of having spent much time exposed to the sun.. but that’s not why Basen reacted.

The old man’s left eye was missing, judging by how hollow the socket appeared. His right hand, which is holding the hoe, has no index finger and the remaining exposed parts of his body show numerous knife and arrow wounds.

Narrator-Mao then thinks back to the man earlier that told them that this farmer would likely end up confused or embarrassed.

It’s Basen who asks, respectfully, if the man has any military experience.. but the man says that it’s not that big of a deal, it’s just locusts that went rampage in the grasslands.

“Locusts…” Maomao thinks.

That’s an interesting thing to say. She also had something else on her mind as well.

“Were you working in the fields?” She blurts out. The man is holding a hoe and caked in mud - the state of his clothing looked familiar.

The old man replies “What else do you think I was doing?”, not really caring much.

Narrator-Mao notes that what she said was certainly too obvious, but she noticed something while looking at the village fields.

She says, aloud, that she thought that if you were working normally in the fields, you wouldn’t get so dirty.

Filling us in as narrator that even if he was taking care of the wheat this time of year, he shouldn’t have gotten this dirty. The soil in the fields is dry and won’t get sticky unless you make it wet.

Maomao ends up asking if a man named Rikuson has come here before.. the man lets out a “...Hmm.”

He then blinked his one eye and opened the door to his house, which could only be called a hut - “Come inside you guys. I’ll give you some goat’s milk.”

The old man propped up his hoe, inviting them inside.

— Notes & Chapter 9

There’s only a couple of things for this chapter.

1: The farmer Lahan-nii talks to before Maomao starts having her withdrawal symptoms isn’t named. He’s later on just called “the farmer from earlier”.

2: The next chapter is the conclusion of this corn mini arc, but there's more chapters tying into it.

3: At the point where Maomao says that Lahan-nii is reminding her of someone, she uses Lahan-ani, not Lahan-nii. It makes it more direct, Lahan aniki, Lahan’s older brother.

4: The older gentleman at the end, there’s a couple different options I got for his name. By chapter 11, I decided to go with the most common one I kept getting: Nenshin.

5: In Japanese the kanji used to explain the shape of the sea horse is: 乙

I hope you enjoyed this one - if you'd like to get notified or tagged when new chapters drop, let me know.

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 7

Hi, however you stumbled across this: Welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here - I relay all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I translate to the best of my abilities.

So, be warned - all the spoilers are down below. If you'd like to get spoiled, but less? My dm's/asks are open!

If you're new, here's a link to Chapter 1 | Masterlist here.

This is part 1 of 3 from the Corn mini arc, as I dubbed it. Part 2 & 3 are up already.

Cornfield 1

The next adventure starts with Lahan-nii staring at the ground, Maomao reaches out to take a look while asking for his opinion.

She looks at him from the side - letting us know that while it’s early, with the sun barely starting to rise, the farmers are already moving. Maomao is tired, she wasn’t able to sleep well because a farmer doing early work woke her up with the noise he was making.

They’re in a field in the area they arrived at yesterday - and since she’d already received permission from the village chief the day before, she's checking the soil without asking again.

Wheat is growing in the field and while she’s worried that the goats and sheep will eat from it, Narrator-Mao gathers that since it’s usually fenced off it should be safe.

Lahan-nii says that it’s not bad soil, it’s draining well but something about it could be a bit better.

Chue then shows up, asking if it would be better if it was less nutritious.

Maomao thinks about how late Chue must’ve gotten to bed last night. It was midnight by the time she got back to the tent yet even though the negotiations dragged on for such a long time she seems fine.

Narrator-Mao concludes that it would be best for her not to ask what sorta negotiations happened. After all, since Chue asked her to treat her the same as before, she decided to do so.

As Lahan-nii gets up and looks around the whole field Narrator-mao wonders if he’s debating to plant wheat now since for this season their fields are being left untouched.

Lahan-nii then explains that, unlike other vegetables, potatoes grow better when the soil is of poorer quality. If sweet potatoes are in contact with too high-quality soil, they’ll become overgrown with leaves and won’t grow. It makes the potatoes more susceptible to disease.

Chue replies that she understands and “by the way, noodles aren’t enough for breakfast” so she’ll make some porridge as well. Lahan-nii is like “Oh, thank you for that.”

However, it’s Chue, so what would a scene with her in it be without some shenanigans.

She just takes some of the sweet potatoes and starts peeling them (don’t ask me how, there’s no mention of a knife or anything) and Lahan-nii is like “Hey, what are you peeling!”

Chue steals some more potatoes with lightning speed, saying “Are~”, which is a noise commonly used as “Huh” or when you’re caught doing something you’re not supposed to, as she turns away.

Lahan-nii then goes ham and is like “That is a s-ee-d po-ta-to! Don’t eat it!” but Chue argues that they only have wheat around them and little rice.. so she was debating to add some sweet potato to the porridge when warming it up.

Maomao says that the imogayu sure is tasty. As narrator she lets us know that she’s slowly getting hungry and that in the morning porridge is better for the stomach than buns stuffed with noodles.

Lahan-nii is not pleased at all “We have to plant them! You can’t eat them!” he yells in a tone like he was scolding children. A sheep that slept fenced in close by made a noise as if to tell them that they were being too loud.

The argument then continues with Lahan-nii going “I/We can’t plant those anymore…..”. Chue’s like “Let’s eat then.” and Maomao goes “Can’t be helped.”

Chue then tries to say that it’s not enough and she needs three more but Lahan-nii immediately cuts her sentence short with a “No!”. Maomao clenches her fist tightly, as she realizes that he does have an area where he shines.. even if he’s just ordinary.

As much as Maomao felt that she wanted to see more of their bickering, they had to move on with the story. So she asks if aside from breakfast, they’ll still be able to cultivate.

In response to that question, Lahan-nii crosses his arms. He explains that this area is similar to the north, not that it’s as far north but with the climate it seems like the normal potatoes would be better suited than sweet potatoes. It’s colder here. (yes, there’s place names here. It’s Kita-shu, to the north & Hisashi-shu he notes as being less cold than Hokuaren - the current area.)

Maomao says that it’s true that it’s cold here even though in Saito(?) it was still warm.. Narrator-Mao lets us know that the temperature difference isn’t enough to wear a cloak and that she’d put the blame on it being windy, but it’s there.

She then thinks that her ears hurt a little and pinches her nose to try and clear them before saying that the altitude here is considerably higher than in Saito(?). Lahan-nii says that it seems like it. Chue though is like “Really?/Is that so?” and pulls the map from her pocket.

Maomao says that while Chue is good at reading maps, she didn’t write down the height/altitude. She felt like the air was thin, which would make sense then. Lahan-nii puffs out his chest as he says that he knows because his dad told/taught him a lot of things.

Next Maomao says that since Saito(?) is so close to the desert, even during the daytime the temperatures are high. Where they’re at now it’s chilly even during the day. It then occurs to her how different the temperatures are, given that they’re in the same province still.

She then repeats her question about whether or not they’ll be able to grow the potatoes. Lahan-nii admits that he doesn’t know.

He says that, basically, if you’re going to plant sweet potatoes, you’d want temperatures similar to Hisashi province in spring to early summer. Here though, whether it’s in the desert or the highlands, the temperatures aren’t suitable. It’s worth trying to grow them.. maybe it would be safer to grow potatoes — but/however.

Narrator-Mao notes that for some reason his face clouds over. With an unconvinced look on his face, he sauntered into the field and starts stepping onto the wheat out of nowhere.

Watching it all from the sidelines Chue’s like “What are you doing? They’ll get mad at you/us.”

He yells that he’s the one who wants to be mad and then some more about the fact that no one has done any wheat trampling in this field before.

Maomao’s like “Mugifumi?” (don’t panic, he’ll explain) then she tilts her head as she watches him walk sideways like a crab.

He yells back that they trample the wheats like this to encourage it to tiller. It also improves the root tension and prevents crops from falling over - but the fields here look like they haven’t done that.

Maomao’s like “As expected of a farmer.” (judging by her tone she’s a bit impressed) but it’s his.. trigger, so he’s like “Who’s the farmer!” and in her head she’s like “Who else is there besides you?”

Whatever he says or his intentions are, being a farmer is ingrained in him.. and after a while of watching Lahan-nii go on with his “goofy crab walk” Chue gets interested and starts joining him.. which of course means that Maomao does as well, or else they’ll never get done/the whole thing won’t be complete unless she joins in.

We re-enter the story with what meal they're having. Grilled lamb skewers are placed atop flat baked noodle buns. There's a soup in a pot over the fireplace, containing wheat noodles and mutton. They also have tea, but it's too light in color to be called that, plus it's made with milk instead of hot water, which Maomao isn't used to.

She thinks about how there's a lot of livestock meat and dairy products but few vegetables - as narrator she adds in that if this wasn't a farming village they'd even have less wheat.

The meals here are eaten in a large tent, where Maomao and Chue are just mingling and Narrator-Mao fills us in that since Chue's porridge wasn't finished in time it's served for dinner. The potatoes that were already peeled and sliced thinly are roasted in the fireplace.

Since Basen was sitting at the fireplace, the others could sit where it was warmer as well - the others were seated in a circle around him.

Apparently the soup/hotpot tasted rather bland so Chue gave Maomao some salt - the meat skewers, however, are even more delicious than street food in Li.

However, the bread they have alongside it is hard, so they slice it up and dip it into the soup - it's great with cheese on top though.

To our narrator there's still not enough vegetables in any of the meals. In the soup there's some, but not enough in quantity.

One of them then questions why Lahan-nii isn't just planting the potatoes properly and how much trampling the wheat is really going to affect the yield.

Chue's like “Yeah, that's right. If you don't want the cheese, let me have it.” and Lahan-nii shouts back “Hey! Don't eat it without permission!”.. because with a quick move Chue just took his cheese.

Maomao thinks that Chue shouldn't do that.. or, even if, the success rate would be higher with Basen, who looks quick but has a low attention span - but then again, Chue probably knows that.

As they ate they had been talking about what they'd been doing in the field earlier.

Basen says that he heard this time visit was more of an inspection “but what do you think, Lahan-nii?”. He's become well acquainted with the name. Usually he would've asked more seriously what the man's name is, but Narrator-Mao wonders if there may be a higher power/an extrajudicial measure at work here.

Lahan-nii goes “No, so my name is–” but Maomao quickly interjects with “Since you brought seed potatoes, you were planning to plant some, right?”

He accepts his fate apparently because he just goes on to explain that if they find a good spot that's pretty much it. That's what Lahan had asked of him and since he's Lahan-nii’s little brother he kinda has to.

Maomao thinks that that's pretty fair given how terrible of a family he has. But Narrator-Mao adds that she wants to tease him a little.

Basen then says that he gets what happened to the wheat field earlier, but asks Lahan-nii if there's a problem because he looks dissatisfied. Lahan-nii says that Basen's right and asks if they even plan to cultivate a proper field.

Maoamo jumps in as well, kinda sharing Basen’s opinion “i apologize, since i’m not an expert, but does it really make sense to criticize them so harshly for not trampling the fields before?”

It’s true that mugifumi is done to improve the quality of the wheat, but that doesn’t mean it won’t just regrow if they do it or not. If they got other tasks, Narrator-Mao thinks that it would be fine to skip the trampling.

But Lahan-nii goes on explaining that it’s not just about that. The growth patterns are all over the place, sure he knows they sowed them by hand, but they should at least keep things even. Same goes for the fertilizer, it needs to be spread more evenly or else the nutrition value of the soil will be all over the place.

Maomao(?) says that that’s too much detail and if he wants to eat potatoes and he snaps back that it’s not too much as well as that he’s tired of eating them.

In the middle of all this Chue hands Maomao a roasted sweet potato and she starts eating it. They’re sweet and delicious on their own, but with a bit of butter they get even more mellow and delicious. Chue seemed to like them too, because she slyly grabs another three and starts grilling them.

Narrator-Mao lets us know that she gets what Lahan-nii is trying to say but she also has a counterargument. “Don’t farming methods differ depending on the region? If the livestock industry was the mainstay of farming, there wouldn’t be much need for grains - hence, the technologies wouldn’t have developed.”

While Lahan-nii agrees, he goes on with “But I’m saying they’re cutting corners here. I don’t think they’ll get much out of it. They know the technology but still cut corners.”

Basen then speaks up for the first time in ages, arguing that if they have other income, it’s not a problem.. or is there a reason to be concerned? - He proceeds to take a sip from his milk tea. (i didn’t expect him to get tea-uncleyfied)

Lahan-nii goes “B-u-t” (makes more sense in japanese ‘cause it’s da-ka-ra) - but Maomao argues why one should care about farming if you got other income.

Narrator-mao lets us know that she’s having the feeling that she understands what Lahan-nii is trying to say.. and at long last, Lahan-nii goes “Yes, that’s it.” - looking relieved as she finally catches on.

Basen’s like “I don’t get it.” and Chue admits that she also doesn’t really understand and for them to explain it a bit more clearly.

Maomao does them the favor, saying that if they were to make their income from livestock, they’d have to be traveling all the time so the animals can eat. But the more people go through the trouble of settling down and cultivating fields, the harder it gets to breed livestock. In other words, she thinks that’s because agriculture has more perks than livestock.

One of the others throws in that it’s because traveling bears a higher injury risk.

Maomao says “Yes.” then goes on with how the tent they are in shows that it doesn’t seem uncommon for people to go from wandering to being farmers. One could become a farmer for unavoidable reasons, or because it’s more advantageous.. but if it’s the latter, wouldn’t you want to increase the yield all the more?

As Lahan-nii listens to her explanation, he nods “yes, yes” - the other two looked blank/lost.

Maomao says that she can’t explain it very well, wondering what she should do. Lahan-nii(?) adds that he doesn’t know what to say, he just knows it’s strange and Maomao repeats that she can’t put it into words very well. (i think she’s more talking to herself at this rate)

She then grunts/groans, going back to eating her now cold sweet potato - Narrator-Mao notes that since they got no sweets around, that of the potato stands out all the more.

“...”

After a bit of silence she suddenly looks out the tent - there were two children peeking inside, curious about the guests. It’s a boy and a girl, barely ten years old, and given how similar their faces looked they’re probably brother and sister.

She asks if they’re hungry and while they’re at first a little shaken, they reached for the sweet potato they’d never seen before. Once they took a bite, their eyes widened.

They ask for one more and Maomao says “Okay, but can I ask you a question?”

Maomao looks at the field.

Someone starts a sentence with “that cornfield” but Maomao doesn’t keep track of the story. She’s just trying to figure out what to ask.

Ultimately, Chue settles on a flat out approach from the sidelines. “Does your family cultivate the field properly? Are you cutting corners?”

One of the siblings repeats “Cut corners in the field?” while the other repeats “Cut corners?” - the two look at each other.

Interjecting, Maomao says “I think that’s too difficult for them to understand.”, Chue replies with “Is that so, Maomao-san?” and hands the kids more sweet potatoes.

One of the siblings goes on to say something along the lines of “not knowing if that’s what they’re talking about but it’s said that if you have a field, you can get money”.

Maomao’s like “You can get money? Does that mean you sell wheat?” but both kids shake their heads.

One of the kids, I think, then says that that’s not it. It’s really easy because you don’t have to raise it to have it (the wheat) but the kid is cut short by an adult from the village calling out to them with “Hey! You shouldn’t approach the guests!”, making the kids flinch.

Maomao tries to stop them, telling them to wait, but it’s too late. They’ve already run off.

In her mind Maomao wonders if they can make money without cultivating.. But her narrator self feels like that’s strange, because if.. there’d be no need to care for wheat/cornfields.

The villager then comes up to them to ask if the kids did anything but despite Maomao saying that they did nothing, the villager apologizes.

Maomao thinks that it doesn’t look like they’re(?) hiding anything - but as she walks back to the tent, with her head tilted, she wonders what that means.

| Notes | Chapter 8 and Masterlist

I’ll just explain the Mugifumi part for those interested. It’s a beneficial farming tactic where they add mechanical stress while treading on wheat/barley seedlings.

By now plant scientists are aware that mechanical stress such as touching, bending and treading affects the growth & development of trees, grasses and crops. By the 17th century they already knew in Japan that this would eventually lead to a good yield. However, there aren't many international resources about it because it's so traditionally Japanese that most texts are old and have never been translated.

International theories along the lines of Mugifumi are a few hundred years younger!

Lesson done!

(off topic but these chapters have all the crackhead energy)

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#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 6

Hi, however you found this: Welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here - relaying all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I translate to the best of my abilities.

So, warning, all the spoilers are found below the cut. Want spoilers, but less? My dm's/asks are open.

If you're new, here's Chapter 1 - also, Chapter 5 which is the direct pre to this one | Masterlist here.

Enjoy!

Chapter 6 | Grasslands Pt. 2

After that, Maomao’s journey was peaceful (I’m not shitting you, that’s how the chapter starts xD)

We then get a bit of inner monologue about how she expected more insects.. however, Narrator-Mao explains that since it’s all grassland, there are quite a few - however, not in large numbers, at most she saw some jumping around from time to time.

She wonders if the fear was unfounded but more rationally speaking she’s relieved that there’s no locust damage in Saito(?).

By the time they arrive at the next resting place, they caught up with Lahan’s brother who’d been sent ahead. As he listens to what they just went through he goes pale, saying something along the lines of “Eh, is that true?” which Maomao, in her thoughts, sees overall as a normal reaction.

Narrator-Mao thinks back on how Chue reacted to the attack, realizing that her reaction was like she’s used to it or it’s at least in the “expected” range.

The party that had started the travel earlier consisted of one wagon, Lahan’s brother, two miliary officers - who looked like bodyguards -, three farmers - who seemed to be helpers - and two local guides.

Maomao doesn’t know how many people would be appropriate for her but she feels like two (Basen and Chue) are a lot. She then wonders if the original plan had been for one person not to be there - then remembers that she forgot to mention that they had no guide.

After the second break, it wasn’t long before they reached the village. There are houses centered around a flowing river and fields as well as trees can be seen around them. Unlike the mountains Maomao knows, the ones she spots here looks more like a raised grassland hills. (our girl and her sizes)

She wonders if the white dots she sees are sheep and that “the black thing could be a cow”. Based on the number of houses her guess is that the population is probably, at most, 300 people strong.

Like guessed by her, as they approach they’re greeted by sheep. Some are fluffy, while others aren’t after being sheared - they’re probably right in the middle of shearing season.

Even the kids appear to be hard workers, picking up sheep droppings and putting them in baskets - Basen(?) asks what that’s about and Maomao explains that it’s said to be used as fuel and is allegedly also good for spreading on the floor to keep it warm. Understandably Basen gives her a strange look, so instead of being silent she feels like adding a tad more.

Maomao then says shit(?) and Chue doesn’t miss a beat and just deadass goes “Huh, don’t you know? He’s my brother in law.” - Narrator-Mao takes note that Chue never seems to forget to provoke Basen and that her default standard when provoking him seems to be calling him “brother in law” as she does so.

The village is surrounded by a moat and a brick wall, judging by where the bandits appeared from they must come here from time to time.

Basen is then talking to someone at the entrance of the village, their messenger already seems to have arrived so they’re let in easily.

Apparently Chue called for one of their two guides - she’s smiling for some reason and Narrator-mao says that the guide is going increasingly pale.

A disturbing atmosphere can be felt around them. Behind Chue is one of the guards from the group that started travelling earlier. Chue keeps smiling and while the guide is calm, however you looked at it it seemed like she’d be lead away - Maomao then thinks “I see~”

She folds her arms as she keeps her eyes on where the guide will take Chue and Lahan’s brother is like “Hey, what was that?”. Maomao says that they probably want to haggle because they asked for a safe route yet the bandits were there.

Lahan-nii is like “Ah, but isn’t that just an excuse?”, Maomao says that it may be seen as a bit of an insult - but it seems like they’d paid extra for the route that they were specially taught about because it’s “so safe”. Lahan-nii says something along the lines of “You’re lying, right? I mean, the “roads” are nothing but grass, if you get deceived, you’re the fool.”

Narrator-Mao thinks that sure it’s bullshit, she’s just talking away anyway and as she does she hears footsteps approaching.

It’s Basen, who’s come to tell her that he heard the village chief will show her where to stay. Maomao’s like “Got it”, Lahan-nii says thank you and Narrator-Mao notes that while he’s treated roughly, he’s polite. He is the oldest son of a good family, so he probably has good manners.

Basen then looks at Lahan-nii and is like “Eh, right- By the way-..” pauses, then says “What should I call you?” Narrator-Mao’s like “even Basen doesn’t know his name” and Lahan-nii is like “Oh!”.

Lahan-nii is already all excited, but before he can get a word out Maomao goes “Lahan-nii’s fine”. She doesn’t miss a beat.

The poor guy goes “Hey!” while tapping Maomao’s shoulder with the back of his hand.

Basen basically says “Okay, Lahan-nii’s fine.” and Lahan’s brother yells “Hey, there?!” at Basen, completely forgetting his manners.

Maomao goes “Yes, he literally is Lahan’s older brother. I’m sure you know about Lakan, but his quirk isn’t so strong, he’s just a normal person so there’s no harm in him. As a potato farmer he’s an expert, so I’m leaving that to him.”

The brother then goes “Who’s normal! Who’s a farmer!” and Narrator-Mao thinks that if he’s not a farmer, then what is he? She wishes he could be a bit more proud of himself, given how much he was helping out with the giant potato field.

Basen then kinda backpaddles and goes “I understand. Since you’re a relative of Lakan-sama, you must be treated with respect.”

Maomao thinks that that’s a good point or that she likes that part - meanwhile her more honest narrator self is like “Well, all I can say is that the way he treats me is rather sloppy.”

The poor village chief then comes in with a shy “Uhm..”. He inquires if he can show Maomao around and she apologizes and says “please”. He looks relieved when they make their way to the village center.

He then tells her to use a specific house, which is a mobile tent as you’d expect to see from pastrolists. The chief goes about explaining that the tent was from people that used to live in the village a few years ago, but it’s still in use and heated. For women, the smaller tent beside it should be used.

When Maomao looks inside, it really is warm. The frame is built like a net and covered in wool felt. Inside there’s a carpet with a fireplace in the middle. There are no windows and the air seems a bit bad, but she notices a cylindrical pillar above the fireplace that seems to be used to let out the air. She also wonders if what’s piled beside the fireplace is the sheep dung that the kids were collecting earlier.

The carpet is carefully woven and showy - you can tell that even in rural areas they care about their guests.

The village chief then quietly says that he/they were saved just before the tent collapsed at one point - Maomao thinks that he must be talking about Rikuson. We then have Narrator-Mao wonder just what on earth Rikuson was up to, because he must have arrived only days prior.

She also tells us that the village chief with his dark/tan skin looks like an old man, but he’s sturdy on his feet. She’s not sure if it’s due to the heavy amount of sunlight that they age more or if, despite having settled down, since they’re wandering folk they may just have strong legs.

The man then says that it’s already late today, so he’ll go eat and rest if it's alright and that he’ll have a guard posted in front of the tent - Maomao says it is and then grabs her luggage before heading for the smaller tent.

When she takes of her shoes, she’s surprised at how soft the floor is - it seems that there are many layers of woolen blankets under the carpet. After taking off her fancy cloak, she ends up just laying down on the ground, sprawled out.

She then thinks “Ah, no..” - due to how warm it is in the tent and on the floor she almost dozed off.. but she jumps up and slaps her cheek (and here she goes judging her mans).

The next time she wakes up, Chue has just returned. She’s like “Well, Maomao-san, you seem to be feeling well.”, then narrows her eyes and also collapses onto the ground to roll around.

Maomao then ends up asking if she can check in with Chue for a second - she then goes over everything she was curious about in her mind to sum it up and somehow as she sorts her mindmaze she sits up straight, Chue follows, they end up sitting straight-backed facing one another.

Chue asks “Yes, yes, what is it Maomao-san?” as she usually does. Maomao accuses her of having been the one to incite the bandits, Chue’s expression doesn’t change at all as she asks what Maomao means by that.

Maomao admits that her phrasing was bad, so she restarts with saying that in other words bandits were assumed to be a problem. To lessen the actual damage, they were led to them, who were late arrivals - still, Chue’s expression doesn’t change at all.

Chue then asks something along the lines of what basis she has for that thought. This doesn’t seem like an attempt to annoy or embarrass Maomao, but Chue clearly enjoys listening to the answer.

Maomao goes about explaining that first of all, why were they split into an early starter group and a late starting one? Maybe they were thinking about her and wanted her travel to be as short as possible - which she can see based on the preparations they made.

However, even if they started at different times.. she thinks it’s unnatural that they had no guide with them, even though they had two hired.

Chue’s like “Huh?” and Narrator-Mao notes that while she’s good at looking at maps, if you’re visiting a new area it’s always better to have someone to guide you. The next part, I think, is her stating as narrator that someone, likely Basen, also seemed reluctant to take her with them (Not sure if her is referring to Chue or Maomao).

Second, she says, the cloak. Chue’s like “Didn’t you like it?” and Maomao’s like “It’s very warm and useful, but the one thing that caught my attention is how gorgeous it was.” Chue tries to play dense by going “What about gorgeous?” and Maomao looks at the cloak Chue was wearing.

She points out that Chue loves flashy things, so she thought if Chue had two, she’d pick the flashier one.. but she chose the plainer option. Chue takes on a playful tone as she says that sure, but she at least understands basic manners(?).

Maomao, however, argues that sure, but if she were to give Maomao something better - she thinks it would be the one given to her by the moon prince (the one gaoshun put on her ages ago where jinshi got jealous of him). She’s talked so much about the comfortable saddle that Maomao just expected it’s the same cloak, but it’s not, isn’t it?

Narrator-Mao specifies that the cloak she got felt really nice and the embroidery showed it was a fine piece of cloak.

She goes on to say that wearing something so pretty makes you like an advertisement for the fact that you’re a sitting duck ready for being hunted. That’s why Chue’s cloak is simple, because that way she’d come across as the maid of the lady.

Chue then starts chuckling, saying that from the beginning her position was that of Maomaos maid - to get them to attack Maomao she gave her a pretty cloak on purpose and put her in the later starting group for the same reason as well “Is that what you’re trying to say?”

But Maomao backpaddles enough to leave Chue blinking. “Instead of letting them aim for me, in my opinion, you allowed them to concentrate on one target to minimize the actual damage.”

She also says that, if they were to target the group in full, while their numbers would be larger, there were many more people involved that aren’t used to handling thieves - like herself, who would’ve likely gotten kidnapped for trying to pull a trick related to her work, or getting distracted by it.

The average looking Lahan-nii seems to be in good health - but he doesn’t seem like he’s used to fighting. He’d probably go timid/freeze like most people.

Maomao goes on with “If you split into two groups and let them believe the one with the least people has more money, they’ll aim for that. Two women and one man. Sure, Basen is a real monster, when it comes to his skills/strength, but he has a baby face and isn’t so tall for a military officer.”

Even thieves wouldn't expect that underneath the lid they opened they’d find a bear wearing human skin.

Chue then tries to argue that if Maomao’s hypothesis was correct, how would she lure out the thieves? However nice of a cloak Maomao was wearing, it seemed like they were ambushed - is that what’s coming next?

And Maomao’s like “That’s why you were talking with one of the guides earlier. Third: You only talked about the village with one guide.”

Maomao remembers the pale-faced guide.

Next she says that before the first team left, Chue must’ve talked with the two guides about different things. She showed one where the second team would use the waterhole. So the guide(?) could tell the bandits where to wait/take a break.. while simply pretending to check his map for their own resting place.

Narrator-Mao fills us in that she’s not sure how the guide communicated with the thieves, but that there must be a number of ways to do it.

Maomao adds that - yeah, from the beginning they hired a suspicious person who seemed to be connected to the thieves to act as a guide. Chue told everyone where to rest, confirmed where they would attack. That way, it was clear who was black or white, even though at times both guides were black. (sus is black, safe is white)

Chue doesn’t deny Maomao’s claims, instead she just says that it’s only one of the guides - the others identity is cleared.

Maomao then wonders if that’s Jinshis doing(?) aloud. Sure, she’d told him that if he uses her, he should do it properly - so it’s not like she hadn’t kinda expected stuff like this.

However, Chue argues that that’s not the case, it was her who prepared it all (esp the cloak) and Maomao’s like “Really?” and then as narrator adds that it must be unrelated then or that it’s a different story then.

Chue says that since Maomao’s smart, she’s in trouble now and Maomao replies with “I don’t know what you’re thinking, so I’m in trouble too” - they then both sigh.

Chue goes on to say that she has two requests, Maomao's like “What is it?”.

Number one is that “Chue is still cheerful, fun-loving” Chue and to please keep treating her as before - she pulls out the flags again.

Maomao honestly replies that she doesn't quite get it, but sure - then takes the flag, dangling it from her fingertips while wondering what to do with it.

But Chue reminds, she has one more request and asks if she can ask Maomao a question. Maomao's like “What is it?”...

Well, why didn't she think/believe that the cloak was a gift from Jinshi - it sounds like Chue's earnestly doubtful.

Maomao argues that, if Jinshi were to give her a gift, she thinks that it would be something appropriate. Sure, comfortable but also practical with less details.

Chue’s like “Is that what it was/is?” - Maomao says something along the lines of that it starts to look like it.

Narrator-Mao notes that Chue looks at her with an indescribable expression, but then she suddenly looks up.

From outside the tent they hear a woman apologize (the japanese phrase when they are trying to get into a place that's already being occupied) and Maomao's like “Please come in.” with the same return phrase. The blanket that serves as entrance then moves.

A middle-aged woman comes/looks inside, she apologizes again, holding reins in her hand. She then says that, as told, she prepared three goats and asks what she's to do with them now.

Chue thanks her, then says “Here's your payment”, luring her to grab the cash - Narrator-Mao thinks she must've asked for that before coming to the tent.

In her head Maomao wonders if Chue plans to take the goats with them but as narrator goes on that if you want to eat them, it's cheaper to turn them into meat - also there wouldn't be any need for three.

Chue holds onto the reins of the goats while fishing something out of her luggage, Maomao questions what's going on and Chue's like “It’s salt. Since there's no ocean/sea around here, salt is precious. Even goats love salt.” and Maomao's like “So, what are you gonna do?” because she honestly can't figure out Chue's intentions.

Chue laugh's.

“We'll negotiate. I'm a pacifist, so I'm trying to solve this peacefully. Maomao, please rest your tired body.”

Chue turns her back on Maomao, takes the goats and leaves.

| Notes | Chapter 7 is up | Masterlist

- The farm arc goes on past this - but grasslands ends here.

This was definitely a wild ride, to translate as well - no pun intended. The gist is that Chue used Maomao to lure out bandits by hiring a sus guide and a cleared guide.

I found nothing to indicate if Basen was part of the plot, or not - but I think that the line about him not wanting to have someone around might've been about Chue. Jinshi, allegedly, had no part in this at all.

If you'd like to get notified when new chapters drop, I'm open to sending dm's or tagging - just let me know!

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary

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Apothecary Diaries | WN Translation | Arc 9 - Chapter 5

Hi, whichever way you found this: Welcome!

For a number of reasons I ended up here - relaying all that happens in the chapters, playing wine-aunt, as I translate to the best of my abilities.

So, be warned, all the spoilers are waiting below. If you'd like spoilers, but less? My dm's/asks are open.

Chapter 1 can be found here | Masterlist here.

While chapter 5 & 6 tie directly together, the mini "arc" extends beyond that. Just letting you know so you can pick the right time to read.

Enjoy!

Chapter 5 | Grasslands Pt. 1

This chapter starts with Narrator-Mao remarking that the good thing about Jinshi is that he acts fast once a decision is made.

We then get the quack all worried, saying that he still has some meds stored, so “Miss Maomao” can take it easy and that there's no need for her to go to the farthest reaches of unfamiliar territory.

He's taking Maomaos excuse really seriously, looking at her with concern - but she tries to reassure him that it'll be fine and who knows, maybe she'll find some unknown meds as well.

The half of it isn't even a lie, as Narrator-Mao points out - after all, the vegetation in this area is highly different and they have no idea what could be used for medicine or poison.

Her narrator self is usually a lot more honest. In the next line she admits that she's actually quite nervous. We then get to know that she heard all the necessary things would be prepared, but just in case she packed the bare minimum as well. She also has money, with it specifying that while the money from Li is acceptable in this area, given that trade with other countries is what they do, a different kind is the preferred option (not what she has).

Tianyu then gives her the sus look, remarking that this sorta job is something a government worker should be doing.

Maomao admits aloud that that's true - however, originally her pharmaceutical knowledge was her most sought after skill, over medical, so she'd been part of the issue from the beginning. She then thinks “To make insecticides and the likes”.

Tianyu gives a remark along the lines of “A pharmacist, huh? I thought you were a nepo baby.”

Narrator-Mao notes that he's the type of guy that really always says things in a way that'll hit you/in a way that's.. ill-mannered.

The quack(?) then interjects and is like “No no, you can't do that. You shouldn't doubt people like that.” but Maomao thinks that he, in fact, should be more suspicious of people.

I think Tianyu then says something along the lines of “If uncle (aka Guen) says so, I guess I have no choice.. Have a good day/trip.” - He then lies down in the temporary medic room that they just cleaned. Some beds and desks had been brought in, so it's starting to look quite decent.

Narrator-Mao hopes that by the time she gets back the medicine will be back in stock and that it'll be alright.

Maomao then says that she'll go now and the the quack(?) tells her to leave it all to him while she's gone.

She, in fact, thinks that it'll be fine.. because they have Lihaku.

I'm not gonna lie, when I translated the next line I went “oh god” out loud. There's a little jump in the chapter, then we get…

“You're late.” and Maomao’s like “I'm right on time.” - Basen is waiting.. with Chue at the entrance of the villa/palast. All Inner monologue-Mao can come up with is “What a great combination.”

Narrator-Mao recalls that in terms of relationship, they're brother/sister-in-law, then looks around. She then asks if that's all/everyone - because there was the message that they'd be bringing along seed potatoes.. but as Narrator-Mao notes, there's only two horses.

She's also internally confused because wasn't Basen supposed to be guarding Lahan? Our girl doesn't get why those two are here.

(Our dear Chue then goes absolutely ham on the dialogue, like, some chapters have less dialogue lines than her in one go.)

Chue explains that the seed potatoes are brought by horse drawn carriage, but they're so slow that they were told to leave first. Lahans poor brother gets another beating, by her saying that “the man in charge, who didn't look very conspicuous, said so”. The reason why she's there is because… Maomao is now like her best friend, or rather, a friend at heart/soulmate, so she came along to make sure Maomao didn't feel lonely in a foreign land.

Maomao just goes “So you tagged along because it sounded interesting.” and Chue pulls out her little strings with flags on it instead of vocally agreeing.

However.. that leaves “But what about him?” and Basen or Chue says that since it's about her life, they got to protect her “properly” so that Lakan won't get out of control in Saito(?) to which Maomao gives “...” as reply.

Then Narrator-Mao thinks that she honestly can't say that Lihaku was better (which, tbf, he didn't leave you bruised for days on the arm). As well as that Jinshi is Jinshi, while he may have enemies in Saito(?) it's unlikely he'll be attacked.

She also thinks that if an assassination atttempt were to occur at the destination of an expedition - the lord of that land would be in trouble.

Narrator-Mao adds that while she doesn't know what sorta person Gyokuou is, she trusts that he won't do anything that would put an important guest in danger.

Chue asks if they should head out then, putting her foot in the stirrup of the horse. For a moment Maomao is taken aback by their attire, I think, but then she realizes it's traditional wear.

Chue(?) says that the village they're heading for is 10 miles away, so they'd arrive by 2pm and Basen adds that at that rate they'll probably end up overtaking the carriage - asking if they want to take a detour somewhere.

Chue then says that other than in the capital, there’s not as many tea houses around… but she won’t stop him if he wants to eat some grass with the horses xD Maomao’s internally like “Oh?” because she’s starting to realize that however much Chue teases him, Basen doesn’t get loud. She also wonders if he’s trying not to make a scene and then questions, in her head, if it’s because Chue’s his sister-in-law.

The next part says something along the lines of while Chue seems to have a certain level of respect for Basen, she’s not really acting all that differently with him than usually.

Now the conversation turns back to Maomao, with a simple “So, which horse will you ride, Maomao-san?” and she says that she doesn’t care.

There’s two horses, she can’t ride, so one of them has to take her on theirs. To Narrator-Mao either is fine.

Chue goes on another vocal tangent. This time, she tells Maomao to come with her. “You should come behind me, Basen’s sattle is hard. Mine, on the other hand, is made of well-tanned leather with an emphasis on just the right amount of shock absorption. It’s perfect for long rides, plus the material doesn’t make it slippery. No, which will you chose?”

Needless to say that Maomao points to Chue.

Basen, the poor thing, is like “Wait a minute. Why do you have a saddle like that? Isn’t the horse borrowed?”..... and Chue’s like “Yes, the moon prince was very considerate of me. He does a good job sometimes.” and Basen’s like “Hey, what’s with the language!?”

Narrator-Mao notes that Basen clearly didn’t like the way Chue was praising Jinshi so arrogantly, so he bit back (it’s one of the first time he’s been louder given the use of “!”)

“I don’t know how to say it, but when the moon prince said he was appointing Basen as her bodyguard and I said I would go as well it looked as if the scales fell from his eyes. Yes, that’s right/it. Miss Chue, who is more attentive than anyone, is in support of Miss Maomao. Maomao’s heart might be thicker than a tree, but if her body gets hit she’ll die. I realized that I couldn’t leave it to Basen, who doesn’t know how to handle things.” and I think she says/claims JInshi was grateful.

Maomao thinks “Yep, that’s right - I’d die if I got hit.” and narrator her is like “I'm not the athletic type”.

Chue then says “So, please thank me and call me Suzume-san or sister-in-law.” Basen can only let out a noise in response. Narrator-Mao ends this part of the chapter with saying that however you looked at it, Basen can’t win with words.

Once the winner was decided, the three departed, but that’s not where the story ends.

Once you leave Saito(?), you’ll find yourself surrounded by empty grassland. However, they were following an area of withered grass that looked like a road - passing a group on the way that looked like a caravan. They/Maomao also saw a gathering of tents lived in by nomads.

She then wonders, in her mind, if that’s what you call the horizon. Luomen, known as her old man, had said there was a theory about the world being a sphere. As evidence of this, it is said that in wide open land, the horizon line has a faint curve - that’s what it looked like to Maomao’s eyes then and there.

He’d told her that if the world was a sphere, it would explain the movement of the stars - but by now she’s forgotten most of it. It’s one of the many things Luomen learned while being abroad. As narrator she concludes that she either regrets forgetting or that it’s a shame she did.

Narrator-Mao then complains that for spring it’s rather cold. The sunshine’s nice, but the wind takes away the body heat and her skin is drying out because the altitude is quite high and the air a bit thin.

Maomao is wearing a cloak that Chue gave to her and had asked her to put it on. Sheep’s fur is used for the lining, which prevents wind from passing through. It has beautiful embroidery and was of high enough quality to be worn in the capital/Li.

Chue is wearing a cloak as well and while hers doesn’t look as fancy, it seems to be just as warm.

Maomao then thinks that she usually wouldn’t pick something so flashy or that she somehow always ends up with the flashy things - then concludes as narrator that it might’ve been prepared for her.

Her narration then goes over to Basen, who wears a practical cloak. He does wear something to protect his hands while holdings the reigns as well, which she assumes might be to keep away the cold.

Next up is her thinking about how helpful the ointment one of her “sisters” gave her is turning out to be. If the sun is strong while it’s dry, you gotta worry about sunburns.

Maomao herself was well-covered in suncreen type ointment, but what about Chue? Her skin appears to be dark, but it’s firmness is subtle. She then asks Chue if she wants to have some of her sunscreen and says that it also helps against dryness. (keep in mind that mid riding she’s probably more yelling than asking).

She was asking just in case, should she run out she can just make more with ingredients from Saito(?) after all.

Chue’s like “Oh, is that okay?” and says something along the lines of how she always wears black so her tan doesn’t stand out - but if she can have some, she’ll take it. Maomao replies that she’ll hand it over if they take a break.

Narrator-Mao then let’s us know that while Basen repeats that there’s no place to make a detour to, he needs his horse to rest. Food is plenty to be found, but it would be a lot better if there was a water source around.. and sure enough, a river just came into view. (i did tell you to keep the talking volume in mind, didn’t I.)

Basen calls out for them “Let’s take a rest over there.” - one lady is like “Hai, hai” the other’s like “Got it”.

In the end, their water source was more of a large puddle than a river. There was little current, the water shallow and Narrator-Mao wonders if this could be a temporary river created by heavy rain.

Trees growing all around, she takes note of a large rock standing in the shade of one of them and guesses it’s a landmark. She questions in her mind if it’s a pomegranate tree and let’s us as narrator know why: The leaves look like it. She could also see (and hear?) birds and a few wild horses came to drink water.

Unhinged Maomao then reappears, as she talks to herself about how there might be snakes around and one of the other two’s like “Yeah, I wonder.”. Of course, Maomao tries looking for one, but the most she found was a burrow. Once she’d dug into that, something similar to a mouse came out.. but since she brought food, she let it run away without making a meal out of it.

While the horses drink the river water, Maomao and the others drink what they brought with them. She questions, in her head, if she could/should add a little salt to her water - and we get a lesson that when it’s dry, your sweat also dries quick. You need salt and water more than you think. However, since the meat sandwiched between her noodles is salty, she guesses it’ll be fine.

While Chue's looking at the map, Basen(?) takes out a guiding thingy from his pocket that he lets float in the water. Maomao and Chue watch him, then Maomao asks honestly if maps are useful in grasslands.

Basen(?) notes that he thinks it’s better than nothing, but there aren’t many landmarks. Judging from the magnets and position of the sun, it seems like it would be better if they moved a little further north. Since there are no obstacles, you can see the house that should be their destination easily.

It sounds like Narrator-Mao then notes that he can do most things while also being good at geography - meanwhile poor Basen looks away feeling a bit uneasy.

Maomao: I have one more question

Basen: Yeah, yeah, what is it, Maomao-san?

Maomao: Why is there no local guide?

Narrator-Mao admits that she honestly thinks she should’ve asked earlier. Given that she’s just heading to a nearby village though, from what she’s used to in Li, she didn’t expect to need one.. but now she’s not so sure.

Any land with too unfamiliar vegetation can’t be called safe - you need a local who’s familiar with the area.

Basen(?): That’s the answer.

Chue glances around.

Basen looks around with a cold gaze, holding the hilt of his sword.

Maomao thinks that she has a bad feeling about this.

Chue then stands in front of Maomao and before she knew what was going on, there were several men around them. In all honesty, they were dressed in a way that could hardly be called clean and spoke to them in accent-heavy language.

They were threatening them for money and telling Basen to leave the women behind.

However you looked at them - they were bandits.

Maomao starts sweating profusely, swallowing - wondering why this is happening. But then she tells herself to slow her breathing to stop her rapidly beating heart.

Chue then says that Maomao can close her eyes. If something happens, she will use her married womans sex appeal to entertain the robbers. She’s full of confidence as she raises her nose into the air.

But Maomao doesn’t want to close her eyes for that. So she takes out a sowing needle and insect repellent from her baggage - sure, it’s not a big attack, but it can be enough to make an opponent flinch.

However, it doesn’t seem as if either Chue’s scheme, nor Maomaos sewing needle will be necessary.

There’s a dull sound and one of the thiefs flies off into the distance.

The second makes a horrifying noise as he thrashes about while holding his arm.

A sound of shattering - the third fell to the ground, spitting out saliva, blood and teeth.

Even a theatrical sword fight would’ve lasted a little longer, but that wasn’t that. As a depiction, it’s too dull and unsatisfactory.

Basen puts his hand back on the hilt of his sword, but he hadn’t decided to use it yet. All Maomao can marvel at is that he beat them all with his bare hands, his movements so monstrous she’s stunned.

She took another few breaths before coming to her senses, running hurriedly over to Basen.

Maomao: Show me your hands!

Basen: Oh,.. Oh-

Surprised, Basen held out his hands - there was no sign of his fist being broken, his wrists seemed fine too.

In Maomao’s mind there’s nothing but a “Why?” - if she’d had made someone make so many disgusting sounds in a row, she would expect there to be problems with her fists.. but.

She looks over at the hand protector she’d hurriedly removed. At first glance, it looked like it was made from hardened wool, soft but heavy at the center.

She then realizes that there must be metal pieces inside of it.

Basens strength, plus the protector with metal pieces..

She was starting to feel that the robbers laying about passed out were pretty pathetic.

Speaking of them.. Chue was moving around, tying the three of them together before letting her legs dangle over them while wiping the sweat from her forehead.

Chue(?) then asks what they should do and Basen(?) replies that they can’t bring them along, one way or another, so they should just leave them there - once they’re in the village they’ll talk to the people there to take care of them. Chue doesn’t seem to care.

Basen then says that he’s a bit worried, nonetheless and Chue’s like “I understand.”. Maomao thinks that it’s rare that she gets to talk to Basen (I think) and that they might be attacked by something while they’re away.

When Basen approaches one of the bandits, he grabs his arm - the arm/thief makes a dull thumping noise.

Maomao, internally: ….

It seems like the anxiety Basen was talking about was about whether or not the bandits would manage to escape. One of them had a brutally broken arm and also wet himself.

The chapter ends with Maomao glancing at Chue, while thinking to herself that she herself must be the kind one of the group.

| Notes and Chapter 6

Let me just tell you, it's getting wild.

#kusuriya no hitorigoto #the apothecary diaries #hekates apothecary