Where to Start Reading The Apothecary Diaries Manga After Season 2: Exact Chapters and Volumes Explained
When I finished The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, my first reaction wasn’t, “That was a great ending.” It was, “There’s no way I’m waiting years to see what happens next.” If you’ve been following Maomao’s investigations, Jinshi’s carefully hidden emotions, and the endless political games inside the imperial court, you probably know exactly what I mean.
Like many fans, I spent hours reading discussions on anime forums, Reddit threads, and fan communities trying to figure out the best place to continue the story. Surprisingly, the answer isn’t as straightforward as simply opening the next manga chapter.
Between two different manga adaptations, the original light novels, and an anime that has adapted the story remarkably quickly, it’s easy to get confused.
This guide is based on my own experience after finishing the anime and should help you decide which route is worth your time.
Where Does Season 2 Leave Off?
One thing I really appreciate about the anime is how faithfully it follows the original story. While the adaptation occasionally adjusts its pacing, it stays remarkably close to the source material instead of creating anime-exclusive content.
By the end of Season 2, the anime has adapted the following parts of the story.
| Anime | Source Material |
|---|---|
| Season 1 | Light Novel Volumes 1–2 |
| Season 2 | Light Novel Volumes 3–4 |
Without diving into major spoilers, Season 2 concludes several important storylines involving palace conspiracies, Maomao’s family background, and Jinshi’s increasingly delicate role within the imperial court.
Although the finale provides satisfying resolutions, it also opens the door to an even larger narrative waiting beyond the anime.
Where Should You Start Reading the Manga?
This is naturally the first question most fans ask after finishing the anime.
If you’re planning to read the main manga adaptation illustrated by Nekokurage, you should begin with:
- Chapter 81
- Around Volume 16 (depending on your local publication)
This marks the beginning of the adaptation of Light Novel Volume 5, introducing completely new mysteries, fresh political conflicts, and locations that extend beyond the Rear Palace.
If your goal is to continue directly after the Season 2 finale without rereading previous events, Chapter 81 is the ideal starting point.
Why Are There Two Different Manga Adaptations?
This was probably the most confusing discovery I made after looking into the series.
Unlike most anime franchises, The Apothecary Diaries has two official manga adaptations. Both tell the same overall story but feature different artists, publishers, and storytelling styles.
Square Enix Version (Illustrated by Nekokurage)
This is the edition that most international readers recognize immediately.
Its greatest strengths include:
- Beautiful and expressive artwork.
- Outstanding comedic facial expressions for Maomao.
- Excellent chemistry between Maomao and Jinshi.
- A balanced mix of humor, romance, mystery, and drama.
Recommended starting point after Season 2: Chapter 81.
Shogakukan Version (Illustrated by Minoji Kurata)
The second adaptation offers a noticeably different atmosphere despite following the same source material.
Compared to the Square Enix edition, this version places greater emphasis on political intrigue, historical details, and investigative storytelling while reducing some of the exaggerated comedy.
Recommended starting point after Season 2:
- Chapter 76
- Around Volume 15
Neither adaptation is objectively better. They simply present the same story with different artistic priorities.
The Biggest Surprise After Catching Up
This is something I wish I had known before jumping into the manga.
After finally reaching the correct chapter, I quickly realized there wasn’t actually that much new content available beyond the anime.
Both manga adaptations are released on a monthly schedule, while the anime adapts the story at a surprisingly efficient pace. Because of that, the printed versions currently sit only a short distance ahead of the television series.
If you’re someone who reads quickly, there’s a good chance you’ll catch up within a single evening and find yourself waiting for new chapters just like everyone else.
That realization is exactly what convinced me to try the light novels.
Why I Think the Light Novels Are the Better Choice
Normally I prefer manga over novels because I enjoy visual storytelling, but The Apothecary Diaries became one of the rare exceptions.
After reading the novels, I honestly understand why so many longtime fans recommend them over the manga after Season 2.
1. The Story Is Much Further Ahead
The biggest advantage is simply the amount of available content.
Instead of receiving only a handful of additional manga chapters, you’ll gain access to several complete story arcs that won’t appear in the anime for quite some time.
If your biggest motivation is discovering what happens next between Maomao, Jinshi, and the imperial court, the novels provide far more material to enjoy.
2. Maomao’s Inner Thoughts Add So Much More
One of the greatest strengths of the novels is experiencing every situation directly through Maomao’s perspective.
Her sarcastic observations, analytical thinking, and dry sense of humor often make ordinary conversations far more entertaining than they initially appear in the anime.
Many of my favorite moments came not from dialogue, but from the thoughts she wisely kept to herself.
3. The World Feels Much Larger
While the anime naturally focuses on maintaining a steady pace, the novels spend considerably more time exploring politics, medicine, court hierarchy, and supporting characters.
The fictional world gradually expands beyond the palace, making every new mystery feel more meaningful while giving additional depth to both old and new characters.
Quick Reference Guide
| If You Want… | Recommended Starting Point |
|---|---|
| Continue with the main manga | Chapter 81 |
| Read the second manga adaptation | Chapter 76 (Volume 15) |
| Continue with the original source material | Light Novel Volume 5 |
Should You Wait for Season 3?
I definitely plan to watch Season 3 because the anime adaptation has been consistently excellent from the very beginning.
However, reading ahead hasn’t reduced my excitement at all. If anything, it has made me appreciate the anime even more because I now notice subtle hints and details that quietly set up future events.
Reading the source material also means you won’t have to spend months avoiding spoilers every time new promotional trailers, discussion threads, or social media posts appear online.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3: Which Light Novel Volume Details the Next Story Arc?
Final Thoughts
If another fan asked me today whether they should continue with the manga or jump directly into the novels after Season 2, my answer would be straightforward.
If you simply want to spend a little more time with Maomao and Jinshi while enjoying beautiful artwork, the Square Enix manga beginning with Chapter 81 is an excellent place to continue.
However, if you’re ready to fully immerse yourself in the series and don’t want to reach another cliffhanger after only a few chapters, Light Novel Volume 5 is easily the better investment.
The novels offer richer world-building, deeper political intrigue, stronger character development, and far more story than either manga adaptation currently provides.
No matter which path you choose, one thing is certain: Maomao’s adventure is far from over, and the biggest mysteries of The Apothecary Diaries are still waiting to be uncovered.
