[Manga] The Apothecary Diaries - Maomao's Rear Palace Notebook of Mysteries

[Torka]

Alt Titles: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto - Maomao no Koukyuu Nazotoki Techou, 薬屋のひとりごと～猫猫の後宮謎解き手帳～
Author: Hyuuga Natsu
Artist: Kurata Minoji
Publisher: Shogakukan (Sunday GX Comics)
Volumes: 14 (ongoing)

Synopsis: In the imperial court, a young woman is put into servitude, Maomao. The tale is just beginning for the woman doctor/pharmacist from the red-light district, as rumors circulate about the emperor's children's lives being short-lived. Her curious nature and thirst for knowledge pushes her to action. To satisfy her curiosity, this young doctor/pharmacist will investigate the origin! What is shifting in the imperial court..!?

Comments: While everyone is probably more aware of the Square Enix manga, there is indeed another manga adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries published by Shogakukan (the rights holder sold the rights for a manga adaptation to two different publishers). Supposedly, Kurata's version has a different pacing and is closer to the light novel. It is apparently the author's preferred adaptation, although its art is inferior when compared to the Square Enix adaptation.

Sure, people may already be spoiled by an existing adaptation, but there’s no reason that JNC can’t try doing one as well.