The immensely popular anime The Apothecary Diaries has enraptured audiences with its intricate web of court politics, a clever protagonist named Maomao, and the enigmatic noble Jinshi. While fans are deeply invested in the unfolding drama and suspense, there is also a growing fascination with the gradual romantic tension between Maomao and Jinshi. However, the series’ creator, Natsu Hyuuga, adopts a more pragmatic view of romance within the context of her story, finding herself under pressure from both fans and family members.
In a recent interview highlighted by @keiuzuki on X, Hyuuga candidly discussed her thoughts on the romantic subplot. She humorously pointed out that in a high-stakes environment such as the one depicted in The Apothecary Diaries, matters of the heart feel quite remote. With themes of survival, conspiracy, and court maneuvering dominating the narrative, romance naturally takes a backseat. Nonetheless, as the demand for more romantic scenes increases—echoing not just from fans but also from her own relatives—Hyuuga is contemplating how to balance these expectations with the story’s realism.
“My honest opinion on that is that in a situation like this, there is no time for romance (laughs). But if there are not many romantic scenes, people around me tell me to add more of it. Not only the readers, but also my aunt says [Won’t they get together soon?], so I am thinking [I’ll just add one more romantic scene]. It’s almost like I’m being threatened while writing (laughs).”
– Natsu Hyuuga
Navigating Realism Alongside Reader Expectations
High Fan Expectations for Maomao and Jinshi
For Hyuuga, the task of integrating romance into The Apothecary Diaries transcends mere narrative choice; it is a matter of fidelity to the world she has crafted. The imperial court is devoid of room for frivolous affections, and Maomao stands out as a uniquely practical protagonist rather than a conventional romantic heroine. Her analytical and logical approach does not readily lend itself to the more sentimental aspects of romance. Thus, the relationship growth between her and Jinshi unfolds at a deliberate and often glacial pace—a choice that some ardent followers interpret as overly subtle or even lacking in emotional payoff.
Romance as a Complement, Not the Central Focus
The Apothecary Diaries is Not a Dedicated Romance
Hyuuga likens the romantic undertones in her story to a seasoning—an enhancement rather than the main ingredient. This perspective resonates with fans who prize the series for its deep mysteries and authentic storytelling. Still, she concedes that completely sidelining romance is no longer feasible. Through careful integration of subtle interactions and cleverly crafted scenes, she strives to weave just enough romantic moments between Maomao and Jinshi to maintain reader engagement.
This thoughtful balance underscores her respect for the audience while remaining true to her narrative vision. Hyuuga’s treatment of the evolving relationship between Maomao and Jinshi is firmly rooted in character authenticity, resisting the urge to force intimacy merely in response to reader demand. Nonetheless, the occasional pleas—or “threats”—from her enthusiastic supporters will likely continue to inspire her to sprinkle in a few more heartwarming exchanges within The Apothecary Diaries.
Source: @keiuzuki/X