Oct 23, 2026

Hyuga Natsu’s New Novel, “The Apothecary’s Musings: The Late Empress’s Treasure,” Goes on Sale December 9!

“The Apothecary’s Soliloquy: The Late Empress’s Treasure,” the latest installment in the wildly popular harem mystery series “The Apothecary’s Soliloquy” by author Hyuga Natsu—which has sold over 45 million copies in total—will go on sale on December 9, 2026.

“Now that your pretense of being a eunuch is over, act as the Emperor’s younger brother.”
The Emperor issued a certain order to Ninji—

A new novel featuring a fresh episode of *The Apothecary’s Musings*, set between Volumes 4 and 5 of the original novel series (and between Seasons 2 and 3 of the TV anime), is now available!

Article Navigation

Natsu Hyuga Synopsis of “The Apothecary’s Musings: The Late Empress’s Treasure”

The long-awaited new volume of “The Apothecary’s Musings,” a series with over 57 million copies sold worldwide!
A new episode by Natsuki Hyuga makes its way from the movie to the novel—

“Now that your pretense of being a eunuch is over, act as the Emperor’s younger brother.”
The Emperor issued a certain order to Jin Shi.
It was to fulfill the final wish of the Empress, who had lost her life in the harem five years ago: “I want to return to my hometown.”

Jin Shi and Mao Mao set out for the south with the empress’s remains and arrived at a bustling water city.
Mao Mao was fascinated by the unknown medicines and plants there,
but river pirates were running rampant, and an uneasy atmosphere hung in the air.
“I hope nothing happens—”
Ren’s bad feeling proved accurate, and a major incident on the day of the empress’s funeral triggered a chain of events that spiraled into a crisis beyond anyone’s imagination—.

The secret hidden within the Empress’s remains.
The treasure slumbering in the water city.
And the boy who holds the key to the story—.

View “The Apothecary’s Soliloquy: The Late Empress’s Treasure” on Amazon

When is the release date for Natsuki Hyuga’s “The Apothecary’s Soliloquy: The Late Empress’s Treasure”?

“The Novel: The Apothecary’s Musings: The Late Empress’s Treasure,” a novelization by Natsuki Hyuga of the original plot she wrote for the movie, will be released on Wednesday, December 9, 2026!

In addition to including elements that didn’t make it into the movie, the first edition will feature a deluxe wide obi using the movie’s key visual!

「宦官の真似事が終わった以上、お前は皇弟として動け」
皇帝から壬氏にとある命が下された――

🍃🍃
『小説薬屋のひとりごと亡妃の秘宝』
12月9日(水)発売決定
🍃🍃

原作小説4巻と5巻の間(TVアニメ2期と3期の間)を描く『#薬屋のひとりごと』新エピソード！#亡妃の秘宝 #小説亡妃の秘宝 #日向夏 pic.twitter.com/qVqs9pr36T

— 『薬屋のひとりごと』原作公式 (@kusuriya_OA) October 22, 2026

The article continues after the following advertisement

Introduction to The Apothecary’s Tale: The Secret Treasure of the Late Empress

With over 57 million copies sold in the series! *The Apothecary’s Tale* finally hits the big screen this winter—

*The Apothecary’s Tale* is a wildly popular mystery entertainment series in which a young apothecary solves a variety of difficult cases.

The first season of the TV anime aired in 2023, and the second season is set to air in 2025.
The protagonist, Mao Mao’s, spirited and charming personality, combined with authentic mysteries and the human dramas woven throughout the story, have resonated deeply with audiences, making it a beloved series across a wide range of ages and genders.

And this winter, the long-awaited theatrical film—featuring an all-new story by original author Natsu Hyuga—is finally set to begin production――

Hinata Natsu’s new novel, The Apothecary’s Soliloquy: The Late Empress’s Treasure, goes on sale Wednesday, December 9, 2026!

Where to Buy	[Amazon]Product Page [Animate]Product Page
Buy the Complete Series	[Amazon]Kindle E-book Bundle
Release Date	December 9, 2026
Author	Natsuki Hyuga
Price	946 yen (tax included)
ISBN	978-4-07-464395-0
Related Links	Official Website for “The Apothecary’s Musings: The Late Empress’s Treasure” (Theatrical Release: Friday, December 11, 2026)