The Apothecary Diaries: Volume 5 (Light Novel)

Perhaps you’d be interested in asking the Emperor’s younger brother to plant his seed in your belly.”

She wanted to run. This could only bring more trouble, more uncertainty. She wanted to dodge all those problems—but those eyes, the eyes of an untamed dog, weren’t going to let her escape. He was going to devour her, and all in pursuit of something that wasn’t even there. Maomao could only look back at him with empty eyes, like those of a puppet or a doll

Just then, there was a knock on the door and Basen called out, “I’m coming in.” The door opened before they could stop him. His widened eyes were greeted by the sight of Jinshi, apparently doubled over with pain, and Maomao leaning toward him, her face and hand covered in something red.

He didn’t say anything.

They didn’t say anything.

Shortly thereafter, Basen couldn’t say anything. Just as he was about to shout for someone, Maomao crammed the handkerchief into his open mouth, while Jinshi pinned him down. It was the most coordinated thing they’d done since the day they’d met.

He would have made a scene so big that an escaped lion would have seemed like child’s play in comparison.

To replace the other one.” His voice came from above her, his chin resting on her head.

So this was more than just a sightseeing diversion; he was doing real work. Now she felt especially bad as he washed his face with her foot-water.

Athlete’s foot can’t spread to the face, can it?
Not that Maomao had athlete’s foot, to be clear.

She’d dipped her feet in the bucket after washing her hair, but she could keep that to herself. Jinshi didn’t seem bothered by the used water, so she decided there was no need to trouble herself getting more.

His voice had its characteristic heavenliness. Evidently he hadn’t decided to try to alter it this time, which would explain why he’d been staying silent.

She didn’t say anything, just opened the door, and the unsettling man—that is, Jinshi—came in.