In the central plains of the mainland lies a certain large country ruled by an Emperor. For the sake of that man's harem, young women are often sold to work there for a set period, but in some cases, it is strangers who force this fate on them.
One such case, Maomao, a plain and reluctant hidden apothecary, attempts to keep a low profile until her term of service is complete. She has no drive towards becoming an important individual in the Inner Palace and would much rather be mixing medicines, dealing with poisons, or experimenting (with herself as the most convenient lab rat).
However, th... More...

In the central plains of the mainland lies a certain large country ruled by an Emperor. For the sake of that man's harem, young women are often sold to work there for a set period, but in some cases, it is strangers who force this fate on them.
One such case, Maomao, a plain and reluctant hidden apothecary, attempts to keep a low profile until her term of service is complete. She has no drive towards becoming an important individual in the Inner Palace and would much rather be mixing medicines, dealing with poisons, or experimenting (with herself as the most convenient lab rat).
However, there is a rumour that the Emperor's children are being cursed to death; ever skeptical and inquisitive, Maomao cannot resist a little well-intended investigation. She catches the attention of, among others, a mysterious and ludicrously handsome high-ranking official. Thus her peculiar career as an apothecary-cum-food taster begins.

Original Web Novel

Note: Has two Manga adaptations, both cover around the same content but Kusuriya no Hitorigoto is the most known one Less...