Warning: Very Minor Spoilers for The Apothecary Diaries light novels!!

The Apothecary Diaries has no shortage of mysterious figures and political intrigue, but fans of the light novel and manga have been eagerly waiting for one pivotal character to step into the anime spotlight. That moment has finally arrived, because Rikuson is making his debut, and his appearance is set to shake things up in a big way. Viewers familiar with the original source material know this isn’t just another side character. Rikuson brings with him not only a tangled personal history but deep ties to several key figures, including Maomao and Lakan.

Rikuson’s arrival in the anime could not be more timely. As tensions escalate in the Western Capital and Maomao finds herself in increasing danger, it is Rikuson who takes on the mission to retrieve her. His role as a former aide to Lakan and current operative under Gyoku-ou places him in a precarious position, but it also makes him a powerful and mysterious ally, or rival. Either way, his presence introduces new layers of emotional and political complexity to the already rich world of The Apothecary Diaries.

Rikuson’s Calm Intellect Hides a Tragic Past

Rikuson’s Composure Masks a Lifetime of Pain and Precision

Rikuson’s composed demeanor and diplomatic wit make him a standout from the moment he appears. He is calm, quick-witted, and nearly impossible to rattle, a trait that was born from a harrowing childhood. At just 13, Rikuson watched his mother and sister murdered in front of him, an event that taught him to survive through silence and cunning. That trauma shaped the deeply strategic man viewers now meet, one capable of navigating the capital’s most treacherous power games without ever losing his smile.

This calm exterior hides not just grief, but a sharp intelligence honed by years of experience. Rikuson is a master of facial recognition and manipulation, able to read any room and tilt outcomes in his favor. He is often compared to Gaoshun for his diligence and strategy, but he also carries an emotional sensitivity, especially when it comes to Maomao. Despite the political machinations, his personal motivations run deep, and it is this duality that makes him such a fascinating addition to the cast.

A Subtle Love Triangle Sparks Behind the Scenes in The Apothecary Diaries

Jinshi’s Rival Enters the Picture, and It Is Complicated

While The Apothecary Diaries is not a romance-first series, the arrival of Rikuson introduces subtle emotional tension. It is made clear that Rikuson harbors genuine feelings for Maomao, feelings he is mature enough to act on only in ways that benefit her safety, even at his own expense. In one crazy move, he even proposes to her, not out of expectation, but to provoke the right kind of protection from those around her. His feelings are heartfelt, but his choices are calculated.

Naturally, this does not sit well with Jinshi, who already struggles with jealousy where Maomao is concerned. Rikuson’s proximity to her, combined with his working knowledge of her past and present relationships, makes him a quiet but undeniable rival. However, their love triangle is less about overt competition and more about unspoken sacrifices, emotional restraint, and the clash between duty and desire. It is exactly the kind of complexity The Apothecary Diaries handles so well, and fans will not want to miss how it unfolds.