Kusuriya no Hitorigoto - Ch. 79.1 - The Pit (Part 1)

[goobersloobler]

Following this series is so difficult because of how inconsistent mao mao's intelligence is. She can go one moment from being a super genius that solves some obscure in the shadows conspiracy with some advanced knowledge most people in the modern age don't even know to taunting and insulting the obviously sociopathic lunatic that could behead her at any moment if she felt like it. I get she did it for the kid, I really do, but showing an act of kindness at the risk of her own life just does not sound like something she would do.

I think throughout the story we repeatedly see how maomao resembles her biological father a lot more than she would care to admit, in her intelligence and difficulty/apathy regarding human connection, but also the ways she takes after her adopted father, in her choice of pursuing medicine and the inherent compassion that choice entails, and this forms a large part of her internal conflict/plot. In this instance, maomao obviously knows the smart, “optimal” move is to do nothing, but at the same time she can’t overlook an innocent being punished right in front of her, so she acts out, probably not in the smartest way possible, but in a way that consistently reflects the internals of her character.

 

[Avonc4d0]

An intelligent character can still do unwise things if not doing so conflicts with their moral code

 

[Acolytus]

Just give the old hag whatever the ancient version of cocaine was. She will feel young and full of energy for a couple hours and then hopefully die of a stroke.

 

[Zenoslash]

Following this series is so difficult because of how inconsistent mao mao's intelligence is. She can go one moment from being a super genius that solves some obscure in the shadows conspiracy with some advanced knowledge most people in the modern age don't even know to taunting and insulting the obviously sociopathic lunatic that could behead her at any moment if she felt like it. I get she did it for the kid, I really do, but showing an act of kindness at the risk of her own life just does not sound like something she would do.

Feel like she does this many times throughout the series though? She gets herself into situations she really doesn't need to be in many times (and very well could have gotten her killed) due to her sense of justice.

 

[Tatsuya-Kai]

The shitty hag seems to be based on Daji; take note of her full name in the first sentence below, she has the same "Su" surname as the hag.

Copied from the Wiki article:

Da ji, ah yes the arguably most villainous female in chinese mythology and likely the inspiration for the villainous 9 tailed fox of japanese folklore.

 

[mgRdr]

Following this series is so difficult because of how inconsistent mao mao's intelligence is. She can go one moment from being a super genius that solves some obscure in the shadows conspiracy with some advanced knowledge most people in the modern age don't even know to taunting and insulting the obviously sociopathic lunatic that could behead her at any moment if she felt like it. I get she did it for the kid, I really do, but showing an act of kindness at the risk of her own life just does not sound like something she would do.

One of Mao Mao's first establishing moments was losing her temper over something she strongly disapproves of. How much of her reaction back then and her reaction now was calculated theatrics or her true emotions is hard to tell, but it is not out of character for her

 

[AcX]

Based and MaomaoPilled

 

[aizen07]

Couldn't Mao Mao eventually be able to poison the old lady? Even if she is forced to take the poison first lol

 

[Sakuyadorf]

Mao Mao saving them both
what a hero
when's her knight in shining armor coming?

 

[Valle_reading_manga]

Mao rules Mao
That being said, wouldn't hurt for Kyouu to step on one or two fewer landmines...

---

Thanks for the chapter!

 

[darkeden112]

Maomao can only do this because she's the only one who can make the elixir. She might get punished but I think Suirei and Loulan can convince the hag to not just outright execute her.

 

[bookwurm]

Just give the old hag whatever the ancient version of cocaine was. She will feel young and full of energy for a couple hours and then hopefully die of a stroke.

Mao Mao accidentally creating her own cartel and drug empire.

 

[drEJ]

Couldn't Mao Mao eventually be able to poison the old lady? Even if she is forced to take the poison first lol

Would probably have to test it on the mice first, so it would be easily found out. Unless there's some way for her to trick her or something

 

[raineight]

error: "tormeting" for 'tormenting'

 

[AnotherDuck]

Nice pit.

Pretty sure the people in the back would wear less clothes if the rating allowed.

I don't think that's "keeping face".

Give Maomao some medicine to play around with, and she'll at least be content.

Shortcuts never work.

She actually said it.

Crazy Lady: I'm going to throw you into a pit of vipers!
Maomao: Really?!? Woo ... cough I mean... No. Don't. Please. That would be terrifying.

Indiana Jones she ain't.

 

[Lunkli]

Poison her, Mao Mao.

 

[TheWisestofWolfies]

Following this series is so difficult because of how inconsistent mao mao's intelligence is. She can go one moment from being a super genius that solves some obscure in the shadows conspiracy with some advanced knowledge most people in the modern age don't even know to taunting and insulting the obviously sociopathic lunatic that could behead her at any moment if she felt like it. I get she did it for the kid, I really do, but showing an act of kindness at the risk of her own life just does not sound like something she would do.

You misunderstsnd her character if you think this.

 

[lasercannon]

Obviously this isn't a question of intelligence, but one of character and ethos.

• First, yes this is a bit impulsive. But we already know that Maomao can be impulsive.
• Mostly she's driven by otaku level apothecarial curiosity, but she also has a small bent towards justice and generosity.
• The boy got in trouble because he was trying to help her escape. Sui Rei and Rouran both went out of their way to save her from the old hag (by claiming that she can make an immortality potion).
• On top of that, she knows that if the empire arrives, they'll all be put to the sword. And Maomao feels pain at that.
• And while Maomao is generally cautious about staying away from aristocracy, that's only a surface thing, her actual feelings are that she doesn't care about someone's ranking. So, she has not innate fear of standing up to authority.

Her motivation is complicated here, but it's very consistent with her character.

The moral angle plays a role, but it's also a calculated risk. Right now she has few allies - it makes sense to preserve the ones she has. She may suffer for it, but as long as she's not dead or permanently maimed, it's worth the cost.

I think there's a pretty decent chance that this guard will pay her back too. It's how these story beats tend to go.

 

[Madologist]

Water pit... might this be the "water dripping on forehead" torture?
If so, our cat is in for a bad time.

 

[Zobralolz]

Following this series is so difficult because of how inconsistent mao mao's intelligence is. She can go one moment from being a super genius that solves some obscure in the shadows conspiracy with some advanced knowledge most people in the modern age don't even know to taunting and insulting the obviously sociopathic lunatic that could behead her at any moment if she felt like it. I get she did it for the kid, I really do, but showing an act of kindness at the risk of her own life just does not sound like something she would do.

Shes smart enough to recognize it’s a stupid idea, but brave (or stupid) enough to do it as the most direct way for people to be safe at that moment.