[A PhD in Pharmacy's Serious Foolishness Part 1] The Romance of the Three OTC Analgesics: The Tale of the Founding of the Three Kingdoms [Story Only Version]

I've come up with another ridiculous idea that makes me wonder, 'Who is actually going to read this?'

I thought it might be interesting to explain the differences between OTC analgesics like Loxonin, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen in the style of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. As I was researching it, I thought it might be even more interesting to write the story leading up to that.

The background details aren't limited to OTC drugs, but please forgive me for that.

Please note that this story is a work of fiction based on the history and characteristics of analgesics. Please understand that I am not aiming for historical accuracy.

~The Tale of the Founding of the Three Kingdoms

It all began with a single willow tree.

Those who sought the willow naturally gathered there, and the land itself came to be called 'Ryu' (Willow).

The influence of the Willow faction expanded rapidly, and as it became clear that this was due to the success of Salicylic Acid, voices began to rise in support of making it the king of the region.

However, due to Salicylic Acid's aggressive personality, the hearts of the people drifted away, and it never reached the point of coronation.

Later, Salicylic Acid's son, Aspirin, was born. With a personality described by later generations as being 'half made of kindness,' he captured the hearts of the people and was crowned. He changed the name of the land from the simple regional name 'Willow' to 'Tan' (Calm), and it became a nation.

Following Aspirin, many heroes emerged, and Tan prospered more and more. It seemed as though they had unified the realm, but behind the scenes, Acetanilide, which had been mistaken for Naphthalene, secretly crossed over to the continent.

Acetanilide gradually expanded its influence in the southern part of Tan, but because of its extremely violent personality, its close aides worked in the shadows to prevent the tyrant's coronation. Finally, among Acetanilide's relatives, Acetaminophen was discovered.

Acetaminophen captivated people with its compassionate personality and beauty, and by gaining the support of even the heroes of Tan, it achieved independence without bloodshed and founded 'Jo' (Quiet).

After that, heroes strong in 'Tan' appeared one after another. Feeling his strength waning, Aspirin ceded the throne to Ibuprofen.
(Aspirin, who seemed to be living in retirement on the frontiers of Tan, invaded other countries and achieved different successes, but that is a story for another time.)

While Ibuprofen held hegemony in Tan, his nephew, Loxoprofen, began secretly organizing the lords of the eastern regions.

The power of the eastern side was significant, and it was beginning to be recognized by foreign nations as a single country. Ibuprofen, who disliked war, granted autonomy to the eastern forces, and thus 'In' was born as an independent autonomous region of Tan.

"I want to save the people."
While that passionate desire remained unchanged, the rift between the three parties deepened due to trivial misunderstandings and the conspiracies of their aides.
Right now, a fierce struggle for hegemony is underway among the three kingdoms of Tan, Sei, and In.

Thank you for watching until the end.
The detailed explanation version will be released at a later date.

[A Pharmacist's Serious Joke] Series