I am Tevis Nouviche, the greatest gourmet in Nouviche and the first princess of the Nouviche family. I am ten years old this year. My domain, Nouviche, is a rich land that encompasses sacred forests. We revere and appreciate the forests as gifts from the gods and their dwelling place, abundant with wildlife, food, and medicinal herbs. Because of this land, our agricultural techniques and culinary skills are highly advanced. We can enjoy delicious food all year round. We royals are grateful for this as well. However, suddenly, the neighboring country of Yuyuvi proposed a marriage between me and their prince. Although our land is rich in forest resources, it lacks mineral resources. We have been obtaining mineral resources through trade with Yuyuvi. We thought this arrangement would continue smoothly as it had until now. But Yuyuvi’s mineral resources are beginning to deplete. This has become the trigger that could disrupt our friendly relationship. Yuyuvi’s soldiers are strong, and their weapons and armor are of high quality. If war breaks out, we probably can’t win in a fair fight. My father noticed the neighboring country’s resource problem and tried to refuse, but he was troubled by the difference in military strength. Moreover, I don’t like Yuyuvi’s prince. I’ve met him several times at banquets, but I dislike his arrogant attitude and overbearing personality. However, there are times when royalty must set aside personal feelings and marry. I was prepared for this. I thought I would at least try to be a good wife. We postponed the response, and the council was in turmoil over this issue for days. If we refuse the marriage, it will lead to war. If war breaks out, we can’t win. But if we accept the marriage, we’ll be exploited. It would be better to keep things vague by being flexible with trade. Then one day, Yuyuvi suddenly declared war. The reason? They said we had embarrassed them by keeping their marriage proposal on hold. What nonsense. Sure, wars due to broken marriage agreements happen, but we hadn’t even agreed to marry yet. It’s ridiculous. Maybe this was Yuyuvi’s goal all along. Either way, it’s a scheme to get their hands on our sacred forest. We were in checkmate from the moment they proposed marriage. Once again, the council was in turmoil over how to approach the war. Should we fight to the bitter end or surrender? Some wanted to minimize damage while we could, others said to show no mercy to the enemy. In the end, my father came to a conclusion. All-out war. He said we would fight back against those mountain monkeys from the mines who would pollute our forests. For this purpose, we implemented temporary conscription and increased taxes for this year only. Fortunately, there were no riots, but our chances of winning were at best three in ten. My father told me to flee with my maids and close aides.
“No! I won’t run away!” “We don’t know if we can win this war! While I lead the army, you must escape into the forest! That way, you’ll survive even in the worst-case scenario!” “I can’t abandon the people, the ministers, and the soldiers! I can’t abandon you either, Father!” “You fool…!”
Until now, I have been supported by my father, subordinates, and people. I can’t abandon everyone and run away. In the end, I remain in the castle to offer prayers. I pray for victory in the war and for my father and others to return safely. Food won’t go down my throat, and the empty castle feels lonely and cold. My hands and feet have become chilled. Still, I continue to offer prayers. Three days later, a maid enters the sanctuary with a joyful expression.
“Princess! I have good news!” “Did we win the war!?” “No, that’s not it, but…”
The maid looks a bit troubled but soon smiles again.
“We were able to hire three mercenary groups!” “Mercenary groups? I heard we only hired two.”
Where’s the good news in that? When those two mercenary groups learned of our dire situation, they raised their fees. Although we managed to hire them, it’s true that it damaged our finances. I can’t bring myself to like such people!
“The other one is that mercenary group, Princess.” “That? Which one?” “It’s the Gungrave Mercenary Group, Princess! When their leader learned of our predicament, he agreed to fight for minimal compensation!”
The Gungrave Mercenary Group!? The Gungrave Mercenary Group is the most capable mercenary group that has grown rapidly over the past year. Originally a small group of just fifty people, their captains have all suddenly gained incredible abilities, and it’s said that each of them has the strength of a thousand soldiers. In the Yannegan siege, Lill, the “Maverick Inventor,” conquered a supposedly impregnable castle in just three days with new weapons. In the Salt Road Defense Linge, Kuuga, known as the “Demon God of a Hundred Kills,” single-handedly routed the enemy. In the Snow Mountain Crossing Battle, Arius, the “Iron-Flame Witch,” melted all the snow on the mountains with new magic, an incredible feat. Tegue, the “Bow Saint,” is said to hit targets from great distances, taking out commanders one after another. The Gungrave Mercenary Group is known as the group you least want to meet on the battlefield right now, capable of successfully defending castles that were supposed to fall.
“Why us? Couldn’t that mercenary group be hired by Yuyuvi for a large sum?” “Well, we’re not sure of the reason.”
Not sure?
“They said it was for the purpose of securing food supply routes and negotiating with merchants, but… In a low voice, they said something about ‘increasing their repertoire.’ What could that mean?”
Repertoire. Do they mean food repertoire? No, such an elite unit wouldn’t participate in a war just to increase their cooking repertoire. Then, do they mean battle tactics? I don’t understand. There’s not enough information to judge.
“Anyway, Princess. With the Gungrave Mercenary Group, we don’t need to worry.” “I-I see. With that mercenary group, they might be able to do something.”
The military power that mercenary group possesses is truly ridiculous. They have five people who each have enough strength to single-handedly turn the tide of battle. I can’t imagine them losing.
A few days later, we win the war. It was truly a reversal. The Gungrave group launched a surprise attack from the flank on the battlefield where our army and the other mercenary groups were struggling. They employed a strategy of splitting the enemy’s units in half and annihilating the isolated ends. It seems that the Gungrave group leader himself led the cavalry at that time. After that, they succeeded in defeating the enemy units one by one, like crushing ants. The enemy fled. They pursued the enemy and completely destroyed them. The war ended in total victory. We even captured the enemy commanders and generals as prisoners, achieving a perfect victory. The people welcomed the returning army with open arms. The victory parade was held grandly, and the soldiers who returned to the castle shared their victory with their waiting comrades. The commanders and generals received rewards and medals from the king, looking delighted. My father says:
“In this war, if the Gungrave Mercenary Group hadn’t been here, I probably wouldn’t be here now.” “Did they have that much ability?” “Yes. From the surprise attack that turned the tide of the battle to the individual defeats, everything was incredibly smooth. The individual defeats seemed to be carried out effortlessly before the overwhelming strength of their captains. Moreover, even the subsequent pursuit ended quickly. Tegue’s arrows reached from terrifying distances. We didn’t even need to pursue deeply.”
My father’s face showed more relief at having Death on our side than joy at being alive.
However, a problem has also arisen. We need to pay additional rewards to the mercenary groups, but we’re short on funds. The ministers, having heard the words of the generals and commanders, honestly think we should only pay the Gungrave group. I think so too. The other mercenary groups were, frankly, useless padding. The generals don’t have a good impression of them either. What should we do? And then,
Gurgle~
My stomach growls. I blush and lower my face, but somehow my father and the ministers look relieved.
“It seems the princess can now eat with peace of mind.” “Indeed. We truly feel that peace is best at the moment peace arrives.”
Hearing this, my father smiles at me.
“How about this? Why don’t we offer a reward to whoever can make delicious food for my daughter?” “Yes, that’s a good idea. We can pay Gungrave with that.”
Is that really okay? I honestly think, but I decide to stay quiet, thinking it might be fine.
So we call the mercenary group leaders and their assistants to have a meeting in the audience chamber. The other mercenary groups only have their leaders here, but Gungrave has brought a strange man with him. Black hair, black eyes, a slender body, and a delicate face. What is this guy? I honestly wonder.
As the discussion begins, my father starts explaining what he has decided. He says we’ll pay additional rewards. He says we’ll only pay one mercenary group. He says to make delicious food. The mercenary group leaders look dissatisfied, but if you ask me, I want to say I don’t want to pay you guys who just survived and then tried to raise your prices by taking advantage of our situation. So I decide to say something mean.
“What I want to eat is a delicious dish that’s sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter. Bring it to me.”
This makes the mercenary groups’ faces cloud over. My father next to me doesn’t show it on his face, but he seems to want to say that’s impossible. But this should be enough. I’m not really expecting such a dish anyway. I’ve eaten all the delicacies of this country and I’m confident in my palate. If Gungrave’s dish is slightly better, the other groups can’t complain. In fact, what the other groups brought was terrible. It wasn’t even edible. I know I said it myself, but I’m about to lose my temper.
“Disgusting!”
It’s really awful, so I can’t help it. How could anyone eat such bizarre food? As the other groups trudge away dejectedly, Gungrave comes last. The man next to him is holding a plate, so apparently, he was the cook.
“Princess. Our cook, Shuri, has prepared a dish. Please try it.” “You’re the last one…”
I’m getting angry after eating all these terrible dishes, but I try to hold it in. I’m tired too. However, what Shuri brings out is a strange dish. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s reddish-black. I can see finely chopped meat, green onions, and tofu. But I can’t identify the rest. Even my nose can’t distinguish it.
“What is this?” “It’s mapo tofu.”
Mapo tofu? I’ve never heard of such a dish.
“Ma… what?” “Please try it. It’s delicious.”
It sounds like a lie. I can’t believe this mysterious soup could be delicious. But if I don’t eat it here, we won’t be able to pay the additional reward to the Gungrave Mercenary Group. I put it in my mouth with a do-or-die determination.
…It’s spicy!!
My mouth feels like it’s on fire!
“It’s, it’s spicy, spicy!”
It’s too spicy! How is this delicious?!
“Princess, please savor it well.”
Savor it?! In the midst of this torture?! He’s even calling me ‘princess’ now, should I kill this guy?! However, as I endure it, a strange sensation spreads in my mouth.
“…It’s sweet?”
It’s sweet. There’s sweetness within the spiciness. A sweetness that spreads throughout my mouth, slightly crumbling and expanding, a sweetness I’ve felt before. Yes, it’s beans. The faint sweetness of beans. It spreads throughout my mouth.
“That’s the sweetness of the tofu.”
Tofu. I’ve heard it’s a food product made from beans that has recently spread in the city. There’s no trace of the original beans, and it can be eaten as is, grilled, or boiled. And it’s said to be delicious whether hot or cold, a mysterious food. I believe this food item that spread from somewhere about half a year ago. So this dish contains that.
“And it’s sour too.”
A slight sourness. It nicely balances the spiciness and sweetness. You have to pay close attention to notice it, but it’s definitely there.
“That’s one of the flavors of the doubanjiang.”
Doubanjiang? I’ve never heard of that. Even I, the greatest gourmet in the country, didn’t know such a thing existed.
“There’s also… bitterness.”
However, this bitterness is different from that of food. It’s a taste that has been added later by some method, naturally blending in.
“That’s because it’s been cooked thoroughly in the pot.”
So this is a dish cooked by grilling? It’s thoroughly cooked, yet there’s not a single burnt part. And yet it has the unique bitterness characteristic of grilled food. It’s not just an unpleasant bitterness. It’s a unique bitterness that comes from being properly cooked.
“And finally, it’s spicy.” “That’s from the pepper and doubanjiang.”
I see, within the spiciness there’s a refreshing flavor and a piercing heat. So that’s because pepper is included! Realizing this, I understand that it’s not just a spicy dish, but a wonderful cuisine created with complex flavors and techniques. These flavors coexist without conflicting at all. Even the royal chefs of this castle probably couldn’t make such a dish. I wonder why such a skilled cook belongs to a mere mercenary group. With his skills, this man could surely be in high demand in any country, not just this one. But for now, I want to savor this dish.
“It’s delicious! It’s delicious!”
Ah, I feel like this is the best reward for me, who has endured from the start of the war until today. I’ve been praying continuously, unable to eat, thinking only of the safe return of my dear father, ministers, and people. And now, having won the war, captured prisoners, and finally achieved peace. This dish is truly worthy of that peace.
“Please wipe your sweat as you eat. It should be just right for a princess who seems to be feeling a bit cold.” “What do you mean?”
Indeed, my body temperature has risen enough to make me sweat. The coldness from earlier feels like a lie now. I realize that the coldness in my hands and feet is gone. The room now feels pleasantly cool.
“I noticed you’ve been moving your toes as if you’re cold since we came here.”
This guy noticed my coldness at a glance!? And then I came to an astonishing realization. This dish not only perfectly fulfills my challenge but also serves as a medicinal food to cure my coldness! It’s not only delicious but can also warm the body! Maybe that was the goal from the beginning. A dish that clears the challenge, cures my coldness, and leaves absolutely no room for complaint about the additional reward. It’s perfect. A perfect cook. The idea to come up with this dish. The skill to create it. The keen eye to discern the other person’s physical condition. The knowledge to combine ingredients. This person is truly worthy of being my cook!
“I like you! Become my cook!” “Ah, that’s impossible.”
My invitation was rejected in less than three seconds.
In the end, Shuri didn’t become my cook. Even when I appealed to my father and tried to bring him in somehow, Shuri stubbornly refused. No matter how much we improved the conditions or money, that person coolly refused. Gungrave also refused to give him up no matter how much we raised the price. Well, I understand their feelings. A cook with such quick wit and skill. He must be an indispensable asset for the Gungrave Mercenary Group as they continue to grow. That’s why I want him. A person with such capabilities as Shuri.
“Sigh…”
I’m lying face down on my bed, lamenting. After tasting such deliciousness, the evening banquet seems like a haze. It doesn’t matter whether it’s there or not. Of course, I have no complaints about the banquet being held to celebrate the victory. How could I complain about something that acknowledges the hard work of the generals, soldiers, and people? However, compared to the mapo tofu, the banquet food doesn’t seem appealing.
“I guess I’ll have to secretly send spies and kidnap him…”
I’m able to casually voice such a terrifying thought because I desire Shuri so much. Of course, I desire the dishes he makes, not any sort of romantic relationship.
“Princess. It seems our castle’s cook has something he wants you to try…”
The maid who entered looks a bit troubled. I must have been so deep in thought that I didn’t notice her knock.
“What is it? I’m busy thinking. And there’s the banquet later.” “Yes, I told him that too, but he insisted…”
What is it? Is he asking me to taste test a new dish for tonight? As I sit up on the bed and raise my face, I see something I can’t believe.
“He said he tried making this mapo tofu thing, but… should I tell him to forget it?” “Bring it here immediately!” “Y-yes?!”
The maid looks surprised, but that’s not my concern! I have her bring it quickly and put it in my mouth. …It’s far from Shuri’s dish, but it’s definitely mapo tofu. Maybe the preparation is lacking or the seasoning is slightly off. It’s not perfect like Shuri’s. But it’s undoubtedly mapo tofu.
“Why this?” “Well, actually, the Gungrave Mercenary Group’s cook left some recipes and seasonings as thanks for letting him use the kitchen.” “What?!”
He freely shared the recipe for such an extraordinary dish?!
“So our cook tried making it, and everyone was amazed by the high level of culinary technique and deliciousness. They wanted you, who had tasted the original, to try it and give your opinion.” “I see…”
To be honest, it’s worlds apart from Shuri’s. However, for a first attempt, it’s passable.
“I’ll give my feedback directly.” “Understood. And about the next tasting…”
…What did she say?
“Next? Is there something else?” “Yes, actually, the cook didn’t leave just one recipe.”
Not just one?!
“What do you mean?!” “Well, it seems there are several variations, combining mapo tofu with other things or changing the seasonings. When leaving, the cook said, ‘You might get bored with the same thing, so I hope you enjoy various types of mapo tofu.’“
What an amazing thing! There are many varieties of this enchanting dish?! Perhaps he anticipated that I might send spies and directed attention to the food?! Oh, how many moves ahead is Shuri reading… This makes me want Shuri even more. However, let’s refrain from sending spies to kidnap him. For now, I’ll enjoy these various types he mentioned.
“After the banquet, have the cook prepare samples for me to taste. This could be a wonderful opportunity for a new culture to be born in our country. Tell him to put his heart into it.” “Yes, understood.”
After the maid left the room, I was left alone with my thoughts. And I couldn’t stop laughing.
“Kukuku. Shuri, no matter what you think, I will definitely get my hands on you. You’ve enchanted me this much. Be proud of your skills. Kukuku. To think you could affect me, a gourmet, to this extent.”
Shuri’s cooking regulates the body’s condition and elevates the mood. That would be useful not just in war, but in diplomacy too. I can see that. I bet that’s why Gungrave won’t let go of Shuri. They use his cooking to unite the group and gain advantages in negotiations and diplomacy. You’re quite the schemer, Gungrave. As expected of one called the “Devil of Schemes and Strategies.”
Later, I tasted the mapo tofu variations. They’re all delicious. I want to try the ones Shuri made, but this will do for now. The recipes include detailed instructions on how to make the seasonings and how to apply heat. Our royal chefs will surely master this technique eventually. Even the method for making tofu is included. I appealed to my father to prevent Shuri from falling into the hands of other countries.
“If we let that cook go to other countries, it will surely harm Nouviche.” “Is it that serious? I don’t understand.” “Father, no, my Lord. I can say this with certainty. The cook’s skill and quick thinking, which I’ve experienced through his food and my palate, are irreplaceable.” “Then what should we do? Secretly kill him?” “No, that would be the worst option. If we do that, we’ll undoubtedly make enemies of the entire Gungrave Mercenary Group. That military power wouldn’t hesitate to attack us in the dark, baring their fangs at our domain.” “Th-that’s something we want to avoid. So, is there any other way?” “We need to mark him as ours, Your Majesty.”
What I came up with was to send a kitchen knife and a letter as a reward. And not just any knife, but the highest quality one with our country’s crest on it. The letter should show the highest respect that royalty can offer. If we do this, even if other countries try to approach Shuri, we can intervene. We can say, “What do you intend to do with a cook who is on good terms with our country?” It’s a roundabout way of asking if they’re prepared to engage in a diplomatic dispute by poaching someone who’s expected to work for our country. Some countries import food from Nouviche. We can use our victory in this war and our trade advantages to keep them in check.
Shuri, we’ll meet again someday. When that time comes, let me enjoy even more of your dishes.
The Principality of Nouviche. It’s a vast food production area that absorbed most of Yuyuvi, which was originally a mining region, as large-scale agricultural land, combined with food supply from its extensive forests. It began after the war with Yuyuvi, when they negotiated using the Yuyuvi prince as a hostage and acquired enormous reparations and land. The food produced here is all of high quality and popular in other countries. Given this national character, their culinary skills are also high. Walking through the streets, you’ll find rows of restaurants, all serving delicious food. Every tourist who visits this country enjoys its unique cuisine and leaves satisfied. And Nouviche has a local dish that even royalty eats. The recipe, released by the royalty to the people, spread throughout the country in the blink of an eye and took root. Tevis Nouviche, who later becomes the greatest gourmet in the Principality of Nouviche and its queen, loves this dish dearly and eats it at least once a week even in her old age. It’s said that she favored the mapo tofu left behind by Shuri Azuma, the “Food King.” Moreover, mapo tofu will be passed down in history as the first dish that the “Food King” Shuri Azuma introduced to this world.
Check out my Patreon for early access to upcoming updates. Patreon Link
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Chapter 15
I am Tevis Nouviche, the greatest gourmet in Nouviche and the first princess of the Nouviche family. I am ten years old this year.
My domain, Nouviche, is a rich land that encompasses sacred forests. We revere and appreciate the forests as gifts from the gods and their dwelling place, abundant with wildlife, food, and medicinal herbs.
Because of this land, our agricultural techniques and culinary skills are highly advanced. We can enjoy delicious food all year round. We royals are grateful for this as well.
However, suddenly, the neighboring country of Yuyuvi proposed a marriage between me and their prince.
Although our land is rich in forest resources, it lacks mineral resources. We have been obtaining mineral resources through trade with Yuyuvi. We thought this arrangement would continue smoothly as it had until now.
But Yuyuvi’s mineral resources are beginning to deplete. This has become the trigger that could disrupt our friendly relationship.
Yuyuvi’s soldiers are strong, and their weapons and armor are of high quality. If war breaks out, we probably can’t win in a fair fight.
My father noticed the neighboring country’s resource problem and tried to refuse, but he was troubled by the difference in military strength.
Moreover, I don’t like Yuyuvi’s prince. I’ve met him several times at banquets, but I dislike his arrogant attitude and overbearing personality.
However, there are times when royalty must set aside personal feelings and marry. I was prepared for this. I thought I would at least try to be a good wife.
We postponed the response, and the council was in turmoil over this issue for days. If we refuse the marriage, it will lead to war. If war breaks out, we can’t win.
But if we accept the marriage, we’ll be exploited. It would be better to keep things vague by being flexible with trade.
Then one day, Yuyuvi suddenly declared war.
The reason? They said we had embarrassed them by keeping their marriage proposal on hold.
What nonsense. Sure, wars due to broken marriage agreements happen, but we hadn’t even agreed to marry yet. It’s ridiculous.
Maybe this was Yuyuvi’s goal all along.
Either way, it’s a scheme to get their hands on our sacred forest. We were in checkmate from the moment they proposed marriage.
Once again, the council was in turmoil over how to approach the war. Should we fight to the bitter end or surrender? Some wanted to minimize damage while we could, others said to show no mercy to the enemy.
In the end, my father came to a conclusion.
All-out war.
He said we would fight back against those mountain monkeys from the mines who would pollute our forests.
For this purpose, we implemented temporary conscription and increased taxes for this year only. Fortunately, there were no riots, but our chances of winning were at best three in ten.
My father told me to flee with my maids and close aides.
“No! I won’t run away!”
“We don’t know if we can win this war! While I lead the army, you must escape into the forest! That way, you’ll survive even in the worst-case scenario!”
“I can’t abandon the people, the ministers, and the soldiers! I can’t abandon you either, Father!”
“You fool…!”
Until now, I have been supported by my father, subordinates, and people.
I can’t abandon everyone and run away.
In the end, I remain in the castle to offer prayers.
I pray for victory in the war and for my father and others to return safely.
Food won’t go down my throat, and the empty castle feels lonely and cold. My hands and feet have become chilled.
Still, I continue to offer prayers.
Three days later, a maid enters the sanctuary with a joyful expression.
“Princess! I have good news!”
“Did we win the war!?”
“No, that’s not it, but…”
The maid looks a bit troubled but soon smiles again.
“We were able to hire three mercenary groups!”
“Mercenary groups? I heard we only hired two.”
Where’s the good news in that?
When those two mercenary groups learned of our dire situation, they raised their fees.
Although we managed to hire them, it’s true that it damaged our finances.
I can’t bring myself to like such people!
“The other one is that mercenary group, Princess.”
“That? Which one?”
“It’s the Gungrave Mercenary Group, Princess! When their leader learned of our predicament, he agreed to fight for minimal compensation!”
The Gungrave Mercenary Group!?
The Gungrave Mercenary Group is the most capable mercenary group that has grown rapidly over the past year.
Originally a small group of just fifty people, their captains have all suddenly gained incredible abilities, and it’s said that each of them has the strength of a thousand soldiers.
In the Yannegan siege, Lill, the “Maverick Inventor,” conquered a supposedly impregnable castle in just three days with new weapons.
In the Salt Road Defense Linge, Kuuga, known as the “Demon God of a Hundred Kills,” single-handedly routed the enemy.
In the Snow Mountain Crossing Battle, Arius, the “Iron-Flame Witch,” melted all the snow on the mountains with new magic, an incredible feat.
Tegue, the “Bow Saint,” is said to hit targets from great distances, taking out commanders one after another.
The Gungrave Mercenary Group is known as the group you least want to meet on the battlefield right now, capable of successfully defending castles that were supposed to fall.
“Why us? Couldn’t that mercenary group be hired by Yuyuvi for a large sum?”
“Well, we’re not sure of the reason.”
Not sure?
“They said it was for the purpose of securing food supply routes and negotiating with merchants, but…
In a low voice, they said something about ‘increasing their repertoire.’ What could that mean?”
Repertoire.
Do they mean food repertoire?
No, such an elite unit wouldn’t participate in a war just to increase their cooking repertoire.
Then, do they mean battle tactics?
I don’t understand. There’s not enough information to judge.
“Anyway, Princess. With the Gungrave Mercenary Group, we don’t need to worry.”
“I-I see. With that mercenary group, they might be able to do something.”
The military power that mercenary group possesses is truly ridiculous.
They have five people who each have enough strength to single-handedly turn the tide of battle.
I can’t imagine them losing.
A few days later, we win the war.
It was truly a reversal. The Gungrave group launched a surprise attack from the flank on the battlefield where our army and the other mercenary groups were struggling.
They employed a strategy of splitting the enemy’s units in half and annihilating the isolated ends.
It seems that the Gungrave group leader himself led the cavalry at that time.
After that, they succeeded in defeating the enemy units one by one, like crushing ants. The enemy fled.
They pursued the enemy and completely destroyed them.
The war ended in total victory. We even captured the enemy commanders and generals as prisoners, achieving a perfect victory.
The people welcomed the returning army with open arms.
The victory parade was held grandly, and the soldiers who returned to the castle shared their victory with their waiting comrades.
The commanders and generals received rewards and medals from the king, looking delighted.
My father says:
“In this war, if the Gungrave Mercenary Group hadn’t been here, I probably wouldn’t be here now.”
“Did they have that much ability?”
“Yes. From the surprise attack that turned the tide of the battle to the individual defeats, everything was incredibly smooth. The individual defeats seemed to be carried out effortlessly before the overwhelming strength of their captains.
Moreover, even the subsequent pursuit ended quickly. Tegue’s arrows reached from terrifying distances. We didn’t even need to pursue deeply.”
My father’s face showed more relief at having Death on our side than joy at being alive.
However, a problem has also arisen.
We need to pay additional rewards to the mercenary groups, but we’re short on funds.
The ministers, having heard the words of the generals and commanders, honestly think we should only pay the Gungrave group. I think so too.
The other mercenary groups were, frankly, useless padding. The generals don’t have a good impression of them either.
What should we do? And then,
Gurgle~
My stomach growls.
I blush and lower my face, but somehow my father and the ministers look relieved.
“It seems the princess can now eat with peace of mind.”
“Indeed. We truly feel that peace is best at the moment peace arrives.”
Hearing this, my father smiles at me.
“How about this? Why don’t we offer a reward to whoever can make delicious food for my daughter?”
“Yes, that’s a good idea. We can pay Gungrave with that.”
Is that really okay? I honestly think, but I decide to stay quiet, thinking it might be fine.
So we call the mercenary group leaders and their assistants to have a meeting in the audience chamber.
The other mercenary groups only have their leaders here, but Gungrave has brought a strange man with him.
Black hair, black eyes, a slender body, and a delicate face.
What is this guy? I honestly wonder.
As the discussion begins, my father starts explaining what he has decided.
He says we’ll pay additional rewards.
He says we’ll only pay one mercenary group.
He says to make delicious food.
The mercenary group leaders look dissatisfied, but if you ask me, I want to say I don’t want to pay you guys who just survived and then tried to raise your prices by taking advantage of our situation.
So I decide to say something mean.
“What I want to eat is a delicious dish that’s sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter.
Bring it to me.”
This makes the mercenary groups’ faces cloud over. My father next to me doesn’t show it on his face, but he seems to want to say that’s impossible.
But this should be enough. I’m not really expecting such a dish anyway.
I’ve eaten all the delicacies of this country and I’m confident in my palate. If Gungrave’s dish is slightly better, the other groups can’t complain.
In fact, what the other groups brought was terrible. It wasn’t even edible.
I know I said it myself, but I’m about to lose my temper.
“Disgusting!”
It’s really awful, so I can’t help it. How could anyone eat such bizarre food?
As the other groups trudge away dejectedly, Gungrave comes last.
The man next to him is holding a plate, so apparently, he was the cook.
“Princess. Our cook, Shuri, has prepared a dish. Please try it.”
“You’re the last one…”
I’m getting angry after eating all these terrible dishes, but I try to hold it in. I’m tired too.
However, what Shuri brings out is a strange dish. I’ve never seen anything like it.
It’s reddish-black. I can see finely chopped meat, green onions, and tofu.
But I can’t identify the rest. Even my nose can’t distinguish it.
“What is this?”
“It’s mapo tofu.”
Mapo tofu?
I’ve never heard of such a dish.
“Ma… what?”
“Please try it. It’s delicious.”
It sounds like a lie. I can’t believe this mysterious soup could be delicious.
But if I don’t eat it here, we won’t be able to pay the additional reward to the Gungrave Mercenary Group.
I put it in my mouth with a do-or-die determination.
…It’s spicy!!
My mouth feels like it’s on fire!
“It’s, it’s spicy, spicy!”
It’s too spicy! How is this delicious?!
“Princess, please savor it well.”
Savor it?! In the midst of this torture?!
He’s even calling me ‘princess’ now, should I kill this guy?!
However, as I endure it, a strange sensation spreads in my mouth.
“…It’s sweet?”
It’s sweet. There’s sweetness within the spiciness.
A sweetness that spreads throughout my mouth, slightly crumbling and expanding, a sweetness I’ve felt before.
Yes, it’s beans.
The faint sweetness of beans. It spreads throughout my mouth.
“That’s the sweetness of the tofu.”
Tofu.
I’ve heard it’s a food product made from beans that has recently spread in the city.
There’s no trace of the original beans, and it can be eaten as is, grilled, or boiled.
And it’s said to be delicious whether hot or cold, a mysterious food.
I believe this food item that spread from somewhere about half a year ago.
So this dish contains that.
“And it’s sour too.”
A slight sourness. It nicely balances the spiciness and sweetness.
You have to pay close attention to notice it, but it’s definitely there.
“That’s one of the flavors of the doubanjiang.”
Doubanjiang?
I’ve never heard of that.
Even I, the greatest gourmet in the country, didn’t know such a thing existed.
“There’s also… bitterness.”
However, this bitterness is different from that of food.
It’s a taste that has been added later by some method, naturally blending in.
“That’s because it’s been cooked thoroughly in the pot.”
So this is a dish cooked by grilling?
It’s thoroughly cooked, yet there’s not a single burnt part.
And yet it has the unique bitterness characteristic of grilled food.
It’s not just an unpleasant bitterness.
It’s a unique bitterness that comes from being properly cooked.
“And finally, it’s spicy.”
“That’s from the pepper and doubanjiang.”
I see, within the spiciness there’s a refreshing flavor and a piercing heat.
So that’s because pepper is included!
Realizing this, I understand that it’s not just a spicy dish, but a wonderful cuisine created with complex flavors and techniques.
These flavors coexist without conflicting at all.
Even the royal chefs of this castle probably couldn’t make such a dish.
I wonder why such a skilled cook belongs to a mere mercenary group.
With his skills, this man could surely be in high demand in any country, not just this one.
But for now, I want to savor this dish.
“It’s delicious! It’s delicious!”
Ah, I feel like this is the best reward for me, who has endured from the start of the war until today.
I’ve been praying continuously, unable to eat, thinking only of the safe return of my dear father, ministers, and people.
And now, having won the war, captured prisoners, and finally achieved peace.
This dish is truly worthy of that peace.
“Please wipe your sweat as you eat.
It should be just right for a princess who seems to be feeling a bit cold.”
“What do you mean?”
Indeed, my body temperature has risen enough to make me sweat. The coldness from earlier feels like a lie now.
I realize that the coldness in my hands and feet is gone. The room now feels pleasantly cool.
“I noticed you’ve been moving your toes as if you’re cold since we came here.”
This guy noticed my coldness at a glance!?
And then I came to an astonishing realization.
This dish not only perfectly fulfills my challenge but also serves as a medicinal food to cure my coldness!
It’s not only delicious but can also warm the body!
Maybe that was the goal from the beginning.
A dish that clears the challenge, cures my coldness, and leaves absolutely no room for complaint about the additional reward.
It’s perfect. A perfect cook.
The idea to come up with this dish.
The skill to create it.
The keen eye to discern the other person’s physical condition.
The knowledge to combine ingredients.
This person is truly worthy of being my cook!
“I like you! Become my cook!”
“Ah, that’s impossible.”
My invitation was rejected in less than three seconds.
In the end, Shuri didn’t become my cook.
Even when I appealed to my father and tried to bring him in somehow, Shuri stubbornly refused. No matter how much we improved the conditions or money, that person coolly refused.
Gungrave also refused to give him up no matter how much we raised the price.
Well, I understand their feelings.
A cook with such quick wit and skill. He must be an indispensable asset for the Gungrave Mercenary Group as they continue to grow.
That’s why I want him. A person with such capabilities as Shuri.
“Sigh…”
I’m lying face down on my bed, lamenting.
After tasting such deliciousness, the evening banquet seems like a haze.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s there or not.
Of course, I have no complaints about the banquet being held to celebrate the victory.
How could I complain about something that acknowledges the hard work of the generals, soldiers, and people?
However, compared to the mapo tofu, the banquet food doesn’t seem appealing.
“I guess I’ll have to secretly send spies and kidnap him…”
I’m able to casually voice such a terrifying thought because I desire Shuri so much.
Of course, I desire the dishes he makes, not any sort of romantic relationship.
“Princess. It seems our castle’s cook has something he wants you to try…”
The maid who entered looks a bit troubled.
I must have been so deep in thought that I didn’t notice her knock.
“What is it? I’m busy thinking. And there’s the banquet later.”
“Yes, I told him that too, but he insisted…”
What is it? Is he asking me to taste test a new dish for tonight?
As I sit up on the bed and raise my face, I see something I can’t believe.
“He said he tried making this mapo tofu thing, but… should I tell him to forget it?”
“Bring it here immediately!”
“Y-yes?!”
The maid looks surprised, but that’s not my concern!
I have her bring it quickly and put it in my mouth.
…It’s far from Shuri’s dish, but it’s definitely mapo tofu.
Maybe the preparation is lacking or the seasoning is slightly off. It’s not perfect like Shuri’s.
But it’s undoubtedly mapo tofu.
“Why this?”
“Well, actually, the Gungrave Mercenary Group’s cook left some recipes and seasonings as thanks for letting him use the kitchen.”
“What?!”
He freely shared the recipe for such an extraordinary dish?!
“So our cook tried making it, and everyone was amazed by the high level of culinary technique and deliciousness. They wanted you, who had tasted the original, to try it and give your opinion.”
“I see…”
To be honest, it’s worlds apart from Shuri’s.
However, for a first attempt, it’s passable.
“I’ll give my feedback directly.”
“Understood. And about the next tasting…”
…What did she say?
“Next? Is there something else?”
“Yes, actually, the cook didn’t leave just one recipe.”
Not just one?!
“What do you mean?!”
“Well, it seems there are several variations, combining mapo tofu with other things or changing the seasonings.
When leaving, the cook said, ‘You might get bored with the same thing, so I hope you enjoy various types of mapo tofu.’“
What an amazing thing! There are many varieties of this enchanting dish?!
Perhaps he anticipated that I might send spies and directed attention to the food?!
Oh, how many moves ahead is Shuri reading…
This makes me want Shuri even more.
However, let’s refrain from sending spies to kidnap him.
For now, I’ll enjoy these various types he mentioned.
“After the banquet, have the cook prepare samples for me to taste. This could be a wonderful opportunity for a new culture to be born in our country.
Tell him to put his heart into it.”
“Yes, understood.”
After the maid left the room, I was left alone with my thoughts.
And I couldn’t stop laughing.
“Kukuku. Shuri, no matter what you think, I will definitely get my hands on you.
You’ve enchanted me this much. Be proud of your skills.
Kukuku. To think you could affect me, a gourmet, to this extent.”
Shuri’s cooking regulates the body’s condition and elevates the mood.
That would be useful not just in war, but in diplomacy too. I can see that.
I bet that’s why Gungrave won’t let go of Shuri.
They use his cooking to unite the group and gain advantages in negotiations and diplomacy.
You’re quite the schemer, Gungrave.
As expected of one called the “Devil of Schemes and Strategies.”
Later, I tasted the mapo tofu variations.
They’re all delicious. I want to try the ones Shuri made, but this will do for now.
The recipes include detailed instructions on how to make the seasonings and how to apply heat. Our royal chefs will surely master this technique eventually. Even the method for making tofu is included.
I appealed to my father to prevent Shuri from falling into the hands of other countries.
“If we let that cook go to other countries, it will surely harm Nouviche.”
“Is it that serious? I don’t understand.”
“Father, no, my Lord. I can say this with certainty.
The cook’s skill and quick thinking, which I’ve experienced through his food and my palate, are irreplaceable.”
“Then what should we do? Secretly kill him?”
“No, that would be the worst option. If we do that, we’ll undoubtedly make enemies of the entire Gungrave Mercenary Group.
That military power wouldn’t hesitate to attack us in the dark, baring their fangs at our domain.”
“Th-that’s something we want to avoid. So, is there any other way?”
“We need to mark him as ours, Your Majesty.”
What I came up with was to send a kitchen knife and a letter as a reward.
And not just any knife, but the highest quality one with our country’s crest on it.
The letter should show the highest respect that royalty can offer.
If we do this, even if other countries try to approach Shuri, we can intervene.
We can say, “What do you intend to do with a cook who is on good terms with our country?”
It’s a roundabout way of asking if they’re prepared to engage in a diplomatic dispute by poaching someone who’s expected to work for our country.
Some countries import food from Nouviche.
We can use our victory in this war and our trade advantages to keep them in check.
Shuri, we’ll meet again someday.
When that time comes, let me enjoy even more of your dishes.
The Principality of Nouviche.
It’s a vast food production area that absorbed most of Yuyuvi, which was originally a mining region, as large-scale agricultural land, combined with food supply from its extensive forests.
It began after the war with Yuyuvi, when they negotiated using the Yuyuvi prince as a hostage and acquired enormous reparations and land.
The food produced here is all of high quality and popular in other countries.
Given this national character, their culinary skills are also high.
Walking through the streets, you’ll find rows of restaurants, all serving delicious food.
Every tourist who visits this country enjoys its unique cuisine and leaves satisfied.
And Nouviche has a local dish that even royalty eats.
The recipe, released by the royalty to the people, spread throughout the country in the blink of an eye and took root.
Tevis Nouviche, who later becomes the greatest gourmet in the Principality of Nouviche and its queen, loves this dish dearly and eats it at least once a week even in her old age.
It’s said that she favored the mapo tofu left behind by Shuri Azuma, the “Food King.”
Moreover, mapo tofu will be passed down in history as the first dish that the “Food King” Shuri Azuma introduced to this world.
Check out my Patreon for early access to upcoming updates. Patreon Link
<< Table of Contents >>