Our dream surely began here. I’ve never felt my heart race like this since starting the mercenary group. I’ve never thought anything could be this fun. And surely, it couldn’t have been done without him. I don’t believe in words like fate. But this must have been what they call destiny.
“Gungrave, isn’t wasting food inappropriate?” “You’re absolutely right… I’ll make sure to tell them off properly.”
Shuri’s illness has been cured. Apparently, he felt much better the next day and tried to return as our cook. Of course, all the subordinates and comrades welcomed him. It’s only natural since we can finally escape that horrifically bad food! However, my foresight was poor. Too poor. That is to say, I neglected to dispose of the leftovers. I failed to destroy the evidence.
“Look, they even tried to make stew and burned it until it turned brown.”
That was my mistake. Everyone else also tried to recreate Shuri’s cooking through trial and error. As a result, a large amount of inedible waste was mass-produced. Ingredients were consumed in large quantities, leaving only waste that couldn’t even be eaten or used as fertilizer. Such criminal evidence. We had forgotten to destroy it. In my case, I tried to make soup and ended up burning the ingredients. It’s charred black.
“It’s more like black, actually.” “Please stop doing this kind of thing.” “Yeah, I’ll make them stop.”
I’m sorry, but I’ll have to blame everyone else for this. Shuri’s face has the intensity of an angry demon mask.
“Gungrave, it’s useless to try and run away by saying that. Lill tried to make hamburger steak and ended up with just fried minced meat. And it has no flavor. I heard Kuuga tried to make fried horse mackerel and got burned. The fish is so chopped up it’s more like fish balls. Arius just boiled tofu without kombu, so it’s just plain boiled tofu. It’s tasteless. And Gungrave. This stew, you tried to make it, didn’t you? I know you were trying to blame it on your subordinates and even tried to set things up beforehand.”
I’ve been found out?! It must have been Lill! Lill was going through withdrawal symptoms from not being able to eat hamburger steak. She couldn’t focus on her inventions or equipment processing, spending all day lying down moaning, “Hamburger steak… hamburger steak…” Then came Shuri’s revival. And the revival of hamburger steak. That bastard must have anticipated this and traded information for hamburger steak!
“Well… I’ll make a special dish for tomorrow night.” “What? Special?”
Inwardly, I was trembling at what kind of retaliation might come from Shuri, but he was smiling wryly. A special dish, he says? It’s the first time I’ve heard such words from Shuri.
“As punishment, I’ll cook today, but the portions will be small to save on ingredients.” “Your cooking after so long… and small portions? You’ve got to be kidding…”
Impossible. If that happens, I’ll be overwhelmed with criticism from my subordinates. The subordinates and comrades were overjoyed at Shuri’s return, almost jumping for joy. They thought they wouldn’t have to eat bad food anymore. They wouldn’t have to pay to eat mediocre food anymore. But this guy’s cooking, while delicious, makes you want to eat more. The smell and taste resonate with your hunger, making you want to eat even more. And yet, it’s a small amount. I’ve never heard of such torture…! Only now did I notice. The burning flames of anger behind Shuri’s smile!
On the second night. All the subordinates and comrades gathered for a meal, exuding an atmosphere like hungry wolves. It was tough getting here. Shuri silenced the criticism from the subordinates with the righteous argument and anger that it was they who had wasted the ingredients. Then the criticism turned to me. Why didn’t I persuade them, why did I let such a thing happen, and so on. When I accused them of being the ones who did it, it turned into a quagmire. I vividly remember Lill devouring hamburger steak with an innocent face amidst the tense atmosphere. And then, by persuading them that Shuri would make a special dish tomorrow night and to endure until then, the commotion finally subsided. That’s how we safely arrived at today.
“So, Shuri. What are you planning to do?”
Here, six of us have gathered: me, Shuri, Lill, Kuuga, Arius, and Tegue. Apparently, he’s going to cook using specially ordered fire starters and pots. With dozens of these sets prepared for all the gatherings, today’s meal must be special indeed. Tegue is also asking questions. Honestly, I wanted to ask too.
“Well, you all took care of me when I had a cold, so I wanted to properly thank you.” “That’s unnecessary. We’re not the kind of people who need to be so formal with each other.”
Arius is right. We’re no longer in a relationship where we need to be so reserved. I, and everyone here, consider Shuri a comrade.
“In my homeland, we have a saying: ‘Even among close friends, there should be courtesy.’ It means that even between close companions, we shouldn’t forget the courtesy of caring for each other. So, I want to properly express my gratitude.”
Consideration, huh. Since becoming a mercenary group, I had forgotten about such feelings. Even among close friends, you say. Shuri, you mean you recognize us as close friends.
“Is that what this cooking is about? How’s it different from what you usually make?”
Indeed. We can’t tell because we haven’t lifted the lid yet, but how is it different from the dishes you’ve made before?
“This is a hot pot dish.” “Like yudofu?” “No, it’s richer than that. Here it is! Everyone, please lift the lids and take a look!”
At Shuri’s signal, everyone lifted the lids as if they had been eagerly waiting. I lifted the lid. An irresistible aroma filled the place. The ingredients are grilled tofu, eggs, daikon, chikuwa, hanpen, some mysterious jelly-like meat, and sausages. It’s quite a luxurious hot pot. The smell and the color of the soup are unique.
“Is this tofu? It’s firmer than yudofu, I can actually pick it up…” “Oh, eggs. I see, it’s quite hearty. The color has changed, I wonder if the flavor has soaked in.”
Expectant voices rise from other tables as well. This is similar to the yudofu I ate with Arius before, but slightly different. This isn’t as light as that dish. It looks like something richer, more substantial. Of course it does. With all these ingredients, it’s not something you can eat every day. The taste must be something to look forward to as well.
“Alright then, you lot can dig in!”
With a cheer, the subordinates began to dig into the hot pot.
“Well then, shall we start too? Everyone, please help yourselves.” “Ah, then I’ll take a sausage.” “I’ll have this chikuwa thing.” “I’ll take some grilled tofu.” “…Egg.” “I’ll take this meat. What kind of meat is this?” “It’s tendon meat.” “Huh? That tough, inedible stuff?” “Try it. I guarantee you’ll be surprised.”
Well, that’s something to look forward to. I take some tendon meat and look at it. Tendon meat is usually tough and inedible. It’s gritty and doesn’t take on flavor well. But this one has a nice color and is soft. It’s jelly-like. I put it in my mouth with anticipation.
“Egg, so fluffy.”
Lill looks happy as she eats the egg white and yolk together.
“This chikuwa thing tastes like fish. It’s a strange flavor.”
Kuuga is absorbed in the chikuwa. By the way, it seems to be stuffed with burdock root.
“The grilled tofu is different from yudofu. It keeps its shape and has a satisfying bite to it.”
Arius is eating the grilled tofu elegantly.
“This sausage is different from what you’d find in a potage. It’s even more delicious when you eat it with the daikon!”
Tegue is nodding as he eats the sausage and daikon together.
“Impossible… this is tendon meat? It’s not tough at all. It’s tender. Easy to chew and still has a nice texture. The flavor is amazing too.”
And then there’s the tendon meat. It’s soft, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. How did he make it turn out like this? Come to think of it, he told us to wait for a day. Could it be that he simmered it for a whole day? Did he put it on the fire for a whole day, slowly simmering it to make it soft? It’s unthinkable under normal circumstances. This isn’t a royal kitchen, you know. Even with the fire starters, it must have taken an enormous amount of effort. The same goes for the other ingredients. They couldn’t have become this delicious overnight. I’ve heard that chikuwa is made by grinding fish meat into a paste and then processing it. I can’t imagine going to such lengths to prepare fish like that. But the taste is incredibly good. All the ingredients that have absorbed the broth and concentrated in flavor are first-class.
“Since we have this opportunity! You guys, drink some sake and enjoy yourselves today! It would be a waste to have such delicious food without sake, right?”
The subordinates are cheering with joy. Of course they are. This food must absolutely go well with sake. I also enjoyed the food with sake for the first time in a while. Man, Shuri’s cooking is really something else.
“This group really is a good place. I’m happy that this group took me in.”
Shuri muttered, looking at everyone. Happiness, huh. This place is close to hell where we don’t know when we might die. Yet he says it’s good.
“Shuri, will you keep cooking for us here?” “Yes. I’ll keep at it until you force me to stop. I still have feelings for my homeland, but this is where I belong now.” “I see. Good.”
Force him to quit? There’s no way we’d do that. If we let him quit, the mercenary group would fall apart. Right now, this mercenary group is held together by Shuri’s cooking. We’re working hard because we can eat delicious food, because we can eat it again if we survive. If he stays, I’ll be motivated too. If that’s the case, I have to say it, I have to do it. I gulp down my sake and say it.
“My goal is to unite this entire continent into one country and become its king. I want you all to stick with me. Shuri.” “Yes, Gungrave.”
I will definitely become king. The country I once dreamed of, where no one goes hungry, where no one is poor.
“Then, Lill too.”
Lill stops eating her egg.
“Lill wants to use magic engineering for peaceful purposes in that country. This time, Lill wants to make everyday items like what she made for Shuri, and spread magic engineering to all sorts of people. She want to create a school and such.” “Then I’ll be the Grand General of the country. I’ll become the world’s strongest swordsman and leave my techniques for future generations.” “I, like Lill, would like to create a magic school. Not a school that only nobles can attend, but one that recruits various disciples. Also, I want to be a good wife.” “I want to travel to various places once the country is established and peaceful, and compile everything into a book. After conquering the continent, we’ll conquer the seas too!”
Before we knew it, we were all talking about our dreams. None of the surrounding subordinates mock us. Rather, they’re cheering us on, saying “That’s right, that’s right.” I’ve got good comrades, good subordinates. It was you who made that happen, Shuri.
“Then, I’ll help everyone achieve their dreams.”
Shuri smiled.
“I’ll become someone who continues to make delicious food.”
The six of us and our reliable subordinates. With him here, I’m sure I can fulfill my dream. Shall we start from here? Our dream.
In later years, when the turning point in history is debated, this scene will inevitably be depicted. “The Dinner of the Six Heroes” It is said to be the feast where those who would later become heroes spoke of their dreams and began to walk towards their ideals.
The first emperor of the Unified Empire. “Continental King” Gungrave Denju Apurada.
The first empress consort of the first emperor and the first principal of the Magic Academy. “Witch of Truth” Arius Denju Apurada.
Founder of Blanche Magic Engineering Academy. “Queen of Invention” Lill Blanche.
Grand General of the Unified Empire, founder of the Kuuga style. “Sword Saint King of a Hundred Kills” Kuuga Yanagi.
Captain of the Unified Empire’s Imperial Guard, founder of the Tengu style, author of The Record of Foreign Lands and The Record of Other Worlds. “First Adventure King” Tegue Valence.
Who could have predicted that the dreams spoken here would come true? Even the later heroes think that the path to founding the empire began from this feast. However, one person’s words are different. Gungrave Denju Apurada speaks. The path of conquest began much earlier. He says that the path to their dream surely began from the time they met a certain cook.
The exclusive cook for the Unified Empire’s royal family and inventor of new cultural cuisine. Loved by numerous lords and citizens. Inventor of numerous dishes. Discoverer of numerous new ingredients. Creator of numerous processed foods. And in years of famine and poor harvests, he would go to the provinces to save the citizens. He taught cooking to those who had lost their jobs and helped them open shops. Historians and archaeologists say: Shallow scholars praise the other heroes, but Those who have studied more deeply and diligently Understand that without his existence, the Unified Empire would not have been possible. His name is spoken for eternity.
“Food King” Shuri Azuma.
This is the story of how he, Without realizing it, influenced many people. And without being aware of it at all, grasped glory. This is such a story.
Check out my Patreon for early access to upcoming updates. Patreon Link
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Chapter 12
Our dream surely began here.
I’ve never felt my heart race like this since starting the mercenary group.
I’ve never thought anything could be this fun.
And surely, it couldn’t have been done without him.
I don’t believe in words like fate.
But this must have been what they call destiny.
“Gungrave, isn’t wasting food inappropriate?”
“You’re absolutely right… I’ll make sure to tell them off properly.”
Shuri’s illness has been cured.
Apparently, he felt much better the next day and tried to return as our cook.
Of course, all the subordinates and comrades welcomed him. It’s only natural since we can finally escape that horrifically bad food!
However, my foresight was poor. Too poor.
That is to say, I neglected to dispose of the leftovers. I failed to destroy the evidence.
“Look, they even tried to make stew and burned it until it turned brown.”
That was my mistake.
Everyone else also tried to recreate Shuri’s cooking through trial and error.
As a result, a large amount of inedible waste was mass-produced.
Ingredients were consumed in large quantities, leaving only waste that couldn’t even be eaten or used as fertilizer.
Such criminal evidence. We had forgotten to destroy it.
In my case, I tried to make soup and ended up burning the ingredients.
It’s charred black.
“It’s more like black, actually.”
“Please stop doing this kind of thing.”
“Yeah, I’ll make them stop.”
I’m sorry, but I’ll have to blame everyone else for this.
Shuri’s face has the intensity of an angry demon mask.
“Gungrave, it’s useless to try and run away by saying that.
Lill tried to make hamburger steak and ended up with just fried minced meat. And it has no flavor.
I heard Kuuga tried to make fried horse mackerel and got burned. The fish is so chopped up it’s more like fish balls.
Arius just boiled tofu without kombu, so it’s just plain boiled tofu. It’s tasteless.
And Gungrave. This stew, you tried to make it, didn’t you? I know you were trying to blame it on your subordinates and even tried to set things up beforehand.”
I’ve been found out?!
It must have been Lill!
Lill was going through withdrawal symptoms from not being able to eat hamburger steak.
She couldn’t focus on her inventions or equipment processing, spending all day lying down moaning, “Hamburger steak… hamburger steak…”
Then came Shuri’s revival. And the revival of hamburger steak.
That bastard must have anticipated this and traded information for hamburger steak!
“Well… I’ll make a special dish for tomorrow night.”
“What? Special?”
Inwardly, I was trembling at what kind of retaliation might come from Shuri, but he was smiling wryly.
A special dish, he says?
It’s the first time I’ve heard such words from Shuri.
“As punishment, I’ll cook today, but the portions will be small to save on ingredients.”
“Your cooking after so long… and small portions? You’ve got to be kidding…”
Impossible. If that happens, I’ll be overwhelmed with criticism from my subordinates.
The subordinates and comrades were overjoyed at Shuri’s return, almost jumping for joy.
They thought they wouldn’t have to eat bad food anymore. They wouldn’t have to pay to eat mediocre food anymore.
But this guy’s cooking, while delicious, makes you want to eat more. The smell and taste resonate with your hunger, making you want to eat even more.
And yet, it’s a small amount.
I’ve never heard of such torture…!
Only now did I notice.
The burning flames of anger behind Shuri’s smile!
On the second night.
All the subordinates and comrades gathered for a meal, exuding an atmosphere like hungry wolves.
It was tough getting here.
Shuri silenced the criticism from the subordinates with the righteous argument and anger that it was they who had wasted the ingredients. Then the criticism turned to me.
Why didn’t I persuade them, why did I let such a thing happen, and so on.
When I accused them of being the ones who did it, it turned into a quagmire.
I vividly remember Lill devouring hamburger steak with an innocent face amidst the tense atmosphere.
And then, by persuading them that Shuri would make a special dish tomorrow night and to endure until then, the commotion finally subsided.
That’s how we safely arrived at today.
“So, Shuri. What are you planning to do?”
Here, six of us have gathered: me, Shuri, Lill, Kuuga, Arius, and Tegue.
Apparently, he’s going to cook using specially ordered fire starters and pots.
With dozens of these sets prepared for all the gatherings, today’s meal must be special indeed.
Tegue is also asking questions. Honestly, I wanted to ask too.
“Well, you all took care of me when I had a cold, so I wanted to properly thank you.”
“That’s unnecessary. We’re not the kind of people who need to be so formal with each other.”
Arius is right.
We’re no longer in a relationship where we need to be so reserved.
I, and everyone here, consider Shuri a comrade.
“In my homeland, we have a saying: ‘Even among close friends, there should be courtesy.’
It means that even between close companions, we shouldn’t forget the courtesy of caring for each other.
So, I want to properly express my gratitude.”
Consideration, huh.
Since becoming a mercenary group, I had forgotten about such feelings.
Even among close friends, you say.
Shuri, you mean you recognize us as close friends.
“Is that what this cooking is about? How’s it different from what you usually make?”
Indeed.
We can’t tell because we haven’t lifted the lid yet, but how is it different from the dishes you’ve made before?
“This is a hot pot dish.”
“Like yudofu?”
“No, it’s richer than that. Here it is! Everyone, please lift the lids and take a look!”
At Shuri’s signal, everyone lifted the lids as if they had been eagerly waiting.
I lifted the lid.
An irresistible aroma filled the place.
The ingredients are grilled tofu, eggs, daikon, chikuwa, hanpen, some mysterious jelly-like meat, and sausages.
It’s quite a luxurious hot pot. The smell and the color of the soup are unique.
“Is this tofu? It’s firmer than yudofu, I can actually pick it up…”
“Oh, eggs. I see, it’s quite hearty. The color has changed, I wonder if the flavor has soaked in.”
Expectant voices rise from other tables as well.
This is similar to the yudofu I ate with Arius before, but slightly different.
This isn’t as light as that dish.
It looks like something richer, more substantial.
Of course it does. With all these ingredients, it’s not something you can eat every day.
The taste must be something to look forward to as well.
“Alright then, you lot can dig in!”
With a cheer, the subordinates began to dig into the hot pot.
“Well then, shall we start too? Everyone, please help yourselves.”
“Ah, then I’ll take a sausage.”
“I’ll have this chikuwa thing.”
“I’ll take some grilled tofu.”
“…Egg.”
“I’ll take this meat. What kind of meat is this?”
“It’s tendon meat.”
“Huh? That tough, inedible stuff?”
“Try it. I guarantee you’ll be surprised.”
Well, that’s something to look forward to.
I take some tendon meat and look at it.
Tendon meat is usually tough and inedible.
It’s gritty and doesn’t take on flavor well.
But this one has a nice color and is soft. It’s jelly-like.
I put it in my mouth with anticipation.
“Egg, so fluffy.”
Lill looks happy as she eats the egg white and yolk together.
“This chikuwa thing tastes like fish. It’s a strange flavor.”
Kuuga is absorbed in the chikuwa.
By the way, it seems to be stuffed with burdock root.
“The grilled tofu is different from yudofu. It keeps its shape and has a satisfying bite to it.”
Arius is eating the grilled tofu elegantly.
“This sausage is different from what you’d find in a potage. It’s even more delicious when you eat it with the daikon!”
Tegue is nodding as he eats the sausage and daikon together.
“Impossible… this is tendon meat? It’s not tough at all. It’s tender. Easy to chew and still has a nice texture. The flavor is amazing too.”
And then there’s the tendon meat.
It’s soft, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
How did he make it turn out like this?
Come to think of it, he told us to wait for a day. Could it be that he simmered it for a whole day?
Did he put it on the fire for a whole day, slowly simmering it to make it soft?
It’s unthinkable under normal circumstances. This isn’t a royal kitchen, you know.
Even with the fire starters, it must have taken an enormous amount of effort.
The same goes for the other ingredients. They couldn’t have become this delicious overnight.
I’ve heard that chikuwa is made by grinding fish meat into a paste and then processing it.
I can’t imagine going to such lengths to prepare fish like that. But the taste is incredibly good.
All the ingredients that have absorbed the broth and concentrated in flavor are first-class.
“Since we have this opportunity! You guys, drink some sake and enjoy yourselves today!
It would be a waste to have such delicious food without sake, right?”
The subordinates are cheering with joy.
Of course they are. This food must absolutely go well with sake.
I also enjoyed the food with sake for the first time in a while.
Man, Shuri’s cooking is really something else.
“This group really is a good place.
I’m happy that this group took me in.”
Shuri muttered, looking at everyone.
Happiness, huh. This place is close to hell where we don’t know when we might die.
Yet he says it’s good.
“Shuri, will you keep cooking for us here?”
“Yes. I’ll keep at it until you force me to stop. I still have feelings for my homeland, but this is where I belong now.”
“I see. Good.”
Force him to quit? There’s no way we’d do that.
If we let him quit, the mercenary group would fall apart.
Right now, this mercenary group is held together by Shuri’s cooking.
We’re working hard because we can eat delicious food, because we can eat it again if we survive.
If he stays, I’ll be motivated too.
If that’s the case, I have to say it, I have to do it.
I gulp down my sake and say it.
“My goal is to unite this entire continent into one country and become its king.
I want you all to stick with me. Shuri.”
“Yes, Gungrave.”
I will definitely become king.
The country I once dreamed of, where no one goes hungry, where no one is poor.
“Then, Lill too.”
Lill stops eating her egg.
“Lill wants to use magic engineering for peaceful purposes in that country. This time, Lill wants to make everyday items like what she made for Shuri, and spread magic engineering to all sorts of people.
She want to create a school and such.”
“Then I’ll be the Grand General of the country. I’ll become the world’s strongest swordsman and leave my techniques for future generations.”
“I, like Lill, would like to create a magic school. Not a school that only nobles can attend, but one that recruits various disciples. Also, I want to be a good wife.”
“I want to travel to various places once the country is established and peaceful, and compile everything into a book. After conquering the continent, we’ll conquer the seas too!”
Before we knew it, we were all talking about our dreams.
None of the surrounding subordinates mock us.
Rather, they’re cheering us on, saying “That’s right, that’s right.”
I’ve got good comrades, good subordinates.
It was you who made that happen, Shuri.
“Then, I’ll help everyone achieve their dreams.”
Shuri smiled.
“I’ll become someone who continues to make delicious food.”
The six of us and our reliable subordinates.
With him here, I’m sure I can fulfill my dream.
Shall we start from here?
Our dream.
In later years, when the turning point in history is debated, this scene will inevitably be depicted.
“The Dinner of the Six Heroes”
It is said to be the feast where those who would later become heroes spoke of their dreams and began to walk towards their ideals.
The first emperor of the Unified Empire.
“Continental King” Gungrave Denju Apurada.
The first empress consort of the first emperor and the first principal of the Magic Academy.
“Witch of Truth” Arius Denju Apurada.
Founder of Blanche Magic Engineering Academy.
“Queen of Invention” Lill Blanche.
Grand General of the Unified Empire, founder of the Kuuga style.
“Sword Saint King of a Hundred Kills” Kuuga Yanagi.
Captain of the Unified Empire’s Imperial Guard, founder of the Tengu style, author of The Record of Foreign Lands and The Record of Other Worlds.
“First Adventure King” Tegue Valence.
Who could have predicted that the dreams spoken here would come true?
Even the later heroes think that the path to founding the empire began from this feast.
However, one person’s words are different.
Gungrave Denju Apurada speaks.
The path of conquest began much earlier.
He says that the path to their dream surely began from the time they met a certain cook.
The exclusive cook for the Unified Empire’s royal family and inventor of new cultural cuisine.
Loved by numerous lords and citizens.
Inventor of numerous dishes.
Discoverer of numerous new ingredients.
Creator of numerous processed foods.
And in years of famine and poor harvests, he would go to the provinces to save the citizens.
He taught cooking to those who had lost their jobs and helped them open shops.
Historians and archaeologists say:
Shallow scholars praise the other heroes, but
Those who have studied more deeply and diligently
Understand that without his existence, the Unified Empire would not have been possible.
His name is spoken for eternity.
“Food King” Shuri Azuma.
This is the story of how he,
Without realizing it, influenced many people.
And without being aware of it at all, grasped glory.
This is such a story.
Check out my Patreon for early access to upcoming updates. Patreon Link
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