In the East, there’s a concept called yakshikdongwon, aning “food is dicine.” While the Toscana Empire doesn’t have a direct equivalent, its people believe in health theories based on the Four Elents.
"How can it make sense that birds are the healthiest to eat, followed by at, while vegetables and fruit are at the very bottom?"
As soon as I was in the Emperor's presence, he greeted with a laugh.
“Baron Rothschild, well, how goes the wedding preparations? No trouble, I hope?”
Honestly, I didn’t have much to worry about since the Duke was handling most of the arrangents. He ntioned that about a week before the ceremony, I’d have a lot on my plate. But until then, it would be smooth sailing. Of course, I couldn’t just say, “The Duke’s doing all the work, so I have nothing to worry about.”
“Thanks to Your Majesty’s wise guidance, things are proceeding well enough,” I replied.
“That’s good to hear. I’ll be attending the wedding myself, so do let the Duke know.”
For a mont, I was in disbelief.
The Emperor himself at my wedding?
It’s not unheard of for the Emperor to attend the wedding of Duke Visconti’s granddaughter, but her husband is rely a baron. Under ordinary circumstances, he wouldn’t co.
“The Duke of Visconti is a loyal subject and founding patron of the Empire, and you are a pillar on whom the Empire rests. It would be stranger if I didn’t attend such a celebration of these two houses. Don’t you agree?”
There wasn’t a flaw in the Emperor’s reasoning. But his involvent was bound to put both the Duke and under extre pressure, as if a village mayor were suddenly tasked with hosting the president.
With the Emperor’s attendance, Duke Sforza would certainly have to co, dragging the counts from his faction along, followed by all the viscounts and barons—a parade of the empire’s elite.
Frankly, I wanted to beg him not to attend.
“It is an honor beyond what soone as lowly as myself deserves, Your Majesty.”
“I need to show the others how highly I regard you. Visconti may have made the first move, but there’s no one else who can fulfill my ambitions as well as you can.”
The Emperor had once spoken of his desire for absolute monarchy. Though I’m only a rising noble now and lack the power to restructure the hierarchy to his liking, I plan to realign things in his favor when I climb higher. It’s not to backstab the Duke of Visconti, of course. I’d simply divide the spoils from the guild and allocate them appropriately between the Duke and the Emperor. This way, the Emperor gains his absolute monarchy, and the Duke becos the Empire’s most esteed noble.
“But back to the matter at hand—you said you’d bring dicine. So where is it?”
“I didn’t bring any specific dicine, Your Majesty. Rather, I offer food that will be good for your health if consud regularly. It’s better than most restorative dicines.”
The Emperor tilted his head, puzzled by what seed nonsense to him.
“What do you an by that?”
Everyone knows a balanced diet of at and vegetables is healthy, but in the Toscana Empire, this idea isn’t a common one.
“A high intake of at and spices” is what they consider healthy, the only food fit for nobility.
“Your Majesty, and indeed all the noble houses of Toscana, consu an excessive amount of at at each al.”
While the average Korean consus about 60 kg of at annually, the Toscana nobility and upper-class rchants consu around 100–120 kg. It’s equivalent to having one and a half bowls of at with every al. If we were talking about knights who spend all day in armor on the battlefield, it might be understandable. But for nobles—administrators, essentially—such consumption leads to obesity, fatty liver, hypertension, and all sorts of chronic ailnts.
“Of course, such als align with the Four Elents theory, but upon reflection, consuming only the most superior ingredient, at, goes against the divine order. Consider this: if the heavens, created by God, consisted solely of air, could any life exist?”
Even I didn’t know what I was saying, but to convince believers in the Four Elents, I had to speak in their terms.
‘Breaking down their beliefs gradually will lessen their resistance.’
“An excellent point. We need air, water, and earth to live,” the Emperor nodded.
“Thus, mixing in foods like vegetables, fruits, and fish with your at will contribute to good health. It’s in line with the natural order created by God.”
The Emperor glanced at his physician, who subtly nodded in agreent.
‘No need to complicate things with talk of vitamins and balanced nutrition. This is the way.’
“Additionally, the food I’ve created preserves the ingredients’ natural flavors, consuming them as Deus intended.”
“Natural flavors, you say.”
“It might be easier for Your Majesty to experience it firsthand rather than hear explain. Chief physician, could you confirm whether my dish poses any risk to His Majesty’s health?”
By this point, I had the Emperor’s approval, and since we’d be using ingredients and chefs from the imperial kitchens, there was no risk of poisoning. But if I dismissed the physician, rumors of disrespect would soon follow. So, I went through the formalities to gain approval one step at a ti.
While you can’t live without making enemies, I try to minimize their number.
“Hm, it’s an unusual interpretation of the Four Elents theory, but Baron Rothschild’s reasoning is sound. Moreover, a balanced diet of at, vegetables, fruits, and seafood could indeed benefit Your Majesty’s health.”
With that, the Emperor commanded, “Prepare the al Baron Rothschild has devised.”
After so ti, the court chef brought out a simplified course starting with a salad.
“This salad is made with thinly sliced lettuce and shallots, topped with a vinegar-based dressing.”
The Emperor looked at skeptically.
“Must I really eat such lowly vegetables?”
Honestly, if I had my way, he’d eat vegetables at every al, especially at his age. But of course, I had to be diplomatic.
“A balanced al according to the Four Elents is the most delicious and healthy option. And didn’t the physician approve?”
Even the most powerful individuals tend to humble themselves before doctors because everyone wants to live a long, healthy life.
“If you want to live well, heed your doctor’s advice.”
“You’ve never disappointed , so I’ll trust you.”
The Emperor hesitantly picked up a forkful of salad, but his body seed to crave it—soon, he was asking for another helping.
‘With this change, maybe he’ll live a little longer.’
“...Who would’ve thought a simple salad with vinegar could taste this good.”
No, that’s your body craving the vitamins from the vegetables.
“Perhaps it’s the earth’s energy your body needs, Your Majesty.”
One after another, dishes prepared with balanced ingredients were brought out, each chosen to et the Emperor’s nutritional needs. He ate not only the salad but also finished every other dish.
Satisfied, the Emperor smiled at his physician.
“Would it be advisable to continue eating like this? I used to feel bloated and uncomfortable after als, which I thought was just a part of aging. But with Baron Rothschild’s food, I feel much lighter.”
The physician cautiously replied, “While it diverges slightly from the Four Humors and Four Elents theories, Baron Rothschild’s diet emphasizes the balance of nature and is, therefore, not without rit.”
The Emperor grinned.
“I hear there have been unpleasant rumors about your new restaurant. Is this al your answer to that problem?”
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