In the East, there’s a concept called yakshikdongwon, meaning “food is medicine.” While the Toscana Empire doesn’t have a direct equivalent, its people believe in health theories based on the Four Elements.
"How can it make sense that birds are the healthiest to eat, followed by meat, while vegetables and fruit are at the very bottom?"
As soon as I was in the Emperor's presence, he greeted me 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 arrangements. He mentioned 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 moment, 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 merely a baron. Under ordinary circumstances, he wouldn’t come.
“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 involvement was bound to put both the Duke and me under extreme pressure, as if a village mayor were suddenly tasked with hosting the president.
With the Emperor’s attendance, Duke Sforza would certainly have to come, 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 someone 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 becomes the Empire’s most esteemed noble.
“But back to the matter at hand—you said you’d bring me medicine. So where is it?”
“I didn’t bring any specific medicine, Your Majesty. Rather, I offer food that will be good for your health if consumed regularly. It’s better than most restorative medicines.”
The Emperor tilted his head, puzzled by what seemed nonsense to him.
“What do you mean by that?”
Everyone knows a balanced diet of meat and vegetables is healthy, but in the Toscana Empire, this idea isn’t a common one.
“A high intake of meat and spices” is what they consider healthy, the only food fit for nobility.
“Your Majesty, and indeed all the noble houses of Toscana, consume an excessive amount of meat at each meal.”
While the average Korean consumes about 60 kg of meat annually, the Toscana nobility and upper-class merchants consume around 100–120 kg. It’s equivalent to having one and a half bowls of meat with every meal. 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 ailments.
“Of course, such meals align with the Four Elements theory, but upon reflection, consuming only the most superior ingredient, meat, 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 Elements, 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 meat 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 agreement.
‘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 me 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 time.
While you can’t live without making enemies, I try to minimize their number.
“Hm, it’s an unusual interpretation of the Four Elements theory, but Baron Rothschild’s reasoning is sound. Moreover, a balanced diet of meat, vegetables, fruits, and seafood could indeed benefit Your Majesty’s health.”
With that, the Emperor commanded, “Prepare the meal Baron Rothschild has devised.”
After some time, 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 me skeptically.
“Must I really eat such lowly vegetables?”
Honestly, if I had my way, he’d eat vegetables at every meal, especially at his age. But of course, I had to be diplomatic.
“A balanced meal according to the Four Elements 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 me, so I’ll trust you.”
The Emperor hesitantly picked up a forkful of salad, but his body seemed to crave it—soon, he was asking for another helping.
‘With this change, maybe he’ll live a little longer.’
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“...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 meet 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 meals, 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 Elements theories, Baron Rothschild’s diet emphasizes the balance of nature and is, therefore, not without merit.”
The Emperor grinned.
“I hear there have been unpleasant rumors about your new restaurant. Is this meal your answer to that problem?”