Menu 24: Medicinal Soup
For several days, my body had felt wretched. A strange, persistent itching plagued my limbs, and my breath came in shallow, labored gasps. Today, my limbs felt like lead, and even the simple act of waking was a trial. I had forced myself to move, driven by the need to confront the nobles who sought to shift the blame onto Gazef, but the effort had taken its toll.
(They refuse to acknowledge Gazef's report because they already know the truth.)
They were aware of the Slane Theocracy's special forces deployment. They knew Gazef was being sent into a trap. Without the intervention of the magic caster known as Ainz Ooal Gown, Gazef would surely be dead. But what was this sickness? At first, I feared poison, yet the food testers remained unharmed, and the physicians were baffled. Healing magic offered no respite. Was it a disease? Or perhaps a poison that bypassed traditional detection? All I knew was that I was wasting away. Desperate for rest, I closed my eyes, and my consciousness sank into a deep, heavy darkness.
(What is that noise?)
The room was unusually loud. I had no idea how long I had been asleep. Had an entire day passed? I forced my eyes open.
"King Ramposa... thank goodness. You've regained consciousness."
"Ga... zef?"
I struggled to understand why Gazef was here. This was my private bedchamber; entry was strictly forbidden without my express permission.
"Lord Gown, Kawasaki! The King is awake!"
Gazef called out names I did not recognize. As I tried to sit up, Gazef supported my back, helping me upright.
"It is an honor to meet you, King Ramposa III. I am Ainz Ooal Gown, a traveling magic caster."
"And I'm Kawasaki, Ainz's friend."
Standing before me were two men with black hair and dark eyes. Confused as to why they were in my bedroom, I looked to Gazef. He bowed his head deeply, explaining that this was his own unilateral decision.
"Mr. Kawasaki informed me of something called an 'allergy.' It is a condition where certain foods, completely harmless to others, can be lethal to the person with the allergy. According to him... wait, what was it again?"
"A crustacean allergy," Kawasaki clarified. "Shrimp, crab, and shellfish. That is what is killing you, King. To be honest, I'm just glad it wasn't a parasite."
Shrimp and crab? I recalled the rare seafood presented as "gifts" by the group of nobles who had recently defected to my faction.
"Could it... truly be...?"
"Eating those is the direct cause of your condition. It was a mild reaction at first, which is the only reason you're still alive. Honestly, it was a close call," Kawasaki said with a faint smile.
Gazef, looking concerned, gave a firm nod. "Do not worry, Your Majesty. My own men handled the gate and palace security today. None of the anti-royalist nobles are aware of our presence here."
I let out a sigh of relief. If a soldier under the influence of the opposing faction had seen them, Gazef would have likely been arrested.
"King, drink this first."
"What is this?"
I was handed a drink with a refreshing aroma, though it did not seem to be tea.
"It's an herbal tea. We need to recover your strength after the allergic reaction. Drink this, and then, with your permission, I'd like to do some cooking here."
Kawasaki looked momentarily flustered by his own informal tone, but I could not find fault in a man who had saved my life.
"I would never deny such a request to my savior. Mr. Kawasaki, Lord Gown, and Gazef... thank you."
I never dreamed that food could possess such a terrifying property. But if Kawasaki's tea and treatment had brought me back from the brink, then such things surely existed beyond my knowledge.
"Whether this was an assassination attempt or a tragic accident, we cannot determine just yet," Lord Gown added. "However, would it not be wise to examine the remaining gifts and investigate those who presented them?"
Fresh seafood was a rare luxury. Presenting it was often seen as a sign of high loyalty. But if it was used as a tool for assassination, we had to find out.
"It is not wise to be overly suspicious, but a careful investigation is certainly warranted," Gazef suggested.
I nodded and lay back down. My spirits had improved, but the crushing fatigue remained. I excused my weakness and asked Lord Gown and Gazef to continue their discussion while I rested.
+++
I set a pot on the portable induction burner I'd brought along. I would have preferred a proper kitchen, but this would have to do. I cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and made small slits in the wings with my knife. Next, I sliced ginger and garlic (skin-on) and cut green onions at a sharp angle. I heated sesame oil in the pot, adding the onions, wings, and thighs until they were lightly browned.
(They're talking about some pretty dark stuff over there.)
Momonga, the King, and Gazef were deep in conversation. I had rushed here in a panic, fearing the worst, but the familiar rhythm of cooking was starting to calm my nerves. Maybe I overreacted? I wondered. But no—a severe allergy is life or death. If this world had no concept of allergies, it would be the perfect "invisible" assassination. I let out a small, grim laugh.
(Assassination by allergy...)
It wasn't far-fetched. The King was clearly wasting away. Under normal circumstances, he could have suffered anaphylactic shock. If someone knew his constitution and kept feeding him shellfish, it was pure malice. I worried for the state of culinary knowledge in this world if allergies were being used as weapons.
"Alright, that's about right."
Once the meat was browned, I added water, minced garlic, ginger, and the sliced onions. I also tossed in four types of nuts from Yggdrasil known for curing status ailments. A pinch of salt, a splash of sake, and I let it simmer on low.
What I was making was essentially a simplified Samgyetang—a medicinal chicken soup. I wanted to use the medicinal properties and the chicken broth to warm the King's body and provide much-needed nutrition. Naturally, I didn't hold back on the recovery magic and buffs. With this much magical reinforcement, the King was bound to feel better.
"Perfect."
The soup had turned thick and milky white. I transferred it to a bowl and garnished it with fine strips of white leek and sliced chili peppers. The red of the chilies popped against the white broth. I brought the bowl to the King, who was propped up on his pillows.
"Here you go. It's a medicinal soup. This should significantly improve your condition. Lord Gown, Gazef—let the man rest for a bit."
I warned the two of them that heavy political talk could wait until the King was stronger.
"This aroma is wonderful," the King remarked. His color was better, though his voice was still weak. The sudden recovery from the potion and magic had likely put a strain on his system.
"It's hot, so be careful. The nuts inside are edible too—make sure to chew them well."
I handed him a wooden spoon. The King took a breath and scooped up some broth.
"I wonder how long it has been since I last had a hot meal."
His words made me realize the burden of royalty. Between food testers and protocol, the King likely never got to eat a meal while it was still steaming. It was a lonely existence.
"Oh... it's as if the heat is spreading throughout my entire body."
That wasn't just the temperature. My magic-infused soup was circulating through his system, rapidly mending his weakened organs. By morning, he'd be fully recovered.
"It has such a gentle taste... like something my mother might have made."
The King sighed softly and touched a chicken wing with his spoon. Thanks to my skills, the long simmer time had been accelerated; the meat fell away from the bone at a mere touch.
"I have never seen chicken cooked so tenderly. Or tasted anything like this."
He blew on the soup, eating at a steady, increasing pace as his vitality returned.
"Lord Gown, the King usually has a very small appetite..." Gazef whispered.
"Ah, that's Kawasaki's Talent," Momonga replied quietly. "He can imbue his cooking with various effects. He likely added an appetite stimulant and healing properties."
"I see... no wonder he seems so invigorated."
The King clenched his fist. The strength in his hand was a far cry from his earlier frailty.
"Mr. Kawasaki... I am sorry to ask, but may I have another bowl?"
His appetite was back. I worried for a second if the effect was too strong, but I smiled and poured him a second helping.
"This is excellent. These nuts provide a wonderful texture and fragrance."
I was glad he liked them. Those "nuts" were actually high-end recovery items I'd never tasted myself, but they were clearly doing their job.
"However, I find myself wanting a bit more substance," the King added.
"I thought you wouldn't be able to eat much, so I stuck to soup. Usually, we'd add rice or noodles. But since you've just recovered, let's not push it. You'll have to wait for next time."
The King looked like he wanted to argue, but I stood my ground. He needed to ease back into solid food.
"Should I arrest the group that presented the seafood on suspicion of assassination?" the King asked.
"That's a tough one," I replied. "They might have actually meant it as a sign of loyalty. I hear freshwater fish is common here, so rare seafood would be a high-value gift."
"If they meant harm, they would definitely choose crustaceans... but we can't be 100% sure just yet."
If they really meant it as an act of devotion, arresting them would be a tragedy.
"Why not just observe them for a while? See if they keep bringing shrimp or crab, and how often. The patterns will give you the answer."
I realized I'd been a bit hasty in jumping to the "assassination" conclusion.
"Now that we know it's an allergy, just avoid the shellfish. No stocks made from them, either. Even a tiny amount could be dangerous."
"Understood. Are there other foods I should be wary of?"
"Avoid raw fish for now," I cautioned. I didn't know if they had a sushi culture, but the King's stomach seemed sensitive. "Stick to well-cooked meals and make sure your trusted chefs know that shrimp and crab are strictly off-limits."
I gave the King a stern warning to watch his diet, emphasizing that his safety depended on it.
+++
I entered the Throne Room at my father's summons and gasped. My father, who had been gaunt and lifeless just days ago, was now radiating a powerful, commanding aura. The surrounding nobles were speechless. He looked every bit the majestic King of legend.
(What on earth happened?)
Such a transformation was impossible without cause. As I pondered this, the young man behind me—Climb, the knight in white armor whom I desired more than anything—whispered a soft reminder not to stop. I regained my composure and took my seat.
Prince Barbro, Prince Zanac, and even Marquis Raeven were all present. Every major faction was represented.
"The magic caster who saved Captain Gazef visited me recently," my father announced. "It turns out he is a kinsman of an old friend of mine. I have welcomed him as an honored guest."
The anti-royalist nobles stiffened. They had insisted this man didn't exist. Now that he was here, it proved Gazef's report was the truth.
"Lord Ainz Ooal Gown and Mr. Kawasaki. Please, enter."
The massive doors opened, and two men stepped forward. One was a man with black hair and sharp, hawk-like eyes, dressed in white. But it was the other who took my breath away.
(Who is that... or rather, what is that?)
He was draped in a jet-black robe with gold accents, adorned with more jewelry than I had ever seen on royalty. In his hand, he held a magnificent golden staff. His face was hidden beneath a hood, but his presence was overwhelming. Everyone in the room held their breath.
"I thank you for bringing me the news of my old friend's passing, Lord Gown," my father said.
"My father wished for it. And by coming here, I was able to save the Captain. I believe it was fate," Ainz replied.
They seemed close, yet there was a faint, almost imperceptible stiffness between them. The 'son of an old friend' bit might be a lie, I noted.
"And Mr. Kawasaki. I thank you as well. Not only for curing my ailment but for revitalizing this old body of mine."
"Don't mention it. I'm just a chef. I cook to keep people alive—that's my job."
With food? I wondered. He changed my father that much with just a meal? My brothers' eyes were also fixed on Kawasaki.
"Now then," my father continued. "Mr. Kawasaki has prepared a dish for all of you. Please, sample it."
My father clapped his hands, and a woman in a maid uniform unlike any I had seen pushed in a cart. She removed the silver cloches and served small plates to everyone. She then stepped back behind Ainz. She appeared to be his personal maid.
"It is a gift from Mr. Kawasaki and Lord Gown. High-quality meat sautéed with a variety of vegetables and a savory glaze."
On my plate were thin slices of meat and vibrant red, green, and yellow vegetables, all coated in a rich brown sauce.
"Gazef. Test it," my father commanded.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Gazef stepped forward, took a bite of meat and vegetables, and smiled. "It is exquisite."
"Then, everyone, please eat. Mr. Kawasaki is a chef from the South, and his skills are said to be the finest in the region."
I wasn't particularly interested in food, but I was curious about a chef who could work such wonders.
"This is amazing! What kind of meat is this?"
"The meat is great, but these vegetables! The texture is perfect!"
The initial wariness of the nobles vanished after the first bite, replaced by a storm of praise. I took a bite of the vegetables myself.
"It's delicious," I whispered.
"Yes, it truly is," Climb agreed with a smile. The vegetables were stir-fried but still had a perfect snap. The sweet and savory glaze enhanced the richness of the meat, creating a flavor profile I had never experienced.
"Mr. Kawasaki. This is truly exceptional," my father said.
"I am honored by your praise."
Kawasaki had a powerful build and sharp eyes, yet his movements were refined and graceful. He didn't look like a "Southern barbarian" at all; he looked like someone who had served at the highest level of a royal court.
"But Your Majesty," one noble spoke up. "You received so much seafood recently... why did you not have it prepared? A man of his skill would surely make a masterpiece of it."
"Regarding that," my father replied, "Mr. Kawasaki informed me of something called an 'allergy.'"
"That is correct," Kawasaki said firmly. "It is a physical rejection of specific ingredients. In the King's case, he has a severe reaction to crustaceans—shrimp and crab. Therefore, I chose to avoid seafood entirely."
An allergy? The term was new to everyone. Lord Gown spoke up to support him.
"In the South, people sometimes die from it. It is not a curse or a poison, but a natural condition. It is a terrifying thing. In fact, the King was in great danger because of it."
Ainz gave a small laugh, saying they were lucky to have arrived in time. My father's recovery was certainly miraculous. Remembering how he looked like a walking corpse just days ago, the "allergy" story felt increasingly plausible.
"Thanks to the advice of Lord Gown and Mr. Kawasaki, I shall be very careful with what I eat from now on. I have no desire to experience that again," my father said. But his eyes were cold as he scanned the room.
"Furthermore, regarding the Slane Theocracy unit Gazef encountered... Lord Gown has provided his own testimony. It is now clear that the Theocracy was responsible for the attack on Carne Village. I am ordering a full reinvestigation. We now know the truth, and I expect a report that reflects it. Lord Gown, Mr. Kawasaki—you have my deepest gratitude. Please, rest in the castle tonight."
Ainz and Kawasaki bowed. As I watched the glares of certain nobles, I was certain that these two men would be the catalyst for a great change in the Kingdom.
+++
Momonga and I were lying on our respective beds in the guest suite provided by King Ramposa. Yuri was in the adjoining room; I'd asked for a suite so she wouldn't be far away.
"Well, that's our bridge to the Kingdom secured," Ainz said.
"Yeah. They seemed very eager to stay on our good side."
I suspected my cooking played a big part in that, but having the King's personal gratitude was a massive win.
"More importantly, Momonga... what did you think of the Princess?"
"She seemed like a beautiful, charming girl. Why?"
"You didn't see it?" I sighed. Princess Renner... she had a charm that drew people in, but... "Man, she's terrifying. I hate those eyes. They're a perfect match."
I hugged myself, shivering.
"What are you talking about?" Ainz asked.
"She has the exact same eyes as the woman who ruined my life back in the real world," I whispered. "The one who wanted to 'make me hers' and 'be together forever.'"
"...That sounds heavy."
Momonga looked surprised. I didn't usually talk about my past.
"After a man who looked like Demiurge stole my restaurant, things got dark. I'd be sleeping at home and she'd break in with a collar in her hand. She'd bring a knife and tell me we'd be together for eternity. She even started harassing the restaurants that tried to hire me—"
"Okay! Stop! You don't need to remember anymore!" Momonga shouted. He could see the light fading from my eyes as the trauma resurfaced.
"Anyway... let's talk to Sebas and Solution in the capital tomorrow, then head back to Nazarick."
"Yeah, let's do that... ugh... my trauma... it's coming back..."
I pulled the covers over my head. Momonga looked at me with concern, but I was done for the night. We had made our move and secured the King's favor. The plan was moving forward.
***
10 Advanced Chapters Available on my Patreon!
https://patreon.com/Well_being