Chapter 162

Japanized Western Dish [Part 1]

“So, in the end, what was it? Why did it turn out like this?”

Leaning against the wall, Oliver asked irritatedly while looking at Melsa, who was working busily in front of him.

He didn’t know what Melsa had requested from the Emperor and the Shogun as repayment, but the people on the Imperial Japanese side all looked very shocked.

“I want magic stones” was the only possible request from the Kingdom’s perspective. But if that was the case, Imperial Japan shouldn’t have been so strangely surprised because they were the ones who had secretly informed the Kingdom about the magic stones in their country.

Seeing the Imperial Japanese side act somewhat hesitant to accept Melsa’s request had also heightened Oliver’s curiosity about the content of their discussion.

♠♠♠

“Rice... rice...?“

“Yes, rice.“

The Emperor and the Shogun exchanged troubled looks. They were confident that Melsa would ask for magic stones.

In a country destined to perish, magic stones were just useless treasures. That was why the Emperor was willing to give them to the Kingdom as long as his people could live their last moments without starving.

But... rice.

Everyone knew that it was the staple food of Imperial Japan, and that it was also the most stockpiled ingredient for emergencies in the country.

Even though Imperial Japan was currently suffering from a food shortage, it still had ‘stored rice’ kept safely in the storehouse. It was rice for the people.

“Yes, my Stuart family doesn’t need them. Please negotiate the transaction of magic stones with the Kingdom. A count family being in possession of such things will only bring trouble.“

“It has to be rice no matter what...?“

“Yes, it has to be rice.“

Melsa didn’t back down.

“If the Imperial Japanese people are not used to eating the Kingdom’s food... I will make some dishes that suit the people’s taste using the ingredients brought from the Kingdom. Will you be willing to give me rice then?“

‘If you can’t proceed with the negotiation, provide alternatives. Don’t let go of your purpose, but still give the other party some room to think.’ Making the most of what she had learned long ago at the academy, Melsa stood her ground for the sake of rice.

“That’s impossible. The Kingdom and Imperial Japan have completely different cultures. The climate, soil, and people. Basically, everything. A dish that the people can accept readily with ingredients from a country they have never associated with before is a bit...“

“I will make you one right now. Even the Kingdom will find it a pity if that much wheat flour is only used to make dumplings and udon. Ume-san? Can you show me the way to the kitchen?“

Melsa stood up directly.

“Eh??? Hey? Melsa? What are you—? Huh? Where are you going? Hey?”

Oliver was surprised when Melsa suddenly stood up after the conversation in Imperial Japanese, which seemed like it would never end. He wanted to stand up and follow her, but couldn’t as his legs had gone numb.

“What the? I can’t feel my legs, ugh...”

Oliver, who had imitated Melsa to kneel on the tatami-matted floor[2], was now groaning in agony.

“This way, please.“

Oliver desperately dragged his numb feet to chase after Ume, who was leading Melsa down the stairs to the kitchen.