Chapter 51
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Mid-August in 1568
On August 15th, Nobunaga visited Yoshiaki and informed him that he would be returning to Gifu. The next day, Nobunaga received a letter of gratitude from Yoshiaki with the heading “Honorable Father, Lord Oda Danjou Chuu”. At the same time, he received the Ashikaga family crest, which consists of the “Kiri-mon” (Paulownia crest) and the “Hiki-ryousuji” (Crossed Feathers).
Expressing gratitude to Yoshiaki for his support, Oda Nobunaga stationed 5,000 members of the “Kyoto Security and Maintenance Police Force,” along with several military commanders led by Akechi Mitsuhide, and soldiers to escort them, in Kyoto. The rest of the Oda army, including Nobunaga himself, headed towards Gifu. Along the way, they spent a day in negotiations at Odani Castle, the residence of Asai Nagamasa. However, four days later on August 19th, the Oda army arrived in Gifu. At that point, the Oda army, which had been formed for the purpose of heading to Kyoto, disbanded, and each member began their journey back to their respective homes.
“I’m tired.”
Shizuko arrived at our house with Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi. After tidying up their armor, bows, and the contents of their backpacks, everyone soaked in the hot springs to relax their bodies. Their bodies were extremely dirty from not being able to properly bathe for almost a month. After washing every nook and cranny of their bodies with Soapberry powder, they only lightly soaked in the hot water before getting out of the bath. Then, they checked the condition of the fields and rice paddies. Even though they had entrusted it to the villagers and Aya, Shizuko couldn’t feel at ease without confirming it with her own eyes. After harvesting the watermelons, they put them in a net woven from vine and soaked them in the river to cool them down.
“Welcome back, Shizuko-sama. I apologize for not being able to greet you.”
When I returned home, Aya, who was not there, appeared with a load of baggage.
“Oh, welcome back. Were you somewhere?”
“I have delivered watermelons to Lady Nohime, Lady Nene, and Lady Matsu.”
“…I thought the number was strangely small, but it turns out they were the ones eating…”
When Shizuko saw the field, she felt puzzled by the fact that there were fewer watermelons than the number of seeds she had planted. However, her uneasiness was not unfounded. She slightly regretted teaching others that watermelons should be harvested once the tendrils on top, where the fruits are attached, have turned completely dark brown.
“Nohime-sama is the same, but Matsu-sama in particular seems to be very fond of watermelons. They mentioned that they would like to cultivate them at home, so this is a gift.”
Saying that, Aya shows Shizuko the kosode (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosode), books, and picture scrolls that were gifts from Matsu.
“…I don’t really need any souvenirs, though. I can just increase the amount I cultivate next year. Oh, but Lord Oda, and also Lord Tokugawa and Lord Honda, I will give them as gifts, so please keep a select few for that purpose.”
“We have taken that into consideration. Also, a messenger arrived earlier. Tomorrow, Lord of the Mansion (Oda Nobunaga), Lord Mori-sama, Lord Shibata-sama, and other military commanders, as well as Lord Chamaru-sama, will be coming here.”
“Why are you coming all at once…”
“I am here to take a bath in the hot springs.”
Shizuko was satisfied with just those few words. Nowadays, both Nobunaga and his close aides readily accepted bathing as a normal part of their routine. Even Shibata and Sassa, who usually disliked Shizuko, praised her for her contribution to the development of hot springs. In particular, Nobunaga always had a set of five items ready: a bath stool, a one-handed bucket, a wooden box with powdered mugwort and ash, and a body scrub brush (which was almost like a scrubbing brush). Recently, Nobunaga had given Okabe an unreasonable order to come up with a bath that could be easily installed and used even in the castle. It goes without saying that Okabe was now troubled by this request.
(Haha… it looks like it’s going to get busy again…)
Shizuko let out a heavy sigh as the days of unrest continued.
The next day, Nobunaga arrived at Shizuko’s village and immediately took a bath. He washed his hair and body, and soaked in the bathtub to relax. After finishing, he got out of the bath and took some rest before gathering all his aides.
“Yoshinari, shall we hear a report about Sakai?”
“Ah! We are just one step away from achieving success with the Sakai faction. Lord Imai’s desperate plea and the successful manipulation using Kyujiro have yielded results.”
That was to confirm the results of the orders Nobunaga had given to his subordinates while he was involved in personnel matters in the Kinai region and accompanying Yoshiaki. While they were active, Nobunaga used himself as a decoy to attract attention from the surroundings. By carrying out personnel matters in the Kinai region, restoring security in Kyoto, and appealing to the imperial court, it was impossible for others to ignore him, and they had no choice but to confirm Nobunaga’s movements. In fact, there was not a single person who paid attention to those who were secretly operating behind Nobunaga.
“What is the situation near Kanonji Castle, monkey (Hideyoshi)?”
“Even now, Rokkaku’s underlings are scurrying around like mice. However, given a few months, we will have completely suppressed them for you to see.”
“That area is a crucial transportation hub. We must definitely gain control of it.”
“I will do my best to meet your expectations.”
“How is Niwa (Niwa Nagahide) from the merchant union in Omi Province?”
“There is no particular opposition, and they have expressed their willingness to cooperate with us. However, there seems to be a lot of caution regarding the development of the main road from Mino to Kyoto. Perhaps they are observing the situation of the Asai family, who control the northern Omi Province.”
“Hmm… How about preparing accommodations at regular intervals along the main highway and ensuring that travelers using the route stay there? That way, money will flow into Omi Province as people make their way to Mino. Merchants prioritize profits as long as it doesn’t go against their moral code. By stimulating their greed through the flow of money, it should be easier to get them to cooperate.”
“Understood, I will try negotiating again in that direction.”
Nobunaga’s plan is to construct a main highway between Mikawa, Owari, Mino, Omi Province, and Kyoto, and establish it as a land transportation route. As a guide for those using the highway, he plans to install markers called “Ikkinazuka” every kilometer, similar to kilometer posts. Additionally, he intends to provide inns at distances that can be covered by a person equipped with standard travel gear in one day. These inns will have secure warehouses where luggage can be stored, and measures will be taken to ensure that merchants can transport their goods with peace of mind. This is Nobunaga’s plan for constructing a commercial highway. He has always thought about changing the current economy based on barter to one that uses currency. He has implemented policies such as exchanging counterfeit or copied goods for legitimate currency if they reach a certain quantity. However, he believes that increasing the liquidity of merchants and goods is the most effective way to promote a monetary economy. Of course, there is also the aim of releasing the wealth accumulated in Sakai and other commercial areas to various regions.
“What happened to the artisans Shizuko gathered in Kyoto?”
“Yes. We distributed over 300 craftsmen, including family members, to Gifu and other major cities. However, there were about 10 chefs, and Nohime-sama said she would take them with her to conduct a test…”
“Well, it’s fine. Lacking cooks shouldn’t have much of an impact. Just leave her be.”
“I understand.”
The role that Shizuko took on was to gather skilled craftsmen who were smoldering in Kyoto. Due to the poor public safety, it was difficult to obtain materials, and even if they could be obtained, they were often charged exorbitant prices. The union, too, had forgotten its original purpose and only moved to protect their own interests. Frustrated with the current state of Kyoto, Shizuko approached the disgruntled craftsmen and proposed the idea of “polishing their skills in Gifu and showing up the craftsmen in Kyoto.” The range of craftsmen included not only blacksmiths but also weavers and woodworkers, among others. While there were some who were attached to Kyoto, the majority showed interest in Nobunaga’s proposal. In the end, a total of 300 people, including their families, gathered, with over 100 skilled technicians. They were secretly sent to Gifu, gradually gathering them together. Since they were not all moved at once, few people knew that over 100 craftsmen had relocated to Gifu.
“Let’s compete with Shizuko’s technology district in Owari and build a new culture in Owari and Mino. Also, let’s allow the establishment of a brewing district that I mentioned before.”
“Thank you”
Nobunaga, satisfied with Shizuko’s response, nodded and then looked at everyone before saying this.
“From now on, in order to efficiently mobilize our growing army, we will change the structure of the military. Each of you should listen carefully.”
The faces of the military commanders change at those words. Changing the structure of the army is a crucial matter that will determine their own fate.
“First Army and Second Army, which I will lead. Third Army, led by Yoshinari. Fourth Army, led by Akechi. Fifth Army, led by Niwa (Niwa Nagahide). Sixth Army, led by Takigawa Kazumasu. A total of six armies.”
Nobunaga’s idea is to gradually transition from a centralized and absolute obedience system to a delegation of authority system. This is a response to the guerrilla-like activities of the anti-Oda faction, rather than them taking direct military action. In an environment where the situation is constantly changing, relying on the central authority for every decision would result in delays in response. Those who know Nobunaga from the time when he made all the decisions himself would be truly amazed by this change.
The roles of the six armies are clearly defined. The first army consists of individuals who are responsible for politics and military strategy, rather than direct combat power. The second army is composed of elite soldiers selected from the Oda army and serves as the main force. It is led by Yoshinari Mori and consists of multiple corps commanders. The third army is responsible for maintaining security in Kyoto and protecting the shogun’s household. The fourth army is composed of individuals who provide combat and logistical support, including rear support. The fifth army is responsible for all logistical support, including combat and rear support. The sixth army is composed of individuals from the Oda army’s intelligence agency and is responsible for activities such as gathering information, recruiting collaborators, and manipulating information from other countries.
The Third Army is unique in that it is structured to allow battles to be fought at the level of corps commanders. This means that even if Nobunaga is absent from the battlefield, organized combat can still take place at the level of corps commanders.
“I’m not saying to get used to it right away. At least until Ise is pacified, let things remain as they are now. However, it is certain that the number of enemies will increase once Ise is pacified. In order to respond to that, the composition of our army is inconvenient as it is now.”
Nobunaga thought about it there. The result of his thinking was to dispatch a standing army that could engage in battle at any time to various regions. This way, even if Nobunaga was unable to move, he would still be able to respond. By recognizing a common goal and delegating some authority, they could ensure effective coordination. Furthermore, by not giving specific instructions and allowing individuals to think for themselves about what to do, it would also serve as a countermeasure against spies. If there are no specific details, the enemy won’t even be able to consider countermeasures.
“Yoshinari, stay with me for a while and let’s talk together. I will make sure you know what I am thinking, even if it takes time.”
“Yes”
“Akechi will be the guardian of Kyoto. Niwa (Niwa Nagahide), I want you to take charge of the rear support troops.”
“I understand.”
“Takigawa Kazumasu, I want you to take charge of the intelligence agency. I will discuss the details with you at a later date, but I want to declare in advance that this responsibility is of great importance.”
“Yes”
Nobunaga nodded in satisfaction at everyone’s response.
While Nobunaga, Yoshinari Mori, Hanbei Takenaka, and Shizuko were having a meeting, Nohime, who was in Gifu, was conducting a test for the ten chefs that Shizuko had gathered. The test was to “make Kyoto-style dishes using the ingredients provided here.” At first, the chefs thought it would be easy, but as soon as they saw the ingredients, their sweet ideas were instantly blown away. Ninety percent of the ingredients were unfamiliar to them, such as raw vegetables like Satsuma sweet potatoes and onions, dried vegetables and dried seafood like dried shrimp, and condiments like salt, miso, black sugar, and soy sauce were placed there. The cooking utensils were also completely unfamiliar to them. The chefs couldn’t help but complain to Nohime. However, she responded with a firm voice, saying, ”
“I have no interest in a liar who claims something is impossible without even trying. If you can’t even pass this simple test, it would be best for you to pack your bags and return to Kyoto immediately. What you are seeking is not just a ‘cook in Kyoto,’ but a ‘cook who can pioneer a new world’.”
Nohime’s thoughts are not wrong. Nobunaga is considering merging Kyoto cuisine with Gifu and Owari cuisine to create a new culinary culture. This is not limited to just cuisine, but also includes merging other cultures with Kyoto to create a new culture. Therefore, there was no need for personnel who are fixated on “Kyoto cuisine.” The desired personnel are those who can maintain tradition while creating new culture.
Unaware of their intentions, the chefs become angry and leave. The only one remaining is a single chef, accompanied by two men who appear to be his assistants. However, Nohime looks at the chef with a satisfied smile on her face.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
After saying that, she leaves from in front of the cooks. After Nohime leaves, the cooks, finally feeling at ease, mutter under their breath while scratching the back of their heads.
“I had heard that Oda’s lord’s wife had a tough personality… but her personality is even tougher than I imagined.”
“But Gorou-san, I think what that person is saying is logical.”
“You’re making a fuss, old man. The ones who left probably couldn’t abandon their pride as Kyoto chefs after all.”
Gorou, the youngest among the three, let out a light sigh. No matter how innovative the dishes he created in Kyoto, they were always dismissed with the phrase “not traditional.” That’s why everyone, including Gorou, had been considering leaving Kyoto and venturing into a new world in Gifu. However, in the end, those people were just constantly complaining no matter where they went. Gorou was astonished at his own lack of judgment in not realizing this.
“I’m not ‘old man,’ I’m ‘Mitsuo.’ When will you remember my name?”
While expressing dissatisfaction, Mitsuo, a man with that name, scratches his cheek with a wry smile, indicating that he is not completely displeased.
“… There is no point in arguing. If that lady’s words are to be believed… If Lord Oda values them, then there is no future for the nine who have returned.”
“Yeah, you’re right, Ashimitsu-san. There’s no point in thinking about it. It’ll work out somehow.”
Gorou began to arrange the ingredients on the table as he said so. For him, the ingredients in front of him were truly an encounter with the unknown. He had no idea what they would taste like or what dishes they would go well with. However, there was no trace of anxiety on Gorou’s face. In fact, he seemed to be enjoying the encounter with the unknown.
“(Gorou-san, you really are a chef. Normally, when you see so many unfamiliar ingredients lined up like that, I think an indescribable fear would well up inside you, right?)”
Mitsuo, who had secretly moved next to Ashimitsu, muttered in a volume that only he could hear.
“(It is a familiar ingredient for us)”
“(So, if I understand correctly, you’re saying that the person looking for Ashimitsu is with Nobunaga?)”
Mitsuo nods slightly at the words of Ashimitsu. With a stern expression, he closes his eyes once, and as he opens them again, he murmurs in a gentle voice.
“(Seeing that, I became convinced. She must be somewhere in this Oda family after all.)”
Each of the three has their own thoughts and motivations, but first, they must pass Nohime’s test. From the instruction “Make a Kyoto-style dish using the ingredients provided by us,” it was immediately clear that they had to make Kyoto cuisine using Gifu ingredients. The problem lies in determining what qualifies as “Kyoto-style cuisine.”
“When it comes to typical Kyoto cuisine, it’s salt. However, salt alone is not enough. I believe Gifu and Owari are famous for miso.”
“Old man, you sure know a lot about that. But I’ve never made any miso dishes before… Besides, the taste of miso here is just too different from what you find in Kyoto.”
“I’m Mitsuo not old man. And I think we probably need to use this soy sauce here.”
“Well… I think the correct answer for a traditional Kyoto-style dish would be two dishes: one using miso and one using soy sauce. I’ll take care of the soy sauce dish.”
“What are you planning to make, Ashimitsu-san?”
“It’s fried rice. Fortunately, we have dried shrimp and dried vegetables, and we also have a frying pan, so there shouldn’t be any problem.”
Gorou, who was puzzled by Ashimitsu’s words, thought it would be grateful if he could make at least one dish. To be honest, he is a cook, but compared to Mitsuo and Ashimitsu, his experience is overwhelmingly less.
“Well, well, I’ll leave it to you then. As for me, what should I do… How about we each make one dish together since we have the opportunity?”
“Hmm… That’s not a bad idea. Let’s make dishes along that line. I will make a stir-fried dish with vegetables and chicken in miso sauce. Gorou-san, please make Kyoto-style cuisine.”
“Eh? Isn’t that a problem?”
“It’s a story about what is considered ‘Kyoto-like’, but first we need a point of comparison. So let’s line up Kyoto cuisine, miso dishes, and soy sauce dishes.”
“Oh, I see, you’re actually thinking quite a bit, old man.”
“I’m Mitsuo, not an old man.”
While performing such a skit, the three of them continue to create their respective dishes. Eventually, just as everyone’s dishes are nearing completion, Nohime suddenly appears in the kitchen. Unchanged from earlier, she wears a smile that reveals nothing of her true thoughts.
“I think it’s about time. I came to observe what kind of dishes are being prepared… Hmm, dried shrimp soy sauce stir-fried rice, miso stir-fried vegetables and chicken, and Kyoto cuisine. I see, so you’re making one Kyoto dish as a point of comparison.”
The three of them couldn’t hide their surprise at Nohime’s words. It was no wonder, as she accurately guessed the dishes each of them were making at a single glance. Nohime, who was watching the three of them with a cheerful smile, continued speaking while covering her mouth with a fan.
“There’s nothing particularly surprising about it. After all, the ingredients for the dish were prepared by me, who is not a professional in cooking. I just made an educated guess about the general aim based on the combination of ingredients, so even if I happened to guess correctly, it doesn’t disqualify me. Now, bring me a delicious dish quickly.”
Nohime, who had a calm demeanor and a smile that hid her true feelings, turned her back and left the kitchen after telling the three of them just that. The three of them remained frozen in place, unable to move for a while as they stared at the exit where she had left.
Afterwards, they were recognized for their cooking skills by Nohime and obtained a position as the Oda family’s chefs. However, it was not as Nobunaga’s chefs, but rather as exclusive chefs for Nohime.
In mid-September, all the crops from the previous season are harvested and the fields are left fallow, except for the vegetable garden where the next season’s crops will be planted. However, the harvested sunflowers, watermelons, okra, potatoes, and white kidney beans cannot be consumed as they are needed for seed propagation. Fortunately, if potatoes are cultivated in an intermediate area, they can be planted in September and harvested in early December. Due to the issue of crop rotation, a three-year interval is necessary, so I will experiment with creating planters using bricks to see if winter cultivation is possible. If successful, I will be able to have two harvests, one in the field in spring and another in the brick planters in winter. Potatoes, like sweet potatoes, are rich in vitamin C and are resistant to loss through cooking and boiling. They are also rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, and potassium, and can be stored for a long time as a winter staple food. If I can successfully mass-produce them, they can be used as emergency food, just like sweet potatoes. However, it is unfortunate that potatoes, classified as a member of the Solanaceae family, contain a high amount of solanine, which is harmful to the human body, especially in the green parts. Therefore, unlike sweet potatoes, the leaves and stems of potatoes cannot be consumed.
I also started harvesting rice. The Tomohonami series yielded six bushels per 10 acres, while the Nanashi rice yielded eight bushels per 10 acres. We planted 2 hectares of each variety, resulting in a final harvest of 112 bushels for the Tomohonami series and 145 bushels for the Nanashi rice. Both varieties were developed with the goal of achieving the same harvest yield as pesticide-treated rice, despite being organically grown. Shizuko herself couldn’t hide her surprise at the unexpectedly high yield.
The harvest quantity is not particularly good compared to others, but the two types of rice had one significant issue. That is, their texture is very different from traditional rice. During the Warring States period, the main types of rice were Akamai (Red rice) and Kuromai (Black rice). Akamai has been the main variety of rice since the Nara period, but its quality is quite poor, and even when freshly cooked, it lacks stickiness. As for Kuromai, there are records of it being boiled with salt, so one can only imagine its taste. Whether Nobunaga would accept the rice, which is the result of centuries of research on taste, only God knows.
It was a kind of gamble, but Shizuko had no choice but to do it. Taking into consideration the possibility of being accepted, she started preparing. First, she randomly took one bag of rice from two different types of rice. The remaining rice was all kept as unhusked rice and stored in separate warehouses. Then, she husked the rice she took out and turned it into brown rice. Half of the brown rice was left as it is, while the other half was polished. She cooked both the brown rice and the white rice and made salt-only onigiri (rice balls) for Nobunaga to taste. It was unknown which form he would like until he actually ate it. There was a possibility that he would like all of them, but on the other hand, there was also a possibility that he would not like any of them. As insurance, she also made onigiri for her subordinates. Even if Nobunaga didn’t like them, there was a possibility that Mori Yoshinari or Niwa Nagahide would like them, so there was a chance to continue cultivation in that case.
Shizuko, with a long time since her last stomachache, meets with Nobunaga while still experiencing stomach pain.
“I have come today to have you, the lord, taste a sample.”
“Oh, a taste test, huh? What exactly do you want me to taste?”
“Rice.”
With that, Shizuko signals to Saizo, who is waiting by the entrance. Saizo opens the small sliding door at the entrance and signals to the attendant. When the attendant carrying the tray enters, they place it in front of Nobunaga and his subordinates.
“Onigiri?”
There were six plates with rice balls on top of the tray. Each plate had a piece of paper with a number written on it underneath.
“Since this rice is different from red rice and black rice in terms of its lineage, there are significant differences in texture and taste. Therefore, I thought it was necessary for everyone to taste it before mass production.”
“Very well, everyone may eat.”
There was silence for a while after that. When Shizuko ate the sushi rolls from the Tomohonami series rice and Nanashi series rice as expected, everyone’s expression changed. Shizuko couldn’t tell if it was a good change or a bad change.
Nobunaga, who had finished eating all the rice balls, let out a heavy sigh that was clear even to Shizuko. Shizuko’s spine shivered with unpleasant sweat, wondering if it didn’t suit his taste.
“Shizuko, you’re really a troublesome person.”
“Oh, did it not suit your taste?”
“You idiot, you’ve made all the rice I’ve tasted up until now seem like muddy water.”
“Ah…”
When I glanced around, I noticed that even Yoshinari Mori’s subordinates were accepting rice favorably. Of course, there were preferences for white rice or brown rice, but seeing that there was leftover red rice on everyone’s plate, it was clear that modern rice was accepted even by people from the Sengoku period. Shizuko, relieved that the path to mass production had opened up, let out a sigh of relief.
“Both types of rice are delicious. From next year onwards, let’s strive to mass-produce both of them.”
“Yes. Um, the top-quality rice can only be cultivated in the environment of Owari… It is likely that the third and fourth-grade rice can be mass-produced.”
“Hmm… If that’s the case, then there’s no helping it. You and each village should strive for the highest rice production. It’s troublesome to talk in numbers, so let’s name the highest quality rice ‘Owari rice’ and the third highest ‘Gifu rice’.”
(Is that okay…? But the name “Tomohonami series” is long, isn’t it?)
Shizuko doesn’t have any particular attachment to the rice’s kanji name, and the random buyer doesn’t know how to read kanji anyways. If it’s a name given by Nobunaga, it shouldn’t cause any unnecessary confusion in the future. Shizuko reconsiders talking about names and decides to use the name he gave her.
“Understood. From next year onwards, we will strive to increase the production of Owari rice and Gifu rice.”
Shizuko thought that the coming year would also be busy.
In mid-September, Shizuko renovated the land she had prepared for poultry farming (especially egg production). Since chickens were already being raised in the surrounding area, there was no need to maintain a large-scale breeding facility. Therefore, Shizuko decided to switch to raising domestic ducks (mallards) instead. Domestic ducks have been in Japan since ancient times, with records of their breeding dating back to the Heian period. They are omnivorous and eat almost anything. The ducklings hatch in less than 30 days after laying eggs, and they start laying eggs themselves at around five to six months old. The females reach sexual maturity around six to seven months old, and they can breed. In other words, a new generation becomes capable of laying eggs within a year. However, domestic ducks have a lower hatching rate compared to chickens and are more prone to individuals that do not incubate eggs. One attractive aspect is that they can be used for meat after about six months, but the biggest allure is their feathers. With about thirty ducks, you can make one down jacket, and with about one hundred and fifty ducks, you can make one feather duvet. There is no way to avoid using down feathers, which have been used for work clothes in extremely cold regions.
After finishing the preparations, Shizuko immediately asked the visiting merchants to procure ducks for her. However, at that time, Shizuko made a mistake and forgot to communicate the desired quantity, resulting in her purchasing an unexpected amount from the merchants. Shizuko had initially planned to get around thirty to forty ducks, but in reality, she ended up with well over two hundred, including some geese mixed in. Ducks and geese have a similar appearance, and during the Sengoku period, they were not properly classified. Shizuko had completely forgotten that it wouldn’t be strange for them to be mixed together.
In the end, we hastily set up a breeding facility for geese and culled the weak individuals from the incoming ducks. We kept eighteen geese and limited the number of healthy ducks to fifty. The remaining ducks had their feathers plucked, and the meat was either shared with the surrounding area or ended up in the stomachs of Wittman and his companions.
On the way, Shizuko remembered something and asked the local merchant to procure it for her. It was the husk of buckwheat seeds. Since buckwheat husks were considered waste, the merchants were once again confused and couldn’t understand Shizuko’s intention. They couldn’t even imagine what it would be used for, but since they could sell them for a good price, they bought a lot and sold them to Shizuko. After sorting the gathered buckwheat husks, Shizuko dried them in the sun. Once they were thoroughly dried, she stuffed them into pillows. These buckwheat husk pillows were affordable and easy to make.
When we delve into the history of buckwheat husks pillows, we find that they were considered the highest quality pillows during the Nara period and were even stored in the Shōsōin repository. They excel in cost performance, but they have the drawback of the buckwheat husks getting crushed and releasing powder every time they are used. Additionally, they cannot be washed with water, so the filling needs to be replaced every six months to a year. However, with a pillow cover and a sturdy fabric to hold the buckwheat husks, they are incomparable to the log pillows that were commonly used at that time.
While drying the buckwheat husks in the sun, Shizuko collected feathers. She gathered a considerable amount of feathers and used them to make four sets of winter clothing. These garments are all made of silk fabric. To enhance their insulation, silk is intricately woven, and the inside is filled with down feathers, making them comparable to modern coats. If produced in large quantities, it would be possible to march in the snow, but the consumption of silk and down feathers is significant, so it is likely that only Nobunaga and his close associates will have enough of these garments.
“It’s no wonder that using a large amount of silk thread makes it so warm and cozy.”
Shizuko, dressed in a cold-weather garment that was more like a cloak than a coat, didn’t feel the slightest bit of autumn chill. In medieval Western culture, a cloak was a symbol of authority, but Shizuko prioritized functionality over appearance, so her cloak was rather plain. However, its performance was unparalleled.
“What Shizuchi creates is often strange, but also useful, isn’t it?”
Keiji, wearing a flashy patterned cloak, moves his smoking pipe up and down while speaking. It seems that there is no tobacco inside, as no smoke is coming out of the pipe.
“I can endure the cold and such with sheer determination. However, this coat is not bad.”
Nagayoshi, who had a pattern packed with everything imaginable, spoke loudly with a rough breath, but he was wearing his cloak firmly.
“If sheer determination alone could solve everything, Shizuko-sama would not need to take measures against the cold. Therefore, it can be concluded that the human body cannot withstand solely relying on one’s mindset.”
Saizou, who wears a cloak depicting the Atago Gongen, calmly retorts to Nagayoshi’s words.
The four figures were peculiar. Shizuko wore a plain but luxurious-looking cloak. Keiji wore a flashy cloak with a pattern that only eccentric individuals would wear. Nagayoshi wore a cloak with a mysterious pattern that seemed to embody chaos and wildness. Saizo wore a cloak with a depiction of the Atago deity. Due to their unfamiliar attire, people assumed that the four of them were eccentric individuals.
“Now, I wonder why the lord has called for me.”
She realized that his errand was the very cloak he was wearing at that moment, a little while later.
Before October, Shizuko begins the harvest of peanuts. They are harvested as dried peanuts that can be stored for a long time. Peanuts are a unique crop in which the bean part forms underground. The above-ground part is unnecessary, but it is convenient for harvesting and sun-drying, so it is harvested together. After digging up the peanuts with the roots, Shizuko washes off the mud and ties several of them together into bundles, hanging them upside down on bamboo poles. They are left to sun-dry for about two weeks in this state. The drying process is considered complete when shaking the pods produces a dry, rattling sound of the beans hitting the shells. At this point, the parts other than the beans are no longer needed, so Shizuko cuts off the pods from the plants. At this stage, the peanuts are in the familiar state of being in their shells. By further spreading them out in a sieve or similar tool and sun-drying them for a few more days, dried peanuts are ready. Sun-dried peanuts can withstand storage for over a year, although they may develop mold. If mold appears, they can be washed with water and sun-dried again, making them safe to eat.
Although it is a privilege only for producers, freshly harvested peanuts can be eaten by removing the dirt and boiling them in salt water. However, this cooking method can only be used when the peanuts are in their raw vegetable state. In other words, peanuts are a perishable crop that cannot be stored for long periods without drying.
Each plant produces about 20 to 30 pods (approximately 70-100g), with a total of about 6,700 pods. However, almost half of them will be saved for next year’s seeds, so the amount available for consumption is about 3,000 pods. However, peanuts were well-liked by children (such as Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada) and Nagayoshi), but disliked by adults (such as Nobunaga and Mori Yoshinari). Shizuko speculated that this was because they were not accustomed to foods with high oil content.
By the way, it is said that the first person to cultivate peanuts in Japan was Keijiro Watanabe, a farmer from Oiso Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. In 1871 (Meiji 4), he received peanut seeds from relatives in Yokohama and decided to try growing them in his own field. He was not aware of the underground fruiting nature of peanuts, which caused some trouble during harvest, but I will skip that part. He worked hard to find a market for this crop, but the desired results were not easily obtained. Despite numerous setbacks, he did not give up and in 1877 (Meiji 10), he successfully sold them to a candy store, which created a great response and established the prospects for commercial cultivation.
From September to early December, a wide variety of crops are harvested. To streamline the process, instead of sending the harvested crops directly, a catalog is created and submitted to Nobunaga. Afterwards, Nobunaga sells them to authorized merchants, who then process and transport them to designated storage facilities or wooden silos as instructed. Following this procedure, the crops are processed accordingly. Nobunaga felt the need for unified units of measurement, so documents requesting the adoption of the MKS unit system are sent to Shizuko. Based on these documents, Shizuko instructs the craftsmen in the technical district to produce the necessary tools. Once a set of tools for actual use and a set for practice are completed, the tools are transported to the location designated by Nobunaga.
Shizuko, who was handling things efficiently, encountered an unexpected problem with the cotton. After the cotton is processed, such as drying and seed removal, it is supposed to be transported to the location designated by Nobunaga. The remaining cotton, after paying taxes with the high-quality ones, becomes the share for Shizuko and the villagers in charge of the work. While the villagers who don’t know the processing method sell the cotton to Nobunaga, Shizuko, who knows how to make bedding, immediately thought of producing children’s-sized futons. However, before that, a red seal letter arrived from Nobunaga, prohibiting the production of futons. It was written that if Shizuko produces futons, it would be troublesome as they are intended to be given as gifts. Shizuko felt like she wanted to retort to Nobunaga, thinking that it could have been conveyed in just a few words without the need for a red seal letter.
Shizuko, who had decided to accept the orders on the red seal certificate, switched to producing masks and handkerchiefs. Since there was no elastic, the masks were the type that tied behind the neck. With the availability of handkerchiefs, it became possible to practice “washing hands after using the toilet.” However, the increase in small items meant an increase in laundry. In the future, as the variety of clothing and accessories, such as winter wear, increased, the burden on the lady of the house regarding laundry would also increase.
In order to avoid it, it would be best to make a washing machine, but there is no motor to spin the propeller and no electricity. In the end, there was no choice but to start with a small hand-cranked washing machine. However, even with a small one, once it is completed, there will be no need to wash with a washboard while enduring the cold water of the river. As for detergent, there is Soapberry powder available. In the worst case, soaking the laundry in hot water for about thirty minutes will eliminate any bacteria. The development requires various skills such as cranks and wood screws, but once completed, it will be possible to centralize the laundry. Due to the specialized nature of the power unit, it is impossible to simply hand over the design drawings. Shizuko had to go to the technology district, gather developers, and hold multiple meetings while explaining the project.
“Is Shizuko not here today either?”
Nohime, who seems dissatisfied with the situation, asks Aya about Shizuko’s whereabouts today with a sour expression.
“Yes… She went out early in the morning today, and it is expected that she will return in the evening.”
“It’s pointless to come here to boast about having a cook if Shizuko isn’t here.”
“Ha, ha…”
Aya, who thought that it was sudden to visit without any prior notice, decided not to delve into it and instead responded with a vague smile.
“The lord is also preoccupied with something, so he cannot keep me company. Even if I try to pass the time with my maidservants, it lacks a certain level of entertainment without Shizuko.”
“That’s right.”
Will today be another day of listening to complaints? Aya, feeling tired of it, responds with vague agreement. However, in the afternoon, a messenger soldier brings news of Shizuko’s return. Aya, thinking it’s unusual for her to come back before sunset, informs Nohime that Shizuko will be returning.
“Oh, today is a good day. Please tell them that I have been eagerly waiting and to come back soon.”
“I, for now, have five hundred soldiers with me, so I believe it will take a considerable amount of time.”
Various reasons were given for assigning 500 soldiers to Shizuko. Unlike other soldiers, they were selected based on their technical skills rather than strength, as some had experience in civil engineering or had parents who were civil engineering technicians. Currently, their technical skills and work speed are low, but the goal is to eventually create a modern engineering unit that can quickly build bridges, fortifications, and simple buildings like prefab huts. As a first step towards this, they are being trained to live and work together as a group, and efforts are being made to improve their diet.
“No problem. I brought my new cook with me. Please send a messenger to summon him.”
“Yes.”
Aya couldn’t help but hope that it wouldn’t cause any unnecessary commotion.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Mid-August in 1568
On August 15th, Nobunaga visited Yoshiaki and informed him that he would be returning to Gifu. The next day, Nobunaga received a letter of gratitude from Yoshiaki with the heading “Honorable Father, Lord Oda Danjou Chuu”. At the same time, he received the Ashikaga family crest, which consists of the “Kiri-mon” (Paulownia crest) and the “Hiki-ryousuji” (Crossed Feathers).
Expressing gratitude to Yoshiaki for his support, Oda Nobunaga stationed 5,000 members of the “Kyoto Security and Maintenance Police Force,” along with several military commanders led by Akechi Mitsuhide, and soldiers to escort them, in Kyoto. The rest of the Oda army, including Nobunaga himself, headed towards Gifu. Along the way, they spent a day in negotiations at Odani Castle, the residence of Asai Nagamasa. However, four days later on August 19th, the Oda army arrived in Gifu. At that point, the Oda army, which had been formed for the purpose of heading to Kyoto, disbanded, and each member began their journey back to their respective homes.
“I’m tired.”
Shizuko arrived at our house with Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi. After tidying up their armor, bows, and the contents of their backpacks, everyone soaked in the hot springs to relax their bodies. Their bodies were extremely dirty from not being able to properly bathe for almost a month. After washing every nook and cranny of their bodies with Soapberry powder, they only lightly soaked in the hot water before getting out of the bath. Then, they checked the condition of the fields and rice paddies. Even though they had entrusted it to the villagers and Aya, Shizuko couldn’t feel at ease without confirming it with her own eyes. After harvesting the watermelons, they put them in a net woven from vine and soaked them in the river to cool them down.
“Welcome back, Shizuko-sama. I apologize for not being able to greet you.”
When I returned home, Aya, who was not there, appeared with a load of baggage.
“Oh, welcome back. Were you somewhere?”
“I have delivered watermelons to Lady Nohime, Lady Nene, and Lady Matsu.”
“…I thought the number was strangely small, but it turns out they were the ones eating…”
When Shizuko saw the field, she felt puzzled by the fact that there were fewer watermelons than the number of seeds she had planted. However, her uneasiness was not unfounded. She slightly regretted teaching others that watermelons should be harvested once the tendrils on top, where the fruits are attached, have turned completely dark brown.
“Nohime-sama is the same, but Matsu-sama in particular seems to be very fond of watermelons. They mentioned that they would like to cultivate them at home, so this is a gift.”
Saying that, Aya shows Shizuko the kosode (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosode), books, and picture scrolls that were gifts from Matsu.
“…I don’t really need any souvenirs, though. I can just increase the amount I cultivate next year. Oh, but Lord Oda, and also Lord Tokugawa and Lord Honda, I will give them as gifts, so please keep a select few for that purpose.”
“We have taken that into consideration. Also, a messenger arrived earlier. Tomorrow, Lord of the Mansion (Oda Nobunaga), Lord Mori-sama, Lord Shibata-sama, and other military commanders, as well as Lord Chamaru-sama, will be coming here.”
“Why are you coming all at once…”
“I am here to take a bath in the hot springs.”
Shizuko was satisfied with just those few words. Nowadays, both Nobunaga and his close aides readily accepted bathing as a normal part of their routine. Even Shibata and Sassa, who usually disliked Shizuko, praised her for her contribution to the development of hot springs. In particular, Nobunaga always had a set of five items ready: a bath stool, a one-handed bucket, a wooden box with powdered mugwort and ash, and a body scrub brush (which was almost like a scrubbing brush). Recently, Nobunaga had given Okabe an unreasonable order to come up with a bath that could be easily installed and used even in the castle. It goes without saying that Okabe was now troubled by this request.
(Haha… it looks like it’s going to get busy again…)
Shizuko let out a heavy sigh as the days of unrest continued.
The next day, Nobunaga arrived at Shizuko’s village and immediately took a bath. He washed his hair and body, and soaked in the bathtub to relax. After finishing, he got out of the bath and took some rest before gathering all his aides.
“Yoshinari, shall we hear a report about Sakai?”
“Ah! We are just one step away from achieving success with the Sakai faction. Lord Imai’s desperate plea and the successful manipulation using Kyujiro have yielded results.”
That was to confirm the results of the orders Nobunaga had given to his subordinates while he was involved in personnel matters in the Kinai region and accompanying Yoshiaki. While they were active, Nobunaga used himself as a decoy to attract attention from the surroundings. By carrying out personnel matters in the Kinai region, restoring security in Kyoto, and appealing to the imperial court, it was impossible for others to ignore him, and they had no choice but to confirm Nobunaga’s movements. In fact, there was not a single person who paid attention to those who were secretly operating behind Nobunaga.
“What is the situation near Kanonji Castle, monkey (Hideyoshi)?”
“Even now, Rokkaku’s underlings are scurrying around like mice. However, given a few months, we will have completely suppressed them for you to see.”
“That area is a crucial transportation hub. We must definitely gain control of it.”
“I will do my best to meet your expectations.”
“How is Niwa (Niwa Nagahide) from the merchant union in Omi Province?”
“There is no particular opposition, and they have expressed their willingness to cooperate with us. However, there seems to be a lot of caution regarding the development of the main road from Mino to Kyoto. Perhaps they are observing the situation of the Asai family, who control the northern Omi Province.”
“Hmm… How about preparing accommodations at regular intervals along the main highway and ensuring that travelers using the route stay there? That way, money will flow into Omi Province as people make their way to Mino. Merchants prioritize profits as long as it doesn’t go against their moral code. By stimulating their greed through the flow of money, it should be easier to get them to cooperate.”
“Understood, I will try negotiating again in that direction.”
Nobunaga’s plan is to construct a main highway between Mikawa, Owari, Mino, Omi Province, and Kyoto, and establish it as a land transportation route. As a guide for those using the highway, he plans to install markers called “Ikkinazuka” every kilometer, similar to kilometer posts. Additionally, he intends to provide inns at distances that can be covered by a person equipped with standard travel gear in one day. These inns will have secure warehouses where luggage can be stored, and measures will be taken to ensure that merchants can transport their goods with peace of mind. This is Nobunaga’s plan for constructing a commercial highway. He has always thought about changing the current economy based on barter to one that uses currency. He has implemented policies such as exchanging counterfeit or copied goods for legitimate currency if they reach a certain quantity. However, he believes that increasing the liquidity of merchants and goods is the most effective way to promote a monetary economy. Of course, there is also the aim of releasing the wealth accumulated in Sakai and other commercial areas to various regions.
“What happened to the artisans Shizuko gathered in Kyoto?”
“Yes. We distributed over 300 craftsmen, including family members, to Gifu and other major cities. However, there were about 10 chefs, and Nohime-sama said she would take them with her to conduct a test…”
“Well, it’s fine. Lacking cooks shouldn’t have much of an impact. Just leave her be.”
“I understand.”
The role that Shizuko took on was to gather skilled craftsmen who were smoldering in Kyoto. Due to the poor public safety, it was difficult to obtain materials, and even if they could be obtained, they were often charged exorbitant prices. The union, too, had forgotten its original purpose and only moved to protect their own interests. Frustrated with the current state of Kyoto, Shizuko approached the disgruntled craftsmen and proposed the idea of “polishing their skills in Gifu and showing up the craftsmen in Kyoto.” The range of craftsmen included not only blacksmiths but also weavers and woodworkers, among others. While there were some who were attached to Kyoto, the majority showed interest in Nobunaga’s proposal. In the end, a total of 300 people, including their families, gathered, with over 100 skilled technicians. They were secretly sent to Gifu, gradually gathering them together. Since they were not all moved at once, few people knew that over 100 craftsmen had relocated to Gifu.
“Let’s compete with Shizuko’s technology district in Owari and build a new culture in Owari and Mino. Also, let’s allow the establishment of a brewing district that I mentioned before.”
“Thank you”
Nobunaga, satisfied with Shizuko’s response, nodded and then looked at everyone before saying this.
“From now on, in order to efficiently mobilize our growing army, we will change the structure of the military. Each of you should listen carefully.”
The faces of the military commanders change at those words. Changing the structure of the army is a crucial matter that will determine their own fate.
“First Army and Second Army, which I will lead. Third Army, led by Yoshinari. Fourth Army, led by Akechi. Fifth Army, led by Niwa (Niwa Nagahide). Sixth Army, led by Takigawa Kazumasu. A total of six armies.”
Nobunaga’s idea is to gradually transition from a centralized and absolute obedience system to a delegation of authority system. This is a response to the guerrilla-like activities of the anti-Oda faction, rather than them taking direct military action. In an environment where the situation is constantly changing, relying on the central authority for every decision would result in delays in response. Those who know Nobunaga from the time when he made all the decisions himself would be truly amazed by this change.
The roles of the six armies are clearly defined. The first army consists of individuals who are responsible for politics and military strategy, rather than direct combat power. The second army is composed of elite soldiers selected from the Oda army and serves as the main force. It is led by Yoshinari Mori and consists of multiple corps commanders. The third army is responsible for maintaining security in Kyoto and protecting the shogun’s household. The fourth army is composed of individuals who provide combat and logistical support, including rear support. The fifth army is responsible for all logistical support, including combat and rear support. The sixth army is composed of individuals from the Oda army’s intelligence agency and is responsible for activities such as gathering information, recruiting collaborators, and manipulating information from other countries.
The Third Army is unique in that it is structured to allow battles to be fought at the level of corps commanders. This means that even if Nobunaga is absent from the battlefield, organized combat can still take place at the level of corps commanders.
“I’m not saying to get used to it right away. At least until Ise is pacified, let things remain as they are now. However, it is certain that the number of enemies will increase once Ise is pacified. In order to respond to that, the composition of our army is inconvenient as it is now.”
Nobunaga thought about it there. The result of his thinking was to dispatch a standing army that could engage in battle at any time to various regions. This way, even if Nobunaga was unable to move, he would still be able to respond. By recognizing a common goal and delegating some authority, they could ensure effective coordination. Furthermore, by not giving specific instructions and allowing individuals to think for themselves about what to do, it would also serve as a countermeasure against spies. If there are no specific details, the enemy won’t even be able to consider countermeasures.
“Yoshinari, stay with me for a while and let’s talk together. I will make sure you know what I am thinking, even if it takes time.”
“Yes”
“Akechi will be the guardian of Kyoto. Niwa (Niwa Nagahide), I want you to take charge of the rear support troops.”
“I understand.”
“Takigawa Kazumasu, I want you to take charge of the intelligence agency. I will discuss the details with you at a later date, but I want to declare in advance that this responsibility is of great importance.”
“Yes”
Nobunaga nodded in satisfaction at everyone’s response.
While Nobunaga, Yoshinari Mori, Hanbei Takenaka, and Shizuko were having a meeting, Nohime, who was in Gifu, was conducting a test for the ten chefs that Shizuko had gathered. The test was to “make Kyoto-style dishes using the ingredients provided here.” At first, the chefs thought it would be easy, but as soon as they saw the ingredients, their sweet ideas were instantly blown away. Ninety percent of the ingredients were unfamiliar to them, such as raw vegetables like Satsuma sweet potatoes and onions, dried vegetables and dried seafood like dried shrimp, and condiments like salt, miso, black sugar, and soy sauce were placed there. The cooking utensils were also completely unfamiliar to them. The chefs couldn’t help but complain to Nohime. However, she responded with a firm voice, saying, ”
“I have no interest in a liar who claims something is impossible without even trying. If you can’t even pass this simple test, it would be best for you to pack your bags and return to Kyoto immediately. What you are seeking is not just a ‘cook in Kyoto,’ but a ‘cook who can pioneer a new world’.”
Nohime’s thoughts are not wrong. Nobunaga is considering merging Kyoto cuisine with Gifu and Owari cuisine to create a new culinary culture. This is not limited to just cuisine, but also includes merging other cultures with Kyoto to create a new culture. Therefore, there was no need for personnel who are fixated on “Kyoto cuisine.” The desired personnel are those who can maintain tradition while creating new culture.
Unaware of their intentions, the chefs become angry and leave. The only one remaining is a single chef, accompanied by two men who appear to be his assistants. However, Nohime looks at the chef with a satisfied smile on her face.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
After saying that, she leaves from in front of the cooks. After Nohime leaves, the cooks, finally feeling at ease, mutter under their breath while scratching the back of their heads.
“I had heard that Oda’s lord’s wife had a tough personality… but her personality is even tougher than I imagined.”
“But Gorou-san, I think what that person is saying is logical.”
“You’re making a fuss, old man. The ones who left probably couldn’t abandon their pride as Kyoto chefs after all.”
Gorou, the youngest among the three, let out a light sigh. No matter how innovative the dishes he created in Kyoto, they were always dismissed with the phrase “not traditional.” That’s why everyone, including Gorou, had been considering leaving Kyoto and venturing into a new world in Gifu. However, in the end, those people were just constantly complaining no matter where they went. Gorou was astonished at his own lack of judgment in not realizing this.
“I’m not ‘old man,’ I’m ‘Mitsuo.’ When will you remember my name?”
While expressing dissatisfaction, Mitsuo, a man with that name, scratches his cheek with a wry smile, indicating that he is not completely displeased.
“… There is no point in arguing. If that lady’s words are to be believed… If Lord Oda values them, then there is no future for the nine who have returned.”
“Yeah, you’re right, Ashimitsu-san. There’s no point in thinking about it. It’ll work out somehow.”
Gorou began to arrange the ingredients on the table as he said so. For him, the ingredients in front of him were truly an encounter with the unknown. He had no idea what they would taste like or what dishes they would go well with. However, there was no trace of anxiety on Gorou’s face. In fact, he seemed to be enjoying the encounter with the unknown.
“(Gorou-san, you really are a chef. Normally, when you see so many unfamiliar ingredients lined up like that, I think an indescribable fear would well up inside you, right?)”
Mitsuo, who had secretly moved next to Ashimitsu, muttered in a volume that only he could hear.
“(It is a familiar ingredient for us)”
“(So, if I understand correctly, you’re saying that the person looking for Ashimitsu is with Nobunaga?)”
Mitsuo nods slightly at the words of Ashimitsu. With a stern expression, he closes his eyes once, and as he opens them again, he murmurs in a gentle voice.
“(Seeing that, I became convinced. She must be somewhere in this Oda family after all.)”
Each of the three has their own thoughts and motivations, but first, they must pass Nohime’s test. From the instruction “Make a Kyoto-style dish using the ingredients provided by us,” it was immediately clear that they had to make Kyoto cuisine using Gifu ingredients. The problem lies in determining what qualifies as “Kyoto-style cuisine.”
“When it comes to typical Kyoto cuisine, it’s salt. However, salt alone is not enough. I believe Gifu and Owari are famous for miso.”
“Old man, you sure know a lot about that. But I’ve never made any miso dishes before… Besides, the taste of miso here is just too different from what you find in Kyoto.”
“I’m Mitsuo not old man. And I think we probably need to use this soy sauce here.”
“Well… I think the correct answer for a traditional Kyoto-style dish would be two dishes: one using miso and one using soy sauce. I’ll take care of the soy sauce dish.”
“What are you planning to make, Ashimitsu-san?”
“It’s fried rice. Fortunately, we have dried shrimp and dried vegetables, and we also have a frying pan, so there shouldn’t be any problem.”
Gorou, who was puzzled by Ashimitsu’s words, thought it would be grateful if he could make at least one dish. To be honest, he is a cook, but compared to Mitsuo and Ashimitsu, his experience is overwhelmingly less.
“Well, well, I’ll leave it to you then. As for me, what should I do… How about we each make one dish together since we have the opportunity?”
“Hmm… That’s not a bad idea. Let’s make dishes along that line. I will make a stir-fried dish with vegetables and chicken in miso sauce. Gorou-san, please make Kyoto-style cuisine.”
“Eh? Isn’t that a problem?”
“It’s a story about what is considered ‘Kyoto-like’, but first we need a point of comparison. So let’s line up Kyoto cuisine, miso dishes, and soy sauce dishes.”
“Oh, I see, you’re actually thinking quite a bit, old man.”
“I’m Mitsuo, not an old man.”
While performing such a skit, the three of them continue to create their respective dishes. Eventually, just as everyone’s dishes are nearing completion, Nohime suddenly appears in the kitchen. Unchanged from earlier, she wears a smile that reveals nothing of her true thoughts.
“I think it’s about time. I came to observe what kind of dishes are being prepared… Hmm, dried shrimp soy sauce stir-fried rice, miso stir-fried vegetables and chicken, and Kyoto cuisine. I see, so you’re making one Kyoto dish as a point of comparison.”
The three of them couldn’t hide their surprise at Nohime’s words. It was no wonder, as she accurately guessed the dishes each of them were making at a single glance. Nohime, who was watching the three of them with a cheerful smile, continued speaking while covering her mouth with a fan.
“There’s nothing particularly surprising about it. After all, the ingredients for the dish were prepared by me, who is not a professional in cooking. I just made an educated guess about the general aim based on the combination of ingredients, so even if I happened to guess correctly, it doesn’t disqualify me. Now, bring me a delicious dish quickly.”
Nohime, who had a calm demeanor and a smile that hid her true feelings, turned her back and left the kitchen after telling the three of them just that. The three of them remained frozen in place, unable to move for a while as they stared at the exit where she had left.
Afterwards, they were recognized for their cooking skills by Nohime and obtained a position as the Oda family’s chefs. However, it was not as Nobunaga’s chefs, but rather as exclusive chefs for Nohime.
In mid-September, all the crops from the previous season are harvested and the fields are left fallow, except for the vegetable garden where the next season’s crops will be planted. However, the harvested sunflowers, watermelons, okra, potatoes, and white kidney beans cannot be consumed as they are needed for seed propagation. Fortunately, if potatoes are cultivated in an intermediate area, they can be planted in September and harvested in early December. Due to the issue of crop rotation, a three-year interval is necessary, so I will experiment with creating planters using bricks to see if winter cultivation is possible. If successful, I will be able to have two harvests, one in the field in spring and another in the brick planters in winter. Potatoes, like sweet potatoes, are rich in vitamin C and are resistant to loss through cooking and boiling. They are also rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, and potassium, and can be stored for a long time as a winter staple food. If I can successfully mass-produce them, they can be used as emergency food, just like sweet potatoes. However, it is unfortunate that potatoes, classified as a member of the Solanaceae family, contain a high amount of solanine, which is harmful to the human body, especially in the green parts. Therefore, unlike sweet potatoes, the leaves and stems of potatoes cannot be consumed.
I also started harvesting rice. The Tomohonami series yielded six bushels per 10 acres, while the Nanashi rice yielded eight bushels per 10 acres. We planted 2 hectares of each variety, resulting in a final harvest of 112 bushels for the Tomohonami series and 145 bushels for the Nanashi rice. Both varieties were developed with the goal of achieving the same harvest yield as pesticide-treated rice, despite being organically grown. Shizuko herself couldn’t hide her surprise at the unexpectedly high yield.
The harvest quantity is not particularly good compared to others, but the two types of rice had one significant issue. That is, their texture is very different from traditional rice. During the Warring States period, the main types of rice were Akamai (Red rice) and Kuromai (Black rice). Akamai has been the main variety of rice since the Nara period, but its quality is quite poor, and even when freshly cooked, it lacks stickiness. As for Kuromai, there are records of it being boiled with salt, so one can only imagine its taste. Whether Nobunaga would accept the rice, which is the result of centuries of research on taste, only God knows.
It was a kind of gamble, but Shizuko had no choice but to do it. Taking into consideration the possibility of being accepted, she started preparing. First, she randomly took one bag of rice from two different types of rice. The remaining rice was all kept as unhusked rice and stored in separate warehouses. Then, she husked the rice she took out and turned it into brown rice. Half of the brown rice was left as it is, while the other half was polished. She cooked both the brown rice and the white rice and made salt-only onigiri (rice balls) for Nobunaga to taste. It was unknown which form he would like until he actually ate it. There was a possibility that he would like all of them, but on the other hand, there was also a possibility that he would not like any of them. As insurance, she also made onigiri for her subordinates. Even if Nobunaga didn’t like them, there was a possibility that Mori Yoshinari or Niwa Nagahide would like them, so there was a chance to continue cultivation in that case.
Shizuko, with a long time since her last stomachache, meets with Nobunaga while still experiencing stomach pain.
“I have come today to have you, the lord, taste a sample.”
“Oh, a taste test, huh? What exactly do you want me to taste?”
“Rice.”
With that, Shizuko signals to Saizo, who is waiting by the entrance. Saizo opens the small sliding door at the entrance and signals to the attendant. When the attendant carrying the tray enters, they place it in front of Nobunaga and his subordinates.
“Onigiri?”
There were six plates with rice balls on top of the tray. Each plate had a piece of paper with a number written on it underneath.
“Since this rice is different from red rice and black rice in terms of its lineage, there are significant differences in texture and taste. Therefore, I thought it was necessary for everyone to taste it before mass production.”
“Very well, everyone may eat.”
There was silence for a while after that. When Shizuko ate the sushi rolls from the Tomohonami series rice and Nanashi series rice as expected, everyone’s expression changed. Shizuko couldn’t tell if it was a good change or a bad change.
Nobunaga, who had finished eating all the rice balls, let out a heavy sigh that was clear even to Shizuko. Shizuko’s spine shivered with unpleasant sweat, wondering if it didn’t suit his taste.
“Shizuko, you’re really a troublesome person.”
“Oh, did it not suit your taste?”
“You idiot, you’ve made all the rice I’ve tasted up until now seem like muddy water.”
“Ah…”
When I glanced around, I noticed that even Yoshinari Mori’s subordinates were accepting rice favorably. Of course, there were preferences for white rice or brown rice, but seeing that there was leftover red rice on everyone’s plate, it was clear that modern rice was accepted even by people from the Sengoku period. Shizuko, relieved that the path to mass production had opened up, let out a sigh of relief.
“Both types of rice are delicious. From next year onwards, let’s strive to mass-produce both of them.”
“Yes. Um, the top-quality rice can only be cultivated in the environment of Owari… It is likely that the third and fourth-grade rice can be mass-produced.”
“Hmm… If that’s the case, then there’s no helping it. You and each village should strive for the highest rice production. It’s troublesome to talk in numbers, so let’s name the highest quality rice ‘Owari rice’ and the third highest ‘Gifu rice’.”
(Is that okay…? But the name “Tomohonami series” is long, isn’t it?)
Shizuko doesn’t have any particular attachment to the rice’s kanji name, and the random buyer doesn’t know how to read kanji anyways. If it’s a name given by Nobunaga, it shouldn’t cause any unnecessary confusion in the future. Shizuko reconsiders talking about names and decides to use the name he gave her.
“Understood. From next year onwards, we will strive to increase the production of Owari rice and Gifu rice.”
Shizuko thought that the coming year would also be busy.
In mid-September, Shizuko renovated the land she had prepared for poultry farming (especially egg production). Since chickens were already being raised in the surrounding area, there was no need to maintain a large-scale breeding facility. Therefore, Shizuko decided to switch to raising domestic ducks (mallards) instead. Domestic ducks have been in Japan since ancient times, with records of their breeding dating back to the Heian period. They are omnivorous and eat almost anything. The ducklings hatch in less than 30 days after laying eggs, and they start laying eggs themselves at around five to six months old. The females reach sexual maturity around six to seven months old, and they can breed. In other words, a new generation becomes capable of laying eggs within a year. However, domestic ducks have a lower hatching rate compared to chickens and are more prone to individuals that do not incubate eggs. One attractive aspect is that they can be used for meat after about six months, but the biggest allure is their feathers. With about thirty ducks, you can make one down jacket, and with about one hundred and fifty ducks, you can make one feather duvet. There is no way to avoid using down feathers, which have been used for work clothes in extremely cold regions.
After finishing the preparations, Shizuko immediately asked the visiting merchants to procure ducks for her. However, at that time, Shizuko made a mistake and forgot to communicate the desired quantity, resulting in her purchasing an unexpected amount from the merchants. Shizuko had initially planned to get around thirty to forty ducks, but in reality, she ended up with well over two hundred, including some geese mixed in. Ducks and geese have a similar appearance, and during the Sengoku period, they were not properly classified. Shizuko had completely forgotten that it wouldn’t be strange for them to be mixed together.
In the end, we hastily set up a breeding facility for geese and culled the weak individuals from the incoming ducks. We kept eighteen geese and limited the number of healthy ducks to fifty. The remaining ducks had their feathers plucked, and the meat was either shared with the surrounding area or ended up in the stomachs of Wittman and his companions.
On the way, Shizuko remembered something and asked the local merchant to procure it for her. It was the husk of buckwheat seeds. Since buckwheat husks were considered waste, the merchants were once again confused and couldn’t understand Shizuko’s intention. They couldn’t even imagine what it would be used for, but since they could sell them for a good price, they bought a lot and sold them to Shizuko. After sorting the gathered buckwheat husks, Shizuko dried them in the sun. Once they were thoroughly dried, she stuffed them into pillows. These buckwheat husk pillows were affordable and easy to make.
When we delve into the history of buckwheat husks pillows, we find that they were considered the highest quality pillows during the Nara period and were even stored in the Shōsōin repository. They excel in cost performance, but they have the drawback of the buckwheat husks getting crushed and releasing powder every time they are used. Additionally, they cannot be washed with water, so the filling needs to be replaced every six months to a year. However, with a pillow cover and a sturdy fabric to hold the buckwheat husks, they are incomparable to the log pillows that were commonly used at that time.
While drying the buckwheat husks in the sun, Shizuko collected feathers. She gathered a considerable amount of feathers and used them to make four sets of winter clothing. These garments are all made of silk fabric. To enhance their insulation, silk is intricately woven, and the inside is filled with down feathers, making them comparable to modern coats. If produced in large quantities, it would be possible to march in the snow, but the consumption of silk and down feathers is significant, so it is likely that only Nobunaga and his close associates will have enough of these garments.
“It’s no wonder that using a large amount of silk thread makes it so warm and cozy.”
Shizuko, dressed in a cold-weather garment that was more like a cloak than a coat, didn’t feel the slightest bit of autumn chill. In medieval Western culture, a cloak was a symbol of authority, but Shizuko prioritized functionality over appearance, so her cloak was rather plain. However, its performance was unparalleled.
“What Shizuchi creates is often strange, but also useful, isn’t it?”
Keiji, wearing a flashy patterned cloak, moves his smoking pipe up and down while speaking. It seems that there is no tobacco inside, as no smoke is coming out of the pipe.
“I can endure the cold and such with sheer determination. However, this coat is not bad.”
Nagayoshi, who had a pattern packed with everything imaginable, spoke loudly with a rough breath, but he was wearing his cloak firmly.
“If sheer determination alone could solve everything, Shizuko-sama would not need to take measures against the cold. Therefore, it can be concluded that the human body cannot withstand solely relying on one’s mindset.”
Saizou, who wears a cloak depicting the Atago Gongen, calmly retorts to Nagayoshi’s words.
The four figures were peculiar. Shizuko wore a plain but luxurious-looking cloak. Keiji wore a flashy cloak with a pattern that only eccentric individuals would wear. Nagayoshi wore a cloak with a mysterious pattern that seemed to embody chaos and wildness. Saizo wore a cloak with a depiction of the Atago deity. Due to their unfamiliar attire, people assumed that the four of them were eccentric individuals.
“Now, I wonder why the lord has called for me.”
She realized that his errand was the very cloak he was wearing at that moment, a little while later.
Before October, Shizuko begins the harvest of peanuts. They are harvested as dried peanuts that can be stored for a long time. Peanuts are a unique crop in which the bean part forms underground. The above-ground part is unnecessary, but it is convenient for harvesting and sun-drying, so it is harvested together. After digging up the peanuts with the roots, Shizuko washes off the mud and ties several of them together into bundles, hanging them upside down on bamboo poles. They are left to sun-dry for about two weeks in this state. The drying process is considered complete when shaking the pods produces a dry, rattling sound of the beans hitting the shells. At this point, the parts other than the beans are no longer needed, so Shizuko cuts off the pods from the plants. At this stage, the peanuts are in the familiar state of being in their shells. By further spreading them out in a sieve or similar tool and sun-drying them for a few more days, dried peanuts are ready. Sun-dried peanuts can withstand storage for over a year, although they may develop mold. If mold appears, they can be washed with water and sun-dried again, making them safe to eat.
Although it is a privilege only for producers, freshly harvested peanuts can be eaten by removing the dirt and boiling them in salt water. However, this cooking method can only be used when the peanuts are in their raw vegetable state. In other words, peanuts are a perishable crop that cannot be stored for long periods without drying.
Each plant produces about 20 to 30 pods (approximately 70-100g), with a total of about 6,700 pods. However, almost half of them will be saved for next year’s seeds, so the amount available for consumption is about 3,000 pods. However, peanuts were well-liked by children (such as Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada) and Nagayoshi), but disliked by adults (such as Nobunaga and Mori Yoshinari). Shizuko speculated that this was because they were not accustomed to foods with high oil content.
By the way, it is said that the first person to cultivate peanuts in Japan was Keijiro Watanabe, a farmer from Oiso Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. In 1871 (Meiji 4), he received peanut seeds from relatives in Yokohama and decided to try growing them in his own field. He was not aware of the underground fruiting nature of peanuts, which caused some trouble during harvest, but I will skip that part. He worked hard to find a market for this crop, but the desired results were not easily obtained. Despite numerous setbacks, he did not give up and in 1877 (Meiji 10), he successfully sold them to a candy store, which created a great response and established the prospects for commercial cultivation.
From September to early December, a wide variety of crops are harvested. To streamline the process, instead of sending the harvested crops directly, a catalog is created and submitted to Nobunaga. Afterwards, Nobunaga sells them to authorized merchants, who then process and transport them to designated storage facilities or wooden silos as instructed. Following this procedure, the crops are processed accordingly. Nobunaga felt the need for unified units of measurement, so documents requesting the adoption of the MKS unit system are sent to Shizuko. Based on these documents, Shizuko instructs the craftsmen in the technical district to produce the necessary tools. Once a set of tools for actual use and a set for practice are completed, the tools are transported to the location designated by Nobunaga.
Shizuko, who was handling things efficiently, encountered an unexpected problem with the cotton. After the cotton is processed, such as drying and seed removal, it is supposed to be transported to the location designated by Nobunaga. The remaining cotton, after paying taxes with the high-quality ones, becomes the share for Shizuko and the villagers in charge of the work. While the villagers who don’t know the processing method sell the cotton to Nobunaga, Shizuko, who knows how to make bedding, immediately thought of producing children’s-sized futons. However, before that, a red seal letter arrived from Nobunaga, prohibiting the production of futons. It was written that if Shizuko produces futons, it would be troublesome as they are intended to be given as gifts. Shizuko felt like she wanted to retort to Nobunaga, thinking that it could have been conveyed in just a few words without the need for a red seal letter.
Shizuko, who had decided to accept the orders on the red seal certificate, switched to producing masks and handkerchiefs. Since there was no elastic, the masks were the type that tied behind the neck. With the availability of handkerchiefs, it became possible to practice “washing hands after using the toilet.” However, the increase in small items meant an increase in laundry. In the future, as the variety of clothing and accessories, such as winter wear, increased, the burden on the lady of the house regarding laundry would also increase.
In order to avoid it, it would be best to make a washing machine, but there is no motor to spin the propeller and no electricity. In the end, there was no choice but to start with a small hand-cranked washing machine. However, even with a small one, once it is completed, there will be no need to wash with a washboard while enduring the cold water of the river. As for detergent, there is Soapberry powder available. In the worst case, soaking the laundry in hot water for about thirty minutes will eliminate any bacteria. The development requires various skills such as cranks and wood screws, but once completed, it will be possible to centralize the laundry. Due to the specialized nature of the power unit, it is impossible to simply hand over the design drawings. Shizuko had to go to the technology district, gather developers, and hold multiple meetings while explaining the project.
“Is Shizuko not here today either?”
Nohime, who seems dissatisfied with the situation, asks Aya about Shizuko’s whereabouts today with a sour expression.
“Yes… She went out early in the morning today, and it is expected that she will return in the evening.”
“It’s pointless to come here to boast about having a cook if Shizuko isn’t here.”
“Ha, ha…”
Aya, who thought that it was sudden to visit without any prior notice, decided not to delve into it and instead responded with a vague smile.
“The lord is also preoccupied with something, so he cannot keep me company. Even if I try to pass the time with my maidservants, it lacks a certain level of entertainment without Shizuko.”
“That’s right.”
Will today be another day of listening to complaints? Aya, feeling tired of it, responds with vague agreement. However, in the afternoon, a messenger soldier brings news of Shizuko’s return. Aya, thinking it’s unusual for her to come back before sunset, informs Nohime that Shizuko will be returning.
“Oh, today is a good day. Please tell them that I have been eagerly waiting and to come back soon.”
“I, for now, have five hundred soldiers with me, so I believe it will take a considerable amount of time.”
Various reasons were given for assigning 500 soldiers to Shizuko. Unlike other soldiers, they were selected based on their technical skills rather than strength, as some had experience in civil engineering or had parents who were civil engineering technicians. Currently, their technical skills and work speed are low, but the goal is to eventually create a modern engineering unit that can quickly build bridges, fortifications, and simple buildings like prefab huts. As a first step towards this, they are being trained to live and work together as a group, and efforts are being made to improve their diet.
“No problem. I brought my new cook with me. Please send a messenger to summon him.”
“Yes.”
Aya couldn’t help but hope that it wouldn’t cause any unnecessary commotion.
Mid-August in 1568On August 15th, Nobunaga visited Yoshiaki and informed him that he would be returning to Gifu. The next day, Nobunaga received a letter of gratitude from Yoshiaki with the heading Honorable Father, Lord Oda Danjou Chuu. At the same time, he received the Ashikaga family crest, which consists of the Kiri-mon Paulownia crest and the Hiki-ryousuji Crossed Feathers.Expressing gratitude to Yoshiaki for his support, Oda Nobunaga stationed 5,000 members of the Kyoto Security and Maintenance Police Force, along with several military commanders led by Akechi Mitsuhide, and soldiers to escort them, in Kyoto. The rest of the Oda army, including Nobunaga himself, headed towards Gifu. Along the way, they spent a day in negotiations at Odani Castle, the residence of Asai Nagamasa. However, four days later on August 19th, the Oda army arrived in Gifu. At that point, the Oda army, which had been formed for the purpose of heading to Kyoto, disbanded, and each member began their journey back to their respective homes.I'm tired.Shizuko arrived at our house with Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi. After tidying up their armor, bows, and the contents of their backpacks, everyone soaked in the hot springs to relax their bodies. Their bodies were extremely dirty from not being able to properly bathe for almost a month. After washing every nook and cranny of their bodies with Soapberry powder, they only lightly soaked in the hot water before getting out of the bath. Then, they checked the condition of the fields and rice paddies. Even though they had entrusted it to the villagers and Aya, Shizuko couldn't feel at ease without confirming it with her own eyes. After harvesting the watermelons, they put them in a net woven from vine and soaked them in the river to cool them down.Welcome back, Shizuko-sama. I apologize for not being able to greet you.When I returned home, Aya, who was not there, appeared with a load of baggage.Oh, welcome back. Were you somewhere?I have delivered watermelons to Lady Nohime, Lady Nene, and Lady Matsu.I thought the number was strangely small, but it turns out they were the ones eatingWhen Shizuko saw the field, she felt puzzled by the fact that there were fewer watermelons than the number of seeds she had planted. However, her uneasiness was not unfounded. She slightly regretted teaching others that watermelons should be harvested once the tendrils on top, where the fruits are attached, have turned completely dark brown.Nohime-sama is the same, but Matsu-sama in particular seems to be very fond of watermelons. They mentioned that they would like to cultivate them at home, so this is a gift.Saying that, Aya shows Shizuko the kosode https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosode, books, and picture scrolls that were gifts from Matsu.I don't really need any souvenirs, though. I can just increase the amount I cultivate next year. Oh, but Lord Oda, and also Lord Tokugawa and Lord Honda, I will give them as gifts, so please keep a select few for that purpose.We have taken that into consideration. Also, a messenger arrived earlier. Tomorrow, Lord of the Mansion Oda Nobunaga, Lord Mori-sama, Lord Shibata-sama, and other military commanders, as well as Lord Chamaru-sama, will be coming here.Why are you coming all at onceI am here to take a bath in the hot springs.Shizuko was satisfied with just those few words. Nowadays, both Nobunaga and his close aides readily accepted bathing as a normal part of their routine. Even Shibata and Sassa, who usually disliked Shizuko, praised her for her contribution to the development of hot springs. In particular, Nobunaga always had a set of five items ready: a bath stool, a one-handed bucket, a wooden box with powdered mugwort and ash, and a body scrub brush which was almost like a scrubbing brush. Recently, Nobunaga had given Okabe an unreasonable order to come up with a bath that could be easily installed and used even in the castle. It goes without saying that Okabe was now troubled by this request.Haha it looks like it's going to get busy againShizuko let out a heavy sigh as the days of unrest continued.The next day, Nobunaga arrived at Shizuko's village and immediately took a bath. He washed his hair and body, and soaked in the bathtub to relax. After finishing, he got out of the bath and took some rest before gathering all his aides.Yoshinari, shall we hear a report about Sakai?Ah! We are just one step away from achieving success with the Sakai faction. Lord Imai's desperate plea and the successful manipulation using Kyujiro have yielded results.That was to confirm the results of the orders Nobunaga had given to his subordinates while he was involved in personnel matters in the Kinai region and accompanying Yoshiaki. While they were active, Nobunaga used himself as a decoy to attract attention from the surroundings. By carrying out personnel matters in the Kinai region, restoring security in Kyoto, and appealing to the imperial court, it was impossible for others to ignore him, and they had no choice but to confirm Nobunaga's movements. In fact, there was not a single person who paid attention to those who were secretly operating behind Nobunaga.What is the situation near Kanonji Castle, monkey Hideyoshi?Even now, Rokkaku's underlings are scurrying around like mice. However, given a few months, we will have completely suppressed them for you to see.That area is a crucial transportation hub. We must definitely gain control of it.I will do my best to meet your expectations.How is Niwa Niwa Nagahide from the merchant union in Omi Province?There is no particular opposition, and they have expressed their willingness to cooperate with us. However, there seems to be a lot of caution regarding the development of the main road from Mino to Kyoto. Perhaps they are observing the situation of the Asai family, who control the northern Omi Province.Hmm How about preparing accommodations at regular intervals along the main highway and ensuring that travelers using the route stay there? That way, money will flow into Omi Province as people make their way to Mino. Merchants prioritize profits as long as it doesn't go against their moral code. By stimulating their greed through the flow of money, it should be easier to get them to cooperate.Understood, I will try negotiating again in that direction.Nobunaga's plan is to construct a main highway between Mikawa, Owari, Mino, Omi Province, and Kyoto, and establish it as a land transportation route. As a guide for those using the highway, he plans to install markers called Ikkinazuka every kilometer, similar to kilometer posts. Additionally, he intends to provide inns at distances that can be covered by a person equipped with standard travel gear in one day. These inns will have secure warehouses where luggage can be stored, and measures will be taken to ensure that merchants can transport their goods with peace of mind. This is Nobunaga's plan for constructing a commercial highway. He has always thought about changing the current economy based on barter to one that uses currency. He has implemented policies such as exchanging counterfeit or copied goods for legitimate currency if they reach a certain quantity. However, he believes that increasing the liquidity of merchants and goods is the most effective way to promote a monetary economy. Of course, there is also the aim of releasing the wealth accumulated in Sakai and other commercial areas to various regions.What happened to the artisans Shizuko gathered in Kyoto?Yes. We distributed over 300 craftsmen, including family members, to Gifu and other major cities. However, there were about 10 chefs, and Nohime-sama said she would take them with her to conduct a testWell, it's fine. Lacking cooks shouldn't have much of an impact. Just leave her be.I understand.The role that Shizuko took on was to gather skilled craftsmen who were smoldering in Kyoto. Due to the poor public safety, it was difficult to obtain materials, and even if they could be obtained, they were often charged exorbitant prices. The union, too, had forgotten its original purpose and only moved to protect their own interests. Frustrated with the current state of Kyoto, Shizuko approached the disgruntled craftsmen and proposed the idea of polishing their skills in Gifu and showing up the craftsmen in Kyoto. The range of craftsmen included not only blacksmiths but also weavers and woodworkers, among others. While there were some who were attached to Kyoto, the majority showed interest in Nobunaga's proposal. In the end, a total of 300 people, including their families, gathered, with over 100 skilled technicians. They were secretly sent to Gifu, gradually gathering them together. Since they were not all moved at once, few people knew that over 100 craftsmen had relocated to Gifu.Let's compete with Shizuko's technology district in Owari and build a new culture in Owari and Mino. Also, let's allow the establishment of a brewing district that I mentioned before.Thank youNobunaga, satisfied with Shizuko's response, nodded and then looked at everyone before saying this.From now on, in order to efficiently mobilize our growing army, we will change the structure of the military. Each of you should listen carefully.The faces of the military commanders change at those words. Changing the structure of the army is a crucial matter that will determine their own fate.First Army and Second Army, which I will lead. Third Army, led by Yoshinari. Fourth Army, led by Akechi. Fifth Army, led by Niwa Niwa Nagahide. Sixth Army, led by Takigawa Kazumasu. A total of six armies.Nobunaga's idea is to gradually transition from a centralized and absolute obedience system to a delegation of authority system. This is a response to the guerrilla-like activities of the anti-Oda faction, rather than them taking direct military action. In an environment where the situation is constantly changing, relying on the central authority for every decision would result in delays in response. Those who know Nobunaga from the time when he made all the decisions himself would be truly amazed by this change.The roles of the six armies are clearly defined. The first army consists of individuals who are responsible for politics and military strategy, rather than direct combat power. The second army is composed of elite soldiers selected from the Oda army and serves as the main force. It is led by Yoshinari Mori and consists of multiple corps commanders. The third army is responsible for maintaining security in Kyoto and protecting the shogun's household. The fourth army is composed of individuals who provide combat and logistical support, including rear support. The fifth army is responsible for all logistical support, including combat and rear support. The sixth army is composed of individuals from the Oda army's intelligence agency and is responsible for activities such as gathering information, recruiting collaborators, and manipulating information from other countries.The Third Army is unique in that it is structured to allow battles to be fought at the level of corps commanders. This means that even if Nobunaga is absent from the battlefield, organized combat can still take place at the level of corps commanders.I'm not saying to get used to it right away. At least until Ise is pacified, let things remain as they are now. However, it is certain that the number of enemies will increase once Ise is pacified. In order to respond to that, the composition of our army is inconvenient as it is now.Nobunaga thought about it there. The result of his thinking was to dispatch a standing army that could engage in battle at any time to various regions. This way, even if Nobunaga was unable to move, he would still be able to respond. By recognizing a common goal and delegating some authority, they could ensure effective coordination. Furthermore, by not giving specific instructions and allowing individuals to think for themselves about what to do, it would also serve as a countermeasure against spies. If there are no specific details, the enemy won't even be able to consider countermeasures.Yoshinari, stay with me for a while and let's talk together. I will make sure you know what I am thinking, even if it takes time.YesAkechi will be the guardian of Kyoto. Niwa Niwa Nagahide, I want you to take charge of the rear support troops.I understand.Takigawa Kazumasu, I want you to take charge of the intelligence agency. I will discuss the details with you at a later date, but I want to declare in advance that this responsibility is of great importance.YesNobunaga nodded in satisfaction at everyone's response.While Nobunaga, Yoshinari Mori, Hanbei Takenaka, and Shizuko were having a meeting, Nohime, who was in Gifu, was conducting a test for the ten chefs that Shizuko had gathered. The test was to make Kyoto-style dishes using the ingredients provided here. At first, the chefs thought it would be easy, but as soon as they saw the ingredients, their sweet ideas were instantly blown away. Ninety percent of the ingredients were unfamiliar to them, such as raw vegetables like Satsuma sweet potatoes and onions, dried vegetables and dried seafood like dried shrimp, and condiments like salt, miso, black sugar, and soy sauce were placed there. The cooking utensils were also completely unfamiliar to them. The chefs couldn't help but complain to Nohime. However, she responded with a firm voice, saying, I have no interest in a liar who claims something is impossible without even trying. If you can't even pass this simple test, it would be best for you to pack your bags and return to Kyoto immediately. What you are seeking is not just a cook in Kyoto,' but a cook who can pioneer a new world'.Nohime's thoughts are not wrong. Nobunaga is considering merging Kyoto cuisine with Gifu and Owari cuisine to create a new culinary culture. This is not limited to just cuisine, but also includes merging other cultures with Kyoto to create a new culture. Therefore, there was no need for personnel who are fixated on Kyoto cuisine. The desired personnel are those who can maintain tradition while creating new culture.Unaware of their intentions, the chefs become angry and leave. The only one remaining is a single chef, accompanied by two men who appear to be his assistants. However, Nohime looks at the chef with a satisfied smile on her face.I'm looking forward to it.After saying that, she leaves from in front of the cooks. After Nohime leaves, the cooks, finally feeling at ease, mutter under their breath while scratching the back of their heads.I had heard that Oda's lord's wife had a tough personality but her personality is even tougher than I imagined.But Gorou-san, I think what that person is saying is logical.You're making a fuss, old man. The ones who left probably couldn't abandon their pride as Kyoto chefs after all.Gorou, the youngest among the three, let out a light sigh. No matter how innovative the dishes he created in Kyoto, they were always dismissed with the phrase not traditional. That's why everyone, including Gorou, had been considering leaving Kyoto and venturing into a new world in Gifu. However, in the end, those people were just constantly complaining no matter where they went. Gorou was astonished at his own lack of judgment in not realizing this.I'm not old man,' I'm Mitsuo.' When will you remember my name?While expressing dissatisfaction, Mitsuo, a man with that name, scratches his cheek with a wry smile, indicating that he is not completely displeased. There is no point in arguing. If that lady's words are to be believed If Lord Oda values them, then there is no future for the nine who have returned.Yeah, you're right, Ashimitsu-san. There's no point in thinking about it. It'll work out somehow.Gorou began to arrange the ingredients on the table as he said so. For him, the ingredients in front of him were truly an encounter with the unknown. He had no idea what they would taste like or what dishes they would go well with. However, there was no trace of anxiety on Gorou's face. In fact, he seemed to be enjoying the encounter with the unknown.Gorou-san, you really are a chef. Normally, when you see so many unfamiliar ingredients lined up like that, I think an indescribable fear would well up inside you, right?Mitsuo, who had secretly moved next to Ashimitsu, muttered in a volume that only he could hear.It is a familiar ingredient for usSo, if I understand correctly, you're saying that the person looking for Ashimitsu is with Nobunaga?Mitsuo nods slightly at the words of Ashimitsu. With a stern expression, he closes his eyes once, and as he opens them again, he murmurs in a gentle voice.Seeing that, I became convinced. She must be somewhere in this Oda family after all.Each of the three has their own thoughts and motivations, but first, they must pass Nohime's test. From the instruction Make a Kyoto-style dish using the ingredients provided by us, it was immediately clear that they had to make Kyoto cuisine using Gifu ingredients. The problem lies in determining what qualifies as Kyoto-style cuisine.When it comes to typical Kyoto cuisine, it's salt. However, salt alone is not enough. I believe Gifu and Owari are famous for miso.Old man, you sure know a lot about that. But I've never made any miso dishes before Besides, the taste of miso here is just too different from what you find in Kyoto.I'm Mitsuo not old man. And I think we probably need to use this soy sauce here.Well I think the correct answer for a traditional Kyoto-style dish would be two dishes: one using miso and one using soy sauce. I'll take care of the soy sauce dish.What are you planning to make, Ashimitsu-san?It's fried rice. Fortunately, we have dried shrimp and dried vegetables, and we also have a frying pan, so there shouldn't be any problem.Gorou, who was puzzled by Ashimitsu's words, thought it would be grateful if he could make at least one dish. To be honest, he is a cook, but compared to Mitsuo and Ashimitsu, his experience is overwhelmingly less.Well, well, I'll leave it to you then. As for me, what should I do How about we each make one dish together since we have the opportunity?Hmm That's not a bad idea. Let's make dishes along that line. I will make a stir-fried dish with vegetables and chicken in miso sauce. Gorou-san, please make Kyoto-style cuisine.Eh? Isn't that a problem?It's a story about what is considered Kyoto-like', but first we need a point of comparison. So let's line up Kyoto cuisine, miso dishes, and soy sauce dishes.Oh, I see, you're actually thinking quite a bit, old man.I'm Mitsuo, not an old man.While performing such a skit, the three of them continue to create their respective dishes. Eventually, just as everyone's dishes are nearing completion, Nohime suddenly appears in the kitchen. Unchanged from earlier, she wears a smile that reveals nothing of her true thoughts.I think it's about time. I came to observe what kind of dishes are being prepared Hmm, dried shrimp soy sauce stir-fried rice, miso stir-fried vegetables and chicken, and Kyoto cuisine. I see, so you're making one Kyoto dish as a point of comparison.The three of them couldn't hide their surprise at Nohime's words. It was no wonder, as she accurately guessed the dishes each of them were making at a single glance. Nohime, who was watching the three of them with a cheerful smile, continued speaking while covering her mouth with a fan.There's nothing particularly surprising about it. After all, the ingredients for the dish were prepared by me, who is not a professional in cooking. I just made an educated guess about the general aim based on the combination of ingredients, so even if I happened to guess correctly, it doesn't disqualify me. Now, bring me a delicious dish quickly.Nohime, who had a calm demeanor and a smile that hid her true feelings, turned her back and left the kitchen after telling the three of them just that. The three of them remained frozen in place, unable to move for a while as they stared at the exit where she had left.Afterwards, they were recognized for their cooking skills by Nohime and obtained a position as the Oda family's chefs. However, it was not as Nobunaga's chefs, but rather as exclusive chefs for Nohime.In mid-September, all the crops from the previous season are harvested and the fields are left fallow, except for the vegetable garden where the next season's crops will be planted. However, the harvested sunflowers, watermelons, okra, potatoes, and white kidney beans cannot be consumed as they are needed for seed propagation. Fortunately, if potatoes are cultivated in an intermediate area, they can be planted in September and harvested in early December. Due to the issue of crop rotation, a three-year interval is necessary, so I will experiment with creating planters using bricks to see if winter cultivation is possible. If successful, I will be able to have two harvests, one in the field in spring and another in the brick planters in winter. Potatoes, like sweet potatoes, are rich in vitamin C and are resistant to loss through cooking and boiling. They are also rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, and potassium, and can be stored for a long time as a winter staple food. If I can successfully mass-produce them, they can be used as emergency food, just like sweet potatoes. However, it is unfortunate that potatoes, classified as a member of the Solanaceae family, contain a high amount of solanine, which is harmful to the human body, especially in the green parts. Therefore, unlike sweet potatoes, the leaves and stems of potatoes cannot be consumed.I also started harvesting rice. The Tomohonami series yielded six bushels per 10 acres, while the Nanashi rice yielded eight bushels per 10 acres. We planted 2 hectares of each variety, resulting in a final harvest of 112 bushels for the Tomohonami series and 145 bushels for the Nanashi rice. Both varieties were developed with the goal of achieving the same harvest yield as pesticide-treated rice, despite being organically grown. Shizuko herself couldn't hide her surprise at the unexpectedly high yield.The harvest quantity is not particularly good compared to others, but the two types of rice had one significant issue. That is, their texture is very different from traditional rice. During the Warring States period, the main types of rice were Akamai Red rice and Kuromai Black rice. Akamai has been the main variety of rice since the Nara period, but its quality is quite poor, and even when freshly cooked, it lacks stickiness. As for Kuromai, there are records of it being boiled with salt, so one can only imagine its taste. Whether Nobunaga would accept the rice, which is the result of centuries of research on taste, only God knows.It was a kind of gamble, but Shizuko had no choice but to do it. Taking into consideration the possibility of being accepted, she started preparing. First, she randomly took one bag of rice from two different types of rice. The remaining rice was all kept as unhusked rice and stored in separate warehouses. Then, she husked the rice she took out and turned it into brown rice. Half of the brown rice was left as it is, while the other half was polished. She cooked both the brown rice and the white rice and made salt-only onigiri rice balls for Nobunaga to taste. It was unknown which form he would like until he actually ate it. There was a possibility that he would like all of them, but on the other hand, there was also a possibility that he would not like any of them. As insurance, she also made onigiri for her subordinates. Even if Nobunaga didn't like them, there was a possibility that Mori Yoshinari or Niwa Nagahide would like them, so there was a chance to continue cultivation in that case.Shizuko, with a long time since her last stomachache, meets with Nobunaga while still experiencing stomach pain.I have come today to have you, the lord, taste a sample.Oh, a taste test, huh? What exactly do you want me to taste?Rice.With that, Shizuko signals to Saizo, who is waiting by the entrance. Saizo opens the small sliding door at the entrance and signals to the attendant. When the attendant carrying the tray enters, they place it in front of Nobunaga and his subordinates.Onigiri?There were six plates with rice balls on top of the tray. Each plate had a piece of paper with a number written on it underneath.Since this rice is different from red rice and black rice in terms of its lineage, there are significant differences in texture and taste. Therefore, I thought it was necessary for everyone to taste it before mass production.Very well, everyone may eat.There was silence for a while after that. When Shizuko ate the sushi rolls from the Tomohonami series rice and Nanashi series rice as expected, everyone's expression changed. Shizuko couldn't tell if it was a good change or a bad change.Nobunaga, who had finished eating all the rice balls, let out a heavy sigh that was clear even to Shizuko. Shizuko's spine shivered with unpleasant sweat, wondering if it didn't suit his taste.Shizuko, you're really a troublesome person.Oh, did it not suit your taste?You idiot, you've made all the rice I've tasted up until now seem like muddy water.AhWhen I glanced around, I noticed that even Yoshinari Mori's subordinates were accepting rice favorably. Of course, there were preferences for white rice or brown rice, but seeing that there was leftover red rice on everyone's plate, it was clear that modern rice was accepted even by people from the Sengoku period. Shizuko, relieved that the path to mass production had opened up, let out a sigh of relief.Both types of rice are delicious. From next year onwards, let's strive to mass-produce both of them.Yes. Um, the top-quality rice can only be cultivated in the environment of Owari It is likely that the third and fourth-grade rice can be mass-produced.Hmm If that's the case, then there's no helping it. You and each village should strive for the highest rice production. It's troublesome to talk in numbers, so let's name the highest quality rice Owari rice' and the third highest Gifu rice'.Is that okay? But the name Tomohonami series is long, isn't it?Shizuko doesn't have any particular attachment to the rice's kanji name, and the random buyer doesn't know how to read kanji anyways. If it's a name given by Nobunaga, it shouldn't cause any unnecessary confusion in the future. Shizuko reconsiders talking about names and decides to use the name he gave her.Understood. From next year onwards, we will strive to increase the production of Owari rice and Gifu rice.Shizuko thought that the coming year would also be busy.In mid-September, Shizuko renovated the land she had prepared for poultry farming especially egg production. Since chickens were already being raised in the surrounding area, there was no need to maintain a large-scale breeding facility. Therefore, Shizuko decided to switch to raising domestic ducks mallards instead. Domestic ducks have been in Japan since ancient times, with records of their breeding dating back to the Heian period. They are omnivorous and eat almost anything. The ducklings hatch in less than 30 days after laying eggs, and they start laying eggs themselves at around five to six months old. The females reach sexual maturity around six to seven months old, and they can breed. In other words, a new generation becomes capable of laying eggs within a year. However, domestic ducks have a lower hatching rate compared to chickens and are more prone to individuals that do not incubate eggs. One attractive aspect is that they can be used for meat after about six months, but the biggest allure is their feathers. With about thirty ducks, you can make one down jacket, and with about one hundred and fifty ducks, you can make one feather duvet. There is no way to avoid using down feathers, which have been used for work clothes in extremely cold regions.After finishing the preparations, Shizuko immediately asked the visiting merchants to procure ducks for her. However, at that time, Shizuko made a mistake and forgot to communicate the desired quantity, resulting in her purchasing an unexpected amount from the merchants. Shizuko had initially planned to get around thirty to forty ducks, but in reality, she ended up with well over two hundred, including some geese mixed in. Ducks and geese have a similar appearance, and during the Sengoku period, they were not properly classified. Shizuko had completely forgotten that it wouldn't be strange for them to be mixed together.In the end, we hastily set up a breeding facility for geese and culled the weak individuals from the incoming ducks. We kept eighteen geese and limited the number of healthy ducks to fifty. The remaining ducks had their feathers plucked, and the meat was either shared with the surrounding area or ended up in the stomachs of Wittman and his companions.On the way, Shizuko remembered something and asked the local merchant to procure it for her. It was the husk of buckwheat seeds. Since buckwheat husks were considered waste, the merchants were once again confused and couldn't understand Shizuko's intention. They couldn't even imagine what it would be used for, but since they could sell them for a good price, they bought a lot and sold them to Shizuko. After sorting the gathered buckwheat husks, Shizuko dried them in the sun. Once they were thoroughly dried, she stuffed them into pillows. These buckwheat husk pillows were affordable and easy to make.When we delve into the history of buckwheat husks pillows, we find that they were considered the highest quality pillows during the Nara period and were even stored in the Shsin repository. They excel in cost performance, but they have the drawback of the buckwheat husks getting crushed and releasing powder every time they are used. Additionally, they cannot be washed with water, so the filling needs to be replaced every six months to a year. However, with a pillow cover and a sturdy fabric to hold the buckwheat husks, they are incomparable to the log pillows that were commonly used at that time.While drying the buckwheat husks in the sun, Shizuko collected feathers. She gathered a considerable amount of feathers and used them to make four sets of winter clothing. These garments are all made of silk fabric. To enhance their insulation, silk is intricately woven, and the inside is filled with down feathers, making them comparable to modern coats. If produced in large quantities, it would be possible to march in the snow, but the consumption of silk and down feathers is significant, so it is likely that only Nobunaga and his close associates will have enough of these garments.It's no wonder that using a large amount of silk thread makes it so warm and cozy.Shizuko, dressed in a cold-weather garment that was more like a cloak than a coat, didn't feel the slightest bit of autumn chill. In medieval Western culture, a cloak was a symbol of authority, but Shizuko prioritized functionality over appearance, so her cloak was rather plain. However, its performance was unparalleled.What Shizuchi creates is often strange, but also useful, isn't it?Keiji, wearing a flashy patterned cloak, moves his smoking pipe up and down while speaking. It seems that there is no tobacco inside, as no smoke is coming out of the pipe.I can endure the cold and such with sheer determination. However, this coat is not bad.Nagayoshi, who had a pattern packed with everything imaginable, spoke loudly with a rough breath, but he was wearing his cloak firmly.If sheer determination alone could solve everything, Shizuko-sama would not need to take measures against the cold. Therefore, it can be concluded that the human body cannot withstand solely relying on one's mindset.Saizou, who wears a cloak depicting the Atago Gongen, calmly retorts to Nagayoshi's words.The four figures were peculiar. Shizuko wore a plain but luxurious-looking cloak. Keiji wore a flashy cloak with a pattern that only eccentric individuals would wear. Nagayoshi wore a cloak with a mysterious pattern that seemed to embody chaos and wildness. Saizo wore a cloak with a depiction of the Atago deity. Due to their unfamiliar attire, people assumed that the four of them were eccentric individuals.Now, I wonder why the lord has called for me.She realized that his errand was the very cloak he was wearing at that moment, a little while later.Before October, Shizuko begins the harvest of peanuts. They are harvested as dried peanuts that can be stored for a long time. Peanuts are a unique crop in which the bean part forms underground. The above-ground part is unnecessary, but it is convenient for harvesting and sun-drying, so it is harvested together. After digging up the peanuts with the roots, Shizuko washes off the mud and ties several of them together into bundles, hanging them upside down on bamboo poles. They are left to sun-dry for about two weeks in this state. The drying process is considered complete when shaking the pods produces a dry, rattling sound of the beans hitting the shells. At this point, the parts other than the beans are no longer needed, so Shizuko cuts off the pods from the plants. At this stage, the peanuts are in the familiar state of being in their shells. By further spreading them out in a sieve or similar tool and sun-drying them for a few more days, dried peanuts are ready. Sun-dried peanuts can withstand storage for over a year, although they may develop mold. If mold appears, they can be washed with water and sun-dried again, making them safe to eat.Although it is a privilege only for producers, freshly harvested peanuts can be eaten by removing the dirt and boiling them in salt water. However, this cooking method can only be used when the peanuts are in their raw vegetable state. In other words, peanuts are a perishable crop that cannot be stored for long periods without drying.Each plant produces about 20 to 30 pods approximately 70-100g, with a total of about 6,700 pods. However, almost half of them will be saved for next year's seeds, so the amount available for consumption is about 3,000 pods. However, peanuts were well-liked by children such as Kimyomaru Oda Nobutada and Nagayoshi, but disliked by adults such as Nobunaga and Mori Yoshinari. Shizuko speculated that this was because they were not accustomed to foods with high oil content.By the way, it is said that the first person to cultivate peanuts in Japan was Keijiro Watanabe, a farmer from Oiso Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. In 1871 Meiji 4, he received peanut seeds from relatives in Yokohama and decided to try growing them in his own field. He was not aware of the underground fruiting nature of peanuts, which caused some trouble during harvest, but I will skip that part. He worked hard to find a market for this crop, but the desired results were not easily obtained. Despite numerous setbacks, he did not give up and in 1877 Meiji 10, he successfully sold them to a candy store, which created a great response and established the prospects for commercial cultivation.From September to early December, a wide variety of crops are harvested. To streamline the process, instead of sending the harvested crops directly, a catalog is created and submitted to Nobunaga. Afterwards, Nobunaga sells them to authorized merchants, who then process and transport them to designated storage facilities or wooden silos as instructed. Following this procedure, the crops are processed accordingly. Nobunaga felt the need for unified units of measurement, so documents requesting the adoption of the MKS unit system are sent to Shizuko. Based on these documents, Shizuko instructs the craftsmen in the technical district to produce the necessary tools. Once a set of tools for actual use and a set for practice are completed, the tools are transported to the location designated by Nobunaga.Shizuko, who was handling things efficiently, encountered an unexpected problem with the cotton. After the cotton is processed, such as drying and seed removal, it is supposed to be transported to the location designated by Nobunaga. The remaining cotton, after paying taxes with the high-quality ones, becomes the share for Shizuko and the villagers in charge of the work. While the villagers who don't know the processing method sell the cotton to Nobunaga, Shizuko, who knows how to make bedding, immediately thought of producing children's-sized futons. However, before that, a red seal letter arrived from Nobunaga, prohibiting the production of futons. It was written that if Shizuko produces futons, it would be troublesome as they are intended to be given as gifts. Shizuko felt like she wanted to retort to Nobunaga, thinking that it could have been conveyed in just a few words without the need for a red seal letter.Shizuko, who had decided to accept the orders on the red seal certificate, switched to producing masks and handkerchiefs. Since there was no elastic, the masks were the type that tied behind the neck. With the availability of handkerchiefs, it became possible to practice washing hands after using the toilet. However, the increase in small items meant an increase in laundry. In the future, as the variety of clothing and accessories, such as winter wear, increased, the burden on the lady of the house regarding laundry would also increase.In order to avoid it, it would be best to make a washing machine, but there is no motor to spin the propeller and no electricity. In the end, there was no choice but to start with a small hand-cranked washing machine. However, even with a small one, once it is completed, there will be no need to wash with a washboard while enduring the cold water of the river. As for detergent, there is Soapberry powder available. In the worst case, soaking the laundry in hot water for about thirty minutes will eliminate any bacteria. The development requires various skills such as cranks and wood screws, but once completed, it will be possible to centralize the laundry. Due to the specialized nature of the power unit, it is impossible to simply hand over the design drawings. Shizuko had to go to the technology district, gather developers, and hold multiple meetings while explaining the project.Is Shizuko not here today either?Nohime, who seems dissatisfied with the situation, asks Aya about Shizuko's whereabouts today with a sour expression.Yes She went out early in the morning today, and it is expected that she will return in the evening.It's pointless to come here to boast about having a cook if Shizuko isn't here.Ha, haAya, who thought that it was sudden to visit without any prior notice, decided not to delve into it and instead responded with a vague smile.The lord is also preoccupied with something, so he cannot keep me company. Even if I try to pass the time with my maidservants, it lacks a certain level of entertainment without Shizuko.That's right.Will today be another day of listening to complaints? Aya, feeling tired of it, responds with vague agreement. However, in the afternoon, a messenger soldier brings news of Shizuko's return. Aya, thinking it's unusual for her to come back before sunset, informs Nohime that Shizuko will be returning.Oh, today is a good day. Please tell them that I have been eagerly waiting and to come back soon.I, for now, have five hundred soldiers with me, so I believe it will take a considerable amount of time.Various reasons were given for assigning 500 soldiers to Shizuko. Unlike other soldiers, they were selected based on their technical skills rather than strength, as some had experience in civil engineering or had parents who were civil engineering technicians. Currently, their technical skills and work speed are low, but the goal is to eventually create a modern engineering unit that can quickly build bridges, fortifications, and simple buildings like prefab huts. As a first step towards this, they are being trained to live and work together as a group, and efforts are being made to improve their diet.No problem. I brought my new cook with me. Please send a messenger to summon him.Yes.Aya couldn't help but hope that it wouldn't cause any unnecessary commotion.
