Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Territory Reconstruction Project (3)
Even in 21st-century Korea, childbirth is an extremely difficult process.
On the Almanian continent, where medicine and nutrition are far less developed, it is even more dangerous.
To exaggerate slightly, one could say that out of ten births, one ends in death.
“Whether noble, merchant, or serf, everyone has to be sensitive about childbirth.”
Even if a woman survives the ordeal, her body becomes extremely weak afterward.
Anyone, regardless of status, would worry when seeing such a condition.
And that is where seaweed soup, known for aiding postpartum recovery, comes in.
“It should work. If it’s so effective that some postpartum centers serve it for every meal, there’s no way it won’t.”
I sat near the stove, watching the pot simmer.
The nutty, slightly salty scent of seaweed filled the air.
With rice added, it would make a perfect meal.
It was a shame there was no kimchi, but even thinking about it made my mouth water.
“My lord—no, young master. I will handle the cooking. Please rest.”
Normally, nobles—especially lords—do not cook.
At most, a few eccentric ones roast game they hunt themselves.
“No, Chloe.”
In this entire continent, I am likely the only one who knows how to cook seaweed.
It had been about twenty minutes.
“Bring two bowls and spoons.”
“You’re not eating alone?”
Nobles usually enjoy good food by themselves.
But meals are better shared.
Especially with someone beautiful.
So I often let Chloe eat with me under the excuse of kindness.
Over time, she had grown more comfortable speaking with me.
“Let’s eat together.”
As I served the soup, the ocean scent rose strongly.
To me, it was pleasant.
To Chloe, unfamiliar.
“It looks strange, doesn’t it?”
She nodded.
“It looks like thin green cloth floating in water…”
She hesitated to say more, but I understood.
To outsiders, it looks bizarre—almost unappetizing.
Without proper framing, nobles would call me a madman selling strange food.
Luckily, I had a plan.
“This seaweed is actually used as a special medicinal ingredient in the East.”
“This… seaweed?”
She tilted her head.
“I read about it in my father’s library. In a country called Joseon, it is given to women after childbirth as a restorative medicine.”
People in this world are fascinated by the mysterious East.
Stories of golden cities and legendary kings are widely believed.
So anything from the East carries an aura of credibility.
Chloe’s hesitation faded.
“So this strange plant is medicine… amazing.”
I took a spoonful.
It tasted exactly as I remembered.
“Try it.”
She hesitated, then took a bite.
At first, she frowned—
then her expression changed.
“It’s… delicious?”
One spoon, then another.
She began eating eagerly.
“I thought medicine would be bitter, but it’s really good.”
Hearing that my first Korean dish in this world was appreciated made me oddly proud.
“It’s even better with rice.”
I added rice to her bowl.
The combination made her smile.
“You should try it too, young master.”
Of course.
The rich seaweed flavor and soft rice—
irresistible.
Even people here would like it.
“This will definitely appeal to nobles.”
It might look strange, but—
Eastern medicine, good for mothers, rare.
Three irresistible selling points.
All that remains is proving its effectiveness.
“Then we should test it.”
Strike while the iron is hot.
We would begin trials with pregnant women in the village.
**
The villagers quickly became curious about their new lord.
In a world without newspapers, gossip is everything.
And Fabio was clearly different.
Maria, a newlywed, was especially interested.
“Our lord seems like a good man.”
It’s common to criticize rulers behind their backs.
But here—
“He’s the only one who cares for people like us.”
“Why does he give so much food just for childbirth?”
In this world, childbirth is routine.
Women often bear five to ten children.
Yet Fabio provided generous support.
Salted meat, flour, barley—
enough for four people per pregnant woman.
Because otherwise, the mother wouldn’t receive enough nutrition.
“How is childbirth?”
Maria asked, touching her belly.
“It’s painful, but manageable.”
The older woman smiled.
“Don’t be afraid. Everyone does it. And lately, thanks to the lord, no one dies.”
Indeed, deaths during childbirth had stopped.
Previously, it was common.
Now—
“And that seaweed… it’s amazing.”
The same seaweed once eaten out of desperation—
now given daily to pregnant women.
“After giving birth, it helps digestion and recovery. I was up in two days.”
Fabio had also enforced rest periods.
Women were required to stay home for at least two weeks.
“Maybe it’s the food… but that ‘Eastern medicine’ really works.”
“It really does…”
“So make sure you eat it too.”
Within the village, seaweed had already become known as a miracle remedy.
And Fabio, seeing the results, immediately went to meet the duke.