I was worried about the description earlier of "ambition" being linked to betrayal. Ambition can also bring creative initiative, and so can be very valuable. By recruiting someone who has no other place in society, gratitude should temper the risk of ambition.
There's a list by Benjamin...
When you grate wasabi like that, are your fingers lethal weapons for hours afterwards?
(I live in New Mexico, where peeling roasted green chile is a regular Fall family activity. Don't touch your eyes!)