The Reincarnated Lizardman Wants a Hamburger

Finally, Berman, who had cleanly emptied the last spoonful left on the plate, had a strong will in his eyes that hadn’t been there before.

As if the soup Kurt had shared had filled his soul, which had been completely drained.

‘If I give up here, that dream will all be for nothing. The streets of Omerta will return to being a lawless land ruled by violence. And my family… the Family will also be swept up in that flow.’

Clatter

“That can’t… happen.”

So Berman couldn’t give up.

He couldn’t afford to.

As Berman made that resolve, a Lizardman approached him apologetically.

“Sorry. I said I’d treat you to a meal, but all I could give you was the leftovers from dinner with my companions. This is all I have to offer right now.”

“No, no. I’m in no position to be picky as an unexpected guest. And it’s not like the taste was something to apologize for. It was the best soup I’ve ever had.”

Personally, he thought it would’ve been perfect with a slice of apple pie for dessert…

But he decided to save that regret for when he could share the glory with his Family members after everything was over.

After finishing the bowl of soup, Berman replied in a strong voice.

“If anything, I should be the one apologizing. I’ve been using your house without saying a word.”

“You noticed?”

“If someone finds a hut deliberately hidden in the woods on a dark, moonless night, it’s more natural to think they’re the owner rather than a lost traveler.”

“Haha. Now that you mention it, that makes sense.”

“Sorry about that. I found this empty house during my journey and thought it was abandoned, so I planned to stay the night. Is this your cabin?”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s usually empty anyway, so it’s better if someone uses it. Are you a traveler?”

“Just an ordinary adventurer. I was planning to sleep rough, but I found this empty hut nearby and decided to take shelter from the rain.”

“Oh? An adventurer, huh…”

After finishing the light meal, Berman had a brief conversation with Kurt.

After all, Kurt’s group was using his safe house without permission, and as the owner, Berman had every right to know who was staying in his home. It wasn’t a strange situation.

It was close to dawn, deep in the night. In a large hut in the middle of the woods, there wasn’t much to do besides talk.

Still, the soup Kurt had given Berman left a good impression, and the atmosphere of the conversation was surprisingly peaceful considering their relationship.

“I see. So you’re traveling with a group?”

“Yeah. We started from Astram and are heading to the Spine Empire. The others are all asleep in their rooms now. Should I wake them to say hello?”

“No, don’t bother. It’s not like it’s anything important enough to wake sleeping people. Let them rest.”

“Thanks for your consideration.”

“By the way, I never expected this soup to be your cooking. I always thought Lizardmen just ate bloody meat and bitter grass straight from the ground… Ugh…! My wound…”

While talking, Berman winced in pain as he remembered his wound.

“I forgot you were injured for a moment. I have medicine and bandages in my luggage. I’ll get them right away.”

“Wait a second… Aren’t you going to ask who I am?”

Seeing Berman in pain, Kurt got up to fetch the medicine, but Berman stopped him and asked.

“Well, not really. If someone builds a hut in such a secretive place and walks around with wounds like that, they probably don’t want others to know. So it’s better not to ask. And honestly, I’m not that interested.”

“Is that so… Hahaha… Ugh…!”

Berman laughed, amused by Kurt’s answer, which was either indifferent or incredibly considerate.

In truth, Berman wasn’t just chatting with Kurt aimlessly.

While talking, he was organizing his next steps in his mind.

Now that giving up wasn’t an option, what he needed was a plan to defeat Rufus.

Meanwhile, Kurt returned with the medicine and bandages, and Berman took off his shirt to apply them.

“I owe you a great debt. Not only did you treat me to warm soup, but you also tended to my wounds. Especially that soup reminded me of a dream I had as a child. I don’t know how to repay this debt.”

“It’s nothing. Just think of it as paying for a night’s stay.”

At Kurt’s words, Berman smiled faintly as he spread melted candle wax over the bandages.

It was a waterproofing technique to keep the bandages from getting wet.

“No, that doesn’t add up. The Family’s rule is to leave no debts or grudges. If there’s anything you want, just say it. I’ll do my best to fulfill it.”

As he said this, Berman finished bandaging and put his bloodstained shirt back on.

The shirt was still damp, but he didn’t mind.

It was the attire befitting the Capenna Family’s godfather, just as a knight wears armor to battle.

With each button he fastened, his mind grew sharper, as if performing a ritual.

“Really? If you insist, there’s one thing I’d like…”

“Haha! Just say it. If I can give it, I’ll give you anything!!”

Berman laughed heartily, and Kurt’s eyes gleamed with greed.

“While investigating this hut, I accidentally saw the underground storage… There were a lot of rare ingredients stored there. Even out-of-season fruits. I’d like to take a few of those.”

“You want just that? No need! Take whatever you want from the underground storage!”

“Then I won’t hold back. I’ll use the ingredients to cook something right away, so wait here.”

“That won’t be possible. I have to leave now. Yeah, running away never suited me from the start. I hope we can meet again someday. I’d love to have that soup again.”

The look of resignation was gone from his face. Instead, a fierce expression burned with determination.

It was the look of a legendary fighter who, no matter how dire the situation, never backed down from battles with Omerta’s criminal organizations—the so-called “Mad Dog of Omerta.”

“You’re leaving now? The weather’s perfect for reopening wounds. Why not stay the night and leave in the morning?”

Seeing Berman, despite his injuries, radiating determination, Kurt showed concern for the first time.

But Berman wouldn’t be swayed.

His resolve had already been shaken enough.

So now, it wouldn’t waver anymore.

“There’s a debt I need to settle. Debts and grudges must be settled clearly.”

Perhaps sensing his firm resolve, Kurt didn’t try to stop him further.

“Hmm. I see. That’s a shame. I was going to make apple pie… Guess I’ll have to eat it alone.”

Pause

Apple pie.

As Berman was about to step out of the safe house, he froze at those words.

“A-apple pie…?”

“Yeah. There were a few apples in the storage that were just right. A variety from Omerta, I think? I thought they’d be perfect for dessert after the soup… But if you have to leave now, I can’t stop you. I don’t know the details, but good luck.”

Kurt expressed regret but didn’t try to stop Berman, wishing him luck.

Yet, Berman hesitated, holding the doorknob without moving.

Finally, he let go of the knob and coughed awkwardly.

“Ahem. On second thought, it’s rude to refuse a request after owing such a big debt. That doesn’t add up. Hmm… I can’t break the Family’s rules. Fine, I’ll have just one slice of apple pie before I go.”

After all, if he’s already wavered this much, one more time won’t hurt.

---