The Reincarnated Lizardman Wants a Hamburger

The award ceremony was grand and splendid, befitting the dignity of the empire.

In fact, this event was not only an award ceremony but also a celebration for Shail Delphine, who had risen to the position of duke in place of the former Duke of Newgoros, making the scale even more magnificent.

Moreover, the event was intended to showcase that the empire had overcome its turmoil and remained strong, further amplifying its grandeur.

Therefore, the number of people gathered to witness the award ceremony was incomparable to when the empire’s citizens were summoned to the capital for a major announcement by the spirits.

The streets were packed to the brim, with no empty spaces, and among the spectators were not only the empire’s citizens from the capital but also those from the provinces and even foreign races who had entered the country.

Among those gathered to observe the ceremony was Dane Roman, the empire’s border lord.

“Even the border lord, known as the Shield of the Empire, has left his territory to attend the award ceremony…”

“This event must truly be extraordinary.”

The nobles whispered among themselves upon seeing Dane Roman.

However, Dane paid no heed to their murmurs and instead gazed at Tyrbing with a peculiar look.

When the letter arrived from the capital, informing him that Tyrbing had saved the emperor, he had doubted its authenticity, suspecting it was a mistake.

Even more so when he learned that Tyrbing had been supporting the resistance, which had been a thorn in the empire’s side for decades, he was nearly shocked to death.

“Have I been too indifferent all this time…? Perhaps I’ve been using my duty to protect the empire’s borders as a shield to ignore and escape from my broken family relationships.”

The border lord was in a complex state of mind, realizing the hidden aspects of his youngest sibling that he had overlooked until now.

But the border lord’s complicated feelings were nothing compared to those of the noble couple sitting beside him.

“She left the academy without a word, submitted a leave of absence, and ran away, only to end up causing trouble!”

“She didn’t even consider how worried her parents were!!”

Yuri Blossom’s parents, who had sent her to Astram’s academy hoping it would tame her wild nature, were stunned when they heard she had run away. Now, they watched from a distance as Yuri, who had suddenly become a hero who saved the empire, awaited her medal from the emperor.

The shock the Blossom count and countess felt was undoubtedly no less than that of the border lord.

Even at this moment, as they participated in the award ceremony, it all felt like some kind of surprise party.

Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony were envoys from the Holy Kingdom, who had arrived suspiciously quickly, as if ready to cross the border at any moment.

One of the Holy Kingdom’s bishops, the Black Lion Linest.

And her disciples, Azani and Nisa.

“Ugh… I admit defeat this time. But someday, I too will achieve something great, just you wait.”

“Hmm. No matter how you look at it, saving the world seems impossible…”

Among them, Azani was casting envious glances at Daria and Aila.

And the envoys from the Dragon Kingdom, Albers and Ecclesia.

The two seemed to have grown closer in Kurt’s absence, holding hands as they waited for the ceremony to begin.

And the mermaid Marin, disguised as a human, and the fairies from the Fairy Kingdom, who had somehow heard the news and joined, were watching the magical broadcast from the streets.

Even Camila, the vampire from the Holy Kingdom who had slain a fallen vampire, was watching Kurt’s group from the shadows, unnoticed by others.

Thus, the award ceremony began amidst the expectations of countless empire citizens and non-citizens alike.

The knights stood in orderly, solemn ranks.

The mages painted the sky with colorful, dazzling fireworks.

Amidst this, a noble announced the start of the ceremony, and the emperor made his appearance.

The emperor briefly spoke of the empire’s unprecedented crisis, its victory, and its continued resilience in his opening address.

Then, one by one, they stepped forward to receive the emperor’s commendation and medals.

First was Shail, the protagonist of the event and the newly appointed duke of the empire.

The emperor smiled sincerely as he pinned the medal on Shail’s chest, and thunderous applause followed.

Next was the Holy Sword Knight Order, who had fought alongside Shail for the empire.

Represented by Albert, they received the emperor’s heartfelt thanks, and Albert knelt in humility.

Then came the vice-captain, Louis.

Despite his usually laid-back nature, Louis stood stiffly and received his medal with uncharacteristic formality.

The emperor continued, calling each knight by name, personally pinning medals on them and expressing his gratitude.

As each knight received their medal, the turn of Kurt’s group drew nearer.

Then, there was a commotion among Kurt’s group.

Some sensitive individuals noticed the disturbance, but it didn’t significantly affect the ceremony, which continued smoothly.

However, the commotion within Kurt’s group only grew as the event progressed.

Eventually, a noble approached the emperor and whispered something urgently.

But the emperor merely smiled and gave some instructions, seemingly unbothered.

Thus, the award ceremony continued, undeterred by the minor disturbance, and soon it was Kurt’s group’s turn.

First was Daria.

Then Aila.

Mari, Karina, Serena, Arisa, Liche, Yuri, Kirsh, Lakia, and even Shu.

Each stepped forward to receive the emperor’s commendation or kind words and a medal.

Finally, it was time to call the last person.

Kurt.

…

Kurt?

But there was no response.

All eyes turned to Kurt’s group.

They were sweating nervously, quietly avoiding eye contact.

“Is Kurt not here?”

At the emperor’s words, people finally realized.

From the beginning, there had been no lizardman named Kurt in Kurt’s group.

They were, quite literally, Kurt’s team without Kurt.

At that moment, the doors to the ceremony hall swung open dramatically, and Kurt appeared.

Naturally, all eyes were on him.

“Sorry. The imperial palace’s kitchen facilities were so good that I lost track of time. Am I too late?”

Kurt wore a satisfied expression, as if he had just discovered a new world.

“…What did he say?”

“Did I hear wrong?”

“Did he just say he was late because he was spending time in the imperial palace’s kitchen?”

“Nah, you must have misheard. Who would dare to be late to an event where the emperor himself is awarding medals…”

Of course.

The nobles and citizens attending the ceremony couldn’t take his words at face value and began to murmur.

Only those who knew Kurt’s tendencies quietly held their faces in their hands.

“By the way, I accidentally made a lot of food. When will the ceremony end? If it doesn’t end soon, the food will get cold.”

“How can he be so rude…!”

Soon, Kurt’s group began to look as if they wanted to hide in a mouse hole.

Suddenly, the emperor clutched his head.

“Ah. I suddenly have a headache.”

“Ah!! Your Majesty!! That beastkin has shocked Your Majesty!”

“Call the imperial physician! Bring medicine quickly!”

“Physician!!! Physician!!!!”

As the emperor suddenly clutched his head and staggered, the nobles frantically called for a physician, and Kurt’s group turned pale.

At that moment, Shail stepped into the center of the ceremony with a smile.

“No, no. Taking medicine on an empty stomach would harm Your Majesty’s health. First, Your Majesty should have a meal.”

The emperor, as if waiting for this, agreed with Shail’s suggestion.

“Oh! Truly, Shail Delphine. A loyal subject among loyal subjects! Let’s quickly conclude the award ceremony and move on to the banquet!”

The emperor clapped his hands and gave the order, as if he hadn’t just been clutching his head and staggering.

Thinking about it, the time had already passed lunch due to the prolonged event.

In fact, the event had been quite lavish and grand to showcase the empire’s strength, and the Spine Empire’s ceremony style, influenced by the ancient empire’s tedious traditions, was lengthy.

Moreover, the emperor personally pinned medals on each recipient, expressing heartfelt gratitude, so all the attendees were hungry.

And of course, the emperor was included in that.

“You flatter me, Your Majesty. Did you hear? His Majesty’s orders. Let’s quickly wrap up the ceremony.”

“Yes, yes!”

Thus, with the two’s well-coordinated act, the award ceremony was hastily concluded.

And the meal time arrived.

Just like any other meal time.

.

.

.

“But what’s on the menu today?”

“Well. The imperial palace’s facilities were so good that I made a lot of food. So it’s hard to say definitively what the main dish is.”

“Is that so?”

“Ah. Right. The appetizer is Angcourt soup.”

“…Angcourt? Wait, did you name the dish after yourself, Kurt?”

“No! That’s just the name of the dish!”

Kurt, seemingly unaware or uncaring that he had nearly turned the award ceremony upside down, chatted with Mari about trivial matters as they headed to the dining hall.

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