The Reincarnated Lizardman Wants a Hamburger

Upon arriving in the village, we strolled through the market and bought various ingredients.

Though we had secured basic materials through requests, proper cooking still required more supplies.

For instance, seasonings like sugar.

And since relying solely on Predatory Water’s fruits would be monotonous, we also bought other fresh fruits.

After replenishing items like butter and flour, time flew by quickly.

Having gathered all the necessary ingredients, we regrouped.

“This should cover most of the ingredients needed for dessert,” I said.

“Hmm. Indeed, Kurt. Anywhere else we need to go?” Liche asked, double-checking.

“Hmm. There is one place I’d like to visit.”

“A place you want to visit?”

“Yes. We don’t need to buy anything else, but since it’s on the way back to the Adventurer Guild, I thought we could stop by.”

Before heading back to the Adventurer Guild, we made our way to the Coconut Company, the only shop in Astram run by goblins.

…

Leading the group to the Coconut Company, I didn’t have high expectations.

We weren’t planning to cook anything exotic or unique today.

Besides, I was familiar with their product lineup, so it was more of a “if there’s something good, great; if not, no big deal” mindset.

Browsing the food section slowly, the result was, unsurprisingly, a bust.

Since it was just a quick stop and I hadn’t expected much, there was no disappointment.

“How about it, Kurt? Find anything worth buying?” Liche asked.

“Sorry, but it seems there’s nothing that fits today’s menu.”

“Is that so…”

“Sorry for wasting your time.”

“No, it’s fine. We were passing by anyway. Shall we head back then?”

“Let’s do that.”

Just as we were about to leave without buying anything, something caught my attention as we passed the medicine section.

Wait.

Could that powder be…?

…

“Hehe. A wise choice. That item is a top-quality product, hard to find even on the western continent, with unparalleled purity and aroma. Of course, its efficacy is guaranteed by our Coconut Company.”

“Ahaha. I’m glad I made a good purchase today.”

Tirmel, the branch manager of the Coconut Company in Astram, handed me the carefully packaged powder with a sly smile.

Perhaps it was the unexpected find.

I found myself smiling like Tirmel.

After completing the purchase, Tirmel bid us farewell with a sinister grin, as if we had just traded something dangerous.

As expected, the Coconut Company never disappoints.

Who would’ve thought I’d find that here?

I usually only paid attention to the food section, so I had missed it before.

Thinking about it, it made sense for this item to be in the medicine section.

It was a blind spot due to my past life’s memories.

With the unexpected purchase, our shopping was complete.

“Then, shopping’s done. Let’s head back to the Adventurer Guild quickly.”

We made our way back to the guild.

Honestly, I can’t believe I hadn’t noticed this item at the Coconut Company before.

Feels like I’ve missed out big time.

But what matters now is how I’ll use this ingredient in future recipes.

As I pondered recipes, Yuri suddenly asked, “By the way, Kurt, wasn’t this shopping trip for dessert ingredients?”

“Yes, it was.”

“Then why did you buy medicine? And from the western continent, no less?”

Yuri seemed curious about the purpose of my recent purchase.

After all, this item is hard to come by unless imported from the western continent.

As I was about to answer, Liche interjected.

“Yuri, he probably bought it separately from the dessert ingredients. Just because the main goal was dessert ingredients doesn’t mean he can’t buy other things.”

“Ah… I see.”

Yuri nodded, seemingly understanding.

But that answer was wrong.

“No, it’s for cooking.”

“Huh? What do you mean…?”

Liche looked puzzled.

I held up the item I had just bought and explained.

“You’re talking about this medicine, right? I’m going to use it in dessert.”

“Medicine in cooking?”

“Yes. It pairs well with desserts. Especially for younger women feeling down, it has a significant effect.”

“Effect…?”

Liche looked uneasy.

Perhaps she was wary of using an unfamiliar ingredient.

To ease her concerns, I explained its benefits.

“It has a magical effect of instantly lifting one’s mood when consumed. Think of it as a happiness-inducing medicine. So, no need to worry.”

“Uh…? Is that…?”

“Plus, the item I bought is high-quality with excellent aroma. Hehe… Just smelling it, you’ll find it irresistible.”

Thinking about the aroma, I felt my mood lift.

I’m looking forward to tasting it again.

“What!?”

Liche exclaimed in shock.

Startled, I wondered why she suddenly raised her voice.

But Liche, ignoring my suspicious gaze, wore a grave expression.

“Suspicious goblins… suspicious medicine… with a suspicious effect of instantly lifting one’s mood… Could it be…?”

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

As I began to worry about Liche’s ominous muttering, she suddenly shouted again.

“Hey! You, you, you!”

“Startled again. What’s the matter?”

“What kind of dish are you planning to make with that suspicious medicine!?”

“Oh, that’s all?”

Indeed, I understood.

As a fellow chef, she was naturally curious about what dessert I’d create with this ingredient.

A true chef should have that level of curiosity.

I was about to answer her question.

“Well, it’s…”

“It’s…?”

Wait.

A true chef should sometimes ponder the answer themselves as part of their training.

And revealing it before the dish is complete takes away the fun.

With that thought, I smiled and said, “Hmm. That’s a secret. Look forward to when the dish is complete.”

“Wait! What are you really planning to make!? The dessert we need now is to cheer up Arisa!”

“Exactly. That’s why I’m making a dessert that will instantly lift her mood.”

“That’s true… but wrong!”

What’s that supposed to mean?

Was she worried I couldn’t make a delicious dish with this unfamiliar western medicine?

Hmph. Ridiculous.

While it might be my first time using this ingredient in this life, it was a common and widely consumed item in my past life.

As a chef, I’ve handled it numerous times.

There’s no way I’d mess it up.

To reassure her, I continued, “Don’t worry. Once you taste it, you’ll be hooked.”

“Is that thing really safe!? Right!?”

Ignoring Liche’s frantic expression, I headed back to the Adventurer Guild.

…

Despite Liche’s persistent questioning, we finally arrived at the guild.

Upon arrival, Mari, who had been comforting Arisa, spotted me and rushed over as if she had found a savior.

“Ah! Kurt! You’re finally back!”

Mari greeted me enthusiastically, constantly glancing at Arisa.

On Arisa’s table, countless empty milk cups were scattered.

What a healthy…

“Don’t worry. I’ve got all the ingredients needed for dessert. I’ll start cooking right away.”

Leaving behind the cheering Mari, Arisa gulping down milk, the desperate-looking Liche, and the clueless Yuri, I headed to the kitchen.

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