It was hardly unusual to find Kiritsugu in the kitchens in the early morning, presenting the staff with the freshest game. A strange feeling had come over him as he'd entered the house: all at once, a heaviness had settled on all his limbs, and he'd found it harder to move. Everything felt so hot and close, and he couldn't say why that was. He tended to prefer the out of doors, but the house wasn't usually so oppressive. It was puzzling, but as there was nothing he could do about it, he did his best to carry on as if he hadn't noticed.

Kiritsugu was rather more friendly with the kitchen staff than with most of the rest of the household, as he had a great deal of contact with them, and he was telling them a story about a recent hunt when the butler walked in. His expression as he turned to Lyall was pleasant enough, though he didn't regard him quite so warmly as he had the others assembled, moments ago. He nodded.

"Lyall."