"Serves me right for walking into the middle of a story and asking questions," Lyall said, shaking his head at himself and offering Kiritsugu a small smile. "I am perhaps glad for the fox, as well. A clever fellow like that deserves not to be killed for sport. Though it is good to hear the rider did not go over."

He finished his brief inspection of the meat. "I did hear Lady Valdemar suggest some quail, over dinner last night. It might be pleasant to surprise her with a dinner course of it tonight." Provided they all made it as late as dinner, anyhow. At this rate, if the entire staff and family felt this slow and tired, they might all turn in early. It did seem a pervasive malaise.