[h2]Janika Edelfelt, Matou Manor.[/h2]

"I see, I see." Her voice rang out through the darkness. And she did, really.

It would have been something disgusting had the magus, Matou Zouken, decided to simply give away this place without fighting if it was his family's ground. Disgraceful, even. In that regard, both Saber and she were of the same mind, though perhaps not for the same reasons.

Protecting what is yours, not allowing others to take what is yours. They sounded similar on the surface, but differed at their core. Just as those of higher station were obligated to aid those of lower ability, so too were they obligated to punish those who had the gall of attempting to take something from them. It was not a desire to protect, but rather, a will to keep. To her, the idea of standing idly by while others would attempt to ransack one's home spoke of nothing but weakness, in terms of character if not in capacity.

So then, it was fortunate their host could see eye to eye with them on that matter.

"Ah, yes, the Tohsaka's housing. . .no, we have not come to do anything of the sort," Keeping her placid smile in place, she tried to reassure the magus that hostilities would not be required in this case. While she would not have wasted breath on Matou Youzai, she had been genuine when speaking of her lack of personal quarrel with this individual, attacking first when the host had been rather gracious considering the circumstances would be simply barbaric. "Truth be told, I was unaware he'd do something like that to their grounds, as well. . .but I suppose one can also understand the need to deny enemies of any possible advantage, and that includes ease of access and hold over a fallen leyline. . .even if I think that his decision was more guided by his own emotions than proper, thought-out planning." Clicking her tongue, voice containing just a touch of disapproval concerning the actions of her ally, there was nonetheless acceptance.

What was done, was done. No sense in crying so much over spilled milk, and even if Emmerich had acted rashly, at least it could prove beneficial to them still.

"We only came here to ah. . .scout out the area. Had we found nothing, we would have left easily enough, and as you say, this house does not particularly call to us as a strategic position, so there was no need to do anything. I am not petty enough to destroy a family's home when my quarrel is so specific as this one and it would gain me nothing." 

Pausing, she considered her next words. Certainly, they had not been prepared for this, but at the same time, it was not bad. At the very least, considering the earlier rushes of the day, a calm talk under a proper roof, even if she could not actually see her partner in the conversation, was not a change of pace she particularly minded. It certainly helped that the man seemed rather reasonable in how he handled things. . .although his confidence, or at least lack of fear about the prospect of facing Servants, was odd in its own way. Did he trust the Matou Master and his own Servant to come if they poised to threaten him? Did he perhaps possess confidence in his ability to such a seemingly suicidal extent?

Or was it maybe just bravado to make them reconsider?

Ah, well, not like putting on airs in front of guests was something she was unfamiliar with, herself, and she trusted both Saber and Archer, although perhaps she should make the midnight chat shorter than she had anticipated. The worst case scenario that lurked in her mind was that of the Japanese faction taking them by surprise here and now -- although she wondered if Youzai could make others except his own Servant move for what was an unremarkable position outside of being his own home. Nonetheless, she would have to be cautious.

They would have to take their leave soon. But for the moment. . .

"I see, however, that you are familiar with my name and what it carries. A pleasant surprise. . .although I cannot recall either my mother or anyone else in my family mentioning yours. Of all the families involved in the Ritual, only the Einzbern rang a bell," The Tohsaka had been a mere footnote, the Matou less than that. How odd, if he had met Edelfelts as he said. . .though perhaps he simply had not made enough of an impression. "Judging by the way you speak of it, however. . .I take it you are rather acquainted with the system? Although perhaps I should not be surprised about that being the case for members of any of the families. After all, you must take pride in it."