If you had said that, I wouldn't have followed that order, either. [Kiritsugu informs him of this fact mildly.
He doesn't appreciate the term "stray", as if he's a child or a dog who'd stray from its master, but he lets it slide, as that please is conciliatory, in part, and he can recognize that fact.]
I intend to accompany you.
[Leaving El's presence at this point would serve no purpose, so he walks quietly at his side. When not studying his surroundings, he studies the man out of the corner of his eye, noting today's ill temper and sharp tongue. Something is clearly wearing at him, something other than Kiritsugu. A number of things, perhaps. He's a man with much on his mind.
A fact that may be to Kiritsugu's advantage.
He believes he has a good sense of the household now, even though he's been a part of it for such a short time. He knows the kinds of things he needs to know. Kiritsugu thinks it's likely that, considering his training and abilities, he could have successfully killed everyone in the house by now, if he'd chosen to do so. It may be true, but what would that benefit him? He'd still be alone, in the midst of enemy territory. He would have no way of retaliating against those who'd given him to El. More importantly, he has no desire to kill innocents such as Jolan and Meridia seem to be, even if they are of Magus blood. They don't deserve to die. As for whether El should die, he hasn't yet made up his mind.
No, for now, it's best to both focus on the larger picture and build his relationship with Kiryna. As taciturn and unyielding as he is with El, Kiritsugu has it in him to be approachable, even personable. It's a trait that reveals itself for a flicker of an instant as he breaks silence and speaks:]
What's first on the list?
[This is an errand they've been sent on, so he'll carry it out, as scornful as he may be of the "welcome dinner" idea. If he's going to live here, for a time, he doesn't need to be purely antagonistic. As long as El remembers his place, he can relax his manner slightly. Being amenable has its benefits, but he'll only go so far. He won't feign affability, and of course, he won't agree to act as a slave; he addresses the other man as an equal.]
no subject
He doesn't appreciate the term "stray", as if he's a child or a dog who'd stray from its master, but he lets it slide, as that please is conciliatory, in part, and he can recognize that fact.]
I intend to accompany you.
[Leaving El's presence at this point would serve no purpose, so he walks quietly at his side. When not studying his surroundings, he studies the man out of the corner of his eye, noting today's ill temper and sharp tongue. Something is clearly wearing at him, something other than Kiritsugu. A number of things, perhaps. He's a man with much on his mind.
A fact that may be to Kiritsugu's advantage.
He believes he has a good sense of the household now, even though he's been a part of it for such a short time. He knows the kinds of things he needs to know. Kiritsugu thinks it's likely that, considering his training and abilities, he could have successfully killed everyone in the house by now, if he'd chosen to do so. It may be true, but what would that benefit him? He'd still be alone, in the midst of enemy territory. He would have no way of retaliating against those who'd given him to El. More importantly, he has no desire to kill innocents such as Jolan and Meridia seem to be, even if they are of Magus blood. They don't deserve to die. As for whether El should die, he hasn't yet made up his mind.
No, for now, it's best to both focus on the larger picture and build his relationship with Kiryna. As taciturn and unyielding as he is with El, Kiritsugu has it in him to be approachable, even personable. It's a trait that reveals itself for a flicker of an instant as he breaks silence and speaks:]
What's first on the list?
[This is an errand they've been sent on, so he'll carry it out, as scornful as he may be of the "welcome dinner" idea. If he's going to live here, for a time, he doesn't need to be purely antagonistic. As long as El remembers his place, he can relax his manner slightly. Being amenable has its benefits, but he'll only go so far. He won't feign affability, and of course, he won't agree to act as a slave; he addresses the other man as an equal.]