"If it is him why should he announce himself? This is his land, his house, his secrets, and seems poor manners to expect him to do so. We came to visit him, to cast for his help, and sneaking around his home seems insulting."

Also we left not knowing what we would face. When you take a job like this not knowing is part of it. We are on the clock of a mans life and sending your crystal to scout every time we encounter something new will slow us down. If we need to go underground into a dudgeon like area will you send it out every time we cross a door?." Abe says annoyed. Hes not mad at Izuka for his cation but if this was the hermits house sneaking around would be seen ill. Maybe even get them hurt if the mage was paranoid of strangers.