"You occupy both spaces," El-Melloi II offered quietly. "It just gives you a different perspective. Nothing else." Marie clearly meant a lot to Roman, much like Mash did. There wasn't any surprise that he cared about the young woman. There were probably other complicated bits that went undiscussed anyway.

At the words great there was a flash of a smirk on El-Melloi II's face, as if Roman said some secret key word that explained everything about Rider. With an ease, he leans back in his seat, crossing one leg over the other. "Of course it wouldn't have. It'd only have a marginally better chance of success here. Doesn't mean the idiot wouldn't try with utmost earnestness."

The word idiot was said with real fondness, one that helped to gloss over the best vocabulary mistake Roman could ever make. "I know you meant it that way. I was remarking on the fact it was nice to hear it used in that manner rather than what I've heard way too many times over the years."