[Children. Always children being dragged into other people's wars. Armin isn't soft. He's killed them too. He'd have liked to have been soft once, maybe; that ship sailed long ago.

[Still, his reaction is earnest, if subdued - tight lips and a tighter nod; he feels his teeth gritting.]

It's the best lead we have. [Focus on the practical, the present - strategy, logic, winning the goddamn game--

[He hates himself.

[Relaxes his jaw.]

I'll help you find that summoning, Ciel. Let's work together. You'll be in command. Just tell me how I can help.

What are we looking for first?