[ Simply just having the older man refer to him verbally as a friend is enough to fill him with a comfortable, happy sort of warmth. He'd always seen Moriarty as a friend, which was why he could so easily forgive and not be able to truly hate him after what he'd done.

What probably helped was that both Moriarty and Kaito seemed to be on amiable terms as well, so it didn't seem like there was anything truly bad between them now. If he considered that they were both likely joining Akane when going back home with her, then it all was for the best overall.

Then... speaking of them? Surprise instantly flashed across his face when the words all sunk in. ]

Ah?! You and Kaito actually both agreed to go through with that? [ Given the layout of things in the casino, it'd seemed like some kind of ambush and that Kaito hadn't been expecting the attack. ] If you don't mind me asking, just what was that noble cause the two of you had agreed upon?

[ Granted he had an idea, but a part of asking was in hoping he'd get to physically hear the older man actually say it aloud. Roland truly was going to miss getting to hear such wise things told to him by someone who was much more long-lived than he himself was. ]

You would have been truly nice to have around in the end. I missed you quite a lot, as did Alastor. [ Just casually outing his boyfriend. Nothing new here. ] Had you been at our sides, I would have given you a noble crystalline title as I did with the others before we left the ship.