There's something to admire about how much Inigo desires to be everyone's shield. It's a feeling that he's attached to. Like he's speaking to a part of himself, manifested in someone else. He was the same in many ways - and he would tell anyone who asks that if his life was required to save his people, save the people he cares about, he would receive that fate in a heartbeat. He already has. He will continue to.

But it has to be more than that. At least, for Inigo. It's a start; it can't be the end.

Besides, it's not Inigo's job to protect Roland. Not that he'll voice that out.

"Let me rephrase it, then." Roland says next. He doesn't fight the urge to rest his forehead against Inigo's, eyes narrowed in affection. "Thank you for wanting to protect us. But remember, you're standing up to him because you have to show Reno that Inigo is worth standing up for too."