He nods along, allows himself to ride on Senku's vision of his new world. It's a different strain of idealism than Evan's, a child beyond his years despite his desire to unite a world under one banner of peace. A land where everybody can live happily ever after. Roland appreciates optimism; has always been drawn to kindness and to similar leaders who put the well-being of the nation first and foremost.

But at Senku's words, Roland must take some pause, the smile on his face dropping somewhat though he is no less engaged than he was when he sat down next to him. A much younger Roland would have answered Senku differently. Maybe even backed him up somehow, offered his support however it would have come in worlds separated by voids, time, and space.

But this was the Roland of now; a man who had no business or right being alive had magic not come to save him. He swallows the remnants of the acidic brew settling at the back of his throat, craning his head to stare forward instead.

"...Progress has a price." That's all he says for now, nods to the beat of his own answer, and the expression on his face a little dulled down. You can't stop progress, but if progress led to the end, then you wouldn't be able to stop that either. "Just...remember that, I suppose. But I don't have to preach to the choir, huh?" Roland adds lastly, wry and a little self-deprecating. Senku would have known science had its dangers too. He was turned to stone. All of them were.

A grim reminder, Roland thinks absentmindedly.