It's clear to Napoleon that
he will be working with Red Peril
- - -Illya, a name that he must
wrap around his tongue with more than
a grudging groan for they are to work together
quite intimately, and bestowing nicknames is
probably a habit worth breaking- - -
for years to come:
no matter their personal differences,
they make an efficient duo, and
it's only polite (as a gentleman is wont to understand)
to learn what makes Illya tick.
Napoleon respects Illya, somehow
(warming up to him took precious time).
Illya, Napoleon learns,
is a man of simplicity
whose adoration of routine
extends beyond meticulous;
with that trait unlocked,
understanding Illya suddenly becomes easy
and suddenly, Napoleon understands how
to read and to understand,
to analyze and to nitpick
with frightening ease.
Maybe it was a bad idea
to have to understand someone so deeply…
But it is indeed useful.