[He opens his eyes to look at Russel again, slightly surprised. He honestly didn't consider it, automatically assuming things happened in the order he remembered them - travel first, murder later.

Except that Echoes don't have to come in order. Using the term "the power of friendship" with a straight face makes the explanation ridiculous, but it's better than the alternative. And besides, wasn't friendshp why Flute didn't land the axe?]

Maybe... maybe that's why Raiel let Hamel bully him.

[You had it coming after trying to murder someone, right?

Another pause, and Emil pulls his knees toward him. Speaking quietly.]

And Hamel really did... that, so he could understand where Raiel was coming from...