"You guys talked then?" He's watching the way she appears to relax, and the thought that she's willing to work her way towards a goal settles him. She really does remind him of Yulia, though Sophie's far more inclined to conversation than the Russian Bladian.

"I guess I should keep my ear to the ground for your progress then."

He's got an incredible amount of respect for people with goals and the drive to reach them. Call it something that actually resonates with himself.