Throughout all of that, Josh has taken to leaning his head against Hikaru's arm as he listens to Espie's story. He doesn't have senses like the Blade King does, but he's learned to read people ( and the reactions of those around them ) in his own fashion.

He gives Hikaru's hip a gentle squeeze before he's squaring his gaze back to Espie. "You're only as behind as you think you are." He would know, he'd known nothing when he'd first arrived. Six years a Sin-Eater with zero knowledge beyond what whispers he'd overheard had meant he had a lot to catch up on.

"I'm not saying that it'll be a piece of cake -- but you seem like you've got the drive. That's something." Is there something about the way he's saying that that makes it seem like he knows that from firsthand experience? You bet.