[ despite Makoto's lithe physique, Abel certainly does seem eager that he totally believes his current company is, frankly... more badass than him. which either suggests he has some suspicion Makoto has more to him than meets the eye, or far more likely:

Abel is a complete and utter wuss, and a wet, soggy newspaper is probably better equipped for battle than he is. he's trying to sell it, anyway; his success is up in the air!! just like the fate of their 'energetic friends,' it would seem. ]

...Wa-- ah. [ he rolls that one back-- starts to repeat it, thinks better of it, and then gives it another go. ] Wait on us...? You mean, like-- servants?

[ what else might one extrapolate from that statement?? who knows, but Abel looks completely befuddled. ]

I-I mean, that's... that's certainly a better fate than the whole volcano business, and if I had to choose -- a no brainer! No brainer, of course. But... that seems a bit cruel, doesn't it?

[ or, perhaps, a cruel suggestion to be coming from his new, dear, and very close friend here... ]