In Armin's mind, Marco has already been giving out several subtle hints about wanting to do a bit of travelling --wanting to buy proper travelling clothes certainly was a bit of a hint-- but Jean seems keen on ignoring them. If so, better he be shocked into it. Rather than ease yourself into the cold water, Armin knows sometimes you just have to drop in all at once.

"I think deep down inside he knows you'll be absolutely safe. We were safe when we travelled around. And, really, they send ten-year-olds out on journeys here. You are far more capable than that." Quite the stellar assessment of Marco's skills there. " He'll just need to admit that to himself too."

Armin glances at Jean, a bit ahead of them still. "Maybe it is best if we go to one of the little cafes after this. Tell him we want something warm to drink. We can corner him there. He won't be able to dodge the conversation there. I can bring up some of the travelling we did and we can... sort of ease him into the subject."

What do you mean, conversations don't need strategy plans?