"I could be ambushed again," he tells him, mouth set. "The protections I can lay that would definitely keep out mazoku of that rank, it's impossible to keep them up all the time. The energy drain would kill me before a day was out. I have stones enchanted with them, but against a subversive invasion or a prolonged attack..." He shakes his head.
Shrugging, "Oh, they went forward, but they were only ever to buy some breathing space." He sags. "Val-kun hated them." Grinning back, "None solely. But his corruption wouldn't be dangerous if I didn't."
"I've put it in your hands," Xel says. "I thought you'd like that. But I'd take care of you, too." He squeezes Iago's hand again, and repeats, "I've wanted to be able to give you this yes for a long time."