[ As someone who lead others, it's an important distinction to know when to push them and when to be lenient. Failures could often be perceived as one of those times to 'push' for those who lacked judgment.

Knowing what he did of Howl, knowing what happened with the dissipated woman, and seeing his attitude here are clear signs not to do that. It could only do more damage than good. ]

I don't enjoy conjecture, but if I had to make the assessment, it seems we maintained our number while they did not. Not a victory in name but a victory of sorts.