[ Hm. Howl can imagine what the prisoners are going through... and there's the rest of the rumors, which all but confirm it. The thought makes him feel... nothing. A thick layer of black that coats his soul keeps him from finding it particularly horrifying. Everyone's going to be destroyed when they win anyway, right?

That isn't the end of it, though. ]

They say that you helped capture them. I know you don't need to hear this from me, but... well, if that's why the Regent hasn't punished us all for failing, then you deserve thanks.

[ And yet, even as Howl says it, understands the truth of all the assumptions and conclusions behind it, it doesn't feel right. A pang of discomfort hits him. He tries his best to keep it to himself. ]

...Do you think they'll try to save them?