[ The thought of all that being just another test makes Howl's neutral expression waver ever so slightly. Everyone had suffered so immensely, trying to comply with the Regent's orders... had it all just been a roundabout way of measuring their loyalty? Well. Maybe it had. Traitors were sniffed out, and he knows of at least one Aion who was pushed to defect after it all.

In the seconds that pass after Ciel's answer, Howl seems to find satisfaction and concede the point. He takes a purposeful sip from his teacup and sets it down with a clink. ]

...well, in any event, I am certainly thankful that they are not as upset with our failure as I'd feared they would be. [ He smiles, a glimpse of his usual good humor shining through his exhaustion. ] It's good for one's humility to be thankful for the good that comes your way, yes? Or something like that.