"Yes. We saw what we came to see," he says. As far as he's concerned, Barnaby is happy to let them speculate. Though the experience in the throne room shook him, his conviction itself is unshaken, and the Regent will surely be able to confirm that when they talk later, should they harbour any doubts on that front. No-- he simply isn't interested in putting on airs of false happiness where he has none.

But as they leave the throne room together and exit into one of the many dark halls of the Citadel, it's J who has his attention instead, a frown marring his brow as they walk. He knows what must pressing on his mind, much worse than what concerns Barnaby currently feels for Howl, who is at least safe in the Citadel's underbelly while he recovers.

"Are you all right?" It almost seems like a pointless question when he already knows the answer, but at least J will be offered room to give voice to what plagues him.