It's... a little conflicting, actually, that Howl gets into it without further prompting. Should she be relieved, or more concerned?
(Both, probably.)
"Well, maybe I can lend you an ear? Emet-Selch may be a practiced mage and tactician, but he's clearly emotionally crippled in more ways than one." Making a good show at looking pensive, Ciel muses to herself out loud. Sorry, Emet-Selch, but a dash of dramatic nonchalance with a bit of throwing the Ascian under the bus may be necessary in order for her to coax more details out of Howl. It's all motivated by genuine concern deep down, really! But appealing to Howl is the higher priority here, and that means getting on his wavelength the best she can.
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(Both, probably.)
"Well, maybe I can lend you an ear? Emet-Selch may be a practiced mage and tactician, but he's clearly emotionally crippled in more ways than one." Making a good show at looking pensive, Ciel muses to herself out loud. Sorry, Emet-Selch, but a dash of dramatic nonchalance with a bit of throwing the Ascian under the bus may be necessary in order for her to coax more details out of Howl. It's all motivated by genuine concern deep down, really! But appealing to Howl is the higher priority here, and that means getting on his wavelength the best she can.
"...Something happened in Venera, I take it?"