Howl scoffs at such a description. Yes, Emet-Selch is emotionally crippled! It makes him feel more at ease to hear her say so — and his current lack of self-awareness certainly helps too.

"Yes," he begins, "something happened. I found him on the verge of petrification and he brought me into some memory or other of his. In short, what I saw did not make sense with what Emet-Selch had told me about himself. And yes, I did what I had to do to sure him — say some things I did not want to say — but he must understand that was necessary to save him, mustn't he?"

There's a beat, like he might be allowing Ciel to respond, but then he continues grumpily: "Oh, but I don't care if he's mad, anyway. He lies to me! I've not heard anything close to a thank you for saving him, much less an apology or explanation for his deception!"