Of course. Even if I were to go back to Wales, instead of my new home. Nobody asked me if I was interested in a non-negotiable, non-refundable, involuntary vacation to a world on the brink of all-out war, did they.

[ A bitter, almost humorless joke, but he smiles at her reassuringly to dampen it. ]

But I must admit... the idea of creating a new world isn't such a bad one either. Who wouldn't be intrigued by the possibility of a newer, better place for all to live the rest of their days?

[ But judging from where they are right now, Gray didn't opt for that one. Smart girl, Howl thinks to himself. ]

Of course, it's not an original idea either. History is replete with men with the same ambitions. And most of them are famous for having failed.