[ Ciel is right yet again, because Howl can immediately sense something different from this man compared to almost every other Aion. He has felt this odd sensation, this... tether within his mind, only a handful of times before, and only with Dionys. Her presence is so powerful, however, that it's only now, when he has another person to compare to, that he can separate her overbearing mind from the sensation of simply sharing a Legacy with another. And... wow, it's weird.

Howl can tell that the stranger is sizing him up. He can't perceive his motivations for doing so, but the brief flicker of raised hackles, followed by a practiced veneer of neutrality, does not escape his attention. Howl blinks and peers at him. Was he simply caught off guard by the presence of a second person? No... no, that's not it.

Ciel's teasing cuts through Howl's rush of curiosity and earns her a pout. Leave it to a stuffy nun to believe that a "unisex robe with adjustable sash" does not have the capacity to be too small or too big for someone. Especially when they brought different sizes! Women's and children's robes, that is, but... still.

He looks back to the stranger as the conversation continues. Again, he's keeping up with that politeness. Howl is happy to put his odd reaction to him aside for now. ]

It's what this world calls those who hatch out of the crystals in these caves, [ gestures behind him ] like you just did. Each of these caves are associated with a Shrine dedicated to a Legacy, which are... hmm. I suppose you could call them the patron virtues of this world. This one here, that's birthed you, is the Shrine of the Celebrant, and the same one I emerged from.

In contrast, my fair comrade here, [ gesturing vaguely at Ciel now, ] is of the Martyr Legacy. You'll come to learn of the rest.