[ Hm. Howl would have guessed that, from what he's sensing and seeing from this man, but the confirmation is reassuring. They won't have to drag him back to Achamoth kicking and screaming, and if he's lucky, he'll accept the Kenoma quickly when the time comes to do so.

...Speaking of which. Howl studies him for a second, eyes narrowing, before passing the basket of clothing in his arms to Ciel beside him. Then, he approaches the man with slow steps, arms at his sides. ]

You chose correctly. In that case, we can earnestly welcome you to this world.

[ He stops a few paces in front of the man and retrieves a corked vial from his pants pocket. Inside it is an indiscernible substance, black as tar and sticking to the sides as if it were trying to crawl out. ]

I know this may sound crazy to you, but... here. Drink this.

[ Howl's smile is calm, but there's a numbness in his eyes. The jovial banter from a minute ago has all but left his face and tone of voice, replaced again with the detached sense of tiredness from before, but the confidence and serenity being projected from his mind doesn't falter as he offers the vial. ]