[ Dimitri sounds earnest, but Howl maintains his skepticism. Whatever parts of that might be the truth, if any of them, he isn't equipped to know. And he's been burnt by absolute monarchs too many times at this point. (Twice. Which is too many.)

The wizard gives a little half-shrug. ]

Oh, I can guarantee you that isn't what he called it. But that's what it was, regardless of the candied justifications about national pride, and power, and protecting our own.

[ which is what war always is: candied justifications for committed horrible acts against others. Howl can't see it any other way. ]