[ Howl does not immediately answer, watching him as he is in the wake of that odd comment. He doesn't seem angry about not being a king anymore, which is what Howl would expect of kings and emperors and the like. Is "sad" even the right word? It's hard to say from the very short conversation they've had so far, of course, but Howl finds himself wanting to know what the story is with this guy.

For now, he doesn't mind talking about himself. ]

I attended the crown's sorcerer academy in my youth. When I graduated, I took an oath of loyalty and duty to the throne. When it came time for me to honor that oath, I refused.

[ There's a playful little shrug in Howl's voice. He clearly doesn't feel bad about it. ]