No, not an item. Although I suppose the comparison works to an extent.

[ Howl pauses, thinking. It's still difficult for him to talk freely with others about Calcifer; although the limitation was purely psychological in Horos, as he'd discovered, the terms of their contract have been reinstated in Kenos and are in full force again. No amount of willpower or self-actualization will allow him to get around it this time.

In an average situation, this would be no problem, as none of this information is anyone's business but his own, and Howl is not interested in being shunned for his friendship with Calcifer. But Liem is not some random acquaintance, not a snooty member of the Ingarian wizarding community, and on top of that Howl earnestly wants him to know and understand that he can trust Yima.

At that moment, the waitress from earlier returns to the table. Howl looks up at her and gives her an apologetic wave of his hand. ]

Ah — I'm sorry. I don't want anything after all. Forgive me for taking up your time.

[ Once she's gone, Howl looks back to Liem with a twinkle in his eyes. ]

...Are you busy right now? Do you want to see for yourself?