When Howl finally returns, he doesn't throw Sophie out. Instead, he accepts her as the castle’s new cleaning lady. As Sophie lives in the castle, she discovers that Howl is not the terrifying "eater of hearts" the rumors suggest. He is a vain, dramatic, and powerful wizard who is fleeing his responsibilities. He is being pursued by the Royal Sorceress Madame Suliman, who wants Howl to fight in a looming war between nations.