Honoka pretends she does not see the flinch. If Apple is to be her new duchess, Honoka is to present her with an unflinching regard. Keep her eyes averted from any signs of weakness, but know that they are there. It is her job to protect, not to judge, not to offer unrequested comfort. Softness has never been her thing; sure, she has always been feminine, and giggly, and polite, but soft? No.

There has always been an art to this.

She does not comment on Apple's words to Apricot. He is Apple's equal, and therefore he is the one to comfort her. Honoka instead nods. "As you wish." And with that, she steps forward, into the darkness, nose low to pick up any scents.

It's strange. As she enters the cave, the scents from outside seem to immediately die. This is a road that has not seen passage in some time.

She idly recalls the dream. A strange dream. One she tossed aside. And yet, the words echo in her mind even now.

She lifts her head, turning over her shoulder. "There's no one here. No one I can smell, at least. We're the first people to have walked in here for many, many moons."