[ At hearing that, the redhead's features ease just so, her hands uncurl, and her gaze lowers. Sharply, she nods - even if her lips are drawn thin with embarrassment. ]

I see.

[ Swallowing down her pride, she pushes her shoulder back and flips her hair, standing taller, with a sniff. ]

I often forget that, despite knowing one another for so long, we weren't particularly close. I'm easily disillusioned, as you well know.

[ She can do this. It's the reason she came, after all. ]

I'm-- sorry.