[This time, thanks to the additional light, the surprised look on Kaoru's face is visible.]

You are? I hope that your sibling isn't in trouble... [As far as Kaoru's concerned, CERES and their talk of destroyed worlds is about as trustworthy as CERES itself - not at all.]

But thank you for the kind offer, miss. It means a lot to know that you would help even though I'm the one responsible for taking you away from your group. [This is accompanied with a polite, shallow bow. Kaoru doesn't particularly like holding on to travel partners longer than necessary though, and the guarded air is something that's definitely noticed. Without being able to tell what it's there for, Kaoru just assumes the worst.]

I couldn't possibly continue to keep you from your friends, though.