[It seems to her that he might just be saying that in an attempt to make her feel better, but that could be interpreted as the behavior of a gentleman... so. As a lord (lady) she ought to be gracious about it.

Never mind the last quick rub at her eyes.]

If I had known these Hanabiran mounts were so smooth gaited I would have delayed my research until we made it to Doro's lands...

[A lie, she never would have delayed her research, but!]