It immediately took a step back, holding its hands up in a placating gesture. After a moment, it lowered one to type on its watch, and held out its wrist for the man to read the message.

This vessel apologizes.
It is the time of the Cordis Moon, and it is affected such.
One such affect are potent pheromones.
It will choose a different location to rest.

The Hollow Knight waited until the man had read the message, then lowered its hand and turned on the spot, almost like an automaton.