[Keeping himself distant is an understatement, but he's still operating under the assumption that Amber doesn't know why he left the knights, only that he had with little precursor. There's no way she'd know, is there? Totally not.

Ah, but she's as humble and kindhearted as ever. Diluc does remember thinking as much back when he was a knight. It hardly matters now, least of all when they're stuck on this island, but he supposes it wouldn't hurt to let her in on a little tidbit of knowledge.]

There's no need to be modest. I'd intended to recruit you to work under me before I'd left the knights. It's heartening to know you've continued to move forward in the time I've been away.

[He has no intention of returning, but at least he can rest assured knowing not every knight is useless. Still—]

But your talents would be better put to use elsewhere.