By the way they've phrased it - drop, hold, complications - they don't want it at all. He has suspected as much for a while.

Now is probably not the time to address that, if he wants to keep things light. But he can probably offer something nonetheless. A little light sarcasm to smooth things back out, first.

"Oh, well, if Emilitia noticed it! Yes, give it to her, and let's see what wins out: her ego, or her Pale King favouritism. If we're terribly lucky she'll just sit there praising herself for all time." You know, so... more of the same. (He has met her once. And once was enough.)

He's not saying a lot here, but it serves as good enough noise distraction that he's brave enough to reach out and gently pat their branded paw - a bit like one might encourage a friend to lower their Nail. They don't have to worry about this for now. Sorry he brought it up.

"No, it's safest with you, I suppose."