There was a moment where his arms did a bit of a flapping flail motion in embarrassment at the praise. As he was uncertain of what exactly to do or say to such. Though he calmed down quickly at the question and worry.

"...Those i-in the academy are doing well, a lot of the adults find a lot of reasons to roam, even if just for a day."

He doesn't mention how empty the compound can be at times and thus how Umigame keeps sending him out on errands or to meet people so he wouldn't be there alone or with certain others.