She's certainly puzzling him here and Ignis has a feeling that this conversation is really important somehow to both of them. But then Madoka seems to get a little braver and he can't help but smile. He knew that bravery was in there somewhere.

This smile was now half full of surprise and delight at hearing her say that she cared for him. It choked him up some, because even though there was no way that he minded looking after her and the team, it was so very touching to hear. That went double for Madoka's words about other people thinking nice things of him as well.

It just wasn't in the advisor's nature to think about what he deserved to gain because doing for others was its own reward. And it was hard for him to express his emotions but for this beautiful girl he was trying. His fists clenched at his side and he took a deep breath, knowing what he would say might change things for the better or they could take a worse turn, it was a slippery slope indeed.

"I.." Ignis tried again, feeling the words stick in his throat. He shook his head and tried again. "Of course..I care for you and I will always be there to protect you." He breathed, trying to get the last words out and his green eyes leveled at her, speaking a painful truth that went right to his heart. "You are..like the daughter I'll never have."