Siiiigh, now that he's looking for it, he can tell that Avan is slithering away. This is exactly the kind of shit Popp does all the time, even if his preferred weapon is stupid jokes and not accurate sentiment.

"But... are you proud of yourself? Or of the man you could be, if you stopped holding back all the time? I think you should be! I've met him, you know, and he's really great himself! Smart and kind, just like Avan the First, and strong, and brave!"

In contrast, Popp's not really capable of being sentimental without ripping out his whole heart on the spot and pinning it to his sleeve. While he idolizes his first and most beloved teacher, this is one area in which Popp is entirely himself.