He can't help the small smile at Howl's words, pleased to think that Emet-Selch would often talk about him.

"He spoke well of me? Heh... he would often tell others what a nuisance I was, though I know he didn't mean it. But I suppose those years apart had him look back upon me fondly. It's a comfort."

Being remembered as the menace he is isn't an issue, of course... but he wanted to be remembered with a smile.