He had to give and Ignis knew it, because that was always the way it was. Noct would want whatever it was and Ignis would be there trying to give whatever it was to him even if he personally had to struggle his ass off, get into trouble (like being caught sneaking outside of the Citadel to go look at the stars on Noct's whim) or not yell when the prince (at the time) returned his favourite constellations book with scratches.

With a sigh he took a look at the tigers and marveled at how majestic they looked. Why had he been compared to one of these noble animals? Well it kept his mind busy as he tried to figure out a way to answer Noct. So he avoided the king's gaze as he replied, shifting a little uncomfortably. "I.." His voice faltered so he tried again. "I simply was rather thought you wouldn't put in an appearance."