Even if it's only a glance, Armani doesn't like Merlin looking at him in this state. He self-consciously lowers the bill of his cap, hoping to conceal more of his face in shadow. This is how the Phantom of the Opera felt. He's exactly like Erik, destined to hide his grotesque face forever. Or at least until the pollen lets up a bit.

He wants to talk, but talking is miserable and the words are hard to get out. A quiet, "Thank you," is all he says before letting Merlin take the lead to Thorntrail.