That statement and attempt to smile honestly meant quite a lot. More than Kaiba might think. Especially since Loki had been getting a lot of encouragement from others that was positive for what he could do. He wasn't the tag-a-long here, or not a proper 'warrior or prince' for not being able to overpower his enemies. Not looked down on, for using magic and trickery and illusion.

It brought a very small smile in return, genuine, to Loki's face. "Thank you." Letting his hand move over the water to dispel the illusion.