Fortunately (or maybe not), Palamedes has no hangups about just getting to the point about these things. Midoriya is upset; there's really no sense in tiptoeing around the thing he already knows to be true. Better, then, to just ask, and to get it all out in the open so that at least some catharsis can begin.

He nods, understanding and a touch solemn, to hear about Iida. He knows full well the way it feels to lose a best friend in this place, even if it's only to return home; Camilla has been gone for how long, now? Nearly a year? And Midoriya is so young, so naturally he would feel it even more keenly...

"I don't have any brothers, either, but I know what you mean," he says, gesturing for Midoriya to eat the cracker, ahem. "And you're well within your rights to be upset that he's left."

He holds up a hand, because, "Not that I'm saying you're telling yourself otherwise, but I know it's not an uncommon feeling around here. 'Why would I want my friend to be in a place like this?' I've been there, myself. Just feel what you have to feel; this won't be you forever."

And then he claps his hands lightly, like, that's the motivating speech, hurrah. "Does that make sense?"