Flattering is second nature. It's why he tries to tone it down around people like Sans. With Strange, it just fed his ego. He's too honest to ever say otherwise and if it keeps Strange wondering a little at what really goes on in Tyki's mind, then so be it.

"Me? Oh, I'll manage just fine. Unless this does in fact come crashing down on all of us. Right now I'm going to stay here and make sure no one bothers the Ringmaster." While she's fighting. "Until this area starts to clear a little more, that is." Then he'll likely hunt down Eruka.