[ Balthier's father was a researcher, one with no boundaries, but an excellent one, and that's the world he grew up around. He may not know specifics, but he can follow the shapes. ]

David's mentioned. Not that we weren't up to our ears in poor decisions -- the sky stone was running out, and the nethicite was a force better left alone, and the mining of both was causing damage. There was a recent one, gambits, that can impact people's compulsions toward behaviors. They were originally used for combat, but people were starting to make consumer versions. I sincerely fear the next technological chapter for Ivalice. Not that it looks like I'll be there to see it.

[ He appreciates Otto's positivity, though, and considers his point as the waiter comes over. He can't help being as observant as he is, though, and notices Otto's expression after the waiter. ]

Ah, I should have said something. I've put an illusion on us, to make us both unremarkable. I've been having some trouble with being recognized and did not want to engage tonight. One of the few things I prefer about my powers here.