Those words are meant to reassure. He knows that. But all he can hear is how fully David has bought into this construct, this character, this person who is heroic and just and good and not even real.

And if that's who David loves, then Balthier knows he's going to lose him. If that's more Ffamran than Balthier talking, well, he's not in a place to catch it.

He does, at least, look up to meet David's gaze. Tears hover in his eyes, and his low voice cracks as he speaks. "Of course I've done bad things. I told you before, I'm a coward."