It's a very thin line between pessimistic and realistic.

He huffs and ducks his head. Smiling? Definitely still smiling. He didn't have time to appreciate how much his feelings for Rinoa had grown. They had a little time after he recovered from time compression and at the party. But...

"I don't know but they won't be able to stop us."

Because he will cut down anyone who tries to take her this time, even if it means fighting Esthar.