[Haurchefant watches Francel and feels his heart sink. He cannot lie to the younger man... If he cannot be honest with Francel there is nobody in any world he can be honest with.

But his denial is not just for Francel's sake, it's for his own. It's hard to admit to a wound that will never heal. His Ishgardian pride won't allow it.]

Joacin... Pray forgive me. 'Tis not simply for your own benefit, 'tis for mine as well.

I must confess it is quite difficult to admit to such pain.

[He's always been the strong one, after all. Being the strong one is all he knows how to do.]