“Are you worried about Nina being out there?” Inej asked. “No.” “She’s very good at this, you know. She’s a natural actress.” “I’m aware,” he said grimly. “She can be anything to anyone.” “She’s best when she’s Nina.” “And who is that?” “I suspect you know better than any of us.” He crossed his huge arms. “She’s brave,” he said grudgingly. “And funny.” “Foolish. Every last thing needn’t be a joke.” “Bold,” Inej said. “Loud.” “So why do your eyes keep searching the crowd for her?” “They do not,” Matthias protested. She had to laugh at the ferocity of his scowl. He drew a finger through a pile of crumbs. “Nina is everything you say. It’s too much.” “Mmm,” Inej murmured, taking a sip from her mug. “Maybe you’re just not enough.”
Six of Crows- Chapter 21 (Leigh Bardugo)
Every last thing needn't be a joke is criticism of rather appealing quality to me as "Laughing Beast" Czech.
Matthias is struggling with wanting a woman that's everything his ideal shouldn't be. Not only as Grisha, but personality-wise.
Maybe you're just not enough. is a pretty good point, and what I appreciate about Matthias- he'll take it as an impulse to change.