[It's probably a good thing that Richard has been drinking too, because the alcohol is blunting his perception enough to make that half-hearted reassurance seem more genuine than it normally would, that smile a little more real. It's enough for Richard to drop this line of questioning, at least, in favor of something more fun (and effective): ordering another drink!
[action, August 12th]
... but still not detaching. Sorry, Sanji.]