in my opinion Balgruuf just wanted to keep his Whiterun throne , as the other "Empire licking Gold picking" Jarls of skyrim all he needed was"Chests of Gold" and a reason for positive sighn of the agreement between Thalmor and Empire called White-gold concordat (Which forced empire to deny Talos), as he admittes by the conversation during the quest "Message to Whiterun" Ireleth:"Was it cowardly then to accept White-gold Concordat?.." Balgruf:"This again?! That was different! Was i given a chance to object the terms of treaty?! No! The jarls were not asked, we were told, and we had to like it" Proventus:"the chest of gold didnt hurt.." Balgruf:"damnit! This isnt about the gold!" ME: "of course you *ss*ole :biggrin: " Balgruf wants to keep his loyalty to Empire and to show himself as a true nord to Ulfric, to keep their armies away from Whiterun as long as its possible, anad at last he sides with the Empire , because he thought that "the Empire is strong, and must be victorius, and only this way he can keep his throne" Naaah! i wanted to kill him! but he is Essential..damnit! & sorry for my english