[Those words get his gaze to dart, and he doesn't bother to correct it. It's far easier to address the first part.]

The world we seek is one where everyone will have the freedom to decide what they want to do - that certainly includes you. I don't want you to feel as though you can't make your own decisions.

[Including about this. Especially about this.

But he can't ignore the latter part of that, and after a moment, he speaks up again.]

I... am truly sorry for my behavior at the Goddess Tower. I'm sorry I hurt you, Marianne.

[The words are a little too simple, but they're honest. He still can't bring himself to look at her.]