I know, [he says slowly, if not with a hint of guilt to it. What he's going to ask isn't something that he wants to ask, but for all the emotions still flowing through him, even though they're far more subdued than they were a few days ago, he wants some resolution- if not for him, then Childe.]

I'd just like to start by saying that you can say no. I don't want you to feel as if you're being forced into this.

[Ajax's words are sincere, painfully so, because he knows how much this bothers her. And if she says no, he'll respect that, and he'll make Childe respect it too.]

But, if you'll allow...I'd like to ask her about it, instead.