[Edgeworth hesitates - and then sets his jaw and addresses the issue head-on.

...Or, well, from less of an angle.]

I don't know the precise nature of your relationship - but ultimately, it does not matter so much. It's clear that he holds a great deal of affection and respect for you. Here is the heart of the matter: I've known some of the people he's held affection and respect for, and I've known them to hurt him terribly. Almost irreparably.