[He doesn't consider it a lie. But he respects Ace enough to step back. So when he answers, even though his tone is still serious and firm, it's clear that he's doing so and acknowledging who Ace is.]

Sorry, no one is laughing at your expense, captain, nor saying that we 'pulled one over' on you. At least that's not our intention.

Yes, we sneaked out, we figured you wouldn't have let us go otherwise after everything that happened. Is it too late to apologize?