I think your analysis is too complicated. People often say what appear to be contradictory things. He was expressing his love for his daughter. Simple as that. Later, the pathos that accrue to a life such as he led start to ovewhelm him. His words serve to assuage him. Obviously it is just a temporary repentence; he orders aditonal murders.

"Generosity. That was my first mistake."
"Experience must be our only guide; reason may mislead us."
"Instagram is Twitter for people who can't read."