conscious, conscience

Conscious or conscious means aware, especially in the sense of being aware of one's own feelings and motivations--
He continued to sulk, although he was conscious of the effect it was having on everyone.
He drove into the wrong lane without being conscious of his mistake.
Conscious is also a medical term, meaning not unconscious, as someone who has been knocked out or passed out--
The 911 operator wants to know if he's conscious.
Is the patient conscious?

Conscience or conscience means the human sense of right and wrong--
The nagging voice of his conscience told him that he shouldn't do it.
"Let your conscience be your guide."

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He was conscious that he was rationalizing his behavior to soothe his own conscience."

Note--"concise" means in as few words as possible--
Tell the story, but try to be concise.
Note #2--"consciousness" is the noun ( thing or idea ) form of "conscious", meaning awareness, especially of one's own inner thoughts and feelings--
The self-help book promised anew form of consciousness.
Consciousness is also a medical term, meaning not in a state of physical unconsciousness, as someone who has been injured might be--
The victim regained consciousness while in the ambulance, and told them the whole story.
Note #3--"conscientious" means with thorough attention to duty or obligation--
He was always a conscientious worker.
Note #4--Conscientiousness is the noun ( thing or idea ) form of conscientious--
He was rewarded for his conscientiousness with a bonus and a promotion.