Morozov Private Manor
"Finally, the prodigal son decides to grace me with his presence."
Irina spread out her arms, pulling her only son into a hug so big you'd think they hadn't seen each other for years. Viktor stood, awkwardly raising a hand to pat his mother's back under the scrutiny of the house staff gathered right in front of the manor.
"Mama, please." He whispered, pulling away once she let go. "You're making it sound like we didn't see each other just a couple of days ago."
"In a Conclave of global importance."
"We literally met before that. At Glacier Talon and then your ship, remember?"
The SS-Rank waved dismissively, snapping her fingers at a maid on standby. She approached them with a smile and a tray of what seemed to be simple lemonades at first glance.
"Thank you." Irina took a sip from hers the instant it entered her grasp. A side-eye from her made Viktor take the other glass, too. "Now, come on. Your uncle and aunt will be here any minute."
