Given the boy's state of speechlessness, Solomon was acutely aware that his timing was, in this instance, most likely extremely inconvenient. He put the tray down on the nearest bureau which didn't require him to approach Genis, in case that would--well, if not frighten the boy, then make him react badly. The fact that it meant he didn't approach Raine either was probably of benefit.

What, Solomon wondered, exactly was the policy here? Though he was hiding it, he was himself somewhat discombobulated. He knew Raine had a brother, had even known she had practically raised him, but the thought of Genis arriving in Keeliai--let alone at such an emotional age--had never even occurred to Solomon as a possibility.

"It's my pleasure to meet you, Genis," Solomon said directly to the boy with a bow--a proper one, the sort usually only reserved for people Solomon genuinely respected. (It was a short list.) "Raine has spoken of you most fondly."