There is a moment or two there where he has a combination of his father's amusement and approval, his own relief and just barely there and quickly buried deeper... not guilt, exactly, but discomfort at Zerxus response, and (very basic) going on in his head.

That does not tell him why Zerxus is here now? That answer is one he very much wants. He probably isn't going to get it in the next fifteen minutes. He's...is not (much) backing off due to discomfort this time. There's no immediate leverage there, and he has time.

"As long as it wasn't day before yesterday." Dry, and not at all sympathetic. "I need to show you where you'll be staying and provide you with a wardrobe when you're finished with this."