Kell more expected to see Jayce here, so it is a surprise when it's Victor who comes up to join him at the table. A nice surprise for a change. The thing is, no matter how much he feels he knows about Victor, there weren't that many chances to talk to the man himself. So it is not only politeness speaking through him when he replies.

"It is very good to see you, too. How are you doing?"

A trick question. It seems rude to ask for Victor's health straight away. It also doesn't seem right to ask about the situation in Free Cities. Or even safe for that matter, with all of Thorne's security on their toes looking for anyone causing trouble. This is theoretically neutral territory, but Kell was raised on the royal court. He knows it just means it's a better place for factions to spy on each other.