"The name's Andrei. Andrei Grimborn. And Viggo will kill you if you touch me!"

The man in question raised an eyebrow. He had no idea who that child was, but now he wanted to know. He lingered out of sight and listened carefully.

"Oh yeah?" a rougher voice asked mockingly. "If you really are Viggo Grimborn's son, then why haven't we heard of you?"

My- Viggo brought a hand to his mouth, swallowing his laughter.

Incidentally, Andrei started laughing too. "Gods, you're stupid! Of course he wouldn't tell anyone. He's smart like that." There was an edge of fear to his voice, though Viggo doubted anyone else would notice.

Regardless... He stepped out from behind the wall. "Gentlemen," he said with a smile.

The dragon hunter whirled around. "Oh, hello, boss. This kid is claiming to be yours. Shall I...?" He dragged a thumb across his throat.

Said kid, meanwhile, had gone pale. He was trying to sneak away. Viggo stopped him, stepping forward and putting a hand on his shoulder. "Not just claiming," Viggo replied.

The boy gave him a look of pure confusion, which was quickly covered by smugness. He glanced over at the dragon hunter. "Hah! Told you so."

Viggo gestured along the path. "Come along now, son. Oh, and Ripper..."

The dragon hunter froze in the middle of stepping away. He slowly turned around. "Y-Yes, sir?"

His smile turned sharper. "Don't make a habit of antagonizing my family. It won't end well for you."

"Same goes for me!" Andrei leaned forward. "Don't even think about hurting my dad."

Ripper shuddered. "Yes, sir! Sorry, sir!" With that, he hurried off.

This boy, Andrei, he adapts very quickly, Viggo noted as the two of them walked away. A good actor, too. Interesting indeed...