"You'd think they'd be used to it by now." Which is slightly more derisive than Charles is prone to, but there you go. He's certain Irene isn't about to tell him off any time soon.

"More like the formalities were done with. I'm an expert in the area I wanted to be recognised in; anything else I can learn how I like. So," and he pinches his fingers together, "only a little pointless. I had planned on traveling with my sister, but I received a good offer not long after finishing my second thesis. More practical application and some excellent company."