He was not equipped for these kinds of conversations. Where was Sue when he needed to her field these questions? It was settled, at least, that Reed was happy to have at least 18 years before his own child had relationship troubles-- though he was fairly certain that questions like these would come up long before then... given who they were, what they did, who they knew. No, these questions were sure to become every day occurances- and if Reed couldn't at least try to guide Maxine through them, then what good would he be as a father?
Reed's eyes closed for a long moment when Maxine said she had witnessed a beheading. That wasn't something anyone should be forced to see, let alone a sweet young lady like Sue's assistant. Finally, he lifted his head and dropped his hand, giving a singular, resolute nod...
"I assume that Kristoff told you that he was adopted? Victor-- Doom-- is not his biological father, but he took him in and raised him since Kristoff was very young... six or seven, I believe. " Reed paused, trying to consider what effect his words would have on Maxine's emotions, but finding it difficult to predict. Instead, he continued, "Recent studies have revealed that a person- at the most basic and core level, how kind they will be, how angry, trusting, compassionate, their very personality and essence-- is fully formed by the age of five. From there, we simply grow bigger, wiser, learn new skills and problem solving abilities-- but our core is essentially the same as it was when we were five."
"The fact that Kristoff was not taken in by Victor until after these pivotal years may have some bearing on how... different... Kristoff is from his father." He explained, though he trailed off, realizing that he'd been relying almost completely on science to make his point. He frowned.
"Maxine." He said quietly, stretching his arm across the desk to lay a hand on her shoulder, "What happened in Latveria, to that man? You did everything you could." Reed paused, his frown deepening and gave her shoulder a squeeze, "It wasn't your fault."