Richie went because Nyx is not only his employer, but he's a good friend-o!
But yeah, he took Max with him and was very social. Probably didn't throw an axe because the last time he did it was to kill a guy but he definitely drank the mead and enjoyed the cake and meat (insert dirty joke here). He also got Nyx a birthday gift! A Switch, probably. We'll start you with some Stardew Valley, Nyx, and graduate to getting your ass kicked at Mario Kart.