The Ballad of Adler Young, Canto 2.5

>Ash: "Randall, my boy! It's so good to hear from you!" You act as if you are an uncle speaking to his favorite nephew. You are pleased to see Adler is being proactive. He even managed to deprive you of one of your best agents. Lysander is already beginning his pilgrimage. Props to Adler for such a wonderfully underhanded scheme. Tricking the poor devout fool into eating forbidden fruit. Perhaps Adler read some of that book you gave him, hm? However, Lysander did not ask your permission before dropping his duties. You will definitely need to have a chat with him when he gets back. Maybe remind him of the precarious situation with his children.
>Vernier: Children? That's impossible. Everyone knows Lysander is a bachelor.
>Ash: Oh yes, everyone thinks that, but 'bachelor' isn't quite the right word. 'Widower' would be more appropriate. He doesn't like to talk about it, poor fellow. His wife died of a tragic and completely unforeseen accident not long after the birth of their last child. Naturally you were there to console him and give him a much needed job. Gratitude is a wonderful thing. However, when gratitude fails, fear is the cure-all, isn't it?
>Adler: After the shock of what Ash said sinks in, you shake it off. You really shouldn't be surprised by this point, the disgust you feel is not lessened in the slightest, though. You and Ash have much to discuss.
>Ash: Indeed you do.