The Ballad of Adler Young, Canto 2.5

>Adler: The new mastery of logic and planning given to you by your heightened, concentrated focus senses allow you to discern that you should go back to the business you were discussing with Vernier earlier. You can continue trying to earn her affections with her over time. Now, uh, what was she trying to tell you before she started having crying fits? . . .
>Vernier: Adler has been standing there in deep contemplation for a while. You're starting to get concerned he has frozen up the way Burnside did earlier. You better snap him out of it before Rebecca tries putting witchy makeup on him. "Uh, sir?"
>Adler: AHA! Your powers of focus benefit you again! Vernier was talking about oak trees! Inform her that while Oak is a fine type of tree, it isn't your favorite. Tell her what your favorite tree is.
>Trees: Several Oak trees within earshot rustle their disapproval over Adler's blatant display of favoritism.
>Vernier: . . . Remind Adler that you were trying to say you think he should speak with Oak Marten to see if her family is still interested in helping him. At the very least he should get her side of the story over the events and offer condolences over their heavy financial losses as a result of serving him through their sponsorship of his hair cult.
>Rebecca: Call out to Adler that you need help with the book again.
>Adler: Tell Rebecca to meditate on what she's read so far until you are finished with your meeting with Vernier. Your new hyper-concentration demands you finish this before you can be distracted. Also, it will help the book's lessons stick in her mind.
>Ixie: Declare yourself a winner over Rebecca interrupting before Adler was finished.
>Other Ixies: Complain that bet was invalid since there were no takers.
>Other Ixies Still: Declare the bet was valid since you did place bets on it!
>All Ixies: Begin a heated argument over what constitutes a proper sanctioned bet!
>Adler: Begin to wonder why your life has become so complicated.