[ There's genuine moment her initial silence and cold expression sows doubt in his mind she'll offer help, so he's visibly relieved when she answers as she does, shoulders heaving down as he sighs. ] You know that new sweets shop in the upper branches of that tree? [ He points to the largest tree in Nara. Surely she's aware! There's advertisements for it everywhere. ] I had the misfortune of underestimating the potency of the lemon candies, and well...

[ He gestures to himself, a grand example of using himself as his own scientific experiment and grand testament to either recklessness or nativity. ]

Unfortunately my messenger bag didn't change state with me and I suspect it's hanging by one of the branches just below. [ He leans forward with one hand in front of his mouth, like this is a great secret to be kept—if from anything in earshot such as her Arukibake procession. ]

There's some very important paraphernalia in that bag. [ It's uki. He bought so much uki for later. ]

I'll reward you, of course—whatever you want, if- if it's within my means.