"That's exactly why I want them identified," Sage said. "Anyone can tell me the name of a duke. I want to know who signs the permit that allows someone to build a large headquarters inside the Capital. I want to know whose desk a Guild registration request lands on. I want to know which official can delay construction for three months because someone paid him to lose a document."
That changed Pax's expression immediately.
"Now I understand."
Sage leaned back. "The important people aren't always the people with the biggest titles."
He paused for a moment, then tapped the map lightly. "Power isn't knowing who sits on the throne. Power is knowing who whispers into the ear of the person sitting on it."
Pax remained silent for a few seconds before nodding once. "That will be harder to learn."
"Of course it will."
"Public power is easy to map. Hidden relationships take time."
"That's why you're going first."
Sage moved to the third objective. "Relationships."
Pax folded his arms.
