Sage's eyebrow rose approvingly.
"Handlers come next," Pax continued. "Each major city has at least one. Greyvale has several because the network here is much larger. A Handler manages local sources, decides what information matters, pays people, checks whether reports contradict one another, and sends important information upward. That means I no longer receive fifty reports saying the same merchant entered the same tavern."
"Already better organized than half my Guild departments," Sage muttered.
Sage became quiet for a moment, fingers tapping against the desk as he studied Pax. "You've gotten frighteningly good at this."
Pax gave him a flat look. "You told me to build an intelligence network."
"I expected information. I didn't expect you to become the king of beggars."
"I'm not calling myself that."
"Good. It sounds terrible."
"It was your suggestion."
"And I have withdrawn it."
