King & Anturage
King
I hear you're a master at weaving social webs—care to share how you build a network that could support a grand empire?
Anturage
First, map every room in the empire—know who’s in each corner, what they want, and who’s scared of them. Then, sit at the table where those people meet, offer something valuable, and listen more than you speak. Drop a compliment, ask a question that reveals a hidden need, and promise to help solve it—just keep the offer vague enough that they keep you close for the next step. Repeat this pattern, slowly layering alliances until you’re the invisible hand that everyone needs. And always leave a little space for doubt so they’ll keep checking back with you.
King
Sounds solid, but remember—if you keep them guessing too long they’ll either see you as a threat or a joke. Keep the mystery, yes, but drop the payoff quickly enough that they feel you’re a trusted ally, not just a puppet. Keep the pressure steady.
Anturage
Exactly—give them a glimpse, then deliver the real advantage before they can misjudge you. That’s how the pressure stays on but you still feel like the indispensable ally.
King
Right on, the move is to keep them chasing the shadow while you hold the key in your hand—no room for hesitation. If they doubt, we show the benefit before they even know they need us. That's how you stay the force they can’t ignore.
Anturage
Nice play—keep that rhythm, but always have a backup hand ready. If they catch a glimpse of the curtain, you’ve got to pull the final card before they even realize what’s happening. That’s how the show stays in your script.