Jake didn't fear the other leaders, only himself. If Damien was addressing his fear, it needed to be understood that Jake wasn't a guppy afraid of being eaten. He was a shark afraid he'd eat them all. Perhaps that was arrogance, but it's how he saw the situation. He smiled as Damien complimented his approach of Lan Bao and threw in a quick, "Don't act surprised I made a good choice," He was teasing. He saw Damien had a good handle on the political scene, but there was something to be said for knowing the enemy, and Jake knew all of the District Leaders better than Damien. That knowledge of how they worked gave him an edge in knowing their motives.
"Damien, in the 21st century nobody remembers anything more than a week ago. If we let what happened in the west die, than it will die. If we keep it alive it will live. Zeus doesn't seem interested in a long, bitter exchange. I think if I win election and elevate Lan Bao, then that will be the story coming out of the Central District."
Damien's other request had irked the Anarch prince. It sounded like an apology tour, and Jake had no interest in that. Also, it was the first time he felt like Damien was stepping beyond the roll of campaign manager, effectively saying he was going to be taking over diplomatic relations as well. It woke him up from his puppy dog stupor. Damien would see a certain shrewdness behind his eyes, and Jake suddenly looked much older, and more like the Jake Damien had met at Charon's party.
"No apology tour," he said with a degree of finality. "The others will see it as weakness, and will also wonder why I didn't come myself. Trust me, I'm sure Zoheret would love to give you a list of my flaws. Zeus isn't likely to meet with you at all. Charon will likely say I'm duplicitous and impulsive. I have never met Saraekiel so he has no opinion to offer, and I have concerns about his hold on the north. Sabrina, well. You may interview her, if she has the time, and ask for her opinion on how I lead and the mark I've left on the city. She's a friend, but also an honest person. I also respect her opinion of me."
Jake suddenly felt they'd talked enough business. He looked shifty where he sat. "Let's go back to the others for now. We will resume work discussions tomorrow, if that's alright with you of course."