Digital Saburo?

"Lord Carl, there's a new matter on my end that requires your attention."

From the electronic voice on the phone, Akechi Goro's voice sounded as rough as if it had been scraped by sandpaper, carrying an inexplicable exhaustion and forced vigor.

Carl shifted his gaze away from the morning light seeping through the gap in the curtains and checked the time. It was exactly seven in the morning, that awkward interval between the end of the night shift and the beginning of the day shift.

But given Arasaka's circumstances, this was certainly not when Akechi had just started work. Judging by the barely concealed exhaustion in his voice from the other end of the call, he had likely just pulled an all-nighter.

"Is there an emergency?"

Carl still remembered his initial discussion with Akechi. Akechi Goro had clearly stated that he would handle non-core affairs; in other words, important matters would need Carl to deal with them.

It now seemed that something had come up which he found difficult to handle based on his own judgment.

"I understand."

Carl swiftly got out of bed. "Switch to a secure channel and continue. This ordinary channel risks being monitored. Although I've deleted our call records during this conversation, someone may still take notice. Hang up first, then call again in thirty seconds."

Akechi Goro was clearly stunned for a moment on the other end. "I overlooked that possibility, Lord Carl. It seems my overtime work has caused some unnecessary lapses in concentration. I'll hang up immediately and contact you again in thirty seconds."

"I'll wait for your call."

Watching the call screen disconnect, Carl slowly let out a breath.

Then came the slow passage of time.

Thirty seconds.

More than enough time to get dressed and wash up.

He got out of