"This is our first meeting, isn't it, KK?"
Jefferson Pelaez walked into the restaurant, his gaze sweeping over the already-lowered bulletproof windows before finally settling on Carl, whose true face was now exposed. His tone was complicated. "It seems you're very cautious."
"Just necessary preparations." Carl's voice was steady, betraying no emotion. "After all, I'm meeting with a possible future mayor. Besides, I've had meals interrupted several times before. I don't want that happening again."
As she spoke, Carl raised a hand to indicate the empty surroundings. "I booked the whole place. Fortunately, the owner is an old acquaintance, so it didn't cost me much. They're trustworthy people, and they're busy in the kitchen right now. I've also activated jamming equipment to make sure no outsiders can interfere with our conversation."
Her gaze fell upon Jefferson and the somewhat nervous young woman beside him.
"Now," Carl said, giving the seats across from her a slight nod, "please sit, Mr. Jefferson, and you as well, miss."
Faced with KK's words, both Jefferson Pelaez and the young woman beside him appeared somewhat nervous.
But that was perfectly normal.
In today's Night City—indeed, in the entire world—how many people could meet KK without bodyguards and not feel nervous?
Those with good intelligence knew KK was not the sort of lunatic from the rumors who killed people whenever she was displeased. But it was like standing beside a fully grown tiger that had already eaten its fill, with no protection whatsoever.
Even if the keeper repeatedly assured you it would not attack, could you truly calm down and stop worrying about that tiny possibility?
Not to mention that the gap between a person and KK was far greater than the gap between a person and a tiger.
As Jefferson Pelaez and the young woman