They weren't ready.
Even if they thought they were.
Because when everyone moved toward the hangar and the materials lab, they didn't expect the shock value of that "reject shelf."
And not metaphorical rejects—actual mecha parts, stacks of them, neatly organized and labelled like common spare bolts.
Marquise Julienne nearly blacked out.
Meanwhile, the polisher clutched Xavier's cuff in embarrassment until the prince whispered, "You did really well with the parts. I've never seen such good ones, Luca."
It was true. For in the many years that Xavier has had to watch his mechas being serviced, and after seeing the bill for the parts, nothing has come close to these.
And yet his little chipmunk was shy.
Was it because he thought it took him too long to perfect? Or was it because he had so many tries?
But no, it was because behind that display case, Luca was working on a little secret project that he was hoping none of them would see.
Because then it would be really embarrassing!
