CHAPTER 540: THE ORDER

A very tempting offer.

When the first biomecha was finally completed, Luca called for a meeting.

The leaders of various departments and pilots were all present. Even the duke himself came early, sitting tall and proud, prepared to witness history.

The purpose? Luca wanted to discuss the order of distributing the biomechas.

At first, the others were confused. Why did it matter so much?

But then Luca stood up and bowed slightly.

"I apologize. It’s mostly because I can’t provide all the biomechas at once. I can only release them one at a time as they’re completed."

That was when the entire row of heads nearly leapt out of their seats.

"What do you mean that’s a problem?!"

"My son, the fact that you’re not taking a year per biomecha is already unbelievable! You’re barely even taking two weeks!"

"This is a biomecha! Even if you made one every ten years, people would cry from happiness!"

Luca blinked, startled. He flushed a little, then looked down.

"Oh... I thought people might complain... if they had to wait too long..."

In his mind, every delay was a risk. Every second they didn’t have enough firepower was another second they might lose another innocent life. And while he wasn’t exactly tipping the scales with these few mechas, he still felt like they would be a very welcome addition.

But no one else seemed to think that way. Because while Luca didn’t think much of his contributions, the people around him thought the world of them. They understood that the Young Lord hadn’t seen how bad it really was, and maybe to him, who was used to such power and accessibility, it would seem like a very natural thing, but to them, this was practically an actual fighting chance.

And no one expects second chances like this to happen instantly, which was precisely why they’ve been fighting to buy him as much time. And they’d continue to do so until he was ready.

Because frankly, everyone was already proud. They had only trained for a few months. They had come so far.

They just hoped the heir would feel their gratitude.

But there was no need to worry, because Luca works this hard because of his love for the people who welcomed him with open arms.

And because of that, he really shouldn’t dwell on what he couldn’t do and just focus on the real reason they were gathered.

"I was hoping to ask for everyone’s input. Specifically, who should get the first basic, uncustomized biomecha."

Almost everyone instinctively looked toward the Duchess.

She was already listed as one of the early pilot recipients.

But surprisingly, she shook her head and looked at Luca.

"Luca, I believe you already have a preliminary choice, don’t you?"

"Yes, Mom." He nodded uncertainly at first, considering how they all looked at his mother first. "I’d like to offer it to Second Lieutenant Anya Merren."

"???"

Anya froze.

"Me?!" she gasped, pointing at herself in disbelief.

"Yes, Lieutenant. But... It’s actually a favor."

Everyone looked at Anya, and she was sure she was going to melt with everyone focusing on her. But then she realized that Luca was likely waiting for a reaction.

"Anything, My Lord! I accept!" she said, sitting up straight like a soldier ready for war.

Luca chuckled shyly, lifting a hand. "Please wait. You might want to hear what the favor is first."

He glanced around the room.

"These biomechas are eventually meant for the frontlines. The first batch, at least. I was hoping to send out five mechas as soon as the pilots finish adapting."

"But... to do that, we need someone who can handle emergency repairs. Someone who knows both piloting and mechanics."

And just like that, the room’s energy shifted. Suddenly realizing why it had to be her.

They looked at Anya like she was the chosen one.

The first one.

"The truth is, Lieutenant Anya is the only person right now who can do both. I was hoping she could use this time to get familiar with the biomecha systems. So she can help identify faults early on and provide feedback."

"I wish I could go myself... but at this rate, I probably won’t be able to leave anytime soon..."

Anya’s breath hitched.

"Oh no, My Lord! If it’s like that, I’ll do it!"

Her voice cracked, red with emotion.

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

Was this real?

Was she dreaming?

A mission to the frontlines?

The first biomecha from her batch? And she’d even learn how to repair it?!

How was it possible to fulfill all her dreams just like that?!

Luca looked a little nervous. "Are you sure? It’s really alright if it’s too difficult."

Although Luca hoped she would agree, he himself knew how difficult it would be. So to maybe compensate, he figured he’d make it worthwhile for her.

"If it helps... if you’re interested and manage to learn, I’d like to try making a custom weapon for you."

"I’ll just need to learn a few more things first, but—"

"KYAAA!"

Anya squealed.

"DEAL! I ACCEPT!

"My Lord! Please teach me!"

She would’ve jumped over the table if she could. Heck, stamp her acceptance on her forehead! She was that willing!

A custom weapon from THE Luca Kyros?

Who in their right mind would say no?! She was willing to brawl for that!

Meanwhile, around her, groans of despair echoed. How could they be unlucky enough not to be born with enough brain cells to learn mecha manufacturing?

Why, oh why, were they born with hands that couldn’t craft?

Like Duke Leander, who sat there staring at a void, wondering if it was too late to learn how to make mechas.

Maybe... maybe it wasn’t too late to learn?

Should he have spent more time learning to build mechas instead of battleships?

Was he being punished for focusing too much on firepower?

His heart ached.

But then the pain worsened.

Because who could’ve expected Luca to unfold the remaining names in the order he thought would be best to distribute the mecha?

His hands turned clammy, and his breath felt fainter as his eyes kept going down the list.

Heartbreak spread across the table.

Until finally... the Duke saw his name.

At the bottom.

The very bottom.

Below everyone else.

Below even Butler Gary.

"...Is this because I tried to beat Xavier in the simulator...?" he whispered in horror.

The noises that came out of him sounded less human and more like a half-dead animal.

Others around the table tried to stay composed. But it was hard not to flinch every time the Duke let out a soft dying squeak every time his eyes passed another person’s name.

Finally, Duchess Amelia cleared her throat and calmly asked, "Luca, could you explain the arrangement?"

Because surely, her son had a reason.

Luca fidgeted, then nodded.

"For one, Papa’s biomecha is the only advanced-type I’m making for now. So I thought it would be better to build all the basic ones first while the design and material handling are still fresh in my mind."

That made sense.

But Luca wasn’t done.

"More importantly... I think Papa would need the least amount of time to adjust to a new mecha."

The Duke paused mid-groan.

"Huh?"

He straightened. His ears twitched.

Duchess Amelia smiled knowingly and gestured for him to stay quiet.

"I was thinking like this..." Luca continued. "Mom was second because I thought she’d be great at helping others train. She could build a specialized training program for the new biomecha pilots."

"And those in the middle ranks are the ones I think will need the most time to get used to the systems or the ones we need to send to the frontlines as soon as possible."

"So really, Papa is last... because I think he’ll adapt faster than everyone else."

Luca looked a little shy at the end.

The room was quiet.

Then a sniff.

Duke Leander turned to Butler Gary with wet eyes.

"Gary, my son just said I’m the best, right?"

Butler Gary opened his mouth, ready to clarify.

Then sighed and changed his words.

"Yes, Your Grace. The Young Lord definitely thinks very highly of you."

"Ehehehe."

The Duke giggled, squirming in his seat like a child.

"Don’t worry, my son! Even if you give it to me the night before a battle, Papa will manage!"

He puffed up his chest.

But fate had ears.

Because in the end, he really did get it the day before.

At least everyone else got theirs on time. Right?