diff --git a/bundle.yaml b/bundle.yaml
index 93c676b..eccbfd1 100644
--- a/bundle.yaml
+++ b/bundle.yaml
@@ -92,8 +92,8 @@
   mysql-innodb-cluster:
     charm: mysql-innodb-cluster
     channel: 8.0/stable
-    num_units: 3
-    to: [lxd:8, lxd:9, lxd:10]
+    num_units: 1                       # SINGLE-MYSQL seed; ramp to 3 in phase 2 via add-unit (D-009)
+    to: [lxd:8]                        # seed on machine 8 LXD; 9/10 reserved for ramp
     bindings:
       '': metal-admin
       certificates: metal-internal