//------------------------------//
// Viva Con Cages, Viva Lost Wages 
// Story: Letters from an Irritated Princess 
// by Tired Old Man 
//------------------------------//

Dear Granny Smith,


I’m sorry, but I may have to cancel our annual vacation to Las Pegasus.


Apparently, the tickets I’d bought for us to see Ponet Fantastique are completely worthless thanks to a new change in management, and also a loss of approximately all the performers of the show. I received half of my refund, and a set of new tickets to visit the theatre where they would have performed if they remained.


I’ll be requesting a full refund instead. I don’t care if my tickets are box seats with an amazing view, they’re no good if there are no performers. It’s basic common sense, something those new theatre managers are clearly lacking along with some semblance of substance. 


Sheesh, at least Gladmane had substance there, even if he had to crack a few eggs and throw a pony or two under the bus to do it. He didn’t have to do that, but that’s not the point.


Speaking of Gladmane, I tried reaching out to him to get some answers on this matter, but he has remained unresponsive over the past few days. Shocking, I know. He typically bends over backwards to respond to my letters like the incredible kiss-ass he is. Except unlike the nobles, I liked that coming from him. He did know how to treat his guests well, despite apparently being duplicitous to his staff. 

I’m… not entirely sure why he was duplicitous in the first place, as a matter of fact. If he didn’t want his performers to leave, why not pay them more instead of staging arguments? Shouldn’t that be the simplest solution for him given how many bits his establishments rake in by the minute? Or did greed really cloud his mind that much?


...Oh wait, it’s Las Pegasus. Of course it did.


Well, I presume he should be a bit more occupied since I’ve sent a few inspectors and auditors over to evaluate the rest of his enterprise. I haven’t had much of a need to do so until now--he’s been more than generous in paying his taxes, and even refusing to collect his tax returns. But… if he did so to throw me off from initiating a full, thorough inspection of his operations, that “King of R&R” played me like a six-string guitar.


And I don’t appreciate being played.


Don’t you worry, Granny. I’ll be taking a few necessary steps to ensure Las Pegasus is still the hub of entertainment it’s always been for us. Regarding the new owners of the theatre that have already begun cutting corners even on a proper refund, I’ll be writing a little notice informing them of exactly how much responsibility they’ll have, in addition to the joys of properly paying taxes (and respect) like the former owner.


If all goes well, I might be able to salvage the trip by the end of the month. I’ll let you know if that’s the case.


Friends forever,


Celestia


P.S. It’s also best if Apple… uh, she has a ‘jack’, right? For some reason, I don’t think she does anymore. Ahem, if I ensure our trip is something worthwhile, keep it secret like our other trips. She sounded pretty vocal about swearing she will never visit that city again, and the last thing we want is a reason for her to go there and be a killjoy.


Sunny, why are you packing your bags?


Wait, you seriously want these tickets? Why?!


Fill it with imagination--I can get you a large, cardboard box if you want to do that! You do not need an expensive theatre for imaginary purposes!


Okay, you want me to see an empty theatre that badly to make a point? FINE! Let's go see an empty theatre!


We can take Moony too if you like! Why not? What’s the worst that could happen?