After the meeting with the mayor was over, Janice went back to the lobby, where her friends had waited for her. They seemed to be trying to talk sense into the Secretary. Melia was the one ripping into her at the moment. “There’s nothing wrong with somepony wanting to see the mayor! Just-!”
However, The Secretary huffed, slamming a hoof on the desk. “I don’t have to take this from a thestral, even if you did help save the town! I am looking out for the town here! Mister Howler is a disgusting freak, just like you and your friend that went to see the mayor. I may not have been able to stop her, but I sure as Tartarus can bar him entrance! I-!”
Just then, the mayor came out of her office. “Miss Ardent Valor! That’s quite enough!” She stormed down the stairs, and glared at her secretary. “I’ve given you chance after chance, Miss Valor. Pack your things. You’re fired!”
Eyes full of shock, Ardent Valor tried to reason with her. “B-but Misses Mayor! I’m only trying to-!”
Eyes full of disdain and anger, Mayor Ivory Scroll leered at Ardent as she leaned over the desk. “No. I don’t need protecting from Mister Howler, or any of the residents of Ponyville. I will see Mister Howler, and you can not do anything about it. Now get out of my sight.”
At that, Ardent knew that the mayor meant business. She packed her things, and stood. She went to the front door of Town Hall, and then looked back. “You’re making a grave error, Misses Mayor. But I see that you will not be persuaded. I bid you farewell, for now.” With that, she left while slamming the door.
The Mayor sighed, and then addressed Mister Howler. “I’m terribly sorry about her attitude towards you, Phantom Howler. It was inexcusable.”
Shaking his head, Phantom smiled slightly. “It’s alright, I’m used to it.” He shrugged non committedly. “I have a very… odd… talent, to say the least. It’s why I’ve adopted the name Phantom Howler, as opposed to telling everyone my real name.”
Mayor Scroll’s eyebrows shot up in intrigue. “It’s not your given name, then? Then what is your real name?”
Phantom shifted on the spot a bit, nervous at the question. “W-wind Shard, ma’am. Th-though, I really don’t mind if you call me Phantom. I actually kinda like it, to be honest.”
Smiling, Mayor Scroll nodded. “Well then, Phantom. How about we talk more on this idea of yours in my office? I’m quite intrigued with it!”
She led the way back up to her office, Phantom following behind with excitement. Before entering the office, he waved to the girls. “Wish me luck!” He then entered, the doors closing firmly behind him.
The girls sighed collectively, and Roseluck shook her head. “That was something, alright. That Ms. Valor really needs to get out more.” She then looked to Janice. “So, what news do you have for us?”
Smiling widely, Janice led them out of Town Hall. “Well, everything’s going to go smoothly thanks to those documents. I picked out a storefront too, so I could sell my jewelry. Mayor Scroll helped me draw up the plans for the house, and I couldn’t be happier!”
The friends travelled over to the contractor’s place to give the plans over to them. Once inside, they found a very friendly member of the team at the front desk. “How can I help you fine ladies today?” He smiled, his soot gray coat accentuated by the lighting.
Janice had to compose herself at the sight of him. He had pinkish-purple eyes, and a mane and tail of off-white blue. Controlling the thoughts going through her head, Janice set the forms on the counter. “I’m here to have you construct a house for me.”
Lighting his horn, the cheerful lad took a look. “Certainly! Let’s see here…” For a moment, the lad went over each page carefully. After a few minutes, He nodded his head. “These look alright. Gotta get an appraisal of cost, though. Not just money, but time as well. Hey, Boss!”
A burly jade Earth Pony came in, and took a look at the papers himself. After a bit of deliberation, he nodded quickly. “Right. The construction materials… the labor… the time… according to our rates, it’ll be 4 stampede coins for the cost.”
Janice took out her purse, and fished out four platinum coins of about two inches in diameter and set them on the counter. “There you go. The papers have the ideal location details on there. Anything else?”
The boss shook his head. “Not from us, no. If ya want some furnishings ya’ll need to go to Quills & Sofas to get some.” Before going into the back, his face showed a bit of concern in his ivory eyes. “Hey, if the owner of the place gives ya any trouble… Let ‘em know that Steady Ground sent ya. He’ll shut up then.”
Janice nodded, and waved. “Alright then! See you!” The girls then left the building.
After a bit of silence, the lad spoke up. “She’s kinda cute. What do you think? Do I have a chance with her?”
Sighing, Steady rolled his eyes. “Don’ go doin’ anythin’ stupid, Clear Record. Ya’ve done this sort ‘o thing ‘fore, and it didn’t go so well for ya. I’ve told ya agin an’ agin-”
Clear sighed deeply. “I know, boss. ‘Don’t go datin’ the customers!’ I get it, but… Something tells me that this might be different. I mean the cool factor of her saving the town-”
Stomping a hoof, Steady caused Clear to jump a little. “Listen here, and you listen good!” Clear shook a little as he looked into his boss’ eyes. “There’s somthin’ that you best learn ‘fore ya get yaself in truble! She may be a hero, boy. But there’s a sayin’ about trustin’ heroes.” He paused a bit, and turned away. “‘Heroics don’t mean everything.’”