When Twilight got home, the very first place she headed was the castle since Starlight and Spike would likely be home. She knew well enough what Starlight would likely be doing given she was gone, studying magic. She headed into the library and sure enough, there was Starlight with a pile of books, studying the thing she loved the most.
Twilight had a huge smile on her face as she addressed Starlight, "Well I did it! Celestia understood!"
Starlight immediately embraced her friend, "Twilight, I'm so happy for you." She broke the embrace and added, "You certainly look less stressed."
Twilight exclaimed, "I am! You have no idea how happy I am right now."
Spike would then chime in, "I take it you told Celestia about how you are feeling? I'm assuming you won't be taking over yet."
Twilight replied, "Well it is more like I'll continue to be The Princess of Friendship and run my school. She has decided to not retire at all."
Spike gasped, "What? She's not retiring now?"
Twilight replied, "After I told her about how much I love my current life and how I didn't want to rule Equestria on my own, she understood and decided not to retire."
Spike had been looking forward to Twilight going on to rule the country and was slightly disappointed but he was happy to see the one who had been like a sister to him happy, "Well I'm happy for you Twilight. I was looking forward to seeing you rule but since that isn't what you want, it looks like everything turned out fine."
Twilight laughed, "Yeah, now the most stress I will have is winning that third trivia trot in a row."
Starlight asked, "You've won two in a row haven't you?"
Twilight replied, "Yep and I'm ready for number three but for now, let's go tell our other friends. I bet they'll be so happy!"
The three left the castle and headed towards Sugarcube Corner assuming that is where they were. Sure enough, when they got in there they all noticed a huge smile on Twilight's face. Applejack was the first to say anything, "Hi Twilight, you look happy."
Twilight replied, "Well I just got back from Canterlot and I have some wonderful news."
Pinkie immediately became excited, "Oooh, oooh, do we get to throw you a I'm the sole ruler of Equestria party?"
Twilight replied, "Even better, Celestia's not retiring and I get to stay here with all you guys!"
All five of them gasped in shock. Rarity gasped, "But Twilight, why are you so happy? I thought you wanted to be the ruler of all Equestria."
Twilight replied, "I don't and luckily Celestia understood that I enjoy the life I have and I don't want to leave any of you, I don't want to leave Ponyville and I don't want to leave the school."
Rainbow asked, "But Twi, wasn't this what Celestia had groomed you for, us for? So now we won't get to rule Equestria?"
Twilight replied, "Girls, I would have been the one that had to handle all her duties and I would be the one sacrificing everything I love. She did groom me to rule Equestria but I chose all of you over that. All of you mean so much more to me than ruling the country, which like i just said is something I don't want."
Fluttershy chimed in, "Uhm, well Twilight I am happy that you're happy." She turned to the others and said, "I know we were all looking forward to this but what matters is that Twilight is happy and leading the life she wants."
Twilight embraced her and replied, "Thanks Fluttershy, I knew you'd understand."
Applejack then became curious about something, "But if you're staying, what about Starlight being head mare? You promised her that...."
Starlight interrupted, "Applejack, that doesn't matter to me. Twilight being happy is what matters and besides, I'm perfectly happy remaining the school's guidance counselor."
Pinkie then pulled her party canon out, fired it and exclaimed, "I guess we get to throw a 'Twilight's happy she can stay' party instead!"
Twilight laughed, "Definitely and let's do that now! I'm ready to celebrate!"
Everypony agreed and headed to Twilight's castle to throw a party celebrating Twilight not leaving Ponyville. As they were heading there, something from when Twilight first got her wings so long ago crossed her mind. She thought to herself, "Everything's going to be just fine!"