The next few days went by in a blur for the two colts. They worked far into the night, and got back up early in the morning to help. The hours were showing on their faces. The normally prim and kept up colts were showing their wear and tear. Flim's cloths were torn, and his hat long gone. His mane and tail were disheveled and nothing he did got it back into place. Trenderhoof had abandoned his fancy cloths, and took to walking around without a sweater.
Applejack was running out of tests. They were both fighting pretty hard and she knew soon they'd want a decision.
"Ya two take the day off. You've been workin' awful hard and I know ya ain't use to it. Go rest and meet back here tomorrow bright and early." She had serious thinking to do, and she couldn't do so with those two underhoof.
Trenderhoof headed straight for Rarity's boutique.
Flim headed back to the hotel to see Flam. He had tried several times to ask Applejack if they could live on the farm, but, she had refused every time. So, the hotel was where they lived.
"You look horrible." Flam said, as his brother entered the room.
"Did you look into what I asked?"
"I tried at the library. But, that Pinkie Pie is in charge while the Princess is in Canterlot and ... she's not any help. Drove me about crazy. But, I think I found what you were looking for." Flam produced a book and Flim quickly took it.
He began reading over and smirked. "Perfect!"
"So?"
"See, dear brother, Sweet Apple Acres is ... well, its how Ponyville was founded. By a technicality most of its land is actually owned by Canterlot. Though, I don't think anyone knows it. Especially not the Apples."
"So?" Flam asked again.
"So, that means, if we paid our friend in Canterlot to over look things, we could buy Sweet Apple Acres from under the Apples."
"Well! Lets go to Canterlot, brother!"
"No."
"No?"
"See, its a matter of pride, dear Flam. I've worked this hard for her attention. She has to make her choice tomorrow. She gave us both today off, when we show up in the morning, she'll have made her choice. I know that and I knew Trenderhoof knows that. I don't have much of a doubt who she'll pick. She's been quite impressed with my improvement! BUT, should she chose him ... well, I simply corner her later and bring up this information. If she refuses to head to city hall, then, we'll go to Canterlot."
"But, why do you need her so much?"
"Pride. As I said. Plus, we two can't run a farm all our own, and it will cut into profit to hire help. IF I marry her, I get the FREE help of her family."
"Ohhhhh! Brother, you are a genius!" Flam smirked and clapped his hoof against the other's.
Yes, this new plan would work out just fine for Flim. All he had to do was wait and see her choice.