//------------------------------// // Chapter 80 - The prodigious secretary! // Story: The normal life of Nitpick Bittersweet // by Ryusun //------------------------------// “So it was that on August twenty-six, almost fourteen years ago, that I was in the predicament of either advancing my studies to get a master degree in Business Administration or remain in Applewood Noble University and keep being an International Relations teacher! Staying at my previous job was the best decision I could have ever made! I met a lot of people during the years of teaching! That’s where I met your current Principal and Vice-Principal! Celestia was so stuck up on being the best and barely had a reason to laugh during her daily life!” “I can’t even imagine that, Mayor Mare!” Sunset Shimmer said astonished. “Principal Celestia is one of the most open-minded and joyous educative personnel I have ever met!” “Muhohoho! Then you should have seen Luna on her freshman years! She was so impulsive, reckless, and barely could keep her scores on the passing mark! After some incidents that I won’t divulge, their personalities took a change for the better. Well, for the most part.” “Like what?” “You are living in the flesh those changes, Miss Shimmer! Perhaps some regrets linger on them, but with students like you, I am sure that one day they’ll become better than this!” “I couldn’t possibly imagine better versions of Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna!” “I do.” Nitpick said. “Perhaps being more severe and less laid back with their punishments on the students could be a start!” “Nitpick!” “Muhohoho! You are very straight-forward, young man! So tell me, who is your least favorite of the two?” “Principal Celestia.” He said instantly. “WHAT!?” Sunset stood up from her seat. “How could you say that!? She is practically the reason you are here with me!” “If this is considered a blessing, I can’t imagine what would hell… Forgive, Mayor Mare!” His self-lynching reminded him of his surroundings. “It’s not a problem! Not at all! Even I had my stage of rebellion against the establishment! But, we have lost enough time! Thank goodness we arrived earlier from lunch or we would be far behind schedule now!” “What’s the first step to complete our final day of training, Mayor Mare?” Nitpick asked. “Sunset, did you bring them?” “Yes, Mayor! Everything is ready for us to start?” “What are you talking about?” “Come with me, Nitpick! I’ll explain on the way!” …. Twenty minutes later, the Mayor chuckled mentally at the panorama and couldn’t stop at being in marvel with those two. She asked of Sunset if she could get the best dresses they could use for this day. Both were using grey suits with a dark blue tie. Nitpick’s shoes were black while Sunset’s were brown. For the Mayor, they were ready to face the world together. Well, at least in the image area. “So this is what those bags of yours had in them!” “Rarity sent her best regards to you! She is so used with your measures now that you didn’t need to go to her boutique. Do we look good enough in these, Mayor?” “Ohohoho! Youngsters these days! Getting more expressive than ever! There was a time when the youth was too reserved and quiet during relaxing moments! As long as you know how to behave during serious meetings, you should keep talking and learning all you can!” She stepped in front of the exit room. “After all…!” She looked at them over her shoulder. “You are only young once! We must depart now, young future of Equestria!” …. Travelling by foot would have been ideal to know their current status with the people. The job of the Mayor is to protect the town from a financial cataclysm and make sure that its citizens enjoy the cleanest and prideful life they deserve. Not everything was an oasis inside the Desert of Politics. Some people, sadly, suffer because green finances can’t reach to every member of society. That’s why they, the public leaders, must enforce their duty through the menial tasks. Menial tasks that can alter the balance of peace to the citizens’ favor. Sadly, some of the members of the council were corrupted and perverted. Always dismissing the people’s fears, expanding their filthy tentacles to the nation’s income. The deviating of money to their pockets should be made public and punished. But one must learn to swim inside the currents of politics and learn to play the cards to one’s favor. Curious, she always said, that the most humble, hard-working and kindest members of the council came from towns. Some of them were unbearable, incompetent… the Mayor of Ponyville gave herself a quick, little and concealed slap on her face. It was no time for petty grievances when she was driving. Mayor Mare started her duty of today. She was driving her old Pentra from the eighties around the town with the kids behind and her secretary as the co-pilot. The car - her baby - may be old, but some adjustments here and there and hundreds of dollars for retrofitting purposes made it look and sound like new. The part that hurt her wallet the most was the engine. Oh, if only she didn’t have a conscience and stole money from the people like half of her compatriots did. “Mayor Mare, you are going in the wrong direction. Please refrain from overthinking menial problems.” “Gracious Goodness, Raven! You have been only working for me since January and I already feel that you know my antics to the core. What would I do without you?” “Crashing in the park could be a possibility.” She took several shots with her professional camera while writing on her notepad. “Muhohoho! Smile for me once in a while! We have guests with us!” “These kids will believe that the proud Mayor of Ponyville hires incompetent fools if I drop down my professionalism and display childish mannerisms worthy of a junior high-school instead. These won’t do…” She mumbled as she was meddling with that monstrous camera. “Could you please make a second travel around the zone, Mayor Mare? I need to re-do some shots.” “Good point!” She saw from my rear-view mirror the faces of two shocked pupils as she travelled once more around the zone. “But watch your snarky comments! Must I remind you again that we’ll have visitors?” “The rain is falling heavy on the streets. Please drive with extreme caution, Mayor.” “You aren’t going to ignore my request, are you?” “I have collected all the pictures and filled the data in the corresponding sheets! We should proceed to the Market Zone next!” “You only smile when we talk about job!” “Well, if I mean to succeed you, Mayor, being able to surpass you in politics and customs is a first for me. You hired me because my competence and not by favoritism. I need to repay you in kind.” “Then to the Market Zone it is! And don’t think like that exclusively! You barely reached your twenties and shouldn’t be that serious in life! Now hold tight!” She pressed the pedal , her pride roared across the streets. …. “We have collected all data, Mayor. We should go back and get ready for the representatives of the Town Council immediately!” “What?” The youngsters groaned. “You forgot to tell them, Mayor?” “Muhohoho! They will be fine as long as they keep a sharp mind!” Raven was rubbing her eyes and stress led her forehead to the window. “Everything will work as planned! These children will learn a lot from the meeting! You know it!” “I can’t wait to witness their display of tears of despair.” From her rear-view window, Mayor Mare saw the sweating faces of the youngsters. “Please excuse the attitude of fair Raven, kids! Prodigies like her tend to be exaggerated with the actual situation.” “I don’t know why you said that.” She said heavily. “Heh! I don’t like her attitude, Mayor.” Nitpick said. “Her overwhelming trust in us is inspiring.” “Nitpick.” Sunset whispered in scolding. As the youngsters had a discussion discreetly, Raven chuckled for herself. So sarcasm WAS indeed her cup of tea. Mayor Mare took a mental note on that. “Okay, we are in the Town’s Hall again! Children, please leave the meeting room spotless as Raven and I prepare the presentation! Raven, if you please!” “Right away, Mayor.” They made the appropriate preparations for the occasion. The youngsters were finished with their task faster than even she could anticipate. It was perfect since now it came to the funniest part sooner! “We must finish the job in less than an hour!” “WHAT!?” The young duo said. “Now, now! We are wasting precious time! While Raven uploads the data and pictures to our laptop, let me explain the current state of affairs of the town in general! It will be useful for you so during the conference you don’t get lost in the discussion. Now, as you know…!” The young secretary turned on the projector and put on screen her on-going labor. Mayor Mare gave a quick explanation of what she meant while Sunset and Nitpick were taking notes like no tomorrow. “And that’s it. Any questions?” “Not for now, Mayor. It was pretty clear to us.” Shimmer said while underlining what she considered important. Bittersweet just nodded in affirmation. “Excellent! Now, what do you think of the prowess of my assistant?” “There’s no need for unnecessary praise, Mayor.” Raven said with no amuse. “Now, now! A girl your age shouldn’t think like that! Perhaps living alone is affecting you?” “Living alone? Are your parents…?” “No, Bittersweet. They are alive and well enjoying their retirement, traveling around the country in a mobile house. When I finished college last year because of my scores, I decided that I would live on my own sooner or later. When Mayor Mare hired me, my time to move on came to my door. My department is nice and my elder sister is the landlady, so it’s cheap.” “You don’t look that old to be living on your own!” “Anyone can do it if they have enough common sense to not throw money away in useless possessions.” “You graduated too fast for what Mayor Mare said about your age.” “Crystal Prep University is very kind with students that exceed their expectations. Since my scores were above exemplary, they offered me several tests to advance grades and focus my time on professional practices. I aced them all and finished my career in less than three years. Very few colleges offer such advantages!” “I belonged to Crystal Prep… once.” “Couldn’t resist the pressure and left?” “No… Father said that it was as waste for me to be there.” “Then your Father is an utter fool!” She stopped her job with fervent passion. “There is no better school in the nation than Crystal Prep Academy! Word of advice? If you want to get back, there is a special test that lets you get a one-hundred percent scholarship! If you pass it, you would practically live in the school paying your fees through work, blood and tears, like I did! But I assure you it’s worth it! Since you got out because personal issues and not for being a troublemaker, you have the right to ask for that privilege. Not even Principal Cinch will deny you if you have a good background since the laws are in your favor. Were you part of a successful club in the school?” “I was a Champion of the lower class before I left.” “Really? Before I went to college, a girl called Dusty Silverwind took the mantle of the third class. Smart girl. Sadly, she lacked vision and decided to study at a normal pace once she started her career as an electrical engineer. Pity. She could have graduated next year instead of three. Greater than me in the field of applied sciences that one is.” “Yeah… my friend, Sugarcoat, dethroned her last year in the War for Succession.” “Oh… is she good!?” “Really good in my opinion. Reem Oakwood runs the show for the second class.” “Another noble, I presume. Typical of the second class and their silver plate benefits. Did she inherit the job as well?” “Yes, but Sugarcoat worked her to death until she became competent enough. She even helped us organize the Christmas Happy Marathon last year.” “Oh! I assisted there while I was waiting for my certificate. It was beautiful. The best job that Crystal Prep has made according to the media, and that’s hard to achieve!” She said prideful. “Who was your superior before becoming Champion? It was Arland, I presume.” “No one. I was a new blood. Everything I needed to learn from the job, Sugarcoat taught it to me.” “New blood?” Shimmer and the Mayor asked confused. “Someone who got into the academy during high school instead of middle school.” “Hehehe! You aren’t kidding me, are you? A new blood becoming Champion is rare!” She stopped typing and stood up. “Say… can you do me a favor?” “Sure.” “Can I call you a lower class for old times’ sake just for today? I feel nostalgic all of the sudden…” “Well… yeah, I don’t see the problem.” “Come here and finish the job for me, lower class.” She said commanding but kind. “This part of the format is easy! Just imagine that it’s the weekly documentation for Principal Cinch and you’ll be done in no time.” He sat and gave a quick look to the current state of the presentation. “Hey… the data is completely different but this format is eerily familiar…” He tapped very slowly while reading the information Raven collected. Suddenly, his fingers moved faster, and faster. He was almost as quick as her. “You made a mistake on the second paragraph of that page. You have several misspells on that line. You aren’t giving the correct line spacing in the format. The way you position your images is too at the middle. Your hands aren’t in a perfect position to take full advantage of the keyboard. Perhaps you aren’t familiar with laptops when you don’t have a mouse. I can see that you are the kind to get frustrated easily. Can’t you type faster? Are you even trying? Why are you so average?” “You little…” He groaned in frustration. “I’m just a high school student.” “Champion Leaders are above high school levels! It seems that Champions have become too weak since I left!” “No, you haven’t met Sugarcoat! She could give you a run for your money!” In that moment, the Mayor saw the fieriest eyes she has ever seen from her. “Really? You said that she succeeded little Silverwind, didn’t you? Interesting! Bring her to me one of these days! I wish to meet her! For now, I should get back to work. You WILL come and learn from me every day until the Mayor says you are done here! Can you extend their tutelage a few days more, Mayor Mare?” “O-of course but-!” “Excellent! Now step aside, new blood! Watch and learn! This is how it’s done!” Nitpick wasn’t sure what was going on but he felt the necessity to only say, “Y-yes!” The Mayor and Sunset Shimmer were left speechless as they looked to each other. …. It was six in the evening and the meeting started without delay. After a brief summary of what was going on, debate soon began. “This is simply unacceptable!” Filthy Rich barked as his fist met the table. “A few broken aqueducts shouldn’t impede the development of this town! Investment in making an urbanization of this place is imperative if we wish to propel our economy!” “I agree! The water distribution can wait! We need to mimic the urbanization program of our neighborhoods on the east!” An old man sitting beside Rich said. ‘Typical short-sighted millionaires.’ The Mayor thought. “Gentlemen, we discussed with you last time that water is a must for the folks of this town. Just because what you believe is right-!” “We know that we are right, Mayor Mare! The charts don’t lie! Our focus should be the construction of the super mall in the Waston Avenue!” “Ridiculous! The Waston Avenue is expected to finally be repaired next year!” “That place doesn’t have any people in it!” “Must I remind you that it was thanks to your meddling that we didn’t have the money from the state to commence reparations? Many families had to relocate thanks to your selfish decisions!” ‘Including Lightbulb and Dancer’s families, old bastards.’ Nitpick thought angered. “Come on, Mayor! It was inevitable that they needed to relocate! We did them a favor in the first place! All the families received a small compensation and we helped them move to better homes!” “That is not an excuse! Nevermind that, our priority for now is giving maintenance to the sewer system! Everything was supposed to commence today but you insisted that you had a better idea!” “I told you already, Mayor! The mall is what this town needs now!” Filthy Rich said in a suave way, joining the tip of his fingers and raising a brow. “The people can wait a few months more for the water maintenance!” “Some regions of the suburbs haven’t received a drop of clean water for days now! Ponyville IS in charge of giving the people of that region the essential services all the citizens need!” “The mall will give to the town an increase in trades from other regions of the country! Crystal States will be forced to give us more resources to invest in better projects!” “This town already has a main source of income and resources besides what the government offers us: Sweet Apple Acres and our local business! Our duty is to expend the money with the people’s interest in mind and not our wallets!” “Is conscience the way of business? No, Mayor Mare! Luxuries ARE the source of real money!” “We are getting out the topic!” One of the eldest members of the council spoke. “The only reason why we’re having this meeting is because you halted the progress of the plan we already approved! Those sewers are our first priority, whether you agree or not, Filthy Rich!” “Listen, old man! We need to strengthen our economy if we wish to raise this tiny town to a landmark for the world to see.” “Ponyville is already a landmark for the country! A beacon of hope and nature! It was during the final stages of the First World War and it IS to this day in times of peace! Raven, if you please.” “Right away, Mayor Mare!” Mayor Mare had planned for this day that her secretary should take charge for today. She had hopes for her. She had a goal for her. She was drowned in the dream to pour her knowledge in the thirsty mind of youth who wished to become more than she was. But sometimes it took more than that. A flare of undying passion from someone younger and far more passionate than her could give a new perspective to the council, and herself. She desired from her secretary the ability to transmit her knowledge and love for her town to the people and find a way to harness that strength into useful actions. Being able to empathize with the citizens and offer them solutions to her problems was one of the many reasons she hired Raven Inkscape. She lacked diplomatic speech and her methods were too strict. But there was something that she was extremely good at. “We have a severe leakage of water resources on the northern section of town, which is affecting the population of the suburbs as well!” She arranged the taken pictures form of journey while typing the data she gathered in it. “As you can see, eventually, this flaw will hit the rest of the system on town. Some of the streets are flooding as we speak.” “Now that you mention it, it’s true…” Nitpick said in thought. “The local plaza of the town shouldn’t be flooded. It was a first for me to see it reaching the parking lot in my life! The ambulant sellers must have been forced to retreat because of the water. Not even the rain stopped them before. People always go to buy their merchandise, always putting their stores every Monday and Friday!” “Exactly, Bittersweet!” Raven said impressed. “How do you know that?” Sunset whispered. “Well, I usually-!” “Children, please be quiet!” Rich said. “Let the adults keep talking. This business is important!” Raven continued, a little angered by the businessman’s behavior. She slowly spoke professionally again, and her way of thinking out of the box was a spectacle worth watching as most members of the committee agreed to her words during her presentation. “Goodness…” Mayor Mare whispered a bit amazed. “At this pace she WILL take my post really soon.” She made a concealed laugh of approval. Filthy Rich, however, “Far too idealistic, young girl!” “Exactly.” A man supporting Rich said. “Agreed.” A woman supported as well. “Please elaborate, Mr. Filthy.” “Mr. Rich sounds better, don’t you think so?” He said annoyed. “However…” He quickly recovered his composure. “I must agree you deserve an explanation. You see, young lady, sometimes sacrifices must be made to secure the ever growing progress of a town. The money we could make if we forego some citizens is far more worth it in the long run than we could possibly imagine!” “For you, at least.” “The town’s interests are my interests!” “Economically speaking, dubious, but it’s not in favor of the human necessity of the people!” “Oh?” the elders made a frown of interest. “Care to explain, Miss Inkscape?” “The town has technically one hundred years of history if we take into account the nomads of the Apple tribe who settled here. The main point of interest of this town is Sweet Apple Acres. More than a farm, that place and its surroundings serve as the lung of the town and some parts of the suburbs.” She said professionally. “I fail to see what could be relevant from all that!” Rich said. “Every year in spring, when the flowers’ beauty pales the rays of the sun, people from all over the country come to enjoy the annual sale of vegetables from the Apple family. As you know, after trying, and failing astonishingly to make patents of that product, Sweet Apple Acres produce the Red Camboyan tomato, only conceivable on the soil of this town.” Filthy Rich’s cheeks reddened of embarrassment of his past failed business. “They sell it for six dollars for one piece. Not only that, it’s a gourmet ingredient of the highest quality! So rare that the best chefs of the world come here and try to buy every single tomato they can!” “But - !” “I’m not done. In summer, they sell the best beans and corns of the state. Another kind of products you strikingly failed to patent.” “Wait, that was - !” “The Western Bean is sold at three dollars the bag of one hundred pounds. The Queen Corn is sold at seven dollars with ninety nine cents per bushel. Must I remind you that these are gourmet ingredients as well? In autumn, the Apples made their annual fair for the citizens to enjoy. A festivity you tried, and failed stunningly to patent as well.” “I am starting to feel you are enjoying this.” Rich slammed his palms on the table. Raven didn’t pay him attention and continued with her explanation, “Even if it was for one day, the tourism sky rocketed on town. Because as you know, the local vendors benefit from those sales. And taking into account that those sellers pay a healthy fee to the treasury of the town for use of space, and you can see where I am going with this. Not to mention that in winter, they produce the best and most exquisite cider of the country, and perhaps the whole world, the Gold Brand Apple Cider, who you tried, and failed spectacularly to patent as well.” “Yes but-!” “And I haven’t even touched the local business yet. Ponyville is one of the most auto-sufficient and proudest towns of the country! To say that a common super mall will increase revenue is pure wishful thinking of yours! Your predecessor, Smelly Rich, and his predecessor, Stinkin’ Rich failed to see that, ruining six towns across Equestria in an embarrassing fashion during their time. Your lineage may have one of the best businesses IN the cities, but towns are different beasts! Specially a town where they pride themselves with tradition! To say that people will openly accept your outrageous plans to bring the first world to Ponyville speaks volumes of your ignorance on the matter!” “How dare you to say that? I have more experience in the field than you!” “You just were born a pair of decades earlier than me.” She said coldly. “This town, and many others, serves a basic necessity that first world countries need: food supply! The Maximus Plaza in Crystal State, your plaza, works because the people of the city demands expensive electronics, first world clothes, and so on and so on. The people of towns, in this world at least, could care less about luxury and such. And those who love such things go straight to the Chocoratte Plaza in the suburbs, which is fifty minutes at most from Ponyville.” “But-!” “The only thing I see right now is a businessman, who although is in his right to want more from his business, wants to exploit the holes of investment that our current law has. Not on my watch! Mayor and my respected members of the council, this bickering is pointless. Please make a final decision without further ado. But I believe that decision is clear.” “Don’t tell me you are going to let a girl convince you that what she said is right! I have in my disposal hundreds of titans of investment that knows what they are talking about! Urbanization - !” “First of all, urbanization is the gradual increase of population in a certain area. And for that to happen, required space is needed! This town can hold ten thousand inhabitants at most, including future expansions in the surroundings! This town could never become a city since we don’t have terrains where to expand. The north? The suburbs already exist and both Crystal State and Ponyville are in charge of one half of it. The south? It would be waste of time and resources to build something without heavy investment from the government. The east? The mountains of Ponyville and its forests are a protected ecological reserve. Touching even an inch of it is nearly a capital offense. The west? Sweet Apple Acres!” The elder man on the council raised his hand. “I fail to see what you want to achieve with this, Secretary of Finances Raven Inskcape.” “Urbanization is only possible if we have the necessary space to expand. We don’t have it. Adding the fact that Equestria has maintained a healthy population number, we must maintain a certain balance between the two for future generations to enjoy. Not promote ruin, like the countries in the east are experiencing now. Too much population, excessive industrial parks, horrible life expectancy, and ten countries are already being absorbed by first world countries because of bankruptcy! Allowing you to make a mall first, and later on fall with other projects you plan down the line will harm part of our economy, even if it looks insignificant in the short run!” “Equestria is fine as it is! What’s the damage if another little town disappears for the sake of growth!?” Some members of the council finally understood why Raven changed subjects. “Then I’ll tell you. Great Equine, Nippon, Germenshty, SwedSwed and even Griffonia are our greatest enemies in both economy and living conditions! With the exception of Griffonia, whose main source of income is outlandish tourism and superior military force and weapons, and Nippon, whose technology far surpasses ours, all those countries have farming towns, industrial parks located in strategic points at a safe distance of its cities, and city hubs that manage trades at an alarming rate and efficacy! King Blueblood and his lineage, even if they are a family of debauchery, have not only imitated, but perfected that commerce!” “I can do better than him!” “A nation is not a little business like yours, Mr. Filthy Rich. There may be some corruption in the country, but it’s thanks to Royal Lineage that more than half of the country lives in first grade conditions and poverty is below ten percent and decreasing every four of five years. And you know what is the main focus first of those Royals of ours?” “No.” “Primary services like electricity, fuel, AND water! A town known for being the cleanest of the country and it having a sewer malfunction is simply unacceptable.” “Well said!” The elder clapped numerous times slowly. “It’s settled then! Mayor Mare, please continue with your plans as we discussed last time!” “But of course, Elder! Thanks for coming!” Filthy Rich and his investors tried, to no avail, turning the tide of investments to his personal favor with the mysterious elder. They were quickly shut down by him. It was the final nail to make the members of the council close the case and begin repairing of the sewers as soon as possible. Nitpick Bittersweet and Sunset Shimmer were taking notes and exchanging ideas of the teachings and useful body language they witnessed. Their humor with each other got better, and only the faces of knowledge-thirsty children prevailed in their visages. “Success!” Mayor Mare mumbled to herself. …. The meeting was short-lived, as the Mayor of Ponyville expected. But fifty minutes was a time record for such things. “There wasn’t even time to drink coffee!” She said to the younglings. “Raven, I’m so proud of you! Not only you exceeded my expectations again, you even managed to get on your side to the Elder. You even went an extra mile to know all the important commodities that this beautiful town has.” “I always give my best and beyond. And who was that elder Sir, Mayor?” “Everything will be learned on its appropriate time, my young assistant. The only complain I have with you is that your cold tone and feelings were emerging from time to time. As a politician, that is completely unacceptable. Work on that temper of yours.” “I’m truly sorry of displaying that attitude of mine.” Raven said ashamed. “It seems that my college years refuse to die on me.” “Indeed. But then again, you only graduated last year. You are too young in mentality but you will learn, eventually. Now for you two, this would have been the last day for you but given the enthusiasm of my assistant, you are free to come until you feel ready to do things on your own!” “Thank you so much for this opportunity, Mayor!” Sunset said. “But we need to focus our search for sponsors to give us an edge for the coming Thanksgiving!” “Try the local markets in the zone. They are willing to give you resources instead of money, and some of them would be willing to help you out, for a small advertising of course.” Raven said while working on her next task. “If you promote their stores on the parks of the city during the event, they will aid you. Not all the citizens of Crystal State enjoy buying on the supermarkets of the city. And prefer the suburbs or Ponyville. Use that to your favor. The rest I leave it to you to figure it out.” “Thank you so much!” Sunset patted her partner’s back. “If we succeed with that, we can spend the money we have at our disposal for entertainment or make a bigger meal for the people instead!” “Indeed, you can. Now, low class, how did you know about the schedules of the ambulant sellers? Not everybody in town knows that secret!” “Well, I also live on my own. With my parents’ blessings of course, so I need to invest my money wisely. I already had a head start in my middle school years to save money for gifts to my… uh, first crush. Eventually, I learned where to buy cheap and good. Not even the rain could stop me from the Flash Sales of the super markets and its surroundings! The almond milk is expensive as it is!” “Word of advice, buy the almond milk at Mareson’s bucket.” Raven stopped for a moment. “Every third Sunday of every month they have sale of twelve boxes of almond milk with two packages of dry seeds-!” “At thirty-nine with ninety-nine!?” They said at the same time. “Don’t forget their weekly sale of fruits and vegetables straight from Sweet Apple Acres!” “And the monthly appearance of the delicious and best cereal in the world-!” “Fruity Marshmallows!” They said in a single voice. “I love the Strawberry Explosion marshmallows of that cereal!” Raven said. “The Golden Honey is better!” Nitpick said. “Of course not!” “Yes, it is! If you combine both, you can experience fruity heaven for a moment.” “Hahaha! You have good taste!” ‘SHE COULD LAUGH!?’ It was the thought of the Mayor. “Did you know that every Sunday in the Chocoratte plaza, more specifically in Stetson’s Happy Meal, they sell a vegetarian hamburger for just five dollars?” Raven took a seat. “It’s big, tasty, and its sauce is the best thing ever! It’s like you were eating meat! Far better than Ensaladas Caseras and their outrageous prices!” “Incredible!” Nitpick sat down in the nearest seat. Their faces closer to each other. “And it’s true! Also, that same day at Milani Pizzas, they sell the deluxe version of the Prosciutto Italiano specialty! It’s not a discount by any means but for five dollars more, you can take home two big sized pizzas in one simple, gorgeous, square form! My sister, her family and I eat it every Sunday as a tradition. My nephew enjoys it so much.” “How do you know such secrets? I swear that I do my best to find the best value for my money in my shopping!” “How old are you?” “Around three months more and I’ll be eighteen.” “I have around two years of extra experience than you! I know every discount that my hometown, the suburbs, and half of what Crystal State offer!” “Why half?” Sunset asked with curiosity. “Is because it’s a big city?” “Pffff! Oh, Shimmer, you ignorant fool!” Nitpick said with arrogance. “Such amateur you are!” “Every human being who knows the value of money has knowledge that a quarter of the stores in big cities close every year!” “By the time you believe you have pinpointed the best offers of the area, it either closes down or another store has a better offer some weeks later! Town stores don’t have a lot of competition and their special offers can last several years!” “But shouldn’t demand affect the ratio in which those offers appear?” “Naive!” Raven said energetic. “Flash sales basically sell off surplus stock at lower prices than usual. A lot of brands use them to sell end of season stock and increase their exposure to the public.” “And when the merchandise comes to the point of being rare like the delicious and best cereal in the world, Fruity Marshmallows, everyone wants them! Make them tasty and worthy of the trip to the store and you can sell all boxes in a day! I barely manage to get two in a month.” “Poor soul.” Inkscape patted his head. “I buy FIVE each month!” “YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM OF WHY WE COMMONERS DON’T BUY MORE THAN TWO BOXES!” “If you had the money, you would do the same as I do!” “I can’t deny such shameful truth.” He said with regret while turning his head to the side. “Anyway, we have shared to both of you many valuable secrets! Use them wisely! If you want more, it will cost you!” She winked. ‘SHE CAN WINK?’ Again, the mayor thought. “They are so… I can’t say it…” Sunset looked at them with a mix of astonishment and embarrasment. “W-wait a minute, Raven! Can this mean that you knew all the cons and pros of Filthy Rich’s project just because you knew the current prices of everything on town and beyond!?” “Mayor Mare, I am surprised of that statement from you.” She went back to full, professional mode, glaring them both down. “You can never be successful as a businesswoman if you don’t have any idea where the economy flows in the time we call today! Markets, in all shapes and forms, are the future! They move the world! If Filthy Rich had put that silly mall in the town, the local business would have closed eventually, he would have bought the buildings at a steal price, ruined the town, and extracted all the valuable resources until leaving Ponyville a dry wasteland!” “You must be exaggerating a little!” “A LITTLE!? Its common history that the Rich Family made their fortune with practices like that! Besides… It was thanks to his wife that the best pizza on town, Lovely Chestnut Smiles, closed down. I will never forgive those scums!” “WHAT!?” Nitpick slammed the table. “I KNEW THAT THE PIZZERIA OF MRS. SHOOTING DOUGH WOULD NEVER CLOSE LIKE THAT!” “As long as I live, I’ll protect this town! And one day I will bring ruin to his empire for sure!” Secretary Inkscape ate a whole cookie and crushed it with her pretty teeth. “IN THE MEMORY OF CHESTNUT THE DOUGH BALL, I SWEAR!” “For a healthy future to Ponyville’s discounts!” “For a better future!” Soon, the two started talking about the pettiest plans of discount domination. There was a saying in the old days that Humanity must be either be treated in kind or destroyed. Slightly injured, the people rose again, seeking either vengeance or a quest for redemption. Completely destroyed, they couldn’t move a finger. Whatever thoughts of revenge they had in their minds would be pointless to have the next day. Mayor Mare could see it in that moment. Two infants who loved eating pizza in one of the most delicious and cheapest places on town, enjoying taking the pictures at the side of Chestnut the Dough Ball. Infant whose paradise was pummeled to the grown ten years ago when Spoiled Rich, Filthy’s wife, put in bankruptcy the little establishment for petty reasons. While an embarrassed Sunset Shimmer was grabbing the arm of Nitpick Bittersweet and dragging him to the exit, much to his despair, Mayor Mare could only say, “Never in my life could I have imagined that the Power of Stinginess instead of justice would save the day.” She lightened a smoke and sat comfortably on her chair, watching young Raven giving a warm farewell to her soul mate of miserliness.