Princess Celestia has decided, rather abruptly, that Twilight Sparkle needs to learn some of the minutae of running a government. Specifically, dealing with certain... noble entitlements, and the need to check in on their lands every once in a while. There is, in fact, one particular old family that needs, shall we say, just a little check in to be reminded, in a way, that they are purely technically speaking sworn to serve the crown. All Twilight needs to do is run a teensy little survey, which should only take a few days, and maybe befriend the ponies living there.

Her friends decide to come along as emotional support. But really, Twilight isn't that worried. It's just a name, after all. And they've faced down monsters before. It's incredibly unlikely to be dangerous, in any way whatsoever.