Am I the only one who expects the "you need to eat less cake" letter to Celestia to end up in every dictionary next to a black buffalo and sickly looking apple?

He could probably point out there are two non-ponies in the room with Spike being present.

There's something I don't understand about this, why doesn't he just give the Crystal Empire to Cadence? Or does he actually want or see a benefit in being king now?

10681837
The reason is fairly simple: The Crystal Ponies want their savior to lead them back to prosperity. While MC could easily ditch the throne and spare himself the trouble of ruling, this action would trigger many bad things in the process:
1) Despite being an Alicorn and being a distant descendant to Princess Amore, Cadance is an Equestrian. A foreigner. Now, while this might not seem much, no nation would want for a foreigner to take over their throne and turn them into subsidiaries to a greater kingdom. The reason why in canon this wasn't problematic was tied to the fact that Cadance and Shining Armor were behind the defeat of Sombra.
2) If the MC surrendered the throne willingly after swearing oaths to rule the Empire dutifully, it would create a terrible view of him and those that inherited the nation. It's an unfair concession and one that would cause no little dissent;

I can go on with other reasons why that is a bad idea, but I think I will just list the major ones for now. I hope this answered your question.

Huh, I wonder why the rest of Mane6 didn't come...

10681870
It has to do with the timeline. This 'Episode' happened before Canon date when the event was supposed to unfold and it was fairly abrupt. Twi was the only one called to come due to the fact there wasn't a need for the Elements of Harmony in this instance.

Well, this is a very welcomed surprise. Good to see your here too, and your story is already pretty dope. :D

“As the first representative of the Crystal Empire, I… I wish to humbly greet you in this nation,” I saw while giving a quick bow. “Please join us for lunch.”

"I said" ;)

Hmm hmm, I still think you are doing great so far... and really, making stories in general is probably a big task but if done right it could become something wonderful and this is only if its done right. Ha ha ^D^ still, kudos to you man or miss.

Now, what will happen next to our MC

Still, much to my instantaneous relief, Cadance and Shining Armor seemed really open in waiting for lunch instead of pushing for something earlier than that. It opened a route that I was more than relieved to believe in, the one where they weren’t planning to push for the subjugation of the Empire due to Celestia’s orders to secure it. Maybe they were still trying to study the predicament before making any call, and that meant I was going to have the chance of arguing favorable for my current situation and perhaps spare any unpleasant relations between the nations.

Maybe. We'll have to see.

I should really bring some variations of pasta to this world. Would probably add variety for non-ponies to consider.

Not a bad idea.

“And I suppose you were the candidate meant to be in my current seat of power if I hadn’t defeated the tyrant,” I guessed, gaining a nervous nod from the girl. “Well, I guess that does make some sense since I think you’re related to the ruler before Sombra. At least I can say that from your full name.”

“Princess Amore,” Shadow Mark added with a respectful tone. “The last bearer of the Crystal Heart.”

Sounds about right.

Twilight frowned. “Everyone and… anyone? Maybe you are confusing those with everypony and anypony, your highness?”

Something to that effect.

“I reckon that it would be logically correct to address myself in the context too. I’m not a pony,” I recalled and she actually adopted a thoughtful expression before nodding in quiet agreement.

Spike is ALSO not a pony.

“Oh, but what about other terms? And the fact you are bipedal and… the digits coming out from your arms and-”

Focus, Twilight.

Shining looked surprised, but mostly curious at my response. “I suppose you are aware of the troubles of-”

“Being the older sibling with a sister that has tendencies to throw common sense out of the window the moment she finds something interesting to study?”

…

“That’s actually unexpected,” He admitted with an interested nod.

HEH!

“I had my own shares of problems early on. If I remember correctly I had to take care of three toddlers as my first babysitting experience and… it was a really loud experience.”

Oof.

I deemed it right to also institute mandatory school until the end of Elementary, just so I could begin quelling the issue that was illiteracy. Too many ponies were unable to take on specific jobs regarding their cutie marks due to the fact they had just recently stopped working for the army and as miners down in the underground crystal caves.

Smart move.

But what I didn’t know was that the day was far from over and that I would receive a visitor in my dreams. A very interesting and loud one at that.

Luna.

Frowning at her words, I was definitely confused by the fact that had truly been my dreamworld. “I guess that’s what happens when I barely sleep for years.”

Oof.

“We shall assist thou, but first, of course, we will require to ask thou a couple of questions.”

Shouldn't it be 'thee'?

Luna? She adorbs.

10681883

Before canon date....Is it before even Canterlot wedding? Is it even before Summer Sun Celebration?

If I remember the canon show correctly. It's only Cadence and Shinning Armor that came first to investigate the appeared of Crystal Empire. Twilight Sparkle and her friend come join them later.

And it still don't answer why only Twilight coming here...I mead...Why just Twilight? Why specific just her? Celestia never order Twilight to go solve some problem all alone before...Maybe as a test just like in the show....But if this is happen before canon date...The test should not ready just yet....

10682016
I reiterate: It happened a little bit before the episode in which this was supposed to happen. The reason why Twilight was called forth was to add further firepower to the situation considering that it happened too abruptly and sooner than expected. So yeah, that's it. Tia just wanted to have reserves all in case things got too weird with the odd timing. Better safe than sorry.

And now enter…the yaks. How would he deal with his slightly destructive neighbors.

Also, he is tackling important subjects right away to step in the right direction of the kingdom but I'm wonder if open trade and free market should go on the list right away or that can wait? I mean, a kingdom needs income and solid and well establish free market can improve a lot of areas in one go.

Oh! Maybe he could introduce the ponies to a mall, he will get the teenager approval right away.

10682019
And technically speaking that WAS the correct move, things went smooth and without a hitch…because the couple found common ground revolving Twilight, as a little eager sister, or as babysitter.

Oh Twilight if they make a national day celebrating the return of an ally nation I bet you will be hiding under your bed trying to avoid it because it was achieve by indirectly embarrass you. Seriously the only thing that was missing was Velvet been part of the group and telling stories of her Twilly

10682019

And that is why I wonder, why she send only Twilight, but not the full avenger- I mean mane6 team? If she really want it to be safe than sorry...She sent a princess of friendship but without friend. What did Celestia expect to achieve if they happen to encounter King Sombra, not King John here?

She even let a baby dragon tagging along into the unknown no less. (The canon is justified because Cadence and Shining Armor already survey the area for them.)

Anything would be more reasonable to me if only Cadence and Shining Armor coming here or all Mane6 coming here all together. But it's only my opinion. So don't mind me.

Quick note: As far as I am aware, and correct me if I'm wrong, but a King/Queen is addressed by Your Majesty, and princes and princesses are addressed as Your Highness.

10682016

If I remember the canon show correctly. It's only Cadence and Shinning Armor that came

There's no particular reason why a story has to follow what happened in the show. And it's generally more interesting when they don't.

10681854
!Hey someone got out of fanficion! Well leaving that aside I would actually believe in your reasoning but unfortunately Swiss cheese has less holes in it.

1) lack of time: the protagonist hasn't shown any progress or anything that would make him stand out in improving the lives of the ponies in the long run, I think personally it was too quick the arrival of the Equestres.

2) the previous king ascended to the throne by killing his former queen, I don't think repeating the same cycle makes you more good and not with such slight displays of goodness that could be mistaken for a simple macabre game. (you lacked more time) (You are an alien -1000%)

3) ponies are herd beings, just as the human is a tribal being, ponies would look with reluctance to a being so foreign to them that does not belong to their own species, it would not be well seen (just like a foreigner running for president in another country)

4) plus: Cadance has a greater political and cultural weight than the protagonist since she is an Aliconium the same ones who had a prosperous and happy kingdom next to the miserable ice tempane that was the crystal empire. You know the immortal sisters who raise the sun and the moon and rule the strongest kingdom in the world. (The news is carried by the wind)

5) in the wise words of our lord K ("POYO"): I personally believe that if I had to weigh the two contenders for the crown, Cadance would win not only has the support of his aunts but also the history of his ancestor's prosperous rule that he is in simple terms a small horse (pony) as they and their lineage symbolize the melancholic periods of internal stability within this principality with big dreams.

A silly idea I've had is that the MC should adopt Cadence as his daughter. In the show, I believe she's an orphan who is adopted as Celestia's niece. Ruling the Crystal Empire is a big job, and he could use someone trustworthy to delegate some of his responsibilities to. It would give his rule extra credence by his family relation with Amore's bloodline, and negate some of the threat of her being seen as a potential usurper. It would also allow him a chance to visit Canterlot and seek help returning home (if he still wishes that), without leaving the Crystal Empire in the lurch. Besides, I imagine Cadence would like having a larger family.

10682534
A few rebuttals...

1. This is a world with dragon fire and other means of instant communications, and where train tracks exist leading up to the Crystal Empire's borders. Accurate prophecy is also in show canon. A quick response should be expected.

2 & 3. He is an alien and an outsider, but he was also powerful enough to defeat Sombra solo. The foe he fought earns him a chance from our ponies. The fact he fought him alone suggests he is more powerful than Sombra, making him too dangerous to oppose. And as explained in story, the power vacuum Sombra leaves behind suggests the alternative to the MC as king is civil war or anarchy.

4 & 5. I don't doubt that Cadence can gain some supporters on her merits, but she wasn't there when they named their ruler. The MC is king, and has shown his good nature with that banquet and day of rest. More importantly, Cadence isn't choosing to challenge him for the crown yet. As it is, if the MC proves unworthy or evil, Cadence will be there to see it happen and take timely appropriate actions.

10682183
I see a few reasons why Celestia would send Twilight and Spike into an uncertain situation like this. Mostly, Twilight and Spike can be expected to report back to Celestia no matter what happens. Spike's dragon fire is regularly used for sending letters securely and quickly--something very valuable no matter what they encounter, good or bad. Twilight can teleport and protect Spike. Twilight can also be trusted to notice if anything is wrong with Shining Armor or Cadence, like mind-affecting dark magic or changeling replacements. And Twilight and Spike are expected to return home to Equestria where she can report in in person, while Shining Armor, Cadence, and their convoy are expected to stay to either rule or be ambassadors.

10682762

Than, it left us a question why in the show, They only sent Shining Armor and Cadence first. But call out Mane6 later. I mean...How did Shining Armor and Cadence report back to Celestia if they really lack of anything for long range communication?

10682352
It's a distinction that did exist in the past, and to reason why this distinction doesn't exist in the Crystal Empire is fairly simple: Since the Crystal Empire copied a basis of the Equestrian government to create their own, the use of 'Your Highness' which is mostly used to address the Princesses ended up becoming a strong part of the way they address their monarchs, may those be Princes/Princesses, Kings/Queens or even Emperors/Empresses. There is no distinction between 'Your Majesty' and 'Your Highness' in this context, but 'Your highness' is favored more due to the explanation above.

10682684

A silly idea I've had is that the MC should adopt Cadence as his daughter. In the show, I believe she's an orphan who is adopted as Celestia's niece. Ruling the Crystal Empire is a big job, and he could use someone trustworthy to delegate some of his responsibilities to. It would give his rule extra credence by his family relation with Amore's bloodline, and negate some of the threat of her being seen as a potential usurper. It would also allow him a chance to visit Canterlot and seek help returning home (if he still wishes that), without leaving the Crystal Empire in the lurch. Besides, I imagine Cadence would like having a larger family.

How exactly would that work? I'm not sass I'm honestly intrigue. Cadence is Celestia niece so if he adopt her as his daughter (even though she clearly is at the very least 18 and legally an adult so at least I think that can't happen) wouldn't that make him Celestia and Luna brother?

Finally! A fic where the MC actually has a level head/ actually wants to do good and get along with the other nations, I really look forward to seeing this story progressing

10683283
Fair enough.

10683406

10682684
I wish to also add that Cadance, Shining, and MC are around the same age.

10683659
Hmm that didn't seem to matter in samurai sentai where the matriarch adopted the red ranger even though she was YOUNGER than him but yeah, that would be another thing which adds into why it wouldn't be a good idea.

It will be more logical if he takes one of the sisters hoof in marriage as a political union but that would be up to the author.

Interesting. Looking forward to more.
Keep up the good work. Deus tecum.

Nice, reasonably sensible progression. I wonder who they'll make their ambassador the other way…

Note: 'Thou' is for subjects. 'Thee' is for objects.

10682684
1) Not all ponies are apprenticed to Celestia to have a dragon fax and not all are as fast as rainbow dash to send messages from one point to another in an instant. And even if there was a spell that allowed them to send information or letters quickly I don't think Equestria is so small or the continent so tiny that any sudden change would be noticed so quickly. And even with a train it is tremendously late to get from one point to another more so if it is one of those old coal models.
Prophecies are always vague and always come true. That is a fact.
2) It would either be the shortest two days (or one day and a few hours) of anarchy in history or the most coto civil war attempt in history.
4) Well there was not much to choose from really, now on the other hand there is plenty to choose from and if you want you can make a vote.
Personally I think there was not enough time for the main character to leave a more positive vision of himself in the ponies. I couldn't even get the seat warm when a wild Candace appeared:
I'm home bitch!
Wild book hits the protagonist
¡Friendship!
It's like watching (reading) a speedrun.
I got careless for a second and have... have... have... have what just happened here?

Him, a king? Bah! Also wish there was a romance tag, though I know not every Isekai needs one.

10683990
there is a sex tag though so I wouldn't chalk off romance just yet. I just wonder who will be the fortunate lady, or even if she will be a pony. It anyone guest

10683406
In terms of family, I don't see one adoption here negating another. Nor do I see where or even if Celestia has chosen which side of the family she is on. In adopting Cadence, I suppose the main character (MC) would become the royal sister's brother-in-law, but that is a tentative relationship. It would make the MC Shining's father-in-law, and Twilight's uncle.

Given that Cadence is a full grown and married mare, this gives MC only as much authority as her father over Cadence that she allows. I expect light teasing ("So son, when can I expect to see some grandfoals?"), the occasional hug, and proper shows of affection (gifts, cards, visits) over Hearth's Warming.

This might make going home more difficult in the long run. But hey, it's better to have this family than not have one at all.

On the political side, mostly it makes Cadence wear two different hats: Princess of Equestria, and Princess of the Crystal Empire (PoCE). I don't see either the MC nor the royal sisters gaining authority outside of what they already hold. Cadence as PoCE would have authority within the Crystal Empire, but only as much as the MC grants her.

It could better unite the ponies of the Crystal Empire, as some are loyal to King John, while others favor Cadence's inherited role from Princess Amore. This would nip discontent in the bud. And since Cadence is trained to be royalty, her support could improve the lot of the kingdom during King John's rule.

It would also establish a line of succession for the MC, given he is unlikely to breed without any women around. The kingdom could still fall into chaos when King John dies. But naming an heir could just put a target on John's back too, so its a double-edged sword.

It also helps settle some moral issues the MC may have.

• With a proper heir, he can delegate to her long enough for a short visit to Equestria in order to find a way home.
• If he does go home, he can rely on his heir to ensure a peaceful transition of power and rule in his stead.
• It also means the MC isn't completely stealing Cadence's destiny as the PoCE. This is really the biggest reason to run with this scheme in my opinion.

Unfortunately I don't see how he can make it up to Spike for taking away his shot at being known as the Brave and Glorious.

Anyways, this is just a silly, wild idea. I love the story, and look forward to see where it actually goes.

10684061
Sounds like a possible move yeah, although it will still need adressing the fact that they are the same age. And yeah poor Spike no statue of him with glasses unfortunately.

Hey now that I think about it, I know it was kind of last minute and his cloths weren't ready yet but couldn't he at least had used one of King Sombra old capes to greet the couple? I mean I bet that guy probably had spares of those.

10683162
Which has been answered in the series' finale: Cadance has a spell that can zap her letters to an intended recipient. When she sends them to Twilight it usually goes through Spike, but there's no reason to assume the spell inherently needs a dragon as a receiver.

10684126

Yeah, or else how could Celestia receive a letter from Spike? It is also Celestia who taught Spike about this fire messaging method. But how did she know this? It's not like she ever have her own dragon at all...So I think Spike fire messaging might be adapt version of something else...

You may want to get someone to proofread your work.

I'm liking this, I'm liking this a lot!

nice keep up the good work

You lured the best princess with promises of friendship
next, you'll make your dream gamer pad and you'll be playing dark souls with best princess

So instead of turning the kindgom over to someone more fitting hes going to stay there forever in a position he doesn't want and was forced into? That's just depressing.

10708256
I answered that on a previous comment inquiring about it:
"The reason is fairly simple: The Crystal Ponies want their savior to lead them back to prosperity. While MC could easily ditch the throne and spare himself the trouble of ruling, this action would trigger many bad things in the process:
1) Despite being an Alicorn and being a distant descendant to Princess Amore, Cadance is an Equestrian. A foreigner. Now, while this might not seem much, no nation would want for a foreigner to take over their throne and turn them into subsidiaries to a greater kingdom. The reason why in canon this wasn't problematic was tied to the fact that Cadance and Shining Armor were behind the defeat of Sombra.
2) If the MC surrendered the throne willingly after swearing oaths to rule the Empire dutifully, it would create a terrible view of him and those that inherited the nation. It's an unfair concession and one that would cause no little dissent;

I can go on with other reasons why that is a bad idea, but I think I will just list the major ones for now. I hope this answered your question."

I should really bring some variations of pasta to this world. Would probably add variety for non-ponies to consider.

Spaghetti Boghetti.

“It would seem so,” The Captain admitted, and I could see Twilight groan over the fact that the cute quirk of her was used to create a bond between two older brothers. But it also created a platform for a situation I wasn’t exactly prepared for.

A good idea, but their exchange still felt pretty... stiff. Maybe a little more humor, or a little bit of relaxation in the formality of their speech would go a long way in making the reader feel like the two had formed a bond. To me, it was like an essay: "I have quirky sister"
"I, too have quirky sister"
"Now we have a bond"

He's been very strong to resist the call of the cute, but soon enough the pats shall last forever!

10874874
Yes, yess, let the cute flow through you

“Princess Luna,” I greeted curtly and the alicorn nodded as she moved away from me.

“Thou are the human, the newest ruler of the Crystal Empire,” She affirmed with a little louder than expected. It was clear that she wasn’t using the Royal Canterlot Voice, but she still had to gain a proper understanding of how quiet she needed to be to not cause disruptions with the way she spoke.

I just noticed, this is a major political faux pas. Invading the head of a new king isn't exactly a good move, despite her good intentions; by sheer luck Bukharin already knows of the franchise, and thus her, else it could've been seen as a potential probing-slash-attack by someone who doesn't know.