Twilight Sparkle has been a princess for some time now and Celestia thinks it is about time she had someone to care for her needs since she is too busy going places where the map knows where they are needed. So she hires one of the best butlers from an organisation called "True Valets", A butler company that only serves the best and is highly recommended among all who can afford it.
Twilight painfully groaned as she laid face down on the pages of a book around a table in Canterlot castle. Celestia stood at the door looking worried for the poor mare in front of her. She has done so many things for the kingdom of Equestria, like defending it from the clutches of Tirek's hands that it leaves no time for any breaks. Celestia's hoofsteps grabbed Twilights attention, sitting back up straight acting like she was busy to her old mentor.
"I'm all right." Twilight playfully chuckled as she rested her elbow on the paper only to slip and bang her head making Celestia giggle.
"If you were fine I wouldn't have told you to come here in the first place Twilight." Celestia joyfully smiled towards the Alicorn sitting down seeing stars float around her.
Twilight chuckled as she rubbed her neck "You were always the one to never tell me directly about these things."
"That's because I know you'll make a huge thing about it."Twilight sighed on Celestia's words, coming to realise what she meant by them "I know the table has you and your friends working overtime, but all you need to do is ask for some help, Miss I-Can-Do-Everything."
"Yeah... I suppose your right, what my friends and I need is a break from the unusual requests the table gives us." Twilight sighed as she stared down towards her flank only for it to shine up indicating the table was informing her. Twilight groaned even louder before slamming her head onto the table in front of her a couple of times.
"Duty calls?" Celestia said as she stopped Twilight from doing any more harm to her body.
"I am sorry Princess Celestia, but you will have to excuse me," Twilight said before teleporting out the room with her magic. The white Alicorn looked at what Twilight was read only to see the pages were wet and soggy.
Celestia laughed a little as she said: "Oh Twilight, you work yourself too hard."
Twilight bursts through her bedroom doors, moving at a steady pace towards her bed. Spike opened one eye to look out the window from his bed; he watched as the moon was high in the sky knowing it was midnight.
Spike crankily groaned "Had fun?"
Twilight yawned as she crept into her bed facing away from Spike "The town of Appleloosa will rest easy as they don't have to worry about killer bees eating their apple crop..."
Spike raised an eyebrow as he rested on his elbow "You got stung?"
"...four times...in the plot."
Spike chuckled "Everyone knows you've been working your socks off lately, I'm sure everyone will let you take a vacation. Heck, even ask your friends to go as well."
"Not...'ow 'ike." Twilight's words were jumbled making Spike chuckle as he witnessed Twilight's awkward face.
"I hope Celestia keeps up on her promise." Spike turned around pulling the covers over him falling into a deep sleep.
The morning rises with sun giving its light to all of Equestria. Twilight yawned greatly with the stretching of her wings, As she stretched her limbs she smelt a sweet mixture aroma in the air around her room. She scratched her messy head moving the strands of hair back and forth. Spike was missing from his bed so maybe he made some breakfast for her she thought. She clambered out of bed trying to stand up right from the grogginess of waking up. Managing to get her balance halfway to the door, she could smell the lucid scent of cooking filling her mind with bliss. She walked out the door and into the hallway only to notice it was crystal clean. Every inch, every spec, there was no sign of dirt nor dust. She steadily proceeded down the hall, making her way to the kitchen. She was stunned as she saw the kitchen in a perfect white state except pots and pans on the washing rack. Twilight rubbed her eyes in bewilderment as she could still smell the gorgeous scent of cuisine coming from the dining hall. The smell enticed her, forcing her to walk over and look through the semi-closed door by sticking her head through the little gap. She gasped as she pushed the door wide open to witness an exquisite sight. On the large round table in front of her was an assortment of different foods, from mixed vegetables in a veggie sausage all the way down to plain cereal with orange juice. Twilight was amazed at the amount of food in front of her that she didn't notice the steps she took as she walked towards the table.
"Will this be enough, Mistress?" A deep British voice came from behind, shocking her to double barrel with a high pitched squeal. The male voice grunted as he was kicked and sent flying into the wall. Twilight panicked as she turned around to see a light purple unicorn in a sharp white suit with a light purple bowtie stand up brushing off the dirt with a handkerchief in an elegant manner. The unicorn's bright white pompadour mane made it hard not to look at him long enough while his tail was short and bushy. Twilight's eyes widened towards the unicorn as he wiped the blood from his nose with his handkerchief and placed it into his outside suit pocket.
"Oh my Celestia, I didn't mean to!" Twilight yelled, rushing towards the unicorn, only to stop as he raised his hoof. Twilight noticed his eyes were laid back as he stared at her. But something clicked in Twilight's mind making her take a step away from the unicorn "What are you doing in my castle?"
The unicorn stood up straight with a perfect backbone. He bowed his head while bringing his left hoof over his right horizontally "I am Ettore, I was summoned here by my Lords at True Valets."
"You still haven't answered my question?" Twilight said with little assurance, trying to get back to the subject.
Ettore pulled his head up to the Alicorn in front of him "The one you call Spike welcomed me into this humble establishment."
"...Spike," Twilight sighed as she placed her hoof on her forehead "I do apologise, but I don't see the point of you being here?"
"I was summoned here by my Lords at True Valets to answer a contract by the name Princess Twilight Sparkle; I have the paperwork in my pocket." Ettore used his magic to pull out a small square paper, unfolding it to reveal a long contract.
"I never asked for this," Twilight pulled the paper over towards her with her magic while putting on her reading glasses only to speak out loud what she deems important "To whom it may concern. We over at True Valets accept your offer of the allotted bits to hire one of our most respectable butlers. They will serve you until death or at least when the contract runs out. But with the number of bits you have provided this service will be constant until you deem them not needed. Well, I don't need this so you can be on your way."
"I'm afraid you cannot, Miss Sparkle. Under Rule #87, You may return the Butler after the first week if unsatisfied." Ettore pointed out on the sheet of paper.
"But I never signed this?!"
"Then what would that signature be?"
Twilight groaned as she saw whose name it was "Celestia..."
"Nether the less, it was signed to you correctly. So, for my return to True Valets, you must wait a week, and you will not see me ever again milady," Ettore said in a light tone, almost like he was depressed. "But in the mean time I will sort out your library, make a handy spreadsheet for your day and plan out dinner for tonight."
Twilight watched as Ettore left the dining hall with his head up high and his posture perfect. She felt little remorse for him as he made his way to help her, but Celestia doing this without her knowing made her agitated. Celestia is the one who is the mysterious character, most of the time you won't know what she's thinking or what she is going to do. At least she is looking out for her which changed her mood back to a pleasant one. Twilight looked back at the food on the table and ate some of the cereal and pancakes before going out to see how everyone was doing around Ponyville. Since the map hasn't called, it was a time to relax and have fun with your friends. After she greeted everyone around and organised the Mayor's registry for kicks, she made her way to the Boutique to help Rarity out with some of her works and chat a little. Twilight stood still by a couple of mannequins while Rarity draws up some ideas on a large sheet of paper. As she stood still, she explained the ordeal with Celestia and the butler.
"So who cares, Celestia hired you a butler to give you a break darling. I'd take that offer if I could."Rarity said as she closed one eye with the pencil floating in front of her at Twilight, trying to get a better angle or picture.
"I never asked for one though; that's the problem. If you had a stallion turn up at your home, uninvited and cooked you breakfast saying their there for a job you never signed, would you take it?"
"Hmm, good point Twilight. But it was Celestia who gave him to you, why not just take it... also where is he now?" Rarity paused as she looked around the room.
"He said he's sorting out my library, making a spreadsheet for the day and planning dinner; he also forgot about telling me about cleaning the castle top to bottom." Twilight sighed as she was able to move from Rarity's 'safe to move again' signal.
"And when did he start?" Rarity asked as she moved some cloth onto the sewing machine.
"Early this morning, Spike let him in, and he cleaned the castle and made me breakfast," Twilight answered as she looked outside the boutique window at the castle "It feels... Weird having somepony serving you, it almost feels like I'm a bad pony."
"Nonsense Darling, Celestia thought you needed help with everyday activities, so she hired a butler to give you a helping hoof." Rarity waved her up and shook her head left and right.
"But-*Knock Knock*" The sound of the Boutique's front door banging alerted the two. Rarity walked over and opened the door to see Ettore standing with an umbrella and a large roll of paper. Rarity's eyes widened as she saw the smart look stallion in front of her only to chuckle like she didn't know what to say. Twilight shook her head as she wondered over to the door.
"Anything you need Ettore?" Twilight asked as Rarity quickly ran inside towards the changing room.
Ettore tilted his head with Rarity's sudden escape "I'm not scary... Am I?"
Twilight closed her eyes with a deep sigh "She gets like this, but back to the original question."
"I spoke to the weather ponies, and they said a coming rain storm is due to, so I brought an umbrella. Also, I have a list of all potential possibilities that a sudden occurrence will happen in the next hour or so." Ettore handed over the roll of paper and umbrella. Ettore and Twilight quickly look over where Rarity disappeared to only to see dresses after dresses fly up and over the changing room with the words "No."
Ettore raised an eyebrow with the words "Is she late for something?"
Twilight giggled to herself knowing that Rarity typically acts like this when she sees a good looking stallion "Just let her do her thing. Plus if you're here can you pick up something from Pinkie Pie at Sugarcube corner?"
"It will be my pleasure, Mistress." Ettore bowed.
Twilight watched as Ettore walk away from the Boutique while activating a magic spell that spawned in a light purple barrier on top of him. Twilight looked to the sky to see the pegasi moving the dark clouds in with water dripping from them. Twilight shut the door behind her while pulling open the spreadsheet with curiosity. She opened it to see a great timeline with what is going to happen in a couple of days. It was like Ettore was psychic as he foreseen her asking him to retrieve something, but doesn't specify it fully. Rarity quickly moved the curtain aside, revealing her fully marked up face and lovely yellow dress.
The white unicorn fluttered her eyes "Has anypony seen my... where'd he go?"
"I wouldn't get used to him staying here," Twilight giggled as she passed the spreadsheet to Rarity "I mean, just look at what he thinks is going to happen."
"Oh my goodness!" Rarity's eyes widened at the sight of the open spreadsheet "How many events?"
"From what I can see, over 150 in the next week."
"That's absurd, how can one pony predict all that in such a small amount of time?"
"We~~ll, it's not a perfect prediction," Twilight said as she took back the spreadsheet "It's more like riddles than a future prediction. Like, 'thou will meet somepony familiar' in the next minute."
Rarity and Twilight both questioned the spreadsheet's liability as they both stared at the door. The suspense they both felt as the clock turned a minute past with no one showing up at the door. They both giggled lightly to each other only to gasp as the door swung open with force behind it revealing a very wet white filly unicorn with her wet greyish mulberry with pale, light greyish rose streaks mane. She walked through the front door before stopping with a blank look on her.
"Not. A. Word." She said in a hostile tone, walking off towards the stairs leaving droplets of water in her wake. The two giggled softly towards the wet filly as she wondered up the stairs, only to stop as they looked at the spreadsheet again and at the clock. It was 10 seconds late, but it was clearly the correct time on the spreadsheet.
"Where did you say he came from?" Rarity asked
The front door swings open once more, only for Ettore to be standing there with three brown paper bags floating by him dry as a fiddle from the magic barrier he placed up "True Valets Milady, a humble organisation who sends butlers with unique talents to the client."
Ettore took a few steps into the Boutique before wiping his four hoofs on a large cloth that appeared from his right pocket. The two were dumbfounded as to how he managed to fit that thing inside his pocket. But Ettore carried on wiping his hoofs clean elegantly. Once he was dry, he levitated two of the bags to Twilight and the other to Rarity. The two were confused as to why there were three bags. They looked at each other before digging through the brown paper bag to see what they received. Twilight couldn't hold her amazement in as she pulled out a pile of books that she lost during the scorching of her old library with the book Pinkie borrowed for unusual pie making; she leapt into the air hugging them tight as if they were her closest friends. Rarity opened hers only to gasp in the entire atmosphere as her rare diamonds, rubies, and emeralds that she couldn't get until the end of the month were in her hoofs for her one of a kind dresses. Ettore blinked twice as he saw Rarity rub them across her cheeks as if she was cuddling a dog.
Rarity suddenly stopped rubbing her face only to stare at Ettore with a deep thinking stare "How did?..."
"A friend of Twilight is a client of True Valets as well," Ettore bowed his head to his chest "It is only fitting I know of everypony of our client. Friend and foe."
"Hehe, Twilight... Errm... May I have a word with you?" Rarity said with a fake smile toward Ettore, who lifted his head and walked towards the door.
"I know what you're going to say," Twilight whispered as she watched Ettore feel one of Rarity's dress while tapping his chin with the hoof.
"What? That your Butler is a spy?! Or maybe he's insanely cute but with an enormous downfall of being a freak?" Rarity whispered, trying as hard as she could from shouting it out loud.
"Okay, maybe I had a rough idea of what you were going to say, but that is entirely not the point. The point is, I can't get rid of him until the week is over. What's worse, he knows where I am at all times like a hawk. If that's not creepy, then I have no idea what is." Twilight whispered, only for the two of them to freeze as they both saw Ettore sit down facing Opal, who just walked in through the front door cat flap. The two watched with amazement as he picked up the fat white cat in his two front hoofs, stroking Opal lightly to the point of her falling asleep in his hoofs.
"Opal's never the one to like strangers? She mostly hisses at them before walking off?"
"We can't just accuse him of anything at the moment; It's not like he prevented a disaster that was going to happen."
The Boutique's door, once again, slammed open with Mayor Mare standing there with erratic breathing as if she ran a couple of miles to get there.
"Princess Twilight!" She screamed before waving her hoofs in the air before pointing behind her.
"...Don't tell me."
"Manticores attacked Ponyville; Timberwolves tried to kidnap two foals all while the train almost fell off the track!"
"What?!" Rarity and Twilight both said in unison "How can that happen?!"
"I don't know, but he stopped all causes in such a short time?!" Mayor Mare slowly pointed towards Ettore, who's eyes were fixated on the brown mare.
"What are you?" Twilight said with a racing heart from the quick smirk from Ettore making her worry as he always has a flat look upon his face.
Ettore spoke with a nasty tone that sent goosebumps down everyone's spine "You see milady, I am one hell of a Butler."
Chapter 2: "Fillings Are Enjoyable....Most Of The Time."
The soulful sound of a violin resonated from an old record player, filling the room with a gentle tone for one's ears. Rarity, Twilight, and Mayor Mare sat round the purple table in the Boutique's kitchen. The table, sometimes covered with a white crystal sheet, brought tranquillity to your soul with its beauty. Sitting on top is a lovely purple, gem pattern tea set with one cup standing in front of each of the three sitting down. The three mares stared at each other in bewilderment. It wasn't from the awkward setting of the table but the sound of olive oil in a pot, sizzling on a stove. Ettore gracefully sliced a couple of tomatoes in half with a knife he held with his magic. The sudden screams of snap, crackle and pop alerted the three around the table to stare. They continued to watch Ettore as he took three eggs out of a carton, breaking them into the bowl to separate the yellow yolk and albumen from its shell.
Rarity leant towards Twilight with slight shock in her tone as she whispered: "He's using my ingredients without asking me first?"
Twilight moved in towards Rarity to close the gap, whispering ever so lightly "You're worried about that? Look in the hallway?!" Twilight raised her hoof towards the door, making Rarity and Mayor Mare turn their attention towards the location. The sight was unbelievable, many mops and buckets were seen all over the place cleaning, dusters brushing over everything till they shone with the reflection of the sun coming through the windows, and cloth's wiping down everything in sight with deadly accuracy. The three couldn't believe what they were witnessing. With the amount of magic Ettore is using, you would need a lot of concentration with no distraction and yet he does it with ease, just like handling the whisk with his hoof at high speed without any of the mixture coming out the bowl.
"Please Mistress, if I couldn't keep the area around you spotless and so unorganised, what kind of butler would I be if I couldn't even do that?" Ettore lets go of the bowl with his hoofs, grabbing it with his magic. He turned around towards the three and used his magic to levitate the tea kettle in front of them. He poured in the tea till it rested on the top with no trouble. Rarity groaned in disagreement from Ettore's words, getting a little shock from the harsh words towards her home and workplace.
"I do beg your pardon, Darling!" Rarity said as she pushed her left hoof into her chest, completely offended by Ettore's words.
Ettore raised a brow towards Rarity in confusion as his mind was going through the contract's demands and protocols, only realising what he said had offended his Mistress's friend.
"If I have offended my Mistress's friend I sincerely do apologise, this will not happen in the future," Ettore said with an ashamed expression, lowering his to the ground "I will cease this cleaning if Mistress do so wishes it?"
Twilight's eyes opened wide while her mouth was seen with a gap as she didn't know what to say to Ettore. To Twilight, Ettore was just an ordinary unicorn who thinks they're somepony's else's property in her eyes. But Celestia sending her a Butler was a tad bit over the top. Twilight sighed in defeat as she agreed to give Ettore orders to stop cleaning Rarity's home. But, as the sound of cleaning utensils stopped another sound emitted from across the hallway that alerted everypony there, even Ettore seemed a little surprised as they all heard the sound of running water.
"You can stop now Ettore?" Rarity asked with a slight chuckle, hoping it was him.
"When I saw Sweetie Belle covered with water and dirt, I ran a small bath for her. But it sounds like she's adding more water," Ettore answered with a straight face before suddenly looking at Rarity's annoyed face "This was before you told me to cease my cleaning duties, Miss Rarity."
Rarity gave a deep sigh in acceptance to Ettore, seeing as how he already did it before she asked him to cease all cleaning duties. Rarity grew her complexion back with a big smile, knowing she would get wrinkles if she worried too much about such trivial things.
"Same old Rarity, still a drama queen." Twilight giggled before looking back towards Mayor Mare and her smiling face "Now, apart from the sudden attacks is there something I can do for you, Mayor?"
Mayor Mare pushed her glasses closer to her eyes with a serious face "Do you want the quick version or long, Princess?"
"Sho-" The sudden sound of a large crash came from the wall next to the window alerting everypony in the room. Ettore raised his hoof as he proceeded from his cooking post to the window, telling the three to remain seated. Ettore opened the window only for a grey pegasus to fly straight in rubbing her nose. They all realised it was Derpy being Derpy, but before they could say hello, she swiftly went down her mail bag and taking out a small parcel. Derpy gave the package to Ettore and then proceeded out the window as fast as she could leaving the three in a daze.
"What did you order?" Twilight said slowly starring at the package in Ettore's hoof.
Ettore looked at the parcel then Twilight before placing it on the kitchen side "The spices for tonight's supper, Mistress."
"O~kay," Twilight prolonged her word, trying not to fret over it too much "Anyway, Please continue with the short version."
"If I won't be interrupted," Mayor cleared her throat before she spoke again "In short, I need your help with a task of ensuring a few guests are happy and satisfied with their visit to Ponyville; may you do it, please?"
"Sure, I'll give you a hoof. It's not every day the Mayor asks me to lend a helping hoof with something small." Twilight said in a cheerful tone, knowing it would give her a break from the tasks the map gives her. Plus, since its organising, it's like a vacation in her eyes.
"Thank Celestia, I was expecting you to say no to my request?" Mayor Mare sighed from the weight releasing from her chest.
"If I may ask?" Ettore interrupted with three plates levitating beside him "How many guests would be arriving, what are their preferences for food, music. Their attire, what do they wear; are they posh, high up or maybe just regular folk?" Ettore continued as he placed one plate in front of all three with a delectable vegetable omelette.
"That would be the long version." the brown mare replied rubbing her neck from the sudden attack from Ettore.
Twilight raised her hoofs shaking towards the Mayor "You don't have to answer that, Mayor. But tell us when it has to be ready by?"
"In three days."
"I should have it ready in two so don't worry Mayor, everything is going to be alright." Twilight playfully saluted towards the smiling mare.
"Oh, My Celestia!!" Rarity screamed making the three turn to her in worry only to see her picking up a small piece of omelette with her magic and into her mouth once more. Rarity scrunched up with excitement from the sudden burst of flavours in the omelette saying, "This is so delicious!" Twilight smiled as she shook her head towards Rarity.
"Thank you, Milady" Ettore bowed with a straight face "But with me standing by my Mistress's side we shall have the party ready in a couple of hours." He carried on his sentence towards Mayor Mare.
Twilight and Mayor Mare both rolled their eyes in unison towards the purple stallion while Rarity couldn't focus on anything else apart from the piece of omelette in her mouth. Their little meeting went by without delays. Twilight accepted to host a party while Rarity was in awe from Ettore's cooking. It felt different with Ettore by her side nearly every second, like a hawk watching your every move. That can get a little creepy. After the small meeting, Twilight and Ettore made their way back to Twilight's castle. However, on the way back she noticed everypony around Ponyville was smiling towards Ettore and waving towards him specifically. She only heard the story of his little endeavour; even she admits it's an impressive feat to stop a manticore, Timberwolves and the Ponyville train from crashing in such a short time. But it felt like Ettore was ignoring them, he didn't respond to any of the greetings that went his way. He kept a straight face all the way towards the castle, slightly annoying her as Ettore never smiled nor had any emotion for the short period of walking back to the castle. Twilight looked towards Ettore and her castle, that was nearly in reach, thinking about organising the party and how Ettore kept a dead expression as he walked beside her.
"s~oo..." Twilight said in an awkward tone trying to break the silence around Ettore "What's your opinion on the party preparation?"
"You didn't ask?"
"Pardon?" Twilight shook her head on Ettore's words, looking at him with a raised brow "What do you mean by that?"
Ettore came to a stop by the castle doors blocking the entrance with a deep sigh before saying "You asked for the short version of the task you accepted. If my young master wouldn't mind me speaking out of line, I think you took a job that you have no information for nor have any supplies to prepare the planned evening. To me, Mistress, it sounds as if you know the guests, what they prefer in commendations all the way down to the food. How are you going to get a ball ready in just three days?"
"With my friends and me doing the planning and preparation, I'm sure we'll get it done within the three days. But what about you, weren't you the one who said you could do it in a couple of hours?" Twilight smiled as she squinted her left eye towards Ettore.
"I would never lie to my master when I said I could get it done within a couple of hours. I could get all the information for you, all the necessities that go with the crowd and even the right music to go with mood... even if I have to play the instrument myself." Ettore replied as he opened the door by walking back into it. Ettore stopped with the wide open door to make sure it stays that way for Twilight. Twilight even chuckled a little as Ettore bowed with his right hoof proceeding inwards towards the castle.
"Thank you, Ettore. But as much I would like to see your ability to plan and organise this get-together all by yourself, I'm afraid I can't let you do all the hard work for me." Twilight said as she immediately proceeded down multiple hallways to her study.
"But I insist letting me get the information about the guests to make it easier for you, Mistress?" Ettore stood by the study's door, watching Twilight use her magic to flip open a book and dip a quill in ink with a piece of parchment ready to write.
Twilight knew the task was a little bit short sided with her asking Mayor Mare for the abridged version. However this wasn't about to get her down, she's planned a few parties and get-togethers for a lot of ponies so this shouldn't be any different. But with Ettore standing by doing nothing would be a waste.
"I'm trying to change a little bit with my 'being organised' personality a tad; that's why I accepted the short version. But sure, having limited information about the guests wouldn't falter this experiment." Twilight replied as she started to write down some ideas for the task.
"I shall have the information ready for you by tomorrow morning," Ettore bowed before instantly walking off. Twilight managed to get a breather to think to herself with no pony watching her back.
Twilight found the silence blissful; there were no call outs, no ponies needing help from the map, just time to herself, all alone. She couldn't remember the last time she just had time to herself. Like, she was always out doing a mission for the map while her friends are called to another place. It was like the map was trying to keep them working their socks off for no reason at all. But, at least, she has a break just to relax with her thoughts. Twilight soon moved rooms from her study to her bedroom. As she entered the room, an immediate urge of leaping onto the bed came inside her head. She did just that, leaping, she landed on the bed from a high jump. As she fell, she saw the covers bounce up from trapped air inside them. The soft feeling of her bed almost felt like she was soaring through the skies like a feather in the wind.
"Twilight?" Spike's voice was heard from the opposite side of the closed door, making Twilight's ears flicked up with on eye looking towards the door. Spike entered the room with a happy smirk and a plate of vegetarian risotto in both hands making Twilight lift herself up from where she laid in wonder.
"I was told to deliver this to you by Ettore. Plus I'm not so sure who's he even talking too in the kitchen... It's creepy." Spike said with a shiver down his spine before placing the plate on Twilight's bed.
"Talking to himself isn't a big deal, Spike. It's only when somepony replies, that's when you worry." Twilight said with a jokey tone.
"I'm pretty sure he's talking to himself. But onto other matters, I heard you're planning a party that's going live in three days?" Spike said as he jumped up onto the bed with Twilight, who was eating a couple of spoonfuls of risotto.
"I couldn't just say no could I, Spike?" Twilight cheerfully said with some risotto in her mouth "Plus it's just a small party when they visit Ponyville, it's not like they'll show up with 7 feet tall bodyguards."
Spike stretched before laying down on the bed with his hands behind his head to rest on like a hard pillow. "Small party? Usually, when somepony asks you to plan something it's normally a big thing, right?"
"It sounds like you're worried?" Twilight's words made Spike wave his hand up and down in denial.
"Pfft, worried? I shouldn't worry about you if you're around; you're the smartest Alicorn that I know so the party should go smoothly." Spike replied before closing his eyes trying to sink into the comfy bed.
"Yeah, I guess your right Spike. I guess your right." Twilight smugly agreed before getting off the bed and out of her room.
Twilight's left eye twitched as she stood looking through her study door, shocked at the sight of folders in huge piles everywhere around the study. Twilight slightly giggled in disbelief towards the sight because she has never seen so many folders in her lifetime just in one room, books maybe, but not folders. Twilight used her magic to float a random thin folder off from one of the piles, opening it in front of her only to see one sheet of paper with a photo of a blackened out, hard to understand, cutie mark. The information was limited to the pony's likes and dislikes, like loving doughnuts and hating bossiness of another one's mouth. Ettore walked in the study with more folders beside him with his magic giving Twilight some time to blink rapidly. Twilight couldn't believe Ettore's... resourcefulness. She only gave Ettore the job of finding out the guests a couple of hours ago, how is it possible to get so much information on so many ponies. Is Ettore some miracle worker, gifted or just has a creepy stalker hobby. Even so, she was impressed but at the same time concerned.
"Heh heh, how many more folders are there?" Twilight chuckled towards the light purple stallion with the folder by her side, hoping the answer she's expecting to be the one she wants.
Ettore placed down the folders next to Twilight as there was limited space around the study. He was very careful not to get any dirt or dust on his white suit and white mane since it would be killer to get it out. He revolved towards Twilight and lowered his head slightly in courtesy before speaking "This batch of folders are the last to come, Mistress. I even took the liberty of taking out their names and any unnecessary information that would harm your experiment, I hope you are pleased?"
Twilight stood speechless towards Ettore. Twilight's mind soon filled with questions about the unicorn in front of her, like how was he able to do everything as if it was second nature to him or how he could get grape juice stains out of a white tablecloth. But even for a somepony like Ettore being able to get this much information was inequine, but being able to sort it out on top of that is astounding, Twilight herself couldn't organise something like this in a couple of hours; more like a couple of weeks or maybe months in fact. All she can agree on is that Ettore was doing his job to his full extent, even with the care of not hindering her little experiment. But wait? Twilight thought in her head, only suddenly realising if Ettore could get any information on anypony, wouldn't that make the unicorn dangerous or, at least, a perv who peeks into the private life of others?
"If you don't mind me asking, where did you get all this from?" Twilight broke her shocked silence, only to notice Ettore's body twitch on hearing her question.
"I obtained this information from an associate," Ettore said with a dark tone, hoping she would accept the answer to which she did not.
"Huh uh... And who might this associate be?" Twilight raised a brow towards Ettore.
"A female gryphon, Mistress," Ettore said another vague answer, Twilight slightly getting annoyed with the unicorn.
"I don't suppose you would tell me who this gryphon is and who they work for, hmm?" Twilight turned her head with a hum. Ettore smiled towards Twilight giving her a little shock, knowing what she's trying to do.
"She works with books, folders and sometimes a baking job when she's bored, all based in Canterlot. But she travels all over Equestria so I do not know where she will appear next." Ettore's reply made Twilight huff because it was like talking to Pinkie Pie when she avoids a particular answer.
"Okay," Twilight sighed as she sat down on her plot, tapping her chin towards the smiling stallion knowing this was going to be a long conversation "I remember saying who do they work for, not where do they work?"
"She works for an information broker during the weekdays and a baker the weekends," Ettore answered Twilight as he lifted up a couple more folders and placed them in an even pile next to each other.
"You're not making much sense, Ettore." Twilight moaned towards the stallion.
"I am only answering the questions you are giving me, Mistress," Ettore replied as he proceeded to even out more folders all over the study.
Twilight groaned as she lowered her head in annoyance towards Ettore, getting this feeling of a long haul ahead of her. When she raised her head, the sight of folders from every pile being equally spaced out from each other with pure accuracy stunned her. Almost coming off topic from the distraction of Ettore's actions she used her magic to turn Ettore round.
"I want you, Ettore, to tell me the name of the organisation your contact works for?" Twilight sounded frustrated a little because of Ettore's little dodge of the question.
"Then why didn't you say so, Mistress?" Ettore cheekily smiled as he continued to even out the folders behind him "They work for True Valets."
Twilight widened her eyes a little, thinking there was going to be more to Ettore's sentence only to be disappointed as he didn't speak another word. The Alicorn huffed towards the Unicorn, feeling displeased with the answer he gave her.
"Is that all you're going to give me, they work for your organisation?"
Ettore stopped all his actions in evening out all the folders, making some folders freeze in mid-air as he looked towards Twilight with a serious expression.
"Have you heard the saying, curiosity killed the cat?" Ettore replied with a sudden harsh tone catching Twilight off guard "I am not obligated to give out any information, apart from, we are a business that provides the best butler service to particular clients." finished as he waltzes out the room with a couple of folders.
Twilight raised a brow towards the now leaving Unicorn with a suspicious thought. A sudden avoidance towards her question on getting info just made her more curious. Twilight moved around her study in a fidgety manner from the thought, ending with her sinking to a random pillow with a deep sigh. At least, she wasn't being called on by the map today for any reason, so that helps her relax a little. The ceiling never looked so high with all the folders beside her pointing upwards to the ceiling. She stayed glued to the floor for a couple of minutes before sitting back up and taking a couple of folders from the piles. Ettore wasn't joking when he said he only obtained the names, likes and dislikes of the ponies. Seems a little odd. Twilight couldn't think about anything else other than where Ettore came from; organisation wise that is. She couldn't get the thought of True Valets out of her head, she hasn't heard of them and neither has any of her friends, It's also no secret about how Ettore is avoiding questions about True Valets. But, her guess with how he got the information was from True Valets itself. Twilight didn't know if she should be scared or weary of True Valets. If they have a system that can get any information on anypony then what's to stop them with doing something evil. That couldn't happen anyway, the way it sounds to her, True Valets are just a butler company out to get money.
Twilight stopped thinking about the negative thoughts towards Ettore's organisation and focused on the party participant's information. Twilight managed to get through all the folders within two hours. In Twilight's mind, it's just a walk in the park or an evening read. The number of ponies going to the party is unbelievable, over 500 to be exact. It just doesn't make any sense as to why Mayor Mare would ask Twilight to host a part for that many, especially with the types of ponies coming to the party. From your high upper class all the way down to your average Joe and country occupants. Twilight still had a calm and clear mind over this eerie situation; it's not every day something other than the map asks for help. But still, it would be good for Twilight to plan and relax. She hasn't got anything to worry about; she's got all her friends to assist her if she gets into trouble or lend her a hoof in some physical work for the party.
Twilight stood up to notice the sun almost about to set off through her study window. Peace, that is what she is feeling right now as the sun shone on her, covering her with warmth. It isn't all that bad in her life as of now; she still hangs out with her friends, has picnics, and even goes on trips here and there. This feeling made her smile towards the sun as the sense of happiness built inside her, forgetting her surroundings only to knock down an entire pile down to her hoofs. She clicked her tongue with the whip of her head annoyed towards the folders on the floor. She looked around her study with a keen eye to focus on all the piles, trying not to feel shocked again for Ettore's organisation. But something caught her eye as she looked around the folder covered study. If she wasn't mistaken, that was the last pile Ettore brought into the room and yet it feels off. She moved towards it to notice it was two folders short from all the rest of the collection. If she recalls correctly, Ettore left the room with them floating with his magic beside him. Maybe he forgot about them when she was talking to him? Either way, she was going to see if he still had them on him. Upon leaving, she could smell a sweet smell emitting from the hallway. Ettore must have put something on in the cooker or stove Twilight thought in her mind. The smell was powerful enough to lure her unwillingly through her castle to the kitchen door; It was like a spell had been placed on her legs. She stopped by the door, standing there for a few minutes to inhale the lovely smell of cooking apples. Twilight moved her hoof towards the door handle only to be shocked as it opened in front of her revealing her kitchen. Twilight gasped as Ettore was standing behind the door with a large napkin on his right hoof that was out horizontally in front of him.
"Will Milady have her supper in the kitchen or her study?" Ettore suddenly asked, merely catching her a little off guard.
"Errm... How did-"
"Know you were there?" Ettore finished Twilight's sentence, leaving her baffled as he took a step to the side which allowed Twilight to enter the kitchen awkwardly "It is my job to know where you are at all times, Mistress."
"Isn't that a little creepy, Ettore?" Twilight sighed as she made her way to the dining area.
"A Butler is not a Butler without his or her Master... Or you could say I heard your hoofsteps combined with your sudden inhaling of my cooking," Ettore replied only to get a sarcastic roll of Twilight's eyes followed with a grin.
"Please don't call me Master, I don't like it when I'm called a Princess by my friends, which is kind of the same thing, so please, call me Mistress or Twilight is fine." Twilight smiled as she sat down in the chair she sat down this morning. A steaming, orange liquid inside a bowl is suddenly placed in front of her with a soup spoon on the side.
"Here is a slowly brewed apple and butternut squash soup with some special spices that Derpy delivered to me this noon." Ettore shortly explained.
Twilight took the spoon with her magic and took a generous amount and placed it in her mouth, but not before giving it a small blow to cool it down. Twilight sat there as flavours mixed around her mouth, filling it with bliss. But, upon the sudden hit of bliss, she realised what she was there to do.
"Thank you for the soup, Ettore. But I'm afraid I came here to find the two folders that are missing from the files?" Twilight said as she placed the silver spoon on the table and stood up.
"I do sincerely apologise, Mistress. I took them with me by mistake and forgot to go back to give them back. The two folders are in the kitchen on the side if you wish to obtain them. Plus, may I give out some helpful advice, I'd advise grabbing the help of the one called Pinkie Diana Pie. She would be a great asset to the team in creating this party." Ettore pointed out as he waltzed back into the kitchen. Ettore grabbed the two folders and placed them in front of Twilight, who was next to the table still.
"I was going to ask her anyway. I'm sure even Pinkie would have a hard time getting a large party like this planned within a couple of days." Twilight chuckled as she picked up the two folders and made her way to the door "Well... Unless she hasn't seen this coming that is."
"I am positive Miss Pie does not know anything about Mayor Mare's party, Mistress," Ettore replied as Twilight left the room. Ettore's aura around him changed like he was an entirely different stallion. He turned towards the oven that glowed orange. Ettore opened the oven, making the heat escape onto his face. Only, he didn't care about it, all he cared about was the burning pages in the oven. Ettore closed his eyes with a sigh as the paper was fully burnt to a crisp.
Ettore closed the oven a little later as he escaped his mind, whispering to himself "Sorry, Twilight... But the less you know, the better...."
Ettore walked through the hallways within Twilight's Castle, cleaning any dust while moving objects to suit the place even better. Party streamers are placed nearly everywhere while balloons filled the ceiling as well as the corners of the hallways. Speakers were placed in unique locations across the castle for the full effect of the music that will be echoing all over the walls. Tables for food, drinks or even sitting down on a chair were placed in every great location for said area. Ettore pondered around the castle to see if anything was out of place for the third time, alas, nothing was out of place. Ettore looked behind him as the sound of a door opened up. Spike wondered out of the door rubbing his eyes from his slumber.
"Good morning, Sir Spike. Sleep well in the gem room?" Ettore politely asked.
Spike chuckled as he looked back at the door innocently "Don't tell Twilight."
"Only if she asks," Ettore replied with a straight face.
Spike sighed in relief to the answer and proceeded to walk down the hallway with Ettore to have a friendly conversation "Got any news on what's happening tomorrow?"
"One band, DJ and an orchestra are being hired for tomorrow. The food will be cooked on site by a team of famous chefs. And finally, the attire for me, Mistress and you, will be hoof made by seamstress Rarity. The guests will arrive at five o'clock in the evening, and I will open the doors at quarter past five so Twilight may greet them and have a good time." Ettore explained.
"What about security?" Spike asked as he scratched his chin.
"There is no need for a bouncer, a party is a party. If things get out of hoof, I will personally step in." Ettore finished a she stopped by Twilight's study doors.
"Just like the way you took on the Manticore and Timberwolves." Spike laughed "So how is Twilight taking all of this anyway?"
Ettore raised a hoof telling Spike to keep quiet, He then placed it by his ear then the door telling Spike to listen closely. Spike did so only to hear nothing as a response "She's asle-!" Spike paused as a loud crash alerted him with worry. Spike swung the door open with the words "Twilight!?" coming from his mouth. The sight of folders and books covered the study floor with a single heap gathered in the centre where Twilight was clearly being buried underneath by the sight of her tail sticking out. Ettore and Spike did nothing as Twilight shot up out of the pile screaming out in frustration. Twilight picked up a book and a couple of folders in her two hoofs before flinging them behind her. She then fell on her back looking towards Ettore and Spike upside down, their faces clearly baffled by her action.
"Why did I ever agree to this?" Twilight asked herself as well as the two standing there as if they were walking on the ceiling.
"You said you wanted to do this unprepared," Spike answered as he was leaning over Twilight's face from above.
"Unprepared isn't what I call it Spike," Twilight said as she sat back up from the pile of books "I haven't even left this room to get any of the party supplies or get a band for tomorrow night! What am I going to do?!"
Spike raised a brow in shock as he turned his head to Ettore, who innocently shrugged with a serious face.
"I think Ettore has it covered..."
"What?" Twilight tilted her head, baffled by what Spike meant. She moved from her spot to the door only to get a little jolt of shock from the sight.
Ettore took a couple of steps out of the study down the hallway saying "I knew you were too caught up in reading all the files and their cultures, so I made this up to the best of my abilities, Mistress."
"How did you get all the supplies for this?" Twilight said as she flicked a balloon on the side.
"I asked Miss Pie if she could spare any supplies, the rest is from True Valet's connections," Ettore answered only to get a frown back from Twilight.
"Hey, at least all the hard jobs are all done and dusted," Spike spoke up only to get a glare back from Twilight as if he did something wrong. Spike chuckled as he took a few steps back trying to get out of the conversation.
"I know you are just attempting to help, but please, can you let me do something for this party?"
"I have only helped you out of a pickle, Mistress." Ettore bowed as an apology "You were in your study for two days straight reading up the likes and dislikes of all the guests that will be attending. I have been leaving you meals while you were asleep; I thought it would be the best time to enter without bothering you. I only think what is best for my Master." Ettore kept his head down.
Twilight looked behind her to see Spike cross his arms towards her with a brow raised, telepathically telling her he had her best intentions in his mind.
"Argh, fine..." Twilight grunted as she walked past him and down the hallway as if she was a foal who lost an argument "Thank you for getting the decorations and setting them up."
Spike breathed in as he was about to speak only for a big round object plug his mouth giving him a wake-up call. Spike quickly spat it out in his hands to see a large diamond gem covered in his saliva. Spike looked towards Ettore with confusion. Ettore's expression didn't have any emotion, but his eyes screamed 'shut up' as he stared down to him. Spike looked down the hallway to see Twilight almost walking around the corner almost out of sight.
"This gem is rather light you know..." Spike evilly smirked as he started to flip the gem in his hand.
Ettore sighed as he accepted the dragon's conditions. Using his magic, he spawned another gem out of thin air like a pure magician. He lowered the gem to Spike's empty hand where he chuckled in success as he got two gems for keeping quiet.
"Easy pickings." Spike snickered as he walked the opposite way flipping the gem in his right hand.
Ettore rolled his eyes as no pony is watching him now, allowing him to break character a little. The unicorn couldn't find any reason not to do the actions he has undergone. Preparing the castle while his Master was in the study researching the guests, it seemed like the logical thing to do for a Butler... at least for a True Valet Butler. Ettore closed his eyes as he tried to remember if something was missing for the party.
Ettore opened his eyes from a sudden thud where Twilight went. He looked down the hallway knowing she has probably broken something from the sound of shattering glass. He steadily trotted to the location of the noise; it sounded like it came from the main hall. The stallion stopped by the open door of the main hall to see Twilight rubbing her head alarmed over the smashed disco ball in the centre. Ettore looked to the right where the map room doors are located to see a massive stage for the musicians while on the edges of the hallway are tables for the food and drink. Ettore wondered over to the worried Twilight with a brow raised wondering what she was doing to break the ball. The Alicorn gasped in surprise as Ettore suddenly appeared behind, she then began to giggle with an innocent smile as she tried to hid the ball by standing in front of it.
"Sorry." Twilight apologised as she looked behind her to the disco ball and back to Ettore "I thought I could place it on the chandelier without any trouble, I guess it didn't work out as well as I'd hoped."
"You do not need to apologise to me, Mistress," Ettore angled his head to peer around Twilight, picking up the smashed disco ball using his magic "If anypony should apologise it should be me. I should have placed it on the chandelier first before anything else. Do not worry, Mistress, I shall get a replacement from Miss Pie. In the meantime, may you speak to Miss Applejack for the refreshments for tomorrow evening?"
"Don't beat yourself over my mistake, I just wanted to help out with something," Twilight said as she felt a little guilt as she walked off towards the castle's front doors only to stop on sudden realisation from a flaw " Wait a second? I don't think Applejack can get that many apples and prepare them for drinks in one day?! Not to mention getting them all the way over here in time for the party?!"
Ettore placed the broken disco ball into a sudden appearing rubbish bag. With his magic, he tied a knot and put it into the corner before walking past Twilight and out into the breezy outdoors "I asked her two days ago while you were in your study, she should have the order ready now for me and she even promised me to deliver them to the castle's kitchen."
Twilight sighed in defeat as she should've expected that response from Ettore. Twilight watched until he was out of sight before making her way to Sweet Apple Acres. On the way there she had a few moments to think. Like, why is Ettore trying so hard for this party? It can't be for her because it's like he has no emotion to express to begin with. He's so organised; he plans ahead of time so that he can be of use. Even if he his a Butler doing his job, it's still impressive. If she decided to be like that, it would be annoying to keep track of. Well, he did organise the study in an hour while she was asleep so he knows how to get stuff done in silence. Time past as she thought of a couple more small things along the way. Before even realising she was standing outside Apple Acres where Granny Smith sat on her chair on the front porch, rocking back and forth without any care in the world. Twilight grew a smile as a few memories came into her mind. The good times where they would all just sit and talk while eating a lovely lunch prepared by the Cake's as a thank you for Pinkie looking after the twins. She couldn't figure it out as to why the map keeps summoning all of them around Equestria. The most recent one she did was stopping killer bees eating the apple crop in Appaloosa. How is that meant to tie into friendship? It simply doesn't. Lately, they all haven't been able to talk to each other, well, apart from Rarity that is.
Twilight shook her head to escape her mind, which is a hard thing to do in her case. She wondered over to the barn to notice it was wide open. She peeked round the barn door only to witness something she has never seen. The barn was filled with large buckets of red apples, making it impossible to see anything else in the barn. It was astounding to see so many apples congregating in one place, this many apples not already made into cider or juice must mean they are getting prepared today. Twilight took a few steps away from the barn doors to get a better view. A million thoughts still rushed into her head as she stood there thinking why Ettore would order so many apples. All that came to a sudden halt as she felt a long curved pole come round her neck making her wings unfold with a quiet yelp from her. A familiar voice groaned as they got a face full of feathers.
"Now that was just uncalled for, Sugarcube!" Twilight turned around to see Applejack with her yellow mane down with her cowgirl hat. Twilight hummed as she looked at the earth pony's new mane style. It was like a sleek look that curved round her left side of her neck; it expressed a bit of laziness to her. But it's a nice change to see her friend again with a refreshing new mane style.
"Sorry, Ajay. You know I still can't control my wings when I get frightened." Twilight replied only to get a smile from Applejack as a return.
"S~o, What do you think, is the order all right?" Applejack said as she wandered into the barn and taking an apple from one of the buckets and checking it over carefully.
"How many did Ettore order?" Twilight asked with her brow raised.
"Beats me, Hun. He just wanted, at least, one hundred large buckets of apples." Applejack took a bite out of the apple before placing it on a crate beside one of the buckets.
"I thought he asked you to make the cider and juice for the day, not just the apples?" Twilight asked, still wondering about Ettore's motives for the apples.
"I think he said something about doing it himself? I know this is sounding rather far fetch, but, are ya sure you aren't workin' Ettore to the bone with this?" Applejack looked worried as she moved next to Twilight.
"Oh no, no, no." Twilight defended herself, shaking her two front hoofs together "He's doing this on his own accord. All I've asked him to do is give me some information on the ponies coming to the party, not do the entire party altogether."
"Okay then. But do make sure he doesn't just collapse from exhaustion. Even if some ponies don't show, they will eventually fall."
"You mean like somepony that we all know who did that." Twilight chuckled towards Applejack only to receive a sharp glare back only for it to turn to both of them laughing about it.
"Yeah, don't worry about the apples, Twi. Me and Big Mac will deliver the apples to the kitchen now. You go on back and finish with decorating the castle for the party tomorrow." Ajay finished as she walked back it to the barn. Twilight smirked towards Ajay as she fitted the first bucket up with a saddle ready to move out.
"Come on, Applebloom!" Twilight and Ajay looked at each other in confusion from Sweetie Belle's voice " You can fly that thing!"
Twilight and Ajay quickly trotted a small distance away from the barn so they can get a view of the roof. What they saw was a hang glider sitting on the roof with Applebloom about to take off while Scootaloo and Sweetie stood beside it giving her an encouraging speech.
"What in tarnation are Y'all doin' up there?!" Applejack shouted to the Cutie Mark Crusaders on the barn roof; She then turned to Twilight with an awkward smile saying "Go on Twi, I have it covered."
Twilight giggled once more and decided to take her up on that offer as she knows to stay out of that kind of matters. She started to make her slow journey back to Ponyville only to hear Applebloom's voice scream "We're trying to get our cutie marks in hang gliding, Sis!"
Twilight couldn't help but laugh in joy, seeing family have that kind of enjoyment and activity must be fun. Twilight has Shining Armour, but since he married Princess Cadence sometime ago, he hasn't been round to say hello, neither has Cadence for that matter. Other than Spike in the Castle, it's silent...well, until recently when Ettore came to town. On her way through Ponyville, Twilight greeted nearly every pony she came across; since she has been in her study for two days straight it might be good for everypony to know she isn't dead. The town's folk are helpful and friendly to each other even before she arrived about four or five years ago. Then again, a lot has happened in that time that would make anypony change who they are but they stuck to their roots and didn't change. While on her way back to her castle she noticed Ettore speaking to the one named Vinyl Scratch in the middle of the street. If you call writing on a chalkboard and showing it to Vinyl talking, then it's odd. Twilight has heard strange things about Vinyl Scratch; she's an unknown type who doesn't say much and loves music. Maybe because she wears headphones all the time she can't hear anypony around her, she could be deaf for how loud she plays those headphones in her ears. The conversation of Ettore and Vinyl seemed one sided as Vinyl just nodded back without saying a word. Twilight shrugged her shoulders as if it didn't bother her one bit. She made it back to the castle to see that decorations were placed in boxes in the centre of the main hall with a note attached. The note was from Ettore telling Twilight that he got more supplies for her to place up around the main hall since she moaned for not helping with the first party set up. Twilight felt a little embarrassed for acting like a little foal moments ago because it wasn't the right way to act, however, at least she can help out with the party set up now.
The hours flew by within the castle. Twilight managed to finish the layout of the perfect decoration pattern to make the party more enlightening for the guests. Ettore was in the kitchen squeezing out the lif-er I mean juice of the apples that Applejack and Big Mac delivered. Getting the other part of the party together is easy going from there onward. All that is left to do is finish the final touches on the lights around the stage and the other beverages for the older generation; alcohol for the older mares and stallions. That wasn't all though, Rarity came over later that day to give in the fashionable dress for Twilight and two custom made suits for Spike and Ettore. They were almost set and ready for the party tomorrow, all they were missing was the workforce for the party. Apart from the chiefs and Ettore, there isn't any other pony to help around. One unicorn being the only workforce isn't very smart so Ettore swiftly wrote a couple of letters and sent them off to Ditzy's Mailing Services in hope for a quick reply the next day on the party.
(The Next Day)
Today was the day of the party, the balloons were still inflated, the cooks have arrived with their utensils, and the workforce is still nowhere to be seen. Twilight being the 'status quo' type of pony, started to get a little worried as the party only started in a couple of hours. She waited at the castle's front door biting her left hoof as she stared down towards the town in hope for Ettore's workforce to arrive. Twilight hasn't been known not to have anything missing or out of place, that implies to her first party when she was a filly a long while back as well. The worry made Twilight pressed down on her hoof a little harder making her gasp in sudden pain on the self-inflicting torment. She nervously looked behind her to see Ettore using his magic to place a buffet on the tables around the central hall. She was a little irritated how Ettore was so calm about his workforce not arriving, to her it's a huge disappointment. After she had watched Ettore finish moving the food and placing up a makeshift bar for the alcohol and drinks, she wondered why the area around her suddenly darkened. Twilight instantaneously turned around only for her ears to droop back with her face in surprise like a bombshell. Ettore noticed Twilight's concern from her facial expression and made his way over. Ettore stopped next to Twilight, who was looking up, decided to do the same. Ettore raised an eyebrow in shock as he never expected something like this to happen.
"What are you doing here?" Twilight squeamishly asked as she took a step back.
In front of them stood a Minotaur with four goats behind him with their arms crossed leaning on the Minotaur himself "IRON WILL IS HERE TO LEND A HELPING HAND!!"
Twilight chuckled lightly in disbelief before pulling Ettore away from the door whispering "What are they doing here?! I thought you had a workforce coming?!"
Ettore looked behind him to see Iron Will and his posse smile with a thumbs up towards him making him wonder why did they send him there.
"I do not know why or how they ended up here, so let us investigate this little dilemma shall we?" Ettore whispered back in a reply before making his way towards the five. Ettore cleared his throat as he was about to speak, only to be interrupted by a letter in his face by Iron Will. Ettore used his magic to open the envelope containing the letter and started to read it. He knew immediately that it was his hoof-writing saying he needs a workforce and will pay handsomely for their best workers at the Manehatten Employee Hire. Dizty Doo, I knew hiring your services were spot on. Ettore thought to himself. Twilight swear she saw Ettore smile for a split second just like the time when he said he was 'one hell of a Butler'.
Ettore scrunched up the letter with his magic and tossed it into the nearest rubbish bag without looking. He took a step forward to the group and raised his left hoof out towards the Minotaur introducing himself "My name is Ettore, I am my Mistress's Butler in which you will be serving as well for tonight, Mr Will." Iron Will's posse gave each other a high five while Will smirked as he shook Ettore's hoof.
"What?!" Twilight quickly yelped towards Ettore trying to process what a 7 foot tall Minotaur can do at one of these parties "Why would you even hire a Minotaur and goats for your workforce?...err, no offence."
"None taken, Princess," Iron Will chuckled towards the duo on the ground lower than him.
"Having a Minotaur as a bouncer would help greatly in keeping order if there is a fight, not to mention I know his posse are good with the electrical appliances and good at taking orders," Ettore replied. Twilight slightly knew what Ettore was going on about, having a large party could mean a lot of ruckus, and possibly, fights. The other is the lights, the stage and the equipment. It would need some maintenance to keep running without burning out. Heck, even if one or two of them help out with waitering the food and drink would be a huge help.
"As long as you had planned this outcome, I don't mind." Twilight sighed as she tilted her head towards Ettore hoping she would get the answer she wanted.
"Planned?" Ettore replied as he looked back at Twilight only to see her face turn to harrow as he continued "Sure, let us go with this as being 'planned', Mistress."
Twilight's face dropped along with her ears once more upon hearing Ettore's sentence. It wasn't the fact that she didn't have any trust in Iron Will and his goons or from the time when he changed Fluttershy's attitude to an assertive one, it's just from the oddity of a Minotaur and goats working at a massive party. Would the guests be threatened by him while thinking of the goats as cheap labour? But if Ettore thinks it is a good idea to hire them as a last minute replacement then she would roll with it.
Twilight decided it was time to get into her dress that Rarity made for her so she left Ettore to explain to Iron Will and his posse's about their jobs for the night. She distinctly overheard him say they will receive a ridiculous amount of bits when the night is over; that made Iron Will comply even greater to Ettore's orders; since money is always a good motivator. Twilight's dress is a very high-end white sewed dress that glistened to the smallest glimpse of light. Rarity being Rarity, standing out is a part of her work so the dress would become the bane of everypony there. Twilight moved back into the main hall after she put on her dress only to be astonished by the sight of Iron Will and his gang wearing high-class suits while running around seeing all the equipment and refreshments were all in order. Ettore was like a natural leader as he gave the new workforce orders. They were precise with their movements in and out of the kitchen and sorting out the equipment; Iron Will was even given instructions about his attitude and reading the list of guests to let in. If that wasn't enough, Octavia and her orchestra arrived when she was putting on her dress and are now setting up their instruments on stage ready to perform. Fifteen munites later; Vinyl Scratch showed up at the castle doors with her own disc jockey which brought a little confusion to her but soon realised what Ettore was speaking to Vinyl for. She didn't even plan anything on the music side which must mean Ettore did it all. And if that wasn't all, Derpy came in and quickly gave her a letter saying the band is running a little late. How can Ettore be so resourceful, he managed to juice the apples and make a heaping amount of cider for the party as well as natural juice, but he also managed to order alcohol for the party. This wasn't just organisation; it was pre-planning at it's best.
The peace of an empty main hall soon came to an end as chatter came outside the castle doors. They were all ready for it, the start of the party and slight chaos. Ettore stood by the side of the castle door looking towards the wall opposite where the guests would pass him; he stood there holding up eight round metal trays with an assortment of drinks on top ready and waiting. Twilight stood by the castle doors, taking in deep breaths before she showed her face to the audience. Iron Will was standing outside where he should be while his gang were doing numerous jobs around the main hall. Twilight looked at a random clock in the main hall to see the time was quarter to five, right on schedule for the speech before the party. The door slowly opened with Iron Will's hand pushing it, revealing the crowd that awaited the party. Ettore looked towards Octavia, giving her a slight nod to start playing some classical music. Twilight moved outside of the castle doors, grabbing everypony's attention.
Twilight had taken in a deep breath before she spoke "Welcome everypony to Ponyville. I have been instructed to organise this party for your enjoyment here today, and quite frank, I am a little stumped on this outcome of how this became a reality. So I do hope you all enjoy this little gift we have to offer you. Thank you." Twilight smiled as she walked beside Iron Will letting their guests walk straight on in.
"Also, you are letting in the Ponyville residents right?" Twilight whispered as she flew up towards Iron Will, who just gave a nod in compliance.
Twilight sighed in relief as she thought her friends wouldn't be able to enter the party, it just wouldn't be a party without them there. But, it never seemed to stop, the line going into the castle. Ettore was coping easily as his workforce quickly brought over another tray of drinks as soon as he ran out on one. He stared onto the hoard of ponies walking into the main hall as if they were like moths to a flame. He knew every single one of them from the documents; their names, age, likes and dislikes. Ettore couldn't shake the feeling of somepony watching him, yeah everypony there was looking his way, but this felt like a death glare. He observed even harder upon the crowd; nothing stood out until he witnessed a flowing lock of electric purple hair appear and vanish in an instant. Ettore shook his head as if he had hallucinated it since he didn't get much sleep in the three days, four days to be exact, he just brushed it off and stood there with a straight face.
"You look dashing in that suit I made for you darling." Ettore raised a brow as he looked to his left to see Rarity wearing a glittering blue frilly dress with two blue front socks with her hair in one large swirl on her left side.
"You make perfect quality attire, Miss Rarity." Ettore compliments the white unicorn, bringing in all the round metal trays as no more ponies were entering the castle "It was a wonderful decision by Sir Spike. I know this is a short conversation, but I must attend the bar, my utmost apologies."
"No worries dear; I can just follow you there." Rarity enthusiastically replied to Ettore, who started to walk towards the makeshift bar. Ettore swiftly swivelled in and out of everypony's way, trying to shake off Rarity from his tail. He knows she means no harm, but getting involved with another mare isn't what he's looking for. After five minutes of breaking sight of Rarity, he sighed through his nose in relief. He was in the middle of the crowd holding metal trays with his magic. This atmosphere was completely new to Ettore; He's only been too sophisticated parties with high-class items from drinks to the simplest spoon. This rowdy and unruly crowd from a range of ponies from country to rich made him seem relaxed a little. Ettore's heart skipped a beat as he watched ponies move aside in front of him, his heart almost about to crack as he stared. The food table was running extremely low on sprinkle doughnuts, and only in the first few minutes of the party starting. Ettore walked over to the table only to hear a British voice shout louder than the guests and music.
"Even when we're here not on a job you still bloody eat doughnuts!"
Ettore noticed a grey earth pony stallion with a large black mane with blue highlights sitting down on a table shaking his head towards a white pegasus, who has a smaller mane and tail with the same mane colour, gobbling away at a full plate of doughnuts. Ettore chuckled as the pegasus just shrugged back as he ate more of the doughnuts. Without getting involved, he picked up the two large metal plates and kept them close as he chicaned through the crowd and down the empty hallway towards the kitchen. As he arrived at the kitchen door, the music changed to an upbeat nightclub mix. Vinyl must be on stage was the first thought in Ettore's head. Ettore opened the kitchen doors to see four chefs cooking away with exquisite precision. The second set of food was ready and set to go on the table beside the kitchen door. Ettore watched as the movements of the chefs dwindled as their ears picked up on Vinyl's music. He could tell they wanted to go and enjoy the party as well but they know full well the food won't cook itself. Ettore closed his eyes for a second before coming to a conclusion. He walked over to the chefs and told them to go and have an hour or two break to unwind. They left the kitchen, not before they bowed to him for his kind gesture, and went to the party where screams of joy could be heard. Ettore went over to the stoves and turned them all down to a simmer while the ovens a low heat. The loud noise made Ettore cringe a little, making him close the kitchen door with his magic. As the doors shut, he felt murmurs of the music and cheers of the ponies outside. Silence is bliss most of the time; it gives you time to think and just relax. However, the uneasy feeling still lingered inside him; he couldn't get rid of it as he saw the flock of electric purple hair. Was his brain forcing him to remember something he didn't want to or is something about to happen? Ettore chuckled as he shook his head only to turn his head abruptly to the door opening behind him. It was just one of Iron Will's posse grabbing a plate full of food, nothing major to lose his cool over. It felt strange after that moment, the air around was somehow becoming cumbersome and damp, and he just couldn't explain it, it wasn't from the cooking. Ettore wondered back over to the stoves, turning them off completely, so there aren't any worrying noises in the background.
"It's been far too long Ettore."
Ettore froze on the spot as he heard a familiar female's sour voice behind him, his eyes widened as he looked over his shoulder only for worry to become of him.
Twilight walked around the party, greeting anypony she could see with a happy smile. It was a great time for her especially since she and her close friends managed to meet up and have their laughs. She even managed to meet ponies that have some of the same likes as her that weren't on the files. After a while of greeting everypony, she managed to come across Ditzy and Mayor Mare laughing as they held a drink in their hooves.
"So how are you enjoying the party so far?" Twilight went straight to the point as she tried to speak over Vinyl's music.
"It's going superbly so far Princess; I'm glad you decided to do this for everypony's sake." Mayor Mare came out as she toasted her alcoholic cider in the air.
"Yes, thank you for inviting me to the party as well Twilight," Ditzy said with a shy tone, trying to hold her drink into her chest.
"You're welcome Derpy. But, this couldn't have been possible if the Mayor hadn't come to me about starting the party for all these ponies." Twilight smiled back only to receive a strange look back from Mayor Mare.
"I never asked you to do this?" Mayor mare replied.
"Yes you did, three days ago you asked about creating this party to have the visitors have a good time in Ponyville, right?" Twilight's voice was cracking as she chuckled, hoping the Mayor was just joking.
"Three days ago?" Mayor Mare said as she looked towards the ceiling in deep thought "I was with Fluttershy the entire day in her cottage having tea and discussing the animal plan she been thinking of."
"But?... You were?..." Twilight stuttered as she looked at the dumbfounded mare until an idea popped into her head "Derpy delivered a package for Ettore and Rarity saw you sitting next to me?" She continued as she looked towards Ditzy, who nodded towards Mayor Mare agreeing she was there. Twilight's eyes widened as she felt her body go numb as if something frightened her greatly.
-Kaboom-
A large explosion alerted the entire main hall to stop their activities, even Vinyl stopped her song and took off her goggles revealing her purple eyes. Ettore stood down the hallway towards the kitchen, which was filled with smoke and a large gaping hole in the wall. Ettore stood there with a metal tray in front of him with a knife sticking into it. A crowd soon congregated around Ettore, seeing he was composed with a deathly glare towards the smoke. Twilight flew past and landed behind Ettore, who just lifted his hoof making sure she doesn't past him.
"Still the same as always Ettore, protecting your white suit from any dirt; even if it is done by a poor seamstress who uses cheap materials." Two silhouettes stood in the smoke, staring towards Ettore.
"Cheap?!" Rarity shouted at the top of her lungs "I have you know, I used my best materials for those suits and dress!"
"Clearly you need a lesson in etiquette, you plebeian." The female voice echoed the hall as with a pair of hoofsteps walking towards them. On the right walking out from the smoke was a buff black unicorn stallion with a blood red mane that shielded his eyes apart from a small V that revealed his blood red eye, he also wore an electric purple fancy suit while his flank was bare of any mark. Next to him walked a fire orange pegasus mare, her electric purple mane is in two large ponytails on equal side of her while her tail split into four ponytails. She wore an elegant electric purple dress that matched her mane and tail. If that wasn't all, the cutie mark wasn't visible on her as the dress blocked the view of her flank.
"Charis, if whom do I owe this pleasure to?" Ettore answered back, making Twilight judder to how does he know her by name.
"Oh~ how sweet, you still remember my name!" Charis brought her two front hooves up to her face and rubbing it with a foalish smile as if she was praised. Ettore clicked his tongue while Twilight was confused at how Charis acted.
"I am not playing around Charis, of all pony's, you should know I don't play around." Ettore replied only to receive a shocked expression from Charis and Twilight. For Twilight, Ettore has never used informal language before, but for it to shock Charis too, it must have been huge.
"-tsk-...What are you doing here Ettore?" Charis scoffed towards the stallion holding a metal tray by his face "You aren't suppose to be here, more or less a butler for such a commoner?!"
"Insulting one's master is like tarnishing the True Valet's name, have some respect, Charis." Ettore stood his composed manner perfectly. Twilight was still confused about this little meeting, like why would she just attack Ettore and make a massive hole in her castle? Either way, she was going to figure out the reason why.
"Ha~ Ha ha~, I hope I am not interrupting anything major bu-"
"Shut up you filth!" Charis shouted at the top of her lungs towards Twilight only for her to gasp as a sudden reaction from the stallion next to Charis started to shoot magic spears from his horn towards her. Twilight instinctively put up a magical barrier around her as she closed her eyes, the room gasped as the sound of metal pings echoed off the walls. Twilight opened her left eye slightly to see Ettore's metal tray in front of her with said Spears in it. Ettore brought the tray to him, pulling out the spears and one knife and dropping them to the floor.
"o~h, are you finally getting serious with me Ettore?" Charis stomped around with excitement as Ettore's left eye started to twitch "This is what I expected when I got you as an opponent!"
"Ettore, what is she talking about? Opponent? Are you going to fight them?" Twilight asked as she lowered her barrier. Ettore sighed as his eye stopped twitching, bring back his composure.
"If Mistress wishes so, I will guard you with my life. So yes I will if I have to." Ettore said facing towards Charis, pulling the metal tray into his left hoof instead of using his magic.
"Gr~, stop paying her so much more attention than me Ettore!" Charis stomped her hoof which brought the stallion beside her to stand in front ready for battle "I'll make sure to remind you that you only belong to me! Volkan, Erupt!"
Twilight gasped as the stallion in front of Charis tilted his head up as he incited a spell that made his horn glow. Ettore looked behind him to see Twilight in shock in the large black ball in front of her. The light purple stallion sighed as he clicked his neck by tilting it left and right. As the black stallion moved his head in a circle about to launch the ball, Ettore took a few step in front staring down onto the reflection of the dented tray. He knew this was going to be the start of his old life.
"Fire!!" Charis shouted to Volkan, who released the ball towards Ettore, Twilight and the crowd. Ettore gave a slight chuckle as he held the tray sideway's, waiting for the right time. He held his breath and closed his eyes as he pulled his left hoof across the front of his neck. He waited patiently as the ball drew closer. Ettore felt a burning sensation as the ball finally got within distance, making him swing his left hoof entirely to the left. Everypony's jaw dropped as a ten-metre magic ball suddenly flew in a ninety-degree angle into the wall beside Ettore, breaking it fully with rubble inside the room than the hallway. Ettore opened his eyes smoothly to see the tray on black fire. He proceeded to place the tray on his hoof, so it's level with black flames coming off next to his face. He dropped his head towards Charis and Volkan with the tray lowering halfway on his right leg. Charis couldn't stop staring at Ettore as he just stood there with his head lowered with the flaming tray; it made him look ominous and frightening.
"How could you deflect that with just a tray?!"
Ettore slowly chuckled as he raised his head, revealing a sinister smirk on his face and in his eyes.
"If I couldn't even do that Charis, what kind of Butler would I be?"
Chapter 4: "Let Me Dispose Of The Trash, Mistress"
Charis clicked her tongue at the smirking, bowing unicorn across the hallway in front of a large crowd. She was shocked from the deflection of Volken's attack, with a tray no less. The orb Volken produced was engulfed in a black flame, disguising the superheated white flame underneath that should have melted away the tray. From just one attack, she could feel the difference in power between Volken and Ettore. Twilight stood behind the light purple stallion staring towards the disintegrated wall which revealed one of the guests rooms. She rotated her head around with her mouth faintly open in surprise. The crowd were grinning and smiling as they were mesmerised by the show in front of them; as if it was entertainment Twilight had planned. The only ones who weren't smiling were her friends that managed to get to the front of the crowd. They knew immediately it wasn't a part of a show since she wouldn't plan something like this. Ettore lifted his head level towards the two from him with the indented tray in hoof. After which, he used his magic to pick up the kitchen knife and small spears by his hoof and placed them on the tray in a neat manner. Charis grits her teeth in disgust towards Ettore, knowing that he was mocking her in his way since she used one of Volken's powerful moves.
"I should have known you would have deflected Volken's spell," Charis chuckled in worry as her right hoof touched her chin "Still does not matter, I am sure you are holding back anyway."
Ettore broke his posture with an off-putting groan as he rolled his eyes making everypony there blink twice at him "Do you know how long it will be to repair that wall for my Mistress, I can not fathom the time it would take to procure the crystal much less cut it to perfection."
"You..." Charis grits her teeth upon hearing Ettore's words, irritated she took a couple of steps forwards past Volkan with an apparent intent to carry on her sentence "Are getting on my nerves always avoiding my attention!". Without warning she unfolded her left wing while slightly twisting her body to the right, throwing another kitchen knife from her wings. Everypony gasped towards the chucked knife as if they realised it's not entertainment. Ettore raised the metal tray in his hoof shielding it from the knife. But he never heard the sound of metal on metal contact. He lowered the tray to see a magical purple aura around the blade; he instinctively turned his head to see Twilight's horn glowing next to him. Twilight was now standing next to Ettore with a grave look on her face.
"Mistress?" Ettore's voice got Twilight's attention as she only moved her eyes towards him "You must not interfere with this, it is a personal issue that I must conclude."
"Some personal issues can't be solved with one pony alone sometimes, and I think it's time I pay them back for the wall." Twilight glared towards Volkan and Charis, who scoffed back towards her.
Ettore huffed as he lowered his head with a smirk on his face "This is a battle you will not win Mistress, I assure you."
"That's not the response I wanted, but I don't care," Twilight immediately got ready for a fight with her head lowered "These ponies shouldn't have messed with my home or my friends!"
Twilight's growl gave Ettore a modest sense of relief as now he won't have to fight Charis and Volken alone. The massive crowd behind them started to disperse as Twilight's friends escorted them outside away from the suspected battle. Twilight and Ettore heard the castle door slam shut knowing everyone was outside. Twilight's friends all stood by the door inside the castle thinking the same thing; they can't leave their friend to fight alone. The group turned around to see an explosion where Ettore and Twilight are; they gasped towards the hallway as thick smoke blew out from it. They witnessed Twilight fly high up just out of reach from the smoke while another figure jumped out from the side of the smokey hallway. A deep exhale came over the group as they noticed it was Ettore. The smoke slowly started to dissipate only for a small flaming ball came from the smoke towards Twilight. She reacted on instinct, putting up a magical barrier only to blink as the metal tray Ettore was holding flew into the ball splitting it in half causing another explosion. Thanks to her barrier she stayed in place from the backfire of the black ball. Twilight didn't waste the opportunity. She abruptly blasted a magic spell down into the new puff of smoke from the black ball hoping it would have some effect on the camouflage the other two have. The light purple unicorn watched Twilight and the smoke cloud like a hawk, waiting for anything else that might come out. Twilight's friends stayed back knowing they would just get in the way if they intervened. The smoke started to clear completely, revealing Volken, who was standing there alone holding up a magical barrier. The duo gave an expression of confusion towards the black, expressionless unicorn. Ettore's eyes widened as he felt somepony crash into him from behind, knocking him forwards beneath Twilight only to hear a loud yell in his ear. He turned his head to see Rainbow Dash lying on top of him with tears in her eyes. He removed his right hoof from her back as he done it intensively only to see red liquid slide down his hoof. The group shouted out towards the downed rainbowed mare. Twilight gasped downwards as she witnessed the bleeding horse on top of Ettore only to grunt out in pain as Volken teleported beside her kicking her with his right hoof towards the ground next to Ettore and Rainbow.
"hahaha, you still fall for that after all this time, Ettore." Charis chuckled out loud, watching as Ettore used his magic to lift Rainbow off from him and gently beside him "too bad that reckless commoner had to get in the way!"
Ettore sighed as he wiped the blood off his hoof with his handkerchief in his pocket, calmly speaking "Charis, I thought I taught you better. You snuck into my new Mistress's house, crashed Mistress's party, attacked my Mistress with full force and injure one of her guests slash best friends," Ettore took a couple steps forwards towards the fire orange pegasus with a look of disgust "I hope you brought your medical kit, Charis, because you're going to have a bad time."
Charis took a step back in worrisome for the unicorn in front of her only to feel a cold metal circle touching her plot. Charis turned her head to see Pinkie Pie with an angry face holding a piece of string attached to a cannon in one hoof.
"How did you get behind me?" Charis finished her sentence just before Pinkie snarled with a yank of the string making the cannon erupt with confetti in her face. The force made Charis fly towards Ettore uncontrollably, letting out screams that bounced everywhere as she rolled in the air. Ettore moved to left out of the way making Charis hit the ground and roll into the wall opposite the large hallway. Volken teleported in front of Ettore only to break his emotionless expression as he saw Ettore with a malevolent grin towards him. Twilight was too focused on Rainbow Dash's injury to look towards Ettore, as were all her friends. But, as Ettore's horn glowed Twilight noticed the evil look in his eyes in the corner of her eye. It only showed for an instant before a blinding light came from Ettore's horn, making everypony in the room shield their eyes from the light. Everyone in the hallway soon got their holdings and could see once again, but as they did they saw Ettore clapping his hoofs with Charis and Volken on the floor groaning as if they are in pain.
"What the hay happened?" Applejack spoke as she ran towards Rainbow while looking towards the two on the floor.
"Just taking care of some pestering guests, Miss Jack" Ettore chuckled as he lifted the two on the floor towards the castle's front door with his magic.
"Don't worry about that; Dashie needs to go to the hospital?!" Pinkie Pie interrupted by running over to the downed mare with a little-sized cut on her back. The downed pony was soon crowded by the whole group as they looked down towards her.
"It's no big deal," Rainbow Dash groaned as she stood back up "Now get away from me, give a girl some space will ya!"
"It's a severe injury Dash; You need to head to the hospital right away while we deal with these tw- where'd they go?" Twilight pointed out as she turned around to see the two suddenly disappeared. A moment later they heard the castle doors open, and they all turned round to see Charis's head poke around the castle door, sticking out her tongue before she closes it.
"Come on Pinkie; we'll go after those varmints." Applejack tipped her hat as she and Pinkie stormed towards the castle door.
"If I may point out, Miss Jack and Pie, you will never apprehend them as they probably had secured a safe route out of the town before they arrived... And with all those ponies outside as the perfect cover, it won't be the best solution." Ettore humbly stated as he used his magic to pick up pieces of rubble on the floor around them and place them to the right of the hallway.
"All I need is a band-aid, and I'll be fine," Rainbow gave a joyous smile before doing a quick backflip and landing on all four hoofs "I still have my moves."
"I don't think that's a good idea, Rainbow." Fluttershy broke her silence "I think that opens the wound even more?"
"Fluttershy is correct Miss Dash, Jumping like that would only open the would even deeper." Ettore spoke up getting everyone's attention "if Charis wanted me gravely injured, it would have been a lot deeper."
Rainbow looked around the group to notice everyone's concern look apart from Ettore, who was busy cleaning up the rubble around the hallway. Rainbow sighed out in acceptance, spouting out "fine." before she left the castle with Fluttershy and Applejack. As the door closed a strong gust of wind blew into the hallway, blowing around the confetti on the floor all over the hall making Ettore blink in place before using his magic to catch the confetti. The three there started to pick up rubble, the two unicorns using their magic and Pinkie her hoofs. They gasped as they felt like they were floating in mid-air. Ettore used his magic as he moved towards the castle entrance with the three levitating mares, opening the door and placing them down gently outside.
"Ettore?!" the three said in unison.
"The mere thought of my Mistress and her guests getting dirty over my mistakes will bring me heartache. So, if Mistress will be so kind as to stay over a friends house, I will get this place finished by morning. Also, will you tell the ponies out there with you to go home for this inconvenience" Ettore bowed before closing the door. Ettore turned around and continued to pick up the rubble and dirt only to hear a flush behind a door. Ettore stopped and starred towards the door only to see it swing open with a smart purple dragon shaking his hands with water spraying everywhere. Spike stopped and looked around to see the place was semi-destroyed with Ettore cleaning up the mess.
"What did I miss?" Spike shrugged his shoulders as he looked towards the light purple unicorn.
"A small scuffle with some uninvited guests..." Ettore started to speak before he freezes in place to realise "Where was Iron Will during that little mess?" Ettore tapped his chin before going back to cleaning up the rubble once more.
Outside with the crowd, Iron Will stood up against a street lamp post flexing his right arm in front of two mares who giggled at him. Twilight noticed this in the corner of her eye, groaning towards him with anger. She flung a piece of rubble towards the minotaur hitting him on the side of the head. Iron Will snarled towards the direction of the wreckage only to retract his anger and chuckle lightly as if he did nothing wrong towards the Princess.
"One job, Iron Will, one job!" Pinkie Pie shouted as she waved her two front hoofs around "and you're out here hitting on Lily and Daisy!"
"You should feel ashamed of yourself, Iron Will." Rarity gasped "hitting on two mares while Ettore and Twilight were fighting for their lives, have you no pride?"
"Iron Will can explain!" The navy blue minotaur started to shake his hands towards the trio in front of him "Ettore said not to get involved way before the party even started."
"What?" Twilight paced forwards towards the minotaur.
"He knew those two would appear at the party and asked us not to stop them." Iron Will starts to explain while Pinkie Pie disperses from the group with an amazed face "it was strange, he didn't look at all worried, but I could feel it, in my gut that is, he was troubled by something."
"Ettore was worried about something?" Twilight said to herself as she brought her hoof up to her chin in deep thought "no, what's more disturbing is he ordered you to ignore their entry and let them cause the commotion. Why would he do such a thing?"
"Rarity, you have to see this!!" Pinkie Pie shouted over all the background voices grabbing the attention of the white unicorn. Twilight, on the other hand, kept thinking to herself not noticing the others leaving.
"He has incredible magical ability if he was able to blind everyone in the room. But, how does he know those two, did he work for them in his past? That must be it. How can he know them otherwise." Iron Will's eyes wandered past Twilight as she was talking to herself, looking at Pinkie and Rarity touching up something in the distance. He managed to slip away while Twilight was talking to herself with her eyes closed nodding in agreement " Plus those skills that Charis had are very assassin like while Volken's magic was somewhat dark in nature. I am shocked to witness somethin-!"
"Twilight!!" Pinkie's voice broke her out of a daze, making her jump with her wings fly up "Come here, you need to see this!" Twilight groaned in response before making her way there with a brow raised.
"Okay, Pinkie, what is it tha- Oh My Celestia! How long is that pony's mane?!"
Ettore slowly paced himself through the map room's door, taking in the large dome shaped room through his eyes. The green tinted windows are giving off a lovely shade from the sunset in the distance. The map with its six seats placed in the middle giving it a nostalgic feeling from one of the old books he read years ago. The clean smell in the air could be from the freshener he used awhile ago before the party, but, to him, it felt like his nose is burning instead of making the room have a lovely fragrance. He could not grasp why his nose was burning or why he wondered into the room in the first place. He put his right hoof on the map, watching it fuzz and fade like a holographic magic spell.
"Ponies are easily tempted. When they are poised on the edge of hellish despair, and a spider-thin thread of salvation presents itself, they will invariably grasp it. No matter the pony." Ettore said as he started to rub the table. At the door, Spike hid around the corner making sure he was in hearing distance. The dragon scratched his head as he wondered what he just said.
"Really? You gave in for them when you could have just walked away and left them; they would have been more capable enough to handle themselves." Spike poked his head out so he could see the unicorn at the table rubbing his hoof. He was confused at how he answered his question.
"You know that is not true."
"Tell me why then?" Spike, getting more curious, slowly walked out from the side and in the middle of the door listening to the Butler "is it because you do not wish to fight anymore?"
Sileince fell the room once again from the Butler being quiet, making it uneasy for Spike standing at the door watching him like a stalker. A minute had passed before Ettore spoke again in a more depressed tone that made Spike think "Ponies are easily tempted... She gave me three requests; that I would protect and never betray Twilight, that I would obey her orders unconditionally. And that I would never lie... to her. Why does she want me here?"
Spike stood a couple of feet away from Ettore as his body just kept moving forwards towards him, realising this he took a step backwards with his weight behind it making a thud.
"I'll wait till the next time," Ettore spoke as he turned around, revealing his straight emotionless face. Spike's eyes widened, thinking that he overheard it all he was going to be in huge trouble. What was Ettore going to do, is he mad or depressed by the sound of it as he spoke to himself. The dragon froze in place as Ettore walked passed without a care in the world.
Spike turned around as Ettore stood by the map room's door, looking over his shoulder towards the dragon with a cold stare "It would be your best interest if you forgot what was heard..." Ettore forbiddingly said as he walked out of sight "That is if you do not want Twilight finding of your sleeping habits in the Gem room."
Chapter 5:"Miss Jack, Your Apple Orchard Is Of High Quality."
A couple of days past from the party, everyone left Twilight's castle with a smile on their face as they had a good time; even though it was a couple of hours long, they still thanked Twilight for it. They mostly enjoyed the music and the last minute entertainment before they had to leave, but it was memorable to them at least. Ettore thought it was strange how Spike didn't tell Twilight about his little episode, guess that must mean his little extortion attempt succeeded. It has been almost a week, and Twilight has not said a word about the contract with him leaving. He couldn't put a hoof on it, but in some way, he felt glad. Ettore was currently tending to Twilight's library, dusting out her books as they probably been read once or twice long in the past. Twilight sat down on a cushion reading 'Magical Mysteries Of Equestria' in the library with a silver tray next to her with a teapot and a cup resting on top. Twilight hummed a light tune as she flipped the page of the book while Ettore climbed a ladder to the top beneath a window to place a book in its original spot. Ettore was curious about the view from this height and what he would see. He managed to get up and poke his head to see what was outside. He sighed as he stepped down grabbing the attention of Twilight. A sigh from Ettore was rare and ominous, but she never asked what the sigh was for. Instead, she watched the unicorn use his magic to open the window, letting in a breeze that felt nice. Ettore's actions were still clouded in everyone's minds as all he did was clean and make sure her plans are perfect, now that she thinks about it, he's been with her constantly since the party.
"Not good!!!" A familiar female voice was heard above out the window. The alicorn looked up towards the window to witness a sudden rainbow coloured dash across the window towards the wall opposite. The significant impact rattled the bookshelf, making a couple of books fall to the ground. Twilight, in shock, stood up and shouted the name "Rainbow?!" towards the mare with her face in the wall. Rainbow Dash pulled herself out from the wall and landed head first into the books beneath. It was a shock to Twilight but did not bother Ettore that great. But it didn't stop him from helping the rainbowed mane mare up.
"Thanks." Rainbow chuckled as she rubbed the back of her head "seems I went to fast and crashed into a kite."
"A kite? The great Rainbow Dash crashed into a kite?" Twilight replied with little laughter.
"Some idiot painted it sky blue if it was anypony's fault it's theirs!" Rainbow Dash stubbornly raised her voice back to the Alicorn while Ettore started picking up the books and placing them back "it doesn't help that I just got out of the hospital. And thank Celestia for it, I was getting tired of their food; it's like eating mouldy hay."
"Why did you get out today, the cut wasn't that deep though?" Twilight asked as she walked around Rainbow getting a better look.
"Because it would seem she has opened the wound by moving around a lot more than she should have, Mistress." Ettore joined the conversation, just placing the final book away where it should be before facing the two.
"That reminds me, Ettore?" Rainbow Dash said as she squinted one eye in thought "I asked all around about who paid for the hospital bill and they said a stallion came in with a large bag of bits and paid it all in advance. Was that you?"
"Miss Dash, you got wounded because of me, it would be devastatingly audacious if I did not pay for your expenses." Ettore rebutted.
"Well, don't do it again... But, thanks for doing it."
"One of Mistress's closest friends are as a client, you're welcome, Miss Dash." Ettore bowed before walking away from the duo and out the library with the metal tray and tea set with his magic.
"He paid for your hospital bill?" Twilight asked, moving back to her cushion with her book.
"Yeah, that's not all. He got me a signed pair of goggles from Spitfire, I know I'm in the reserves, and I practice with them, but it's super awesome he got them for me!"
"He seems to be getting along with everyone except Spike." Twilight spoke as she sat down on the cushion "out of nowhere Spike just avoids him."
"Spike will sort it out in time; they must have had an argument about something. But, I came here on behalf of Applejack." Rainbow's sentence picked the ears of Twilight "she's doing her usual routine, not asking for help routine."
"Oh boy, what's wrong this time?" Twilight asked as she closed the book and got back up on her hoofs.
"Big Mac is bedridden with the flu and Applejacks workload just doubled, maybe tripled. She's been hauling buckets upon buckets of apples from her farm to the town, just like what she did ages ago." Rainbow stated as she jumped off the ground flapping her wings "I can't do anything about it because I need to go to the Wonderbolts Acadamy and train, I thought you'd be able to help her out some way?"
"Hmm." Twilight hummed as she remembered something important "I've got plans with Celestia in an hour about something that's happening in Las Pegasus, so I can't go. Maybe Ettore could help her out."
"I came here to tell you to see if you can do anything about it because I have to go the Acadamy right now, I'll see ya later Twilight!" Rainbow quickly zoomed out the window before Twilight could get a word out. Twilight couldn't put her hoof on it, but it felt weird in a way to be asked from Rainbow Dash to help Applejack, is her Wonderbolt training that more important than a friend in need. She brushed it off as the latter as she thought it had to be pretty big and important for Rainbow to leave her friend hanging. After careful consideration, at least for about ten minutes, she decided to accept Ettore helping Applejack a little while she goes and has her critical time with her former mentor. This way it keeps Ettore off her back as he's been staying with her nearly all day every hour, every minute, every second. Twilight stood up from the cushion and left the library, making her way to the kitchen where Ettore mostly tends to as he always brings her something to drink and eat. Standing at the door, she heard Ettore and Spike's voices which piqued her curiosity. She placed one ear to the door only to hear Spike shout at the top of his lungs "I shall send you to the pits of Tartarus!!"
She gasped at how Spike raised his voice in such anger, forcing her to act by charging into the door. The door opened with a loud thud revealing the picture in front of her. She didn't know what to say or do apart from being baffled; Spike was wearing a purple cape holding a broom pole towards Ettore who looked as bleak as he always does. Spike didn't know what to say so he chuckled as he tried to hide the pole behind him.
"I didn't expect you to be here, Twilight." Spike chuckled as he rubbed his neck with his free hand.
"What's going on here?" Twilight replied in a calm voice before walking a couple of paces towards the two in the centre of the kitchen.
"Sir Spike asked for assistance on his performance for an upcoming play with the ones who call themselves 'The Cutie Mark Crusaders'," Ettore answered truthfully "and I do have to admit, Sir Spike does have talent when it comes to acting."
"Heh heh, thanks, Ettore." Spike blushed "I practised for two days with your instructions, now look at me, a full-fledged actor."
"Sorry to interrupt your little bonding session, but I thought you and Ettore were on bad terms?" Twilight raised a brow towards the purple dragon who scratched his head in response.
"Bad terms?" Spike repeated in wonder only to click his fingers as he remembered the time at the map room "I guess bad terms isn't the right word to use, more like confused. I was never really on bad terms with Ettore, why would you ask?"
"You've been acting cold towards him lately; that's why!" Twilight replied as her eyes widened. Ettore shrugged in his own way by walking to the sink and clean some of the dishes with his magic.
"That's because I don't have anything to say to him," Spike replied with a deadpanned expression, walking away in the end before Twilight could answer to him.
"Ugh, never mind. Ettore?" Twilight returned to her normal calm state while looking towards the light purple unicorn wash the dishes.
"Yes?"
"I need to ask you a big favour, would you help out Applejack with her workload?" Twilight asked "Rainbow came here explaining why Applejack's so tired, as so it turns out, she's too stubborn to ask for any help. I can't help as I need to go and discuss something with Princess Celestia and I know your free."
Ettore finished the last dish before turning towards the alicorn and bowing his head "If that is what my Mistress so wishes, it shall be done."
"She won't be too happy about this, but no matter what, you are to help Applejack and take orders from her as if they were mine. Okay?" Twilight finished.
"For today only, I will have two Mistresses." Ettore said stately as he was lifting his head "I will make my way to the Apple's orchard, Mistress."
Twilight felt a strange freedom from Ettore as he left the kitchen, a pair of eyes weren't watching her every move nor having everything done for her. She quickly shot out of the kitchen and made no haste in going to her bedroom. Upon arriving at her bedroom, she saw a briefcase sitting on her bed. Her mind had fallen into silence before a small scream appeared in her head. She sighed seconds later before opening the briefcase to see her essentials and a couple of outfits for her. A shiver went down her back from the creepiness of Ettore's actions. She picked up the case with her magic and place it on her back, slowly strolling out of her room mumbling "Thank Celestia for inviting me to a tea party."
Ettore left through the castle doors and into the fresh open air. The ponies in Ponyville are going about their business as normal which gave off a good peaceful vibe. Ettore sauntered through the town, getting waves towards him while he gave a small nod back in return as a gentle stallion should do. Ettore felt a little at peace from the relaxed feeling of Ponyville, well, apart from the past couple of days where he had to repair the castle, stop a raid on the castle, and when he first appeared in Ponyville. The unicorn made his way to the town centre where the market usually is with their stalls. The small trinkets and fresh produce filled the stalls in boxes, making it coordinatingly organised. But, he could not see his target, Applejack. What he heard from Twilight, she usually puts up an apple stand and sells them in the town centre on market day. He searched all around the market only to find Applejack's cart filled with apples with a sign saying "1 bit an apple." on a table with an empty open bag. Ettore sighed as he saw a pony take an apple without putting a bit in the bag. Ettore walked over to the cart before looking around, only to wonder over to the grey pegasus mare, Derpy. Without warning, he used his magic to lift her up and place her in front of the cart. Derpy, baffled by the sudden movement, blinking twice towards Ettore. The unicorn persuaded the mare to look after the cart and sell the apples for Applejack and pay her back in whatever currency she wishes, which confused him when she said she wanted thirty muffins from Mr and Mrs Cake. Ettore agreed and wondered off towards the Apple farm. It didn't take the stallion long to get to the farm; it was only a small walk in his eyes. He walked up to the gate only to blink in astonishment as he witnessed a disaster all around the farm, apples were everywhere, on the floor, in overflowing barrels and two large carts. Trees were bare of fruit with a couple of bruised apples lying there beneath.
"Mr!!" A sweet innocent filly's voice echoed in his ears that emanated from the orchard. Ettore looked to see the yellow filly Applebloom galloping towards him in a rush with distraught on her face.
"Good afternoon, Applebloom." Ettore replied to the out of breath filly in front of him "Is there a need to rush?"
"Yes!!!" Applebloom shrieked before running back into the forest of apple trees "Ma' sis needs somepony else to tell her to take a break!"
Ettore followed the filly at his pace, managing to keep the small pony in sight of him. On the way, he thought Applejack must be very dedicated to her job if she is neglecting her own friends' words much less than her sister's words. He thought it was sweet as how a family that owns over one thousand acres of apple orchards get any time to rest. He has a fond respect for ones who take their job seriously to the point of sleep deprivation; it means they have a work mindset that the butlers have at True Valets... well, not as carefree. Ettore arrived at the location of Applejack. The sight was unbelievable; Applejack was double barreling at the tree in her sleep; you could tell from the snoring and drool dripping from her mouth, not to mention her eyes are closed.
"Applejack, don't kick it anymore!!" Applebloom shrieked only to get no response from the orange earth pony "you're gonna..."
Before Applebloom could say anything else Ettore pulled her away from Ajay with his magic. He placed the little filly behind him making sure she wasn't near Applejack. The two watched as the orange mare did one final kick that made the tree bend its shape. The tree, with its roots, were forced from the ground and into the air. The tree didn't leave the air too much, just enough to make it land next to a cart filled with apples.
"Hmm." Ettore hummed in curiosity towards Applejack "such raw strength can be a gift and a curse. But, please tell me how this all started, Miss Bloom?"
Applebloom took in a deep breath ready to speak "...I don't know."
The light purple unicorn looked towards the orange mare only to see her lift up a bucket full of apples and place it on her back.
"Ay' think it started when Big Mac got ill a day ago? She's been working non-stop to fill in Mac's work and her own. She just won't stop!!" Applebloom thought towards Ettore, giving her opinion.
"I am impressed by her tenacity on her workload, not a lot of ponies can work when they are asleep you know." Ettore complimented the sleeping mare who was walking off into the orchard with a bucket of apples on her back. Ettore looked back towards the filly to see her giving a childish frown towards him. Ettore blinked slowly as if a sigh went through his nose "It is also bad for the body for it needs repairs."
The orange mare soon floated in the air towards the two by Ettore's magic spell while the bucket of apples is placed next to Applebloom. Applejack crashed to the floor from her legs giving out, probably from kicking the tree constantly at full strength. Ettore took this time to look around the area to see three buckets placed on either side of the trees while a couple of empty wooden carts are in between four trees so that the buckets may be put in them. Applebloom was caring for her sister as she laid on the grass sound asleep, which was like a cute kitten in Ettore's eyes. The amount of work she done must have been that tiring for her to collapse while sleeping, heck, even sleeping working is super impressive.
"I forgot to ask ya?" Applebloom interrupted Ettore's thoughts "Why did you come 'ere?"
"My Mistress, Twilight Sparkle, ordered me to give a lending hoof to Miss Jack as if she was my master," Ettore replied "The way how Miss Jack is incapacitated I should finish her work. Please tend to your sister while I get started."
"Err, touching the orchards without Applejack's permission will get her upset when she wakes up," Applebloom said unsurely for Ettore who looked to the sky to see the noon sun blaring down on top.
"Miss Jack is my acting Mistress for today, Applebloom." Ettore said as he walked towards the closest tree with buckets underneath "In the True Valets Butler/Maid code, the Master should not even be lifting a finger in dirty work such as this. I know Miss Jack is a farmer with large responsibilities, I also know more about her from the files in True Valets."
"That's a little creepy" Applebloom interrupted Ettore's sentence
"The element of honesty, even before she was the element of honesty, True Valets knows a lot about her and all of you from your business with Equestria. Selling apples all around, confectionaries, cider, carrots. We even know that you guys fixed a hole in your roof a couple of weeks ago, Miss Bloom." Ettore lifted his hoof and tapped the tree only for every apple to fall from it as if it was shocked by an earthquake. Applebloom's mouth and eyes widened in astonishment from Ettore's little tap on the tree while feeling a little crept out from the unicorns words "I am losing face. The point is, Applebloom, I will be breaking that code if I let Miss Jack carry on the way she is going. Stay with her and let her rest for a while and take her back to your house to relax when she awakes. This area will be picked clean and ready for delivery in thirty minutes."
Applebloom didn't know what to say to the unicorn who kept tapping the trees that made the apples fall into the buckets below. It felt weird to watch a pony tap an apple tree to see every last apple fall entirely into the buckets, even more, a unicorn was doing hard labour work. The filly sighed as she stared at her sister on the floor snoring, the sight made her chuckle a little as if it was in a reversed state where she would be asleep instead. Minutes passed as Applebloom watched her sleeping sister and her eyes started to get heavy with a great yawn coming from her mouth. Eventually, her eyes shut and no sounds from Ettore's tapping could be heard, she knew she was about to sleep next to her sister; snuggling next to her on the grass.
Applejack abruptly awoke to shout "Apples!!" from where she laid. The sudden awake made her rub her eyes with a groan from the grogginess. She knew from the workload she would've collapsed eventually but ignored her body of rest. This incident happened in the past when she was always working to no rest, and her friends helped her out of the situation. It couldn't have been a big problem she thought, this time, she had to do Big Mac's chores around the farm to keep it up to date with business. Her eyes adjusted where she laid to see a roof above while her head rested on a pillow. The sudden realisation made Applejack shot up from her position to see her room. To the right, her window that displayed the sun still at its highest point while a table with her lampshade on said table was next to her bed, to her left, her open room with the door shut closed and her cowgirl hat hanging on one of the poles that stuck out closest to the door. A sudden small cute snore was heard next to her on the bed; she turned to see Applebloom's sweet sleeping face pointing towards her sound asleep. Applejack couldn't help but smile towards her. She slowly got up from her bed and stealthily opened the door to leave the room but not before she grabbed her hat. She shut the door gently to let the young filly sleep in her bed. The walk down the stairs was nice and cheerful after seeing her own sister's sleeping face, but, like hitting a brick wall, she froze in place on the ground floor in realisation about her apple farm and work. Applejack barged through the front door to the outside and made her way towards the area where she was before she fell asleep. How did she and Applebloom end up in her own bed fast asleep while she was outside working? Big Mac was ill, and Granny Smith was tending to him so that leaves out everypony she knows that was there at the time. She slid to a stop and approached the area before she slept, blinking twice before leaving her eyes wide open as she saw the apple trees picked clean. She started to move inwards from the area to notice the occasional cart filled to the brim of apples and countless buckets of the red fruit. Eventually, Applejack managed to find an area where the apples and buckets were almost bare.
"Who could've done this work while I was asleep?" Applejack mumbled to herself as she looked around.
The orange mare caught a glimpse of something white hanging from a tree behind a bush. Walking over, she saw a white tuxedo hanging on a tree branch on a hanger; she knew it was Ettore's as it's possibly the only thing he wears. Applejack quickly ducked, hiding entirely in the bush as she heard a grunt with rustling shortly after. She moved the bush hedge apart with her hooves to get a better look only to see the light purple Butler walk into view from afar. It was evident to know he was sweating and tired. However, an immediate thought shot to Applejacks mind. Why was a unicorn doing physical labour of this calibre? It wasn't rocket science to know Ettore was the one picking the apple trees. How was Ettore picking the apples was Applejack's first thought. She continued to watch the stallion as he walked up to the next tree with three buckets placed around it. He took a deep breath, holding it in for a couple of seconds before exhaling. Her eyes gazed down towards his legs as cuts and bruises attained her attention. She was shocked to see so many cuts on a pair of legs she lightly gasped. The unicorn eventually jumped in the air, spinning round with his back right leg out and colliding with the tree. Ettore grunted as the tree shook, realising its apples from its grasp into the buckets below. Why would he do such a thing? Applejack thought in her mind as she continued to watch the unicorn flurry punches and kicks on the tree.
The light purple unicorn stopped his flurries, lightly breathing through his nose as he felt a sense of accomplishment from filling up the eighty-sixth bucket to the top in just forty-five minutes, no magic used in the process. He took a step back from the tree and felt a cool breeze hit his face. He closed his eyes to focus on the breeze which felt amazing in his mind.
*snap*
Ettore abruptly turned around as he heard a branch snap. His only thought was somepony treading on the branch. A million thoughts of who it might be filled his head as well as multiple ways to deal with the aggressor. Ettore tracked down where the noise originated from to a bush opposite him. He wasted no time in running towards it with full aggression. Applejack cringed as she looked towards her hooves, the feeling of being discovered filled her mind. She took in a deep breath, managing to hear her heart beat as the world went silent around her. She turned her head with slight shock, blinking once as she saw Ettore wearing his suit while his head was lowered and his right hoof across his left vertically bowing.
"Miss Jack, I see you have recovered from exhaustion and are in a good healthy condition," Ettore's words and action made her a little nervous, looking left and right to see if anypony is watching.
"What are you doing?" Applejack asked nervously.
"Greeting my acting Mistress, Miss Jack." Ettore lifted his head to the orange mare.
"Isn't Twilight your Mistress?"
"She gave me strict orders to aid you in your work duty. So, when you collapsed suddenly, and Applebloom fell asleep beside you I brought you and your sister to your room, after, I started working on your farm to loosen your workload." Ettore replied, "I hope everything is to your liking, Miss Jack?"
"Well, I guess I should thank you for giving me a helping hoof around the farm." Applejack chuckled as she rubbed her neck "This wouldn't be the first time I did something like this. But, may I ask you something?"
"Applejack is my acting Mistress, while as my Mistress you shall ask anything of me and I will answer or do anything you say."
"How much have you done around the farm?" Applejack curiously asked.
"The two hours you were out cold I have fed your pigs, moved the sheep back, delivered apples to the market and bucked a large section of the orchard."
"What?!" Applejack shouted in shock "You did all that in two hours?! The bucking and delivering apples would have taken up one and a half, and that's a small load?!"
"I am here to work and make sure my Mistress or acting Mistress does not collapse from over exhaustion again; I hope this pleases you?" Ettore plainly said as he bowed once more.
"How are you not tired? Working like that would damage your body... unless you used your magic?" Applejack gave a hopeful smirk, wishing Ettore did use some his magic to help him out.
"No, Miss Jack, I have not. " Ettore replied with Applejack's eyes widening from shock "This is your farm, and I know you do not like anypony using magic on your precious apple orchards so I did everything by hoof."
Applejack didn't know how to respond, the thought of that much work without the use of magic is impossible without prone to injury. She worked all day and night and only got a quite large amount of apples ready but seeing Ettore's work around her she knew he must have overworked himself. Applejack's sigh got Ettore's attention; she knew Ettore was good but not this good. It almost seems in-equine to get all of that work done in such a short time.
"Ettore, exactly how many carts have you filled up while I was out cold?" Applejack asked.
"Roughly estimated about fifty-four."
Applejack shook her head before taking a deep breath, trying not to be too shocked about it "Okay, how many have you sent down to the market?"
"Ten, Miss Jack."
"Ten?!" She shouted, "That many won't sell today, much less tomorrow!"
"I assure you, they will be sold by day's end."
Applejack now placed her hoof onto her head, trying to process how the heck all those apples would sell by the end of today. That wasn't all the questions she wanted to ask; there are a lot more that need to be answered. But, something clicked in the back of her mind, something heavy.
"Ettore?..." Applejack awkwardly spoke with some sweat going down her face "Who's selling the apples?"
Ettore hinted a smirk, making Applejack more nervous about his reply "I believe their description would only come across as cross-eyed, Miss Jack."
"Cross-eyed?" Applejack mumbled as she tapped her chin in thought. It was like a train hit her at a hundred miles an hour from realisation "Please tell me you didn't hire Derpy?"
"She has a lot of business sense as she runs her own business of mailing items to everypony, she would at least know how to sell some apples to customers. I would not hire her if I thought she was not capable, Miss Jack."
"You hired Derpy?!" Applejack shouted at Ettore before running towards Ponyville as if it was a terrible idea towards.
Ettore said nothing in reply towards the mare running away as if he had no rebuttal. The idea of hiring Derpy was only a mean to get Applejack away from the orchard if she ever interfered with bucking the apple trees. As Ettore stared at the running mare, he heard a rustle above him. He moved his sight upwards to see a snapped branched right above where Applejack stood. Ettore noticed the branch had some weight on it by the way it snapped. Ettore breathed in before following the running mare at his pace. It didn't take Applejack long to get to the market in Ponyville, nor did it take any longer rushing past multiple ponies in the street. Ettore caught up to the orange mare as she stopped dead centre of the market looking left and right to find her distinct ten apple full carts. Applejack looked behind her to see the light purple stallion standing there without a sweat across his face. How did he catch up to her if she was running at full speed, barely anyone can catch up to her apart from Rainbow Dash. She shook her head knowing since it was Ettore it was best not to think too much about it.
"Where is it?" Applejack asked bluntly as she faced Ettore.
"Behind you, Miss Jack, to the left hidden by the stacks of crates. I hope you will be pleased by the performance of Derpy and myself." Ettore had bowed towards Applejack before she ran off in the direction of a stack of crates and marquee tents. The orange mare was there in an instant as she ran at the blink of an eye. She was shocked in what she saw, Derpy was sitting on the ground beside an apple-less cart instead, it had four vast bags sitting on top ready and waiting. She looked round the site to see the other nine empty apple carts pointing in the direction out of the market ready to leave. Derpy smiled and waved towards Applejack before leaving the vehicle area. The grey mare quickly flew away from her spot as Applejack opened her mouth to speak towards her with a thousand questions. Dumbfounded, Applejack stood there on the spot with her mouth wide open staring towards the cart with four large bags. She didn't know what to say; that Ettore said the apples would be sold or that Derpy managed to get a job right without breaking anything.
"Derpy will be compensated on my behalf as I employed her, Miss Jack." Ettore's voice resounded in Applejack's ears which turned her attention away from the carts "You would not need to worry about the payment of the positioning of the carts either as I have paid them in advance. I hope you are pleased with our performance."
Applejack was speechless towards this whole ordeal. ten carts full to the brim of apples sold in a couple of hours, Derpy doing a job right, and the amount of work Ettore has done while she was asleep is astounding to anyone. Last time she didn't let anyone help her so her friends made her take a rest while they do her job, but this time, it was only Ettore who did everything around the farm in a couple of hours. To her, it's impossible, unbelievable in her eyes. Ettore was something else; she couldn't fathom his level of dedication to somepony he just met properly, even if he is just a Butler. Applejack decided not to let it get the better of her; Ettore did help her out, and for that she was grateful. Applejack moved towards the cart full with four large bags and saddled herself up. She took one step forwards before she realised about the other carts. She turned her head around only to see Ettore using his magic to pull the other nine empty carts. She bout faced and started to head back to Apple Acres. The walk only took about twenty-five minutes, and after that, Applejack was ready and raring to go for the rest of the chores on the farm. She placed the cart full of money in the large barn while Ettore placed the nine empty carts to the side of the barn ready to load up on more apples. Applejack walked outside of the barn only to see Ettore take another ten carts filled with apples down to the market. But before she could mutter a word, he teleported with the ten carts. Carts that size being teleported over a long distance like that must be dangerous. However, Applejack doesn't know much about magic as she's an earth pony but even she knows that magnitude of magic would put a strain on your body. She sighed and started to look around the farm to see if there were any jobs left to do. The state of the farm got Applejack's attention pretty quickly as it was spotless, shining, clean. Not to mention the animals have all been fed, cleaned and let out. She can't even do the apple bucking as most of the trees that were meant to be done today have all been bucked by Ettore. The orange mare couldn't help but groan from annoyance as she likes to do everything herself, but, she knows Ettore is just following orders from Twilight.
"Heya, Applejack." A crinkly voice echoed with a gust of the wind behind her. She turned to see Granny Smith rocking back and forth in her chair on the house's porch. Applejack gave a smile and started to walk towards her as she continued talking as she would "How's that young whippersnapper doing?"
"He's done everything around the farm in such a short time it makes me wonder how well im doin' runnin' this farm?" the orange mare replied to her elder in a norm tone, quickly changing her attitude to that of worry "how's Big Mac doin'? He asleep?"
"Big Mac's doing fine dear, he'll be fit as a fiddle by tomorrow. As for tasks around the farm, I'd say there almost finished, just the carts and selling of those apples." Granny Smith, with her words, gave Applejack a slight sight of sorrow as she was always doing something to keep her occupied and on her hoofs. However, when she awoke it felt like Ettore was purposely doing all the jobs around the farm to make sure she doesn't have anything to do, he never even broke a sweat with bucking all those apple trees; and there were a lot of them. It seems to her; Ettore doesn't even rest for a second almost as if he has an infinite amount of energy.
Applejack shook her head before telling Granny Smith she's going to start preparing the evening meal as the sun is starting to go down in the sky. While grabbing all the ingredients from the cupboards in the kitchen another thought came to her mind, does Ettore eat anything. This thought kept on coming into her head multiple times as she started to cut up some vegetables and throw them into a stew pot on a lit fire in the chimney. This thought became the only thought very quickly as she remembered being around Twilight's with Ettore cooking all the meals, she even heard from Spike that he's never seen Ettore eat any food that the unicorn has prepared. An idea clicked in her brain as she put all the herbs and spice into the pot with the vegetables and water, Ettore was going to sit down with the Apple family for supper. It is the least she can do for Ettore since he's done everything around the farm.
The day turned to night quite quickly as all Applejack could do was to look at the cooking pot and relax. Big Mac was walking around the house doing some chores here and there while Applebloom and Granny Smith spoke about past stories on the porch. As the stew was perfectly ready, Ettore walked through the front door of the house and immediately bowed explaining all the carts of apples are all sold, and the money is in the barn. Applejack widened her eyes in surprise but soon calmed to her usual smiling state since it was Ettore and it shouldn't surprise her that much. Before Applejack could say anything back to Ettore, he walked out of the kitchen and started cleaning the areas of the house. The orange mare shook her head and left Ettore to do his work and called his family in for the meal. If that's what he wants to do why should she stop him. As they finished their meal, they decided to hit the hay for the night, all apart from AJ and Ettore. AJ started to wash the dishes while Ettore continued to clean the house top to bottom. After the dishes had been cleaned Applejack decided it was her time to hit the sack, getting ready for the morning.
Ettore was still up and walking around the Apple house with a dim lit candle, making sure everything was in order and cleaned. He wondered into the kitchen to see it was spotless from Applejack's effort in cleaning. Everything was in order, from the bowls on the drying rack and the stew pot scrubbed clean. The only thing visible in that kitchen was the out of place bowl on the wooden table with chairs tucked neatly in. He placed the candle down on the table since he wasn't using magic to hold it up and pulled the bowl towards him. It had a plastic covering over with his name on. Ettore took off the cover and slowly picked it up with his two hoofs, taking a small sip from the cold juice. Applejack silently stood at the door out of sight and peeked round the corner to see Ettore take a sip of the cold stew. She watched silently as he placed the bowl down and stared at it for a couple of minutes, the candlelight gleaming on his soft smiling face brought one on to her face. But her face soon turned to a slightly shocked one as she saw a tear slide from his right eye across his face. Ettore suddenly turned back to normal as he wiped the tear off his face and proceeded out of the kitchen through the other door and left the house. Applejack walked into the dim lit kitchen and stared at the bowl and the front door. She kept thinking about it and only came up with something that happened to Ettore in the past must have surfaced, but it was only a thought. She blew out the candle and headed for bed as it was not the right time to start thinking too deeply about it.
Outside, Ettore watched as the light in the kitchen suddenly vanished, knowing he was being watched by a pony of the household. The thought of someone seeing that face made him feel a little weak. He didn't let it get to him though; he continued to go down the road to Ponyville in the bright night sky with its perfect pearl shaped moon dead high. It was a crystal clear night, perfect for a walk and Ettore took in all the scenery. Ettore eventually made it back to the castle and got ready for another day at his Mistress's side. The light purple unicorn entered the castle and shut the doors behind him. As he started to walk away from the door, a light knock was heard. Curious, he opened it only to see Derpy sitting down crossed hoofed glarring at him. He didn't have time to think nor say anything, only listen to the grey mares words.
"Where are my muffins?!"
Chapter 6:"The Code Is Never To Be Broken, Milady."
Twilight hummed to herself in a jolly tone as she pondered down one of the hallways in the castle. She felt refreshed from the lovely calm tea party with her former mentor, Celestia. She had no eyes on her from within the Canterlot castle, especially Ettore's. No pony around, just Celestia and Luna talking about the unexpected adventures around Equestria.
"It works!!" Twilight's wings suddenly raised up with a shocked expression on her face from being spooked. It sounded like it came from the kitchen since she was close to the destination. The voice was Pinkie Pie's that much was clear. The Alicorn rushed to the kitchen, opening it with her magic in a hurry only to see Pinkie Pie standing beside an oversized blue cake wearing a chef's hat and apron. Twilight looked around the kitchen to notice they were the only ones there in the room. Ettore generally hangs around the kitchen; Twilight would even think it was his domain with the amount of time he spends in here.
"He~ya, Twilight!" Pinkie Pie enthusiastically greeted the confused purple alicorn "I thought you wouldn't mind me using your stove for my baking experiment, well, I did ask Ettore and said he was all right with it as long as I don't touch his utensils or ruin them too much but hey I finally made the first ever confetti cake bomb!!"
"Pinkie...slow down for two seconds," Twilight raised her hoof while trying to process Pinkie's fast pace "I have too many questions that need answering right now."
"What's the first question?" Pinkie asked as she pulled out a piping bag and started to decorate the cake very slowly.
"Why are you here, don't you have your stove at Sugarcube Corner?"
"Mr and Mrs Cake are cooking up a tonne of cakes for somepony in Manehatten. That's the only reason why I asked Ettore if I could use the kitchen in your castle, you were still in Canterlot, and he was in the main hall cleaning the place till it sparkled." Pinkie replied as she finished decorating the cake all fancy looking.
"Okay..." Twilight paused as she looked at Pinkie as if she was a little crazy "You shouted 'It works' at the top of your lungs, what works?"
Pinkie had giggled before she brought a large cake knife out of nowhere giving Twilight a confused look as if something is going to happen from hearing 'Confetti Cake Bomb' a few seconds ago.
Derpy stood at her house's door with fifteen stacks of muffin boxes waving goodbye to Ettore who gave a small bow of the head towards her in return. It wasn't like him to forget about payment, but then again, he did over exhaust himself working on Applejack's farm, it was also the first time ever he over exhausted himself; that could be the only reason why he would forget a payment. On his way back to the castle he continued to wonder about a few things. Like, the thought of somepony else doing something for him never even crossed his mind, all he knows from past experiences is to please your master. So for somepony to give him something as a reward is a cultural shock for him because of the Butler training in the organisation. It's not that he's ungrateful, just fraught about it. The other thought was everypony in Ponyville greeting him as if he was a family member or a close friend. He was just doing a job at the beginning of Ponyville with rescuing and such so understanding what it means to have friends is not something he is used to. During the party, he knew it was all a ruse so Charis could infiltrate the castle and try to persuade him to work for her. However, something felt off with that to begin with; even the sudden request to help Applejack seemed fishy but thinking about it too much would just make it painful and unnecessary so he brushed it off for another time as his focus should be on greeting his Master.
Before Ettore knew it, he was already a small distance away from the castle with a clear mindset. As he walked past some ponies tending to their gardens and speaking to their friends, he couldn't help but feel like something was off. It was like the feeling at the party standing at the door, an abrupt magical presence and killing intent emanated from all around. Ettore stopped a few meters away from the castle doors before looking over his shoulder towards the crowd of ponies. He couldn't put his hoof on it, but he felt like he was being watched. In his mind the penny finally dropped as his heart skipped a beat, something was indeed wrong. He felt a massive surge of magical energy emit from inside the castle with a loud explosion. Everypony in Ponyville must have heard the explosion if they didn't the smoke coming out of the side would.
Ettore barged through the castle doors and quickly anticipated where the large magical surge came from. There was no mistaking it; the wave came from the kitchen. Ettore's horn emitted a dim purple light before teleporting to the kitchen door. Perplexed, Ettore wondered why he didn't teleport straight into the kitchen. Swift with his calm mind he deduced it to a magical barrier wrapping the kitchen area so no pony can exit or enter. Ettore placed his ear on the door to hear a mixture of sharp weaponry scratching the walls with sudden bursts of magical spells. The unicorn knew a battle was taking place inside the kitchen; he couldn't get into the kitchen because of the magical barriers; they are not his forte much less magic in general for specific reasons unknown. Ettore took in a deep breath while thinking of multiple ideas, quick ones in fact, like blowing a hole in the side wouldn't do much, maybe a counter barrier perhaps?
*Scream*
Ettore froze in place as he heard Twilight's scream.
"Bollocks... Not again..."
Twilight kneeled to the cake ridden floor in pain. Cuts and bruises pricked her body to the point of light bleed, her left eye bulging from a kick to the face while her mane was missing more than a few strains of hair. On the other side of the kitchen stood a burned Pinkie Pie holding a large carving knife breathing heavily. The kitchen was mostly blasted and sliced to shreds with sharp cutlery densely placed into the walls with small amounts of blood coming from it. Twilight quickly figured it wasn't the real Pinkie Pie standing in front of her as she could feel a large magical presence from within Pinkie. The Alicorn, still in thought, managed to stand back up once more while in a striking pose ready to attack if the need would arise.
"Twilight, are you sure you're okay?" the Pinkie Pie in front of her perfectly imitated Pinkie's voice as if their own "I wasn't expecting you to be here you know, so don't feel so down on me, please. I just want you to smile!" The Pinkie screamed towards her while making an innocent creepy smile.
"Just who are you!?" Twilight had cried before Pinkie dived towards her, catching her off guard. The Pinkie landed all her weight on top of Twilight trying to push down the knife into her body only for the Alicorn to push back Pinkie's hoof, struggling to keep it away.
"I like to call myself a Breaker! it's a fun job you know!" The Pinkie cynically spouted before trying push the knife with as much force as possible. Before Twilight could mutter a word a sudden bright light enveloped the room followed with a massive sound of thunder. Twilight blinked twice before teleporting away into a random corner of the room as she knew Pinkie would be to distracted by the sudden light. Waiting for her eyes to adjust, the Alicorn held her breath. She gasped as her sight came to only to see a large hole in the kitchen door and most of the cupboards and half of the stove. Frozen stiff, her eyes flinched as the kitchen doors fell to the floor off their hinges. The Pinkie dangled from the chandelier on the roof with the knife in her mouth staring towards where the kitchen door was with a sardonic smile. A couple of hoofsteps was heard before Ettore entered the room with an unseen face of anger that surprised Twilight. As the Pinkie jumped down, Ettore used his magic on an equipment cupboard to his left on the wall. As it opened with force, a tied up, and cloth gagged Pinkie Pie fell out. Ettore caught the Pinkie and laid her down gently which she was still awake and glaring down the fake Pinkie standing opposite.
"Ettore?" Twilight had said his name in a deliberate manner before he teleported behind the fake Pinkie. Ettore was already in the air spinning around with his right hoof out before the fake Pinkie could react. The hoof connected into the Pinkie's face with enough force to send her flying into the fridge next to the whole in the wall. Twilight and the tied up Pinkie both blinked towards Ettore in amazement, of both speed and power. The fake Pinkie shot back up and ran towards Ettore with full rage in her eyes. Twilight and real Pinkie gasped as the fake threw her knife towards Ettore's face. The unicorn knew it was going to hurt and braced himself as he used his magic to catch the knife at the last second but let the Pinkie landed on him at full force. The weight made him drop to the ground with her on top face to face. Ettore moved his head left and right as the Pinkie tried to take a large chunk out of his face with her teeth. Twilight saw the opportunity to throw a wooden chair across the room with her magic, hitting the fake Pinkie that made her fling off Ettore and onto the floor. The unicorn stood up and bowed towards Twilight before using his magic to force the wooden table onto the fake Pinkie as hard as he could without seriously harming her. Twilight untied the real Pinkie and moved towards Ettore who was staring down at the fake with a strange intent, almost as if he was about to kill.
"Get this table off of me!!" The fake Pinkie screeched as she squirmed on the floor.
"You aren't getting off that lightly," Ettore growled as he used his magic to push more weight on the table making the fake scream in morbid pain. Twilight and the real Pinkie gasped as they looked at the tears coming from the fake's eyes they knew Ettore wasn't going to stop. Twilight thought of the only thing to do.
*smack*
Ettore's eyes widened in shock as his face was facing the opposite direction. He felt a painful sting on his face as he turned to face Twilight who had her right hoof across her neck with a fearful expression. Twilight hit him. That's all it took for Ettore to come back to his senses. He lowered his head in shame towards Twilight who used her magic to lift the table off the fake.
"Twilight, you are making a grave mistake," Ettore said in a cautious tone as he took a step forwards towards the Alicorn. Twilight raised her hoof making Ettore close his mouth. She then lowered her hoof towards the fake Pinkie with a smile. The fake leered at the hoof before gently smiling and taking it. The real Pinkie watched as Ettore twitched forwards ready to strike but swiftly moved in front of him giving him one of her famous smiles. The fake stood up and brushed off the rubble on her two front hoofs. Twilight opened her mouth just before the Pinkie spontaneously brought a knife out of nowhere in her right hoof, closing her eyes in fright in shock.
"STOP!" Twilight flinched even more as another unfamiliar voice came from the kitchen entrance. Twilight squinted her eyes towards the fake Pinkie who stared towards the door while the knife was just about to land on her neck. Ettore on the other hoof was using his magic to lift all the knives in the area to surround the opposite side of the fake Pinkie with a face full of killing intent. Everyone soon turned their attention to the door to see a female, a brown unicorn standing there with her brow raised towards them all. The unicorn in front of them had a tomboyish look upon them with their short mane that hangs above the eyes. Her attire is a white T-shirt with a red leather jacket over the top. She wore ripped blue jeans that only showed her cutie mark, which was a classic British tea set. The unicorn slowly walked up next to the fake Pinkie who slyly giggled while moving the knife behind her trying to hide it. The unicorn slapped the fake Pinkie from the back of the head followed by grabbing her hair with magic and forcing her to bow her head towards the three. Ettore let go of the spell for the floating knives around the fake only to hear the metallic sound resonate off the ground as he walked away from the group.
"Hold!" The unicorn raised her voice as she lifted her head towards Ettore. Twilight looked baffled as Ettore froze in place as he used his magic to pick up a broom from the closet Pinkie flew out of.
"I require three cups and a teapot, Ettore." The unicorn stated as she smoothly tilted her head to the right.
"Sarah, I suggest you take a few steps back while I clean up your mess." Ettore rudely stated giving a huge shock to Pinkie and Twilight who have never seen this side.
"You've never said anything like that to me since the start of the programme, why the sudden change?" Sarah said as she looked over towards Ettore.
Ettore ignored the question and started to grab a few more brushes, buckets, mops and sponges before trying to tidy the kitchen.
"Ettore?" Sarah's voice slowly turned serious "You won't be charged for this." Ettore's ears flicked while everything moving in the room continued with cleaning.
"Charged?" Twilight intervened with her curiosity as she still barely knows anything that's going on.
"Remember the rules of contra... He never gave them to you did he?" Twilight shook her head at Sarah's words which made her groan as if she was annoyed "you were supposed to give the rules to her!"
"Celestia was the one who hired me to look after Miss Sparkle; it was only normal I give the rules to the one hiring me?" Ettore stated before turning around facing the others.
"Excuse me!" Pinkie interrupted the flow of the conversation "not trying to sound rude but, can somepony tell me why is there two of me?!"
Ettore and Sarah both looked at each other before staring down the fake Pinkie, both saying in unison "Raven". The fake Pinkie was engulfed in a small green magical vortex before a pure white unicorn was standing in a courtesy towards everyone there completely unscathed. Her mane is long and black as the night while her attire was that of an old maid uniform, her flank was bare with no cutie mark. Twilight didn't notice it till now; she looked back at Ettore before realising he doesn't have a cutie mark. She knew it wasn't the time to ask that as a battle just took place in the kitchen as she needed to get more information on Ettore and his organisation, True Valets.
"let's go somewhere else to talk shall we?" Sarah giggled as she looked around the kitchen to see it in such a state. Raven and Sarah left the room before Twilight, Ettore and Pinkie. Ettore wasn't very good at it, but he attempted to heal Twilight using his magic before leaving the kitchen. Soon, Twilight was back to normal health as she used her magic to stabilise her wounds even more than Ettore. The party moved away from the kitchen and made their way to the library where it was peaceful and no holes in the wall. The library was untouched and spotless since Ettore cleaned it up while Twilight was out in Canterlot. Sitting around a glass table in the library, Twilight and Pinkie sat one side with Ettore to the right while Sarah sat the opposite and Raven stood on the left next to Ettore. The light purple unicorn brought the tea set with along with him to the library. The atmosphere was sceptical as Pinkie was continuously staring down Raven while Ettore was keeping a watch on the cutlery on the tea set. Sarah was not bothered in the two as she lightly sipped her tea.
"S~o..." Twilight chuckled in an awkward tone before speaking "what is it that you wanted to tell me?"
Sarah placed down her cup in a modest sense before her mouth started to move "I have come to look at how Ettore was doing in his new line of work and it seems to me he has broken a lot of codes in the rulebook."
"Sarah..." Ettore flatly spoke as he looked in front of him.
"That's, Miss Sarah, Ettore." Sarah smugly replied with a smile "Now where was I, oh yes. He's already broken the blatantly obvious, harm coming towards the Master, miss use of objects, using highly destructive magic, you know, stuff that breaks his character." Sarah had finished before Ettore brought up his voice "Always to the point...'Miss' Sarah."
"Becuase if it's too long everyone just falls asleep; I thought you knew this Ettore?"
"Only with you around, Sarah." Ettore elegantly said as he poured more tea in Sarah's cup with one eye sharply darting towards Twilight who grew confused in his action. Pinkie, on the other hand, quietly sipped her tea with her eyes looking back and forth at the three as if tensions was arising.
"*hmph* You do bring a smile to my face Ettore," Sarah smirked as she placed down her cup before using her magic to spawn in a rather large blank, black and white book on the table in front of Twilight which made her eyes dart downwards "those are the guidelines of a Butler/Maid in True Valets. I suggest you wait till you have free time, Princess."
"You ponyknap Pinkie, your Maid, Raven, attacked-"
"She is not my Maid, Princess." Sarah lightly shook her head.
"Pardon?" Twilight rebutted.
"She is another pony's Maid, whom I am not allowed to disclose the information of." Sarah straightly said as she stared into Twilight's eyes.
"Then who employs her'? Why did she stop on your command? Why give me this vast book in front of me now? I have so many questions to ask?" Twilight spoke her thoughts before turning towards Ettore as she realised he's not allowed to lie to her "can you answer any of these?"
"I am in the dark with True Valets' actions as of late, Mistress. When somepony employs us we are cut off from any movements of other Butlers or Maids and their employers, it is a safe way to ensure no one gets attack indiscriminately." Ettore answered the Alicorn while pouring more tea in her cup slowly "However, Sarah is someone high up in the True Valets chain of command and to see her here is a peculiar mystery, even to me, Mistress."
"I see you are playing the out of mind character, Ettore." Sarah chuckled as she left her side of the table to face Ettore with a thoughtful smirk "I'll pretend that you do not know why I am here, just don't do anything rash or stupid otherwise I will have to come back and fix the mess. Okay?"
The two on the other side of the table both watched as Sarah gave a chuckle before walking out the library. Raven curtsied towards Pinkie and Twilight before leaving the library.
After a minute of silence from being baffled Pinkie shot up from her position screaming "You never explained anything to us?!"
"We technically only got one piece of information, not the reason why they ponyknapped you and assaulted me." Twilight sighed as she lifted the book with her magic and placed it on her back. She lifted herself from her spot next, almost feeling pins and needles in her back hoofs from sitting down too long "however; its seems from two attacks on myself and my friends, we've been dragged into something that we have to figure out on our own. Right, Ettore?"
Ettore gave a nod in agreement before he left the library to the kitchen.
Twilight pondered over a few things as she stayed in the library alone, laying down on a cushion while reading a rather long scroll. She did not want to entertain the thought of the large rulebook for Butlers and Maids from True Valets as the whole ordeal with Raven and Sarah was just finished with. Ettore merrily started to clean the kitchen while Raven and Sarah vanished into thin air. Just like her tea party with Celestia and Luna, it was peaceful once again.
"Want some cake, Twilight?" well, almost peaceful as Pinkie sat at the table eating pieces of blue cake from the kitchen.
"No thanks, Pinkie." Twilight declined with a smile.
"Aww, you sure, It's delicious," Pinkie replied before taking another huge bite from the pile of blue cake on the table.
"I'm not really into sweets that much, Pinkie," Twilight confirmed as she put down the scroll only to pick up another.
"Come on," Pinkie moaned as she took the large plate of cake and forced it in Twilight's vision "I finished this cake before getting tied up and shoved into the closet, the least you can do is try a small slice?"
Twilight sighed through her nose as she almost died from a cake bomb at the beginning of that dilemma, plus, Pinkie was the one who made it so might as well. She took a small bite out of the remains of the cake, trying to analyse the taste in her mouth.
"It's lovely, Pinkie," Twilight complimented towards the pink mare who gave a proud smile that almost looked like it would break her face.
"Thanks!" Pinkie giggled as she placed down the plate next to Twilight, proceeding to pick up the scroll she placed down. She could see the scroll was about the use of duplication magic. The pink mare's left face scrunched with worry as she remembered the pool and her clones. She quickly placed down the scroll before getting up and having a look around the library. Twilight didn't mind Pinkie running around the library looking at different books, considering it was a change as she would always do something random. Twilight went back to reading her scroll 'The Anatomy Of Different Creatures". She isn't the animal type of person, apart from Owlicious, she doesn't know much from animals. That and Fluttershy has asked for help with some of her animals around her cottage as she has plans to go out with Discord in Canterlot. Wait a sec? Twilight stopped thinking as Ettore came into her mind. She didn't want him helping her out as she wouldn't be able to do anything besides sit on the sidelines while Ettore does all the work. She has to quickly think of a way to get rid of Ettore for just a couple of hours or even the entire day... but how?
"Finished!!!" Pinkie's screech made Twilight abruptly stand up with her wings once more.
"Would you stop doing tha-!" Twilight spurted as she turned around before her jaw dropped wide to see something incredible.
"My book fort is now complete!!" Pinkie screamed out as she raised a flag with her saluting.
Twilight was astonished as Pinkie made a book Castle in a matter of seconds, not to mention with all her books in the library. It came with a moat, drawbridge, towers, windows and much more.
"How, what, why?!" Twilight asked as she rubbed her eyes in disbelief.
"I started to read that large book that was given to you then I got bored and decided to make a fort!!" Pinkie screeched before firing her confetti cannon, which came out from thin air behind herself.
"That's impressive, Pinkie, but how am I suppose to clean up thi-!" Twilight froze mid-speech as she stared at Pinkie only to get a conniving smile "Pinkie? How would you like to have a dedicated helper tomorrow?"
"Oooh, I have so much going on tomorrow like baking, setting up a birthday, singing, helping out Applebloom and her friends an-"
"Then I have a proposition for you, Pinkie," Twilight interrupted Pinkie before flying towards her.
The purple Alicorn plodded down the castle's hallway with a genial smile as the sun shone through the window panes. It was morning, and she was ready to move out and help Fluttershy with her animals while she spends time with Discord. Twilight had everything she wanted to take with her in a somewhat large saddlebag; refreshments, cleaning utensils and reading material that only consisted of the large guideline book for True Valets' Butlers and Maids which placed some strain on her left side from the weight. It is going to be a perfect day to sit back and relax as Fluttershy's housesitter.
It isn't everyday Fluttershy asks for a favour and Twilight is not going to let her down. The day is going to be a day with just herself and some little critters within Fluttershy's cottage where the Alicorn is going to sit back and relax with some reading of the Butler guidelines while sipping some freshly brewed tea. Twilight trotted through the castle's hallway with glee about the full day ahead. She was excited as she managed to walk past Spike, who was holding a couple of books under his arm past her, without noticing him. Before Spike could get a single word out of his mouth, she was already round the corner and into the atrium of the castle. Spike tapped his chin followed by a shrug as if he slightly did not care as he had a plan for today as well.
Twilight left the Castle premises with her saddlebag filled with her essentials and made the start of a twenty-minute stroll towards Fluttershy's cottage. The sound of everypony's voices and laughter could be heard as she walked past them all, some even greeting the royal Alicorn with a smile and wave. She knows how much friendship means to everypony and is so glad she found hers here in Ponyville and right now Fluttershy needs her hoof. After a long walk, she managed to make it to Fluttershy's cottage where the yellow pegasus and Discord stood with a smile outside the cottage door.
"Took you long enough, Princess." Discord's smile turned upside down followed by his signature scoff that made Twilight rolled her eyes at him "you can roll your eyes all you want, Princess, it doesn't excuse you from being late." he finished by snapping his fingers and spawning in a coo coo clock in front of the Princess that made her flinch as it went off.
"Discord!" Fluttershy scowled at the entity of chaos in her soft, charming tone that always made everypony smile. The Draconequus groaned as he slumped towards the Pegasus mare next to him looking disappointed followed by the clock disappearing "be nice to her, she is the reason why we can go and spend some time together. So be polite and have some manners."
Twilight giggled in response while raising her hoof towards Fluttershy shaking her head "Don't worry about it, Fluttershy. I am twelve minutes late so I can totally relate to what Discord is saying."
The yellow mare sighed through her nose as a gentle smile formed towards Twilight "I always know you won't break a promise, Twi." The Pegasus walked a few feet past the purple Alicorn before turning around "So it doesn't matter what Discord says, even if we miss our train he could always, you know, teleport us there."
"Pffft!" Discord huffed as he waved his arms up then down before walking next to Fluttershy "Oh, now you want me to use my magic even though somepony made me promise with a signature."
Twilight raised her eyebrow at Discord's words in confusion "She made you sign a contract so you wouldn't use magic?"
"I know right; everything is better with a tad of chaos and unknowingness." Discord chuckled making Fluttershy giggle with a shake of her head "It's true, I mean, who doesn't like chocolate rain and candyfloss clouds?"
Fluttershy giggled in response towards Discord before tilting her head down towards Twilight in a confirming gesture "Are you sure you're going to be alright watching the little creature while I am gone, Twilight?"
The purple Alicorn gave a proud smile while putting a hoof on her chest "It's just watching over them until you get back. Being all to myself in silence while having tea will help me mentally. Also, it gives me a break from the eyes of Ettore."
"Who?" Discord asked with an intrigued gaze at Twilight.
"Oh nothing, just my own personal Butler that Celestia hired for me. No biggie." Twilight waved a hoof before pointing away from the cottage with a now more concerned look "Now go or you will miss your train."
"Oh, my!" Fluttershy's wings spread with a face full of shock before turning around and taking flight before suddenly coming to a stop and turning around towards Twilight on the ground, shouting "I am so sorry for going, please take care of everyone while I am gone. Let's go, Discord, Canterlot Gardens is where we are heading."
"I bid you good day, Princess." Discord bowed before snapping his fingers and spawning in a leaf blower with a saddle. He hopped onto it that made it whinney and buck like a horse before it turned on and flew away next to Fluttershy. Twilight flinched back on what she just witnessed with a few blinks. She shouldn't be too surprised as it is Discord and his tomfoolery in play. He can get a little bit overboard sometimes, but that is what makes it fun in a strange and optimistic outlook. Fluttershy, on the other hoof, is always delicate no matter what the circumstances. She could be all alone in the forest, find a lost critter and help its way back to its home, at night as well. She might be shy and afraid, but she has more courage than Rainbow Dash in specific events.
Twilight's horn lit up as she turned around towards the cottage door, opening it lightly to have a look inside from the door entrance. She was greeted by a flock of colourful birds flying towards her that pulled the attention away from inside the cottage. She turned her head over her shoulder to watch them fly to their nests on the trees that brought a luxurious ambience. The sight formed a smile on her face before taking a few steps into the cottage. The inside was Fluttershy-esk, a beautiful warm sunset rug on the lime green wooden floor as she entered, birdhouses hung from the ceiling, a long couch right at the back of the room on a pink rung while a fireplace was directly on her right with a kitchen entrance to the left.
The Alicorn took a few steps towards the staircase to have a look up to notice the wooden end of a bed in plain sight where she was. Twilight let out a sweet hefty sigh as breeze followed her in through the door, brushing her mane making it flow towards the seating. Using her magic, a purple aura surrounded her saddlebag just before it lifted off her back giving her sweet release from the weight and placing it just beneath the couch. She giggled as she clambered on the seat, spreading out her wings as she laid on her back staring at the birdhouse hung ceiling. It was soo Fluttershy to place birdhouses on the ceiling while ramps were leading to mouse holes on the walls here and there. How can see live with so many little creatures...well... some not so small as a bear comes and goes sometimes.
Twilight suddenly turned towards the door to notice she forgot to shut the door. Too lazy, she used her magic to gently close the door followed by opening up her saddlebag and passing out the True Valet's Handbook. She tilted the book left and right to see the width of the book only to chuckle in uncertainty for how thick it is. Crawling left and right on her back, she managed to get the end with her back on the pillow that made her comfortable.
"Okay, Twi," The Alicorn sighed out as she closed her eyes before opening the book with her magic and taking a look at the first page "Let's see what we got here."
Her eyes opened to be greeted with a blank page that made her roll her eyes before turning the page once more to see the words 'True Valet's Butler and Maid Guidelines' in bold in the middle with a small sentence 'Butler or Maid not included' that made the Alicorn shake her head. The page flipped over with her magic revealing the contents on the next sheet with a long list of numbers before the rule. She read from the beginning to see the first one was in bold and underlined 'True Valet's will always have a final sayso in anything to do with the rules, Butlers or Maids, or company in general.' Clearly, you are meant to see this one as it shows the rules and anything can change. But why would you make a rulebook if it would change, would that make this outdated or older ones obsolete?
Twilight read the one underneath to notice 'The Master of said Butler of Maid is law and must be abided by accompanied Butler or Maid.' that one would explain why Ettore doesn't do any other requests apart from her, well, apart from that one time she got attacked in the kitchen. Sarah said stop to, what was her name again? Raven? Yeah, Raven, as well as Ettore. They both just halted in their attacks on her word. She must have been one of the higher-ups in Valet's for them to obey her.
She continued on reading.
'Butler or Maid should always be seen in proper work attire.'
'Butler or Maid can never hide any secrets from True valet's or his/her Master.'
'The required sleep for Butler or Maid is three hours, more if the Master demands.'
'Breakfast is served between the hours of seven and ten, brunch eleven to twelve.'
'The household must be in a perfect state at all times, no exceptions.'
'The Butler and Maid must have no intimate relationship with the Master or their associates if seen or caught they will be severely punished by the company.'
'Every Tuesday must have at least one taco served during dinner.'
'When interacting with his or her Master, they must bow or curtsy- Applies for their associates.'
'The Butler or Maid must know where the Master is at all times in case of an emergency.'
'During the full moon, a mooncake must be made and served.'
"...Oka~y." Twilight raised her eyebrow as she pulled her head back a few inches in wonder "Every Tuesday a taco must be served? Must a mooncake be made and served every full moon?"
She couldn't help but skim read the rest of the rules as there were some pretty messed up ones. Always use a yellow sponge on a weekday with one hoof in a bucket of ice. When in contact with wildlife, observe their behaviour and determine if they are a threat to the grass. When in the kitchen, a kettle must always be boiling with the purest water from the ice in the mountains... That explains why her tea tastes so good, to be honest. However, none of this explains why she and her friends have been ponyknapped and attacked, one being sent to the hospital from a light wound. None of the rules gives or says any clue about the reasons why they were attacked. Most of the rules are questionable if not profound stupid.
Getting up from her position and making her way through the kitchen door by the stairway, she used her magic to lift some tea leaves out of her bag before placing a kettle on a small oven fire before filling it up with water. Twilight hummed a relaxing tune as she set a teapot and cup on a small plate. She looked towards the ceiling thinking that a lot of the rules are nearly all about food while other are patterns in serving it, only a few about cleaning and how the Butler or Maid should act. The Alicorn pondered if there is no reason for the attacks and the offenders just wanted to mess with our lives, but that does not explain the bloodlust from Charris, Volken and Raven. They wanted us... This is serious, I have to figur-!
The sound of the kettle screaming swiftly brought her back to the real world, turning off the oven and pouring the water into the teapot with the leaves in it. Placing the pot and cup on a plate, she used her magic to bring them back into the living room; placing it down on the long couch. She poured herself some tea from the pot into the cup and took a sip. She flinched as the hot liquid singed her tongue forcing her to blow on it before taking another sip. Using her magic to lift the book, she continued to read on where she left off. She kept reading every rule and trying to figure out a sense of reason why. Upon nearing the end of the book, a loud groan came from the Princess followed by a loud pomf from her back landing on a pillow behind her. She raised her hoofs to her mane and gave it a friendly scuffle with a sudden pout.
"Why can't I find any information on these attacks!?" Twilight yelled as she opened to the last page, skipping the last third of the book. Her body sat up as she stared down at the last page of text, reading it allowed "The True Valet's Bout? What the heck is that?" her attention peered down the page to another long list of paragraphs "In the event of finding another Master with a Maid or Butler, anyone may issue a bout. The bout is initiated through, either, a verbal agreement on activity or a brawl between the Master's, Maid's or Butler's. The victor will not be prosecuted for any rule breaking and will receive any form of compensation they like (excludes another Butler or Maid). The losing party will pay any damage done to the Master's place of occupancy and be severely levied; this could include the departure of your Butler or Maid. if by chance it is a draw, both parties will not be accounted for."
Twilight stopped reading to take a sip of her tea, trying to figure out what and why about this before She suddenly slouched with a loud groan, rolling her eyes back before looking down at the page once more. Why would they do something like this? For their amusement? To see who the best Butler or Maid is? To make things interesting? In Twilight's eyes, this was wrong on so many levels. A fight between Masters for a prize. How can this be approved of? She slapped her cheeks before focusing on the text once again "The Butler or Maid may not initiate the bout on their own will unless the Master has given the order. The bout is void if the Master is not present for the start and end of the bout. There must be a referee for every bout. However, the Master will not know who it is and must never be told. The bout is over when, either, the Butler or Maid have lost and or unable to participate any longer. The Master is allowed to participate in the bout, however, in the form of a brawl, the rule changes to incapacitate them and first to wins." Twilight skipped to the last sentence "In the case of the death of Butler or Maid a new one will be appointed, however, in the case of the death of the Master the Butler or Maid will be appointed a new Master."
Twilight's eyes opened in shock on a particular word. Death. So anything goes in a brawl, but it can be disputed by other forms of activities. She was dragged into the bawls by force by Charis, but Raven's Master was not around, so that was void so only Ettore was going to get punished for breaking the harm to Master rule. He never got punished though, Sarah said he wouldn't. That would make Sarah a higher up, emphasis on would. She got up and off the couch before packing the book back in her saddlebag and lifting it up on her back before heading towards the door. She was determined for answers and Ettore is the closest thing she is ever going to get for them.
Leaving the cottage, the Alicorn locked the front door and placed the key in a nearby pot. She walked away from the house with a clear mind to figure out more about True Valet's and their objective. They must want more than money. Twilight made her way towards Ponyville on her way to Surgarcube corner because she left Ettore with Pinkie. She eventually stopped outside her destination looking around to see everypony talking, laughing and playing. It brought a smile to her face, Ponyville always does, and she wouldn't change it for anything.
Smash
The Alicorn yelped as she jumped back with her wings open with one hoof across the other in distraught. A large wooden cupboard came out through the window, shattering it into pieces that made everypony gasp in Twilight's direction. Her face tilted as she said aloud "Huh?!" as Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo jumped from the broken window followed by Pinkie and Ettore. The Alicorn gasped in shock as the house decided to erupt in a brown cake batter. The door was thrown off its hinges towards Twilight who sidestepped out of the way before looking at the group in shock.