Parasprites were very annoying. They were also destructive. Enough to the point that an entire nest of them could destroy an entire town, if left unchecked. Good thing that there wasn’t one big enough any where near Canterlot.
Even a small horde, however, is enough to destroy almost every room in the castle at Canterlot. Especially the Dancing hall. The one that is used to house the guest of the Grand Galloping Gala.
Indeed, no matter where anypony stepped or looked, there was a parasprite to be found. Even Celestia found it hard to avoid them as she flew around the room looking for the source of the Infestation. She looked high and low for twenty minutes but she could not find a nest or any sign of their entry point. After ten more minutes, the princess finally gave up her search and flew out of the dancing hall so pest control could take over.
“Any luck, sister?” asked Luna, who had been waiting outside of the dancing hall due to her irrational fear of parasprites. Luna was even hesitant on moving closer to her sister, who was standing in the entryway to the dancing hall.
“No. I couldn’t find anything. Hopefully the exterminators will have more luck.” At this moment, one of the pest control members walked over to the princess. “Have you found anything?”
Lowering his head, the exterminator replied rather hesitantly. “We may have found the source of the infestation. However, It will take a while before we can get rid of all the parasprites. Until then, we have to close down this entire section of the castle, to ensure the infestation does not spread.”
“For how long?”
“Thankfully, it is a pretty small nest. But still, it should take about two weeks to get rid of them all.”
Celestia was shocked to hear this. “Two weeks? But the Gala is this saturday!”
“I know princess, but due to this development, I think ponies would understand,” was the exterminators response.
The princess wished to argue, hoping that maybe with enough pleading the exterminators will solve their problems faster. She knew the world didn’t work that way, though, and consented to the logical option of closing down the dancing hall and any other rooms where the infestation could of spread to. This happened to be about a quarter of the entire castle.
Annoyed and tired from the whole ordeal, Celestia hoped that continuing her royal duties would somehow help her relax. She also had to tell Royal Script, her scribe, to write letters to everyone who was Invited to the Gala that it had been cancelled.
Before she could get the chance, Royal Script reminded Celestia that she had an appointment with a new noble in town, and he had been waiting for her to receive him. Considering everything, she really did not want to see any pony. After hearing that he had been waiting for her, though, Celestia decided it would be rude not to meet with him. She promptly went to the throne room to meet her guest.
Entering, Celestia saw the noble waiting patiently. He was a stallion Pegasus with a dark grey coat, a black mane, and emerald green eyes. She could not see his cutie mark, as he was wearing a red suit that covered his flank.
Celestia had to admit, this stallion gave most of the nobles in Canterlot a run for their money when it came to looks.
“Greetings, Your majesty,” The noble said as he bowed his head. “I am Count Monte Cristo. It is a pleasure to finally meet with you.”
Though the princess was no stranger to manners, this Count Monte Cristo spoke with such respect, she felt she should be the one bowing instead of him.
“The pleasure is mine, Count Cristo.” Celestia walked to her throne and sat down. “How can I help you?”
At this the Count arched his eyebrow in confusion. “I’m sorry, did you not receive my card? I thought I sent one ahead of time.”
Celestia was just as confused as The Count. At this, Royal Script came over and gave Celestia a small card that had an embroidered MC upon it. “You looked at this yesterday, princess. The reason Count Monte Cristo is here is to simply introduce himself. You made sure I left this time open so you can have tea with him.”
The princess could only rub her head, as she suddenly remembered the Griffon that brought the card about five days ago, announcing the arrival of his master. “I’m sorry I forgot, Count Cristo. I had an emergency to take care of and it slipped my mind. Royal Script, go and ask the kitchen to prepare some cake and put a kettle on for some tea. This will only take a second Count Cristo.”
The Count lifted his hoof in protest. “Please, Princess, do not trouble yourself. If this emergency is important, we can reschedule for another day.”
“No, it's alright. I have some ponies already taking care of the problem. I just wished it could be solved faster.”
“If you do not mind me asking, your highness, what exactly is the matter?” The Count gasped as a thought enter his head. “Is there trouble brewing in Equestria again?”
“Only the trouble of canceling the Grand Galloping Gala,” Celestia said, remembering her tiresome failure earlier today. She could only sigh at both the memory and the task that lie ahead
“What?” The Count asked, obviously shocked by the news. “Why must the Gala be cancelled?”
Celestia decided to tell The Count everything. From waking up to the sound of a terrified Luna, who should've been asleep at that time of the day, to looking all over the Dance Hall, trying to find the reason for the recent gathering of parasprites in the castle.
By the time she was finished, Royal Script had returned with a kettle and two small cakes, one slightly bigger than the other. The bigger one was for Celestia, as she instantly took it as soon as the cart was close to her. She remarked it being her favorite flavor, chocolate.
The Count was not bothered by this. He took the smaller piece and nibbled it very slowly. He seemed to prefer the discussion over the tea or cake.
“This must be stressful for you, considering the Gala was supposed to be six days from now. Is there anyway I can help?”
Celestia chuckled. “Unless you have a building big enough to house all the royalty and nobility in Canterlot, and can be easily decorated on a small budget. But, i’m pretty sure such a place does not exist.”
At this, The Count raised his hoof to his chin in thought. “Well, it's not a building, but my estate might be big enough.”
The princess raised her head in question. “Your… estate? How big is it?”
“The house is only a small mansion and it is not yet presentable to anypony, but the front and back lawn could be used instead. I believe it to be about twice the size of that one farm from the town of Ponyville. What’s it called again, Sweet Apple Acres?”
“Twice?!” The princess asked with shock in her voice. “Just where is your estate located?”
“Outside of Canterlot. Do you know of the former estate of the Iron family?”
“Of course, almost everypony knows about it. It hasn’t been touched since Cold Iron died.”
“Well, that is my Estate. I purchased it about two days ago.”
Celestia could not believe her ears. The Count had bought a large plot of land valued at a little more than six hundred thousand bits, and was talking about it as if it was a small purchase. The princess questioned exactly how rich The Count was.
“And you’ll lend this to us? to use for the Gala?” Celestia asked.
“Of course,” The count said, taking a sip of his tea soon after. “I love to help ponies in need. And it seems like you could use some relief, especially after the day you had.”
This news instantly had an effect on Celestia. She sighed again, but this time with hope. “Thank you, Count Cristo. You have no idea how much this helps me.” The princess called Royal Script over to her and told him to write out a loan for fifty thousand bits.
“What is that for?” The Count asked.
“To help pay for the decorations and your services,” Celestia responded.
The count lifted his hoof, again in protest. “Please, do not worry about it. I will take care of everything.”
Shock was now on both Celestia's’ and Royal Scripts’ face. “Are you sure?” Celestia asked.
“Certainly. As you said, you need a small budget. I have certain connections that can help in this situation. All I will need from you is a party organizer, an excellent cook, and some form of entertainment.”
Thinking for a good few minutes, Celestia smiled with happiness. “I know just the ponies who can help.”
“Are we there yet?” asked Pinkie pie and Rarity to their friends, probably for the twentieth time during the carriage ride to Count Cristo's estate. It was obvious that they weren’t, but no one wanted to answer the two. They were too tired and hungry from the train ride to keep up with the hyperactive pair. Twilight was at least grateful that the carriage was big enough to give them all some hoof room. It made the constant questioning a little bearable.
Applejack, however, decided that she did not want to hear any more. “We’ve only been traveling for twenty minutes,” Applejack said, mustering all of her frustration to be the force behind her words. “The driver said it would take thirty minutes to get there. Now would you two kindly shut yer mouths?”
“Sorry,” Pinkie replied, sliding down into her seat. “I’m just so excited! I mean, planing the Grand Galloping Gala! that's only my childhood dream!”
“I thought swimming in a giant pool of chocolate was your childhood dream,” Fluttershy questioned, realizing that Pinkie had contradicted herself.
“Oh silly, that's childhood dream number forty six. I’m talking about childhood dream number eight! I’m finally entering single digits.” A sudden realization came to Pinkie. “I can finally throw my ‘entering single digits on my childhood dream list’ party! which, in case you’re wondering, is number ten on said list.” The smug smile on her face made every pony in the carriage question, once again, how sane Pinkie really is.
“Well, I just can’t wait to meet with this Count Monte Cristo,” Rarity said, attempting to change the topic. It seemed to have worked as Applejack huffed at the mention of his name.
“We know, Rarity,” Applejack stated. “Ever since Twilight mentioned him, you haven’t been able to talk about anything else.”
“Well, I can’t help it.” Rarity played with her purple mane, looking offended by Applejack’s manners. “I know absolutely nothing about him. And me NOT knowing anything about a noble pony is like you discovering a new type of apple in your orchard.”
“How are those similar?” Twilight asked, intrigued to hear the reasoning behind her Rarity's Comparison.
“Think about it,” Rarity answered. “You have worked in the same orchard ever since you were a filly. You know all the apple trees and the types of apples they grow. Then one day, you find a tree you have never seen before, growing a type of apple you have no knowledge of. Wouldn’t you start doing research, even bringing it up every chance you got?”
Both Twilight and Applejack considered her words. They eventually nodded their heads, signifying they agreed with Rarity.
Rainbow Dash decided to join in. “Still, you don’t have to make it the ONLY thing you talk about. Afterall, none of us know who this guy is. Even the princess didn’t know him before he showed up yesterday. I’m still surprised they even agreed to his help. I mean, he could be a bad pony for all we know.”
“Actually, now that you mention it.” Twilight levitated a scroll in front of her face. “The princess added this at the bottom of her letter to me.”
Learn all you can about Count Monte Cristo. I’m unsure as to who he is or what his arrival means for Canterlot. Try to be his friend but, just like with Discord, be on your guard.
“I think the princess shares your views, Rainbow.”
Before another word could be said, the carriage came to a stop. The door opened, revealing a neatly dressed and groomed griffon to the elements of harmony.
“Welcome,” the griffon said, bowing as the Twilight and her friends exited the carriage. “I am Sharp Talons, Count Monte Cristo’s steward. You may call me Talon, if you wish.”
Twilight, presenting herself as the leader of their group, returned the bow. “Hello Talon. I’m Twilight Sparkle, the princess of friendship. And these are my friends. Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Fluttershy”
“A princess? Should royalty really being doing something like this?” Talon asked, obvious confusion in his face.
“Don't worry about it. Like your master, I enjoy helping anypony I can.”
“Very well then.” Talon started to walk towards the grounds of the estate. “Follow me, I’ll take you to the Count.”
The elements followed the Griffon to the mansion in the center of the large lawn, noticing the beauty of the landscape on their way. The flowers that lined the walking path were of many colors, the grass was nicely cut, and the conglomerate of trees on the borders of the estate looked very inviting. Fluttershy could swear she heard some rather beautiful singing coming from them.
The mansion, however, was quite the opposite. The years of disuse have taken it’s toll on the building. Its exterior paint was chipping in certain spots, giving the walls an eerie look to them. Windows were broken, most likely due to foals who snuck onto the grounds deciding that throwing rocks at this particular house would be a fun game. The elements were shocked to see the contrast between the grounds and the mansion itself.
“Count Cristo is working on the house right now. Sad to say, with the recent parasprite infestation, most decorators are busy putting the castle back together. Besides the size, this is the main reason we are holding the Gala on the grounds instead of in the mansion itself,” Talon informed. They all agreed that it was the best choice.
The interior was only slightly better. The only true difference was that everything had been dusted and cleaned. The furniture had also been replaced by top of the line couches, tables, lights and anything else a sitting room might need.
“Wait here,” Talon said as he left the room and went up the stairs. A while later, A dark grey pegasus entered the sitting room.
“Welcome!” said the pegasus. He instantly went to Twilight, who had stood up as he came closer. He gently took Twilight's hoof in his and lifted it to his lips, kissing it softly. “I am Count Monte Cristo.”
Twilight blushed slightly as he let go of her hoof. “A pleasure to meet you.” Twilight then repeated the same introductions she gave Talon earlier.
“Greetings to you all, and please, the pleasure is mine. Before we start talking about business, how about some lunch?” The Count moved to a chair in the room that the Elements left for their host to have. As he did so, he took out a little gong from his pocket and rang it four times. Soon, A male Zebra entered the room going straight to The Count. “Zedda, bring some tea and sandwiches, please.”
Zedda only lowered his head before he left the room once more.
“Doesn't talk much, I see,” Rarity remarked.
“Forgive Zedda. He is, unfortunately, a mute.”
Rarity gasped. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
“It’s alright. You are not the first, nor will you be the last.”
When Zedda returned with the tea and sandwiches, the elements remembered that they had not had anything to eat since breakfast on the train. They all took a sandwich and a glass of tea and started to eat very greedily. The Count, on the other hoof, only took small bites and rarely took sips from his cup.
During this time, they talked about the duties that they needed to perform to make sure that the Gala was a success. It was decided that Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Twilight would take care of organizing and decorating the party; Applejack would work with the kitchen staff to make sure that the food was spectacular; and Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy would take care of the entertainment.
“Exactly how much are you expecting to spend on the Gala?” was Twilight's first question.
“Not sure, as I don’t know exactly what we need. Why don’t the three of you start brainstorming and you come to me with a possible budget.” The Count responded.
“Very well then, let’s get going girls.” Soon, all the friends started to leave the sitting room. Twilight stopped, however, as The Count called out to her.
“Would you mind staying behind for a bit? There is something I’d like to ask you.”
“Sure.” The rest of her friends had already moved too far to hear this little exchange, so now they were completely alone. “What is it?”
“My steward tells me you are The Princess of Friendship. Is this true?”
The Count asked with such a tone that it was impossible for twilight to tell if he was joking or not.She then extended her wings slightly and also tapped her horn. “I thought it was obvious.”
“Ah… Yes, I suppose that should've been obvious.” An awkward silence passed between the two.
“If that was all, then I should-”
“No, that wasn’t it. Sorry, I am just a little nervous is all.” The Count looked down at his hooves, shuffling them a little. “I was actually wondering if you would like to dine with me before the Gala. I would like to get to know you better, and this might be my only chance since we live pretty far from each other.”
Twilight blushed slightly. “You mean like a date?”
“If you would like to consider it that way, then yes.”
Though Count Monte Cristo said he was nervous, he spoke so simply that Twilight wondered why he was nervous at all. She also wondered why Count Cristo would even want to go to the Gala with her. There were so many beautiful mares in Canterlot, and with the Counts status, manners and looks, he could have any of them.So why her?
“Yes,” Twilight nearly shouted. “I would love to have dinner with you.”
“Excellent,” The Count pulled out his pocket gong again, but this time he rang it three times. Talon then walked into the room. “What time shall I come to get you?”
The princess raised her hoof to her chin, tapping it in thought. “Since the Gala starts at six, maybe five would be best?”
Nodding, the Count looked at the Griffon in the doorway. “Talon, make sure my carriage is ready by half past four. I will be bringing Twilight to the Gala.”
“Of course, your excellency.” Talon produced a little notebook from his innard suit pocket and started to write down some information. “And where will The Princess be staying?”
“At the Wheatfield hotel,” Twilight responded. Talon wrote down the location, closed the book and put it back in his pocket. He then left to continue his duties.
“Thank you, your highness. You honor me by doing this.” The Count bowed low, once more.
Twilight bowed as well. “The honor is mine. Now, I should go join my friends.”
“Very well. I shall leave you to your work then.” At that, Twilight left the Sitting room and moved to the estate to tell the others about her date with The Count.
Well into the afternoon, Twilight and her friends busied themselves with the Gala preparations, each deciding to take on a particular job that fit their talents. Pinkie and Twilight worked on organizing the events and budgeting everything out; Rarity was in charge of decorations; Applejack worked on cooking with the kitchen staff; and Rainbow dash and Fluttershy thought of entertainment ideas. They were all so busy, staff included, that no one notice an extra pony on the premises.
A tall and skinny blue-grey earth pony ,wearing a trench coat and fedora, snuck around the perimeter of the mansion. Every time a gardener or someone that was supposed to be there came close to him, he hid behind a bush or anything that could hide him from their gazes. He looked high and low, trying to find what he was after. Eventually, he neared a broken window. It was covered with paper, so no wind would enter the house and would keep the heat in. However, the paper was tapped on the outside, meaning that, if anyone wanted to, they could peel the tape off and enter into the mansion easily.
Wasting no time, the earth pony reached up and carefully peeled the tape away from the window seal. When the opening presented itself, he took off his trench coat, swung it over the seal and climbed inside. He felt slight discomfort as small pieces of glass pierced his hooves, but thanks to the trench coat, he suffered no injury.
Hitting the floor, he put his coat back on and went to the nearest door. As soon as he opened it however, he froze. A Griffon, that could easily take him down, stood on the other side. He jumped back, wanting to run back to the window. The griffon grabbed his tail, preventing him from running off.
“Now now, Master Front Page, you don’t want to be late for your appointment, do you?” The griffon asked.
Realizing that he wasn’t going anywhere, Front Page slumped in defeat. He turned to the Griffon.
“Sorry sir,” He apologized in a heavy Manehattan accent. “I’ve just heard so much about the Count, I wanted to be the first who… who… did you say appointment?”
The Griffon said nothing as he turned and started walking away. Only when he motioned for him follow did Front page move. He was led upstairs and down a hallway where a set of double doors laid at the end. The griffon opened them, and what Front Page saw shocked him.
The inside of the mansion was nothing compared to this room. It was not only furnished with a wooden table and book shelves, but it was polished and fixed up, nothing out of place. A large picture hung above the table, depicting three silhouetted Alicorns descending upon an unidentified pony being surrounded by timberwolves. The endangered pony had his hoof outstretched to the alicorns, awaiting them to save him. Front page didn’t recognize the piece, and with his vast knowledge of anything notable, it had to mean it was an original. He wondered who painted it.
Below the painting, sitting at the table, was a dark grey pegasus with a red dress coat. Front page realized that this must be Count Monte Cristo. “You’re five o’clock appointment, your excellency,” The Griffon said.
“Ah, Front Page. Right on time,” The Count said. He then made a sign to the griffon, indicating that he wished to talk in private. The griffon bowed and exited the room, closing the doors behind him.
“Please sit, Front Page.” The Count said.
“How do you know my name?” He asked, sitting down in the chair on the opposite side of the table. The Count ignored the question and pulled out a folder from a desk drawer. He laid it down in front of his guest. Front page looked into the folder noticing the letters inside.
“What’s this?”
“Read them first, then we will talk business.”
Front page opened the folder and pulled out the first letter he could get his shaky hooves on.
Front Page,
I understand that you are, in professional terms, an Informant for ponies in Canterlot. This letter, when presented to any bank you wish along with my seal, will instantly grant you a sum of ten thousand bits. All I ask is that you listen to my request.
The Count, Monte Cristo.
Front page re-read the letter again. Feeling like he didn’t get the joke, he moved to the next letter.
Monsieur Monte Cristo,
Your request for a line of credit for the sum of Unlimited has been approved. You may take this letter to any bank you wish during your stay in Canterlot. The banks we suggest to do business with are as follows:
The House of Blissful Finance
The House of Fancy Pants
The House of Coin A. Plenty
We have had dealings with these three banks in the past, and have deemed them honest and truthful.
We wish you well,
The House of Golden leaf
Golden leaf was a name that anypony would recognize as the richest pony in the country of Prance. To have a letter from him recommending unlimited credit was unheard of. After taking a quick glance at the Count, Front page put down this letter and picked up the last one.
Honorable Count Monte Cristo,
You have been a good friend, not only to me, but to the people of Griffonstone. It is thanks to you that our villages are slowly going back to what they once were. However, things are still not what I wish they could be.
There is a still a shortage of supplies that we require. We ask that you help us once again by opening a trade company in Canterlot. You will, of course, be paid for the trouble.
We ask you to act quickly.
Your faithful friend,
Stiff wing, King of Griffonstone.
Front page’s jaw dropped. These three letters alone made him a pony that legends spoke of. He was rich, kind, and… and...
“Have you finished?” The Count asked. A simple nod was Front Page’s reply. “How would you describe me, reading these letters?”
Front Page tapped his chin with his hoof, both in thought and to close his mouth. “I would say that you are a rich pony that has means of maintaining his fortune. Afterall, Unlimited credit from Gold Leaf has been unheard of. You are honest and loyal to those you consider your friends. But...” Front page paused.
“But?”
“But… You are also a dangerous pony.”
“What makes you say that?” Count Cristo inquired.
“The first letter. You obviously want me to be your informant against your rivals, right?”
“No, actually..” The Count leaned forward. “I wish to simply make sure you tell your employer the truth.” The last word was emphasized.
“I don’t understand?”
“Simply this,” The Count tapped the letters in front of his guest. “Study these pages and make sure that you tell your employer, whoever it may be, What you have just told me. That I am an honest and loyal pony, one with a way of maintaining his fortune and also is looking to start a business here in Canterlot. Though, leave out the last part. Agree to this, and you may have the first letter with my seal.”
Front Page knew when a deal was too good. He looked again at the three letters then back at Count Cristo. “What’s the catch?”
The Count smiled as if he expected this answer. “Do not tell anyone of this meeting, not even your employer. Else you might find out exactly how dangerous I can be.”
Front Page swallowed hard and went straight to work, reading the letters again. He studied everything about them. The penmanship, the wording, the seals, nothing escaped the eyes of this pony. He then laid them down on the desk and took out his notebook and started to write down his conclusions, theories and any other useful information.
Finishing, Front page looked to The Count and tapped the first letter. “I’ll take that seal now, your excellency.”
Nodding, Count Cristo took a stamp and placed his seal down at the bottom of the letter. He spoke before handing the letter back. “I do want you to do two things for me. First, I want you to find a filly for me. I don’t know who or where she is, but I know she was abandoned, left on the doorstep of the Canterlot orphanage before going into the foster care system. My trail runs cold after that.”
“ That’s a serious claim. I’m sure you’ve heard Celestia made it illegal to abandon foals, right? How do you know this foal was abandoned? And why are you looking for her?” Front page asked, recording everything into his note book.
“One day, a homeless mare came to me, asking me if I had seen her foal. Noticing she was sick, I decided to let her rest at my place. Sadly, she died a few nights later. Before she passed, she told me about the foal, how the father didn’t want the foal or her and how he spirited it away one night, without telling her. She asked and begged me to find the filly. I agreed. I’ve been looking for the foal ever since. I hope to continue, but i’m at a disadvantage here in Canterlot, where I know absolutely no one. You have contacts, however, and I would like you to use them to aid me.”
“Interesting. And the second?”
“Have you heard of a Zebra named Hazock?”
Front page went stiff, the coloring draining from his face. “The Zebra Conqueror? Yeah, I’m sure everypony has. He was captured and executed a few years ago for his crimes against the ponies of equestria. Why do you ask?”
“Yes, I’ve heard about that. I’m very interested in this case, you see, and want to know more. If you could, dig up all the information you can about Hazock’s arrest. Do these two things for me, and I’ll double your new fortune. Go now to your employer. Do not delay any longer.”
Front page didn’t need any more convincing. As fast as he could, he walked to the double doors, exited the room and left the mansion in a hurry, afraid the count might change his mind. When he left the estate, he first went to the closest bank he could and obtained the ten thousand bits he was promised. It was the easiest check he ever made.
Front page hailed a taxi, gave the driver a couple of bits and told him where he would like to go. “If you're fast enough, you’ll get a big tip.” The taxi took off, driving practically all around Canterlot before reaching one of the largest buildings in the city. Throwing the bits promised to the driver, Front Page entered the bank, walking right past the receptionist and entered the owner's office.
“Boss, Have I got some news for you!”
***
As Front page left, Talon walked back into the Count’s office. He stood at attention, waiting to hear the entry doors close. When the click was heard, The Count spoke. “Have the invitations been sent?”
“Yes, your excellency,” Talon said, bowing. “As per your request, the VIP letters were delivered right before Front Pages arrival. We should hear back from them later today.”
“We will hear from them today,” the count said, standing up and looking out the window. His gaze going straight to a certain purple Alicorn. “They will actually have no choice. Canterlot customs forbid them from denying such an honor.”
“But what about… The one who isn’t in Canterlot?”
“He will come. I’ve made sure to invite some of his former acquaintances to the Gala. He won’t want to miss seeing them.”
“I… see,” Talon said, a hint of nervousness creeping out of him. “Is there anything else you need?”
“As soon as their replies come in, deliver them to me immediately. Also, be sure to sell our shares with The Crowned Shoe transport and freight company. When they are sold, tell me during the Gala. Not before, and not after.”
“Yes sir.” Talon finally took his leave. When he was gone, The Count went back to his desk and took out a piece of parchment and wrote something down. He then put it next to his candle, that was lit with dragon fire, and burned it.