In The Presence of Enemies

Several Months Later

The doors to the Solar Court burst open. A small part of Celestia's mind wondered why ponies kept doing that, seemingly for dramatic effect, when there were so many other doors already open. The officer who had entered did not keep with the fast pace of his entrance, and instead stoically walked to the throne and bowed. Celestia held up a hoof to pause the current discourse, and looked expectantly at the intruder, somewhat grateful for the interruption.

"Your Majesty, I have a report."

Indeed, thought Celestia. "What is your report?"

"Ponyville is under attack by the Grey Minotaur Legion."

He seems awfully calm about this. "Have we sent reinforcements?"

"None were necessary. Hay Company was there."

Celestia very faintly smiled. Oh. I see.

"Evidently, today is some sort of holiday for many of their members, about celebrating independence from an oppressing nation. The celebrations involve a large quantity of, among other things, fireworks."

Celestia's smile grew more. Those poor minotaurs... interrupting a celebration like that?

"The situation is under control. Given Hay Company's ... inclinations, and past performances, I would not be surprised if the assault is already being repelled with gusto and colorful fire."

"Very well. Thank you, Solid Hoof. You may return to your post."

As Solid Hoof walked back out, Celestia's smile faded, and she regretfully returned to her inane activity that if one were feeling generous, could be called a conversation, and more accurately called a "one pony absent-mindedly listening to a door-to-door salespony noble trying to establish a monopoly on the sale of iron fence posts in Canterlot", though that was a bit of a mouthful. Contrary to her dealings with most of the "nobility", Celestia made it a point to know as many of her ponies names as practical. In the past, this was a mere courtesy, but with the constant threat of rogue Changeling spies, it was actually quite reasonable.

She supposed it was amusing that she met with this noble at least once every other week for the past ten years, and wasn't sure what his name was, whereas this officer who looked barely older than a colt had his favorite color known by a princess who ruled over thousands upon thousands : Yellow.

It was a little bit unfair, perhaps. Though this noble's requests were always a little ridiculous, and often obnoxious, she couldn't remember a time when he had ever been angry, either in the usual sense or in the noblepony sense where you go through further political machinations to get what you wanted, and whoever was in your way down several pay grades, or some retaliation that could be had against a princess. It was even possible to discuss his ideas after he had finished presenting them. When he finishes presenting them in the per-pony time limit, which he doesn't always do. Ah, but he just did! Celestia quickly formulated a response.

"That is a very interesting proposal. I believe I shall refer your case to Chief of City Maintenance Martin and Second Market Adviser Shelby."

The noble blinked, and seemed to be taken aback. "Those are... interesting names. Are they the new pon- err, humans I believe?"

"Indeed. They have proven to be most effective at their jobs. Will their species be a problem?" asked Celestia as she showed her absolute perfection in the art of subtly raising one eyebrow just enough that the target knew they were in trouble, but weren't sure how they knew.

"No, Your Majesty. I was merely surprised that they had attained such titles so rapidly. Thank you."

Celestia called one of her couriers forward. "Fleet Wing, would you please find Martin and Shelby, and take Sir..."

She indicated with her hoof the noble. "Marble Pillar."

"...Marble Pillar, and lead him to a meeting with them?"

Fleet Wing saluted, "Yes, ma'am," and trotted off with Marble Pillar in tow.

One noble down, an infinity to go. Celestia sighed, and wondered how Ponyville fared. She did not worry about the battle. There was a very good chance that Hay Company had already claimed victory.

The battle was over, but Hay Company had not yet declared victory. What they had declared was that the battle was not over until all the flames from excessive use of firework-based combat had been put out. If a quarter of Ponyville was burned down, again, as collateral by Hay Company, again, then they would probably face severe discipline, again. Celestia would approve of this decision when she heard it, as although these humans tended to think of everything, almost Discordian levels of chaos ensued when there was something that they forgot.