Twenty-seven days after Luna's return.

The Canterlot Pax Gardens is an integral part of the Canterlot culture. In the streets of Canterlot, status and reputation means everything to anyone here. As such, there were plenty of ways to display wealth, status and most importantly, power in the society. One of the best ways is to host a garden party at the Canterlot Pax Gardens, not that any would admit it.

One such event was being held at said location right now.

Dozens of tables are full of Lavish treats are displayed in beautiful and orderly fashion upon silver trays to enhance their appeal to the naked eye. In the background, a string quartet displayed their talent by 'stringing' up quite a classic piece from the Post unification war period while the 'Higher' class that constitutes of Nobles, Officials and any notable business owner hung around, exchanging small talk and gossip.

All except for one unicorn near the beverage table. Try as he might , Duke Heavy Lifter could not fully disguise his contempt and disgust at the 'star' of the party.

"Useless upstart." The Duke muttered to himself, "who does he think he is? Just because he managed to provide an important insight regarding the defenses of Equestria and now he's the next big thing? Hmph!" Downing a glass of the finest vintage provided by the generous host, Fancy Pants, the Duke noted bitterly that the drink had done nothing to assuage his anger.

His anger was directed at the young Count who had ascended to his position only nine months ago. The exact same Count who had suggested proposals that were passed personally by the Princess herself four times. Not that that was not significant, Heavy Lifter had only managed such a feat twice, but the fact that his fellow nobles had to celebrate a job well done for that youngster four times aggravate Heavy Lifter quite a bit. Furthermore, that the young upstart actually has the gall to merely look over the Duke as though he was but a common noble infuriates him to no end. Duke Heavy Lifter seethed with rage, conveniently forgetting the times when he had condescended upon other nobles of equal ranking to him and also the times when parties had been thrown in favor of the more trivial deeds he had done. Nopony needed to know those... His anger is completely justified!

"I say," Heavy Lifter caught wind of Fancy Pants raising his voice over the crowd chattering by the noble, "you had done a marvellous job, my friend. Equestria will no doubt be safer now that your proposal has passed."

"Indeed," a nearby businesspony chirped, Jet Set? Or was Jet Stream? Jack Set? "I hear you also introduced Iron Road's train service to help deliver resources and troops to the Eastern shore. How did you get such contacts?"

The Count in question merely smiled, "I met him at a social gathering a few months ago. I merely thought that he would be overjoyed to have a chance to serve the crown."

And help raise your reputation even further. Heavy Lifter added silently. Not that anypony here wouldn't know that. It is an unspoken rule that any Canterlot pony who wish to increase their social standing would grasp every opportunity to do so.

"M'dear," spoke up another unicorn that the Duke found familiar yet could not quite place. "What other sights on the horizon do you have your eye on? Any particular ideas... to help the Moderates?"

Duke Heavy Lifter almost missed the last two words, however, what he heard made him perk up even more and pay full attention to the gathering over there. Though the Nobles are united within the Court of Equestrian Authority, in truth, they are all involved in a subtle political power struggle mostly unknown to majority of the populace.

As the saying goes, birds of the same feather flock together. So nobles of the same interests gather together to help each other.

Of all the factions, there are five groups that act as the major power brokers. The Moderates are one such group, a group of despicable ponies, in the Duke's opinion, that only take action whenever a monumental event occurs. At other times, instead of making contributions,they rather stay to a side and observe the flow of events.

Despicable. If only they could be more proactive like his faction was. Yes, was. The Zealots, well known for openly supporting any movement within Equestria to make their country great again, had recently fallen out of power due to a few setbacks. If they have the political and monetary power they used to have, the bolstering of military forces in the Eastern Front could easily be credited to themselves instead of those useless, selfish Moderates.

Nevertheless, information is information. Furthermore one might never know when said information may be useful to any of his other associates to be turned into an advantage.

"I have heard that while the Eastern Front may have been delivered fresh troops and weapons," The Count replied, a thoughtful look in his eyes, "the defenses there are in need of some upgrades and repair. Furthermore, while our Princess believes that bolstering the three cities with troops is enough to deter the Griffon threat, I doubt she would want to spend any more from the National Treasury to polish up the garrisons."

"Why would you disagree, my friend?" Fancy Pants prompted.

"Primarily, it is because if the Griffons do attack. It would help greatly if our defenses are at top notch condition, Fancy Pants." A chorus of agreements followed this statement. "However, even if they withheld their forces. A well-maintained garrison is always better one that boast poor defenses, for morale and security sake."

Duke Heavy Lifter frowned, as much as he hated to admit it, those are actually quite valid points.

"Not to mention the approval from the military. Now that is quite enticing." Another noble added.

Yes, that is quite enticing indeed. Duke Heavy Lifter took a deep draught of wine from his glass, thinking quietly to himself. In fact, the more he think about it the more he actually liked the idea of having supporters within the military. It would show that the Zealots are finally climbing their way back into prominence.

And if he played his cards right, getting his faction back into the spotlight would not be the only reward. He may end up becoming the most important pony of his group. Yes, not to mention he will also show up that annoying Count as an added bonus.

"Don't worry about it! Just leave it to me!"

Such was the magnitude of the outburst that even the Duke almost choked upon his beverage. Another noble, this time, one that Heavy Lifter recognized as Baron Bush Beater, another recently ascended noble though he is not as prominent as the Count, both in title and in deeds. Most likely, he is looking for a moment to shine.

"Are you sure?" Fancy Pants asked, "we don't even know the sum of the money required."

"Well, um..."

"According to my calculations..." a mare said.

"Yes, madame Calculus?"

"We would approximately require three hundred thousand bits to repair each of the military bases in each city."

NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND BITS?! Duke Heavy Lifter could not believe his ears. A sum of such magnitude... is surprisingly affordable, and well worth it if it could get the required prestige and influence in the military.

"Ummm..." Bush Beater, the poor soul, quite in the conundrum isn't he? It's a common fact that Barons are not as well off as the other nobles go.

"I suppose we can each donate a portion to make up for the resultant sum needed?"

"Excellent idea, my friend!" Fancy Pants beamed as the Count spoke. "I suppose that that would solve most of our problems?"

A chorus of assent answered his words. However, Duke Heavy Lifter noted quite a few doubtful looks spread throughout the party. Nopony would dare dispute Fancy Pants, who was and still is welcomed in all Canterlot noble circles. But if they could not voice their disagreements... there are other more subtle ways to do so.

Heavy Lifter went back to his drink, planning his next move. As if he needed to plan anyway. Nodding to himself, the Duke downed another draught of the alcohol which now tasted so much sweeter, unaware of a pair of eyes watching him intently, subtly, but intently.

Thirty-four days after Luna's return.

"I'm so sorry about this my friend. It appears that I have let you down this time."

I feel almost bad, seeing Fancy Pants in such distress. Almost. He had came to find me to apologize, even breaking off from his predetermined schedule, after he had heard of news that I had received far earlier than he did.

It would not be an understatement to say that he is the one of the few ponies around that does not drive me insane with ineptitude

"I had not known about Heavy Lifter's intention to fund the reparations of the garrisons near the Eastern Front." Fancy Pants continued bitterly, "if I had, I would have pushed harder for the others to hurry up with their management of accounts. Their delay had cost us the chance to strengthen bonds between the Equestrian Military and the Noble Courts." Fancy Pants shook his head, sighing, "and what was that Duke thinking? If he had wanted to fund the reparations, he should have done so with the rest of the Zealots! Sponsoring the military himself would only improve his relations with them, not his party's relation with them."

I nodded my head. It was a calculated loss, one that I had predicted, but a loss nonetheless. If Duke Heavy Lifter had supported the fund with the rest of the Zealots, the Equestrian Military would have strengthened ties with one of the major power brokers in the Noble Court, and by extension, it would make relations between the two key facilities of Equestria much more easier to build upon.

Well, you win some, you lose some. I'm not a miracle worker, so I have to make do with winning more than what I would lose out upon.

"I agree," I replied, patting Fancy Pants on the shoulder, "however, this is just a chance missed. I'm sure there would be plenty more in the future for us to foster ties with the military."

Fancy Pants, perked up at that. Fates, I am just too good at knowing when to say what, aren't I?

"I agree, my friend." He smiled, picking his glasses off with his magic and rubbing it with a cloth he procured from his pocket. "I am merely too caught up by a missed opportunity."

"Come to think of it." Acting time! I frowned thoughtfully, "now that Duke Heavy Lifter had paid for the reparations, I suppose we could use the funds we had intended for that to other functions that also demanded attention?"

"Excellent idea. I think I would put some apart for Fleur's next fashion runway, I hear that they still need quite a sum of bits."

"I concur, I think I should also do that. Can't let our childhood friend not have enough funds for her career, can we?" The two of us chuckled.

Time to put out another bait.

"I want to put out a hefty sum of bits for the local orphanages too. I hear that they also face a cash shortage for their education services."

"My, you really have an eye out for the well being of our nation, don't you? I think I will match you bit for bit in that movement."

"To answer your question. Children are the future of the nation. And thank you for your generosity."

"You too."

Yes, thank you. My friend.

It did not take long for me to reach my mansion. Unlike other more pompous nobles, I do not have squads footponies standing guard or a crowd of butlers and maids waiting to serve my every need the moment I step into my house. They are a waste of funds and resources. Rather, my current household consists of a singular maid and a butler who was in a relationship with the cook. All are paid handsomely, more out of a fact that I really appreciate their help. Also for the fact that latter two are probably among the best fighters in Equestria and that all three are completely loyal to my cause.

Just don't mind the occasional flitting shadows. Those are just my personal assassins and bodyguards keeping watch. Security details, not much to worry about.

The four-meter-tall double oak door swung open just as I reached it, to reveal two ponies. One was the maid that I spoke of above, a dark grey batpony with a red mane while the other was a much, much more notable presence.

"Doctor Minuette. Skylight Rose."

Minuette, graduate from Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, known magical specialist of the School of Time, cover job: Dentist.

Undercover job: the second in command of my intelligence division. The first is my Butler, don't question it. Or him, for that matter. To be honest, I was quite disappointed that she had lost contact with Princess Celestia's student. However, her loyalty and proficiency as an informant is more than enough to make up for it. Bluntly put, she is one of the most important subordinates I could have hoped for.

"Count." The two inclined their head, and I did the same. Mutual respect. They may serve me, but they will be my equals. Always.

"I shall heat up the bath," Skylight smiled, "and then I shall tell the cook to prepare the evening meal in the dining room before I prepare the bedroom for... the doctor and our uses..."

I sighed in exasperation while Minuette let out a groan. "You should really teach her to not hint at our current relationship." She deadpanned as Skylight skipped away, "if she let slip about anything outside and I get caught, the chances of our work being traced to you will be a lot higher then compared to now."

"I know." I walked over to a nearby table that had a bottle of the finest processed apple juice in my collection, I don't really enjoy alcohol, though I don't mind taking them when the situation demands of it. "however, I have utmost confidence in your skills, Doctor Minuette..."

"Just Minuette is fine."

"We need to hold up an image, no?" I smiled as I redirected her jab at her, causing her to blush slightly. Score! "Besides, she's incorrigible."

"That she is," Minuette laughed. The bubbly mare coming that was more commonly seen in more... casual occasions rising to the surface before it is quenched by the iron will of an informant. "But, business first."

"Yes, business."

Did I mention that she is one of my three most trusted secretaries in the betterment of Equestria?

I cleared my throat. "Thanks to Duke Heavy Lifter, the Eastern Front had been fortified to such a degree that it would disastrous for Western Griffonia to even try to mount an attack. Even if all three Griffonia kingdoms launched an offensive together, the casualty rate would be at a scale of one Equestrian to fifty Griffonians. His action would free up the burden on my accounts so that the Bits could be spent on other matters."

"I still don't understand why you don't want to get your other noble friends to help you fund the reparations. Wouldn't that not only reinforce the Eastern Front, but also alleviate the burden on our financial situation and build relations with the military at the same time?"

I turned and regarded the good doctor. I looked straight into her sparkling beautiful blue eyes. Eyes that want to do good for Equestria, eyes that are full of determination and intelligence that almost, ALMOST rival my own. However, those eyes tell me that she does NOT understand the situation, or the attitudes of the noble.

"It would," I agreed, "if the nobles even intended to fund the reparations at all."

"Pardon?"

"If all the nobles are actually uncorruptible ponies that are concerned for the welfare of the state, we would not be here."

"I see... So where should the funds go?"

Ah, curiosity sated, back to business and work? How like her. That's what make her so attractive though. We may not be particularly close, but after knowing her for so long, I am surprised that she does not have a serious relationship yet.

"Split twenty thousand bits and direct that to Runway Fashionistas, funding Fleur's company would help maintain my reputation among the Canterlot Nobles and upper crust. For the remaining three hundred thousand bits, have two hundred thousand be split among each local orphanage based on the number of orphans they hold. Last I checked, there is probably a little over a hundred orphans in Canterlot. That would give them well over fifteen hundred bits to fund their education." I took a deep breath. All this talking and thinking is beginning to sap my energy. "Donate the remaining hundred thousand in R and D. I want Professor Sane's product to be at least side effects free."

"Helping orphans?" Minuette teased, "now you remind me why I stick with you."

"Thank you, and that would be all." I grinned, taking another drink of the juice. My, the quality is great. They must have used the apples from the famed Sweet Apples Acres for this. Mental note: ask Skylight for the brand of this juice. "Now go take a bath, you look tired out. Skylight must have already finished heating the water."

"Thank you."

I watched her march off before letting a grimace run across my face. I had not been entirely truthful with her. While most of the nobles acts out of their own interests. There was a reason why I did not want to involve them in anything.

They are my friends.

Friends are harder to deal with then foes. At least you would have no qualms manipulating your enemies. When your friends give in to jealousy or any other emotion, your ties may hold you back from correcting their mistakes.

I raised the glass of juice high. "I toast you, Duke Heavy Lifter. Thank you for existing. I could not have done this without you."

Not my fault I had a flair for the dramatic. Besides, I am sure the kind Duke would surely be in favor of what I had in mind for him.

Laws of Power Number Two: Never put too Much Trust in Friends, Learn how to use Enemies

Author's Note

This is a tough one. Though I would have to say that I actually do not plan to do 3000+ words for this story often.