The Canterlot Adventures of a Prench Stallion

Mirage and Ripe Bounty sat in an office, well used and well worn by the looks of it. Ripe Bounty was seated behind a massive oak desk piled with papers and folders, with Mirage sitting in a padded wingback chair that had been moved over.

Bounty used her magic to quickly shuffle through a few papers before letting the magic extinguish, giving a sigh.

"I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for Ditzy " She said. "It's been a trying time for her and your help has eased a bit of her heart. She was so excited to tell me all about you she could barely stand still!" she chuckled

With a smile Mirage waved a hoof at her. "It iz no problem, madame, I did only what a stallion should do."

She hummed in response before shaking your head. "Not from how Ditzy told it. Not only did you help her, you listened to her. It's… disheartening, how many ponies brush off Ditzy because of her coordination issues. Children especially can be very negative about it. "

Mirage nodded his head "L'ignorance est un poison pour la différence" he said solemnly.

Bounty nodded in agreement. "Indeed. I wish to repay you for the kindness you've shown."

Mirage frowned "You have already done so. A hot meal and good company are reward enough."

"Is that so?" Bounty asked with a raised eyebrow. "Ditzy said that you had 'a great many things to do' yes? What would some of those things be, if I might ask?"

"It iz no problem" said Mirage "I am needing to find a house and work. I 'ave just come from Prance and was 'oping to get settled in quickly."

"And how many funds do you have to purchase a house?" Queried Bounty.

"... I have enough. With more if necessary. " Mirage replied.

"Oh? Then I suppose you have five thousand bits in your suitcase, because that will be the down payment for the only available houses in the city." She said as she started shuffling through the papers with her magic. "Canterlot is not just the capital of Equestria, Mr. Mirage, it is the most expensive city as well. While it is highly defensible, there's very little room to expand. We can't build up, as the wind is too strong. We can't build into the mountain, as it'll soon collapse if too much is dug away. Our only option is down, and frankly there's only so far before it's too spread out."

She floated over a few sheets of paper. "Here, take a look at some of the housing prices. I was recently helping a friend of mine find a place and have some leftover advertisements."

Mirage grabbed them from her magic and looked them over, sucking in a breath as he did. "Bon raisin, elle ne mentait pas! le moins cher ici est un demi-million de pièces! 'Ow… I do not have ze means to live here…"

She nodded "Indeed, I would be surprised if you did." She frowned slightly "I wished to tell you because I would feel terrible letting you leave without some knowledge of what you're getting into."

"But what will I do? Even with ze knowledge you gave me, I 'ave barely a tenth of what is required here! I need to leave the city if I am to live!" Mirage cried out.

Bounty nodded and spoke "which is exactly why I have a proposal for you, Mr. Mirage."

Mirage looked at her curiously, rolling a hoof to signal her to continue.

Bounty took back the advertisements as she continued to speak. "I have need of more workers here, to help with maintenance and the children. I want to hire you."

Mirage was surprised. "Moi? I am flattered, Madame, but I do not wish to impose. I do not think zat I…"

Bounty stood and said earnestly "Oh but I do, Mr. Mirage."

She started trotting behind her desk. "Do you know how hard it is to find workers in this city? Especially for anything not related to entertainment, cuisine or fashion? It's too expensive for those of us in other fields to have a large staff present. Many work from home, using their main floor as their business front and living on the second. Only nobles have the land and resources to make large scale operations, but most keep them as houses.

And of those workers I can find, most of them do not display the sort of traits I need here. Patience, kindness, empathy. These are base things I need to see in ponies before even looking at their qualifications. But you? You've got them in spades from what I've heard and seen."

Mirage blushed slightly. "Madame, you honor me, but I am not zat special."

Bounty paused, and stared at him. "I beg to differ. I could really use you here. You get a place to stay, I get more needed help. What do you say?"

Mirage thought over the offer. It's true that he could stay here. He was growing fond of Ditzy, and certainly it would be beneficial.

But he wondered more about the cost it would take to keep him here. Would it not put more burden on his host to have him here? So what if he could get along with Ditzy? She was a lovely filly who was trying her best, and that was admirable all by itself. How could one not be inspired by her efforts and joy?

In the end, he shook his head. "Non, madame. I would only be a burden. You will find who you need soon enough."

With a frown Bounty sat back down. She heaved a sigh before responding. "Alright, but even if you decide to leave, stay the night at least. You don't know how much it means to me to see Ditzy so happy."

Mirage bowed his head. "Your hospitality belies your charity. I would be glad to stay the night."

"Excellent, follow me." Bounty said as she stood up again.

Mirage stood and followed her out the door.

"Unfortunately, the only room we have ready is where our old repairstallion used to live, down near the boilers. I hope it's no trouble?" She said apologetically.

Mirage smiled and waved a hoof. "Not at all, madame. If anything, it will be a warm reminder of my foalhood."

Bounty was surprised. "Oh, where did you grow up if you're reminded by that? If you don't mind me asking, of course."

Mirage shook his head. "Not at all. Unfortunately, it is a rather long story but suffice it to say that I grew up outside of Equestria."

"Where at, specifically? I've been outside of Equestria myself, a few times. Perhaps I've visited where you lived." Bounty prodded.

Mirage chuckled. "I rather doubt it."

He smiled softly and with a wry grin said "let's make a wager, madame. If you are able to convince me to stay by tomorrow's eve, I'll tell some more of my tale. Sound fair?"

Bounty nodded. "Sounds fair. You'll regret making that bet." She said with a smirk of her own, looking over her shoulder at him. "I've always been a terribly sore loser."

Mirage met her eyes and chuckled quietly. "As am I."

They walked in silence until they reached a small door in the basement.

Bounty spoke up. "Well, I guess this is good night, Mr. Mirage. Let the games begin tomorrow." She said with a twinkle in her eye. "I'm excited to see the outcome."

Mirage nodded. "As am I. Good night, Madame."

"Goodnight, Monsieur."