Striving for Perfection

POV Ahirata

Fear. Panic. Misunderstanding. Trembling all over the body. A puzzled look of the one who hung on my arm. A free being. His quiet companion hiss. And worst of all, the approaching loud trampling of someone's large paws.

"Hey, did you see that too? Someone was standing right next to our lava lake. And it's not even a dragon! " A man's voice said indignantly as he approached my shelter in the form of a rock. As he approached, I closed my eyes and began to quickly scroll through in my head how I got into this situation.

After a whole day of constant driving south, I was able to reach the wasteland. The sun has just started to rise. Initially, no creatures were found, and I was even able to get to the lava lake without incident. I didn't have time to be happy that the first component for creating a normal body was received, as several dragons flew out of nowhere in my direction. All I managed to do was hiding behind a small rock.

My eyes opened when the stomping got even closer. My eyebrows furrowed in an attempt to figure out what to do. If several dragons suddenly die, it can create a noise. And then I'll have to run even further south and even faster. Of course, I can handle the simple damned ones. But with a misguided creature, and even more so with the possessors of unholy power? No, this fight will be doomed.

No, wait. Dragons usually collect a lot of crystals. If I find some cave and find the right crystals, then I can turn these dragons into dolls, into golems. Then I can just create a cave next to this lake while the puppets are looking for the right materials.

I nodded to myself, continuing to tremble slightly and concentrated on the staff. Through him, my magic began to flow into the ground in small quantities. After a few moments, I felt the vibrations of the dragon's step, which allowed me to know for sure where he was. After releasing some magic into the rock, I began to concentrate the power in it in preparation for the attack. The main thing is to do everything subtly and quickly. It is impossible to allow too much damage.

Slowly poking his head out from behind the other side of the cliff, the head of a young red dragon stared at me. In the next moment, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Damn it, your time to be free has come. You don't have to run from the truth anymore. Exhaling, I abruptly directed my magic from the rock into the dragon's head along the way, giving it the shape of a spear. Pure magic with small pieces of stone pierced into the dragon's head, creating a tiny hole in it. Taking another breath, I caused the part of the spear that was already in the dragon's head to swell like a single fish. The brain of the damned was completely destroyed in the blink of an eye. Exhaling, I quickly returned the magic to the rock, thus forcing the cursed one to fall free.

One dragon started running towards its fallen brother while I was preparing for another attack. My companion in the form of a free creature wrapped around my arm and hissed slightly. However, he didn't seem to mind my actions. Thank you for the blessing, free.

As soon as the dragon was in my field of vision, I closed my eyes again, preparing to repeat the maneuver. But suddenly my ears caught the sound of a deep breath coming from above. I looked up and my eyes widened at the sight of a dragon hovering in the air, the fire was almost starting to come out of its mouth. I started pulling magic out of the rock while grabbing a rock behind me to create a protective sphere. Due to the rush, the elongated rock was covered with cracks in some places and could collapse at any moment. Especially if I stop supporting the rock with magic. But despite this, the stone sphere eventually closed completely, leaving free and me in darkness and safety.

It's okay, it's okay. I just need to create a crack in the rock to see the dragons and then repeat the attack. I just need to aim well.

Before I could do anything, I felt a growing warmth. Do they keep releasing their fire? Squinting, I focused on the walls of the sphere while trying to strengthen each vulnerable area with my magic. In many places, small pieces began to break off from the sphere and steam came out. Amid the fiery breath of the dragons, the splashing of steam and chipping, I heard something terrible. Someone's breathing is very rapid.

Glancing at my right paw, I was horrified. The free creature hanging on my arm was breathing very very intensely and waving her head aimlessly. It's like he's suffering from the heat. No, it can't die now. I haven't made it up to him yet. Slowly, rage began to build in me. These damned creatures. They saw exactly what a free one was weighing on my arm. And yet you still decided to put him in danger? This. . . THIS. . .

"THIS IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE! FOR THIS, AHIRATA, I WILL CONQUER YOU!" I roared before I started releasing huge amounts of magic into the ground. Because of this action, I felt my whole body start to heat up a lot. Even stronger than from the flames of the most terrible criminals.

Concentrating the magic right under me, I took a deep breath, preparing for what I would do. How many years has it been since the last time I did this? No matter. I need to remember all my tricks. In addition, this is exactly the punishment that these criminals deserve. Exhaling, I gathered various rocks under me into a huge paw and lifted myself up with it. In the next instant, I pulled all my magic out of the protective sphere, causing it to crumble into tiny pebbles.

For a moment I looked down at the criminals who remained in their places frozen with shock. I raised the staff up and began to concentrate a whirlwind of magic in it. When the staff was surrounded by a red mist through which only the glow of my native eyes penetrated, I sent a wave of magic into the ground. While I was doing all this, both dragons began to fly up to me. Enduring the pain, I closed my eyes and concentrated magic at two points on the ground.

At first, there was a shaking on the ground while she tried to keep her stones with her. In the next instant, two huge paws formed from the ground and began to quickly rise up to the dragons hovering in the air. With each passing moment, the paws were getting closer and closer to the dragons despite their active flapping of wings. Eventually, both paws reached the dragons and opened wide like the jaws of a shark. Here's your release, criminals. Then the paws clenched into fists at the same time flattening the dragons. A fountain of blood sprayed through the gaps between the fingers. The criminals have received their punishment.

Exhaling, I fell to my knees and groaned with pain all over my body. Along with this, all the artificial paws that I created slowly began to crumble. Fortunately, there was still enough time to catch your breath before the complete destruction. After catching my breath a little, I turned my gaze to my companion. He continued to hang on my right arm and surprisingly looked at me without any hissing. And well, for small things, in some places my skin took a charred black color. However, I can go on living.

Nodding slowly, I put the staff on the still intact artificial paw and took a deep breath. Then I scratched the snake's head with one of my claws and politely asked: "My apologies for the inconvenience provided, free. But as I stated earlier, I need to make amends. You won't have to endure my presence forever."

In response, the snake hissed slightly. But this time without any aggression. It's like she's agreeing to stay with me. Smiling slightly, I cautiously asked another question: "Do you mind waiting a few minutes before we go downstairs?"

In response, I was greeted by another calm hiss that significantly increased my smile. Starting to stroke the snake on the head a little more intensely, I said, before continuing to rest on my knees: "It won't take too long. Give me a couple of minutes to rest and I'll be ready to move on. Fortunately, our road may end here. You just need to change the landscape a little. And you don't have to worry about criminals or me."

After all, in the end, bringing justice is more important than my own safety.

POV Daniel

My gaze was blankly directed at the ceiling. How long have I been looking into it? Judging by the fact that my room has already become very lit, it can be assumed that several hours have passed. My gaze shifted to the window for a moment. Bright light was coming out of it and the blue sky was visible. No sunset or sunrise. I exhaled slowly, trying to vent my irritation. It's been a very long time, definitely more than a couple of hours. And all this time was wasted.

I picked up my glasses from the table and put them on before starting to look around the room for anything suspicious. It will be bad if one of the princesses comes into the room and I have to actively lie. It's unpleasant. At first, my eyes fell on sheets of paper and pencils. But nothing special was written there. Although it would be nice if at least something was written.

There would be a long column of traits inherent in perfection if you just admitted that you don't have anything of your own. But nooo, a crybaby needs to prove her importance to herself. And as always unsuccessful.

I shook my head and looked down at my chest. There was a medallion hooked around the neck. Just in case, I quickly began to fasten my coat to make sure the locket was hidden from prying eyes. When I was done with that, I sighed irritably. There's nothing to do. From the word at all.

Out of boredom, I propped my head on my fist and looked out the window. When was the last time Chrysalis got in touch? Two weeks ago? More? Right now I'm so bored that I wouldn't mind getting some kind of assignment. She probably can't figure out how to use me when I'm around princesses. Ha. That is, if the attack on Ponyville at the time would have been successful, then now I would have had a bunch of tasks? I wonder, I would just be sent to random cities and told to attack them? Not that I was much against it.

Stop dreaming, crybaby. You have exactly one life that can't be wasted. It doesn't make sense to dream about how everything would have happened if you had done something differently. The elections have been made, mistakes have been made, the results have been obtained and analyzed. And that's great.

"I know." I said to myself under my breath before turning my gaze back to the ceiling. Out of boredom, I took a pencil in my hand and started twisting it. After a few seconds, I closed my eyes, making another attempt to fall asleep. Take a deep breath. Almost no pain. Pacification. Exhale. Relaxation. A small grin appeared on my face. How good that there are only thestrals nearby who are sleeping at this time. Since they hardly move, the lines are also calm and do not provoke a headache. So I even have a chance to sleep.

Not so fast, crybaby. Do you feel it?

I frowned, trying to ignore the rapid movement of the lines. It's simple. It's just that the brain is slowly shutting down. Yes, that's right. This is definitely not the approach of one of the princesses. One hundred percent.

I kept my eyes closed as the lines went further and further away. In the end, they completely disappeared from my perception and the headache went with them. I struggled to suppress the urge to open my eyes and get up from the chair. I feel like now is my chance. A chance to sleep.

With a creak, the door to the room opened and I was greeted by the voice of the most annoying woman: "Good morning, my little human. My sister gave me your note."

Do you feel all that sweetness in her voice too?

Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes and slowly got up from the chair and asked: "Finally something to do."

Celestia chuckled slightly and said with a wave of her hoof to the side, "Not so fast, my little human. We still have a lot of time before those whom you have chosen get to Canterlot. So I have time to reprimand you. "Stretching slightly, I yawned and said, " What a pity that I don't care. All the words you say will be nothing more than shaking the air, Celly."

Instead of answering, Celestia flashed her horn and the next moment my bag appeared on the bed. I cast my gaze towards the bag for a moment before returning to Celestia again. Sighing, she began to speak in a strange, soft tone: "You forgot your bag with your things at the hospital. So I brought them to myself. But in the future, please don't forget."

You know, instead of staring at the ceiling, you could quickly go to the hospital and pick up your things. But the crybaby again decided to engage in degradation.

Shaking my head slightly, I took a step forward and asked with clenched teeth: "What do you expect to hear in response to this? Should I bow my head guiltily and say that this will not happen again? Or should I bow to you and start kissing your heels for such a favor? What do you want from me!? "

Sighing, Celestia slowly shook her head and took a step forward to meet her calmly asked: " Shhh, there's no reason to be angry. Something unpleasant has happened and now you're pouring all your anger on me?"

Taking a deep breath, I took the glasses with my left hand and hooked them into my pocket with my darling. Then I wrapped two fingers around the bridge of my nose and said: "I just can't sleep. And lately I've been suffering one defeat after another. The fact that I can't at least qualitatively guess what you need from me already angers me to the point of outrage. Oh, and of course the fact that a fool like you runs the country."

Celestia rolled her eyes and calmly replied: "There is no need to insult me. Absolutely none. This is the first. Secondly, life is not only about victory and defeat. It doesn't make sense to dwell on such things. Just to get distracted by something else. "

Sighing, I put my glasses back on and adjusted them slightly.: " Your approach is absolutely wrong. In order for the words to work on the interlocutor, one or another lever of pressure is needed. The simplest is physical strength. If you want to play the great diplomat, then just insist until the interlocutor says yes. Learn from me while you're alive. "

Celestia shook her head and changed the subject: " Anyway, Luna brought me your note. And despite all your rudeness, I am ready to fulfill the requirements set out in it. We just need to discuss some details."

Remember, we didn't go into the office. We are not even sure of its existence.

For a few moments I stood there tapping my foot on the floor, waiting for some kind of continuation. But he wasn't there. She just stopped talking at the most interesting place. Casting a slightly annoyed glance at Celestia, I asked: "First of all, can we do it on the way to the office, if there is one? And secondly, can you finish a sentence after you have fully stated your thought? Or does your brain not take out such a load? "

Forcing out a small laugh, Celestia answered completely ignoring the second question: " Yes, there is an office. And yes, it would probably be better if we started talking on the way to him. Follow me."

Before following Celestia, I pulled the cube out of my pocket and carefully placed it on the bed. Alas, instead of going further, Celestia stood in the middle of the aisle. Is she so dumb that she can't trust me to lag behind a little? Okay. She's not worth my nerves.

Putting my left hand in my pocket, I started walking, and along with this, Celestia continued her movement. After leaving the room, my hand reflexively left my pocket and slammed the door loudly. Because of the loud sound, Celestia jumped slightly and looked at me with a mixture of interest and incomprehension. In response, I just shrugged my shoulders and motioned for her to move on. Reluctantly, Celestia nodded and turned away and walked forward.

How good that it turned out to avoid another useless conversation. It's a pity that it doesn't always work out that way.

As we walked forward, I looked around in search of something interesting. So let's see what's here. Stained glass windows through which sunlight breaks through? No, I'm not really interested in looking at all these images of Celestia rarely diluted by someone else. Then my gaze focused on something much more interesting. A pony walking down the corridor.

I adjusted my glasses slightly and focused my attention on him. The pony was wearing a black and white skirt instead of any armor. A maid? No matter. As soon as Celestia and the maid were separated by only a few steps, the second instantly bowed, almost hitting her head on the floor. Out of the corner of my eye, I looked at Celestia, expecting some kind of reaction. It can't be normal to bow so low, right?

Judging by Celestia's lack of reaction, such a low bow was absolutely normal. Trying not to pay attention to this, I began to look straight ahead so as not to see this ugliness. A simple bow already looks very disgusting. But so low? This is already worship as God.

Even the attitude to Perfection does not imply such a thing. The attitude to Perfection should be both admiration and a desire to develop the same high level of self-sufficiency. But worship? No, never.

Nodding to myself and making sure that we had already passed the maid, I glanced in the direction of Celestia. Does she really think she deserves this kind of treatment? It's so disgusting. My arrogance is justified, she is not.

"I think you've already guessed what I want to talk to you about. Celestia said without even crossing eyes with me. This statement stopped the flow of my thoughts and confused me. What should I have guessed? Did I forget something important?

"I don't know what you're talking about. I replied with a shrug and focused on Celestia's face. But just like last time, nothing was found.

" YOU didn't specify in the records the name of the blacksmith who will create everything that engineers and magicians will come up with. And knowing you, it wasn't due to the difficulty in choosing. " Celestia replied calmly and evenly. Hearing this, I just stared blankly ahead. Until the realization dawned on my sleep-deprived brain.

She guessed that you got into the hands of documents that you shouldn't have seen. You should have written down the name of a random blacksmith purely as a cover, crybaby. But of course you didn't. Now get out of it.

I furrowed my brows trying to figure out how to put everything aside. And preferably without resorting to lies. Taking a deep breath, I said absolutely calmly: "Yes, I saw the documents. Any questions?"

Just as planned, Celestia didn't answer right away. Quick recognition works. Taking advantage of the respite, I closed my eyes trying to concentrate on the further conduct of the conversation. And then a thought occurred to me. Why am I even worried about this?

Two reasons. First of all, you're a crybaby. Secondly, most likely she will put you in front of the fact that she will not allow you to spend a lot of money. And we will have to limit ourselves to one inefficient blacksmith.

"You do understand that the amount of money I have allocated for you does not imply mass production, much less production from an entire company?" Celestia asked rhetorically with a slight dissatisfaction in her voice. It's like she's telling me off for bad behavior.

At first, in response to this, my brain could not come up with more than one decent answer. I haven't even figured out how to make money fast. Not to mention starting the implementation. And then, an elementary solution came to my brain. Temporary, but at least a solution. First the work - then the payment.

Now form it properly.

Casting a smug glance in the direction of Celestia, I boldly replied: "Don't worry, I remember everything perfectly. And I have with me such an elementary plan that even you will understand. First the work - then the payment."

Celestia looked at me with annoyance and asked: "Even so, your opponent could show up at any moment. It may appear tomorrow, in a week or even later. You can't delay your salary forever. "

" I know, I know. But an extra week will allow me to use the opportunities. If I try, even one extra day will be enough for me to get extra funds. " I retorted, keeping full confidence while plans began to be characterized in my head. Plan A: Dragon Gold. Perhaps the simplest. The only problem is the difficulty of moving all this stuff. Plan B: Hunting with soldiers and then mass sale of skins. Capitalism, after all. And finally, the most unpleasant and bad plan. Plan C: Ask for funds from the Mayor of Manhattan. I hope he liked my idea of free trade.

"Oh? And what is it?" Celestia asked with feigned curiosity. Obviously, she thinks my ideas are bad in advance.

"It's none of your business. I have an assumption that you spend any extra money on decorating the castle with all sorts of crystals. Therefore, it's better for you not to bother your head with such details as my plans. For the security of additional funds, of course. Just know that I have three plans for how to get money quickly. " I replied, not wanting to spend three hours explaining my plans to her. Although not. Three hours won't be enough. Arguing with someone who perceives morality as at least something is very problematic.

Sighing irritably, Celestia shook her head slightly and continued walking forward in silence. Finally, small but victory. Having breathed in the fresh air with satisfaction, I smiled slightly and adjusted my glasses once again. I hope I'll get used to wearing them someday.

Or that you're a mole now. The choice is yours of course.

After a short silent walk, Celestia and I reached her office. Just like last night, there were a lot of crystals on the door that together created the silhouette of the sun. But there was one alarming difference. There were no guards near the door. Are they allowed to take time off from work, or does everyone think that I don't need to provide security? Although in the second option they are right.

Celestia's clearing of her throat brought me back to reality and made me look at her. As soon as Celestia saw me looking at her, she nodded slightly and said, "Okay, I'll trust your plans and ideas. You can stay in my office until the candidates arrive. They'll be here soon. In half an hour maximum."

In response, I nodded and took a step towards the door before kicking it open with a light kick. Now In the office, unlike at night, more than one document was no longer lying. However, it is not surprising. All it contained was a pen, an inkwell, and a few blank sheets of paper. I was about to enter the office and sit on a chair, but suddenly a question appeared.

"Did all the candidates get so close to Canterlot to get here in half an hour?" I asked incredulously.

Celestia chuckled at that and replied with a shake of her head, "No, no. They were just allowed to come here in chariots."

I just stared at Celestia with an unbiased face. Seeing my lack of any reaction, Celestia's smirk evaporated and she explained in a monotone voice: "On chariots pulled by Pegasus, to be precise. They are much faster than trains. And they are not limited in movement by railways."

Little armored and most likely can move a few people on it. Military train > chariot with Pegasus.

"I see. You can go and keep doing nothing." I said, turning away from Celestia and lightly waving my left hand in farewell. Before the door to the office closed, I heard an exasperated sigh in response to which I grinned. She still can't accept the truth? Well, I can help with that.

Shaking my head, I began to look around the room in search of certain details. I think it is necessary to create a certain atmosphere when talking with candidates. It is necessary that the environment itself creates tension with me. Push until they accept favorable terms.

My gaze fell into the corner of the far corner of the room. There was a chair there and it seemed that lately he had been doing nothing but getting covered in dust. Great. I will leave it there so that the candidate will have to take it and put it on his own. This will be a non-verbal hint that they were never expected here. They just had the opportunity to get here.

Meet the GREATEST psychologist. Well, maybe not a psychologist, but definitely the GREATEST.

Grinning, I turned my gaze to the window with the curtains wide open. Through it, the rays of the sun pour into the room and gives a little warmth. That won't do. In a few long steps I went to the window and turned both handles and opened the window wide. Immediately after that, a frosty wind began to fly into the room. And not just to fly in, but with such force that the curtains were actively swaying. Nodding, I walked around the table from the side and slowly sat down on a chair.

For a few seconds, I just relaxed in a soft, pleasant chair. If I try, I might even be able to sleep. But then the realization dawned on me. This is the chair behind which Celestia just works. More comfortable than the bed in my room. So much for a godlike ruler. Yeah, of course. More like a bribe taker and a spoiled child. If someday, because of an important event, she makes a chocolate fountain or similar muck, I can't vouch for myself.

Attack on the spot. In the open. In plain sight. On a day when nothing foreshadowed trouble. Like a wedding. Or better yet, a royal wedding.

An evil grin appeared on my face before I straightened up and propped my head on my hand. Yes, an attack right at the wedding would be so beautiful. Right on the day when all the big shots and the cream of society gathered in one place, a hundred guns opened fire on the palace. The castle and all the oppressors of freedom are dead. In an instant. Everything is rightfully done.

Shaking my head, I straightened up in my chair and shifted one of the sheets of paper right in front of me. It's too early to think about such things. Now we need to think about how the conversation with the candidates will take place. After glancing at the blank sheet and the pen, I began to think about how everything would look. Am I just going to ask the first questions that come to mind? Or will I follow the list clearly?

In fact, we need to ask the candidate three questions. Are you proficient? How much money do you need? And you will obey? All other questions are just derivatives.

Nodding to myself, I again focused my attention on an empty piece of paper. Of course, three questions are very fast, which is good. But it will be better to get as much information about your wards as possible. Who knows, maybe it will be possible to bring down the price? Or even force them to work for free for the sake of the "motherland"?

Grinning, I shook my head slightly and picked up the pen before gently dipping it into the inkwell. What nonsense. Then my left hand carefully puts the tip of the pen to a piece of paper and began to write down the words in a column. Yes, a kind of table or, more correctly, the necessary information. Information about each candidate will be written next to each word or even phrase. Financial situation, willingness to cooperate, enthusiasm, complaisance and other points.

"It would be nice to get at least one-fourth of the information in one conversation. I'm afraid I won't be able to get more. " I muttered to myself, continuing to write down the information that needs to be found out. Ability to write and read. Um, no, they should be able to do that by default. With a sharp movement of my hand, I crossed out the phrase with a thick black line.

Before I had time to write anything else, there was a quick knock on the door, but not much. For a few seconds I just stared blankly there while my brain tried to catch additional information. Outside the door I felt three ponies, one of which was standing right in front of the door. Yeah, here are the candidates.

Taking a deep breath, I shouted despite the tingling in my lungs: "Come in!"

The next moment, a smiling unicorn with a pale pink coat and a purple mane with bright blue sprinkles entered the room. For a few seconds, I just silently stared at her, trying to suppress her smile. But despite my effort, she just stopped a couple of steps away from the table and looked at me curiously, keeping a wide smile on her face. Wait. . .

Yes, that's your method, crybaby. To meet an opponent with a gratuitous smile. It looks like you've already degraded to the point that you forget your own techniques. Hmm, the first candidate already looks good. Let's write down this smile as a plus sign.

Clearing my throat, before returning my gaze to the sheet, I said, "Your name."

"Starlight Glimmer." The unicorn politely replied, slightly tilting her head to the side. Aha. So we'll write it down.

With a slight nod, I waved my head towards the chair and said, "Have a seat. The chair is there. Move it if you want. Or you can sit in the corner like not a good kid. "

Just for the tiniest moment, her smile faded, but in less than a second she gathered herself and answered with a slight wave of her hoof: " Thank you for the offer, but I prefer to stand."

Too expected.

I looked at her calmly for a few seconds while the cold wind howled. With maximum concentration, I was even able to notice a great detail. Starlight is shivering slightly, barely noticeable from the cold. Mentally nodding to myself, I looked down at the sheet again and said: "Well, if you don't even want to start discussing cooperation, then it won't be in any form. Please leave the room and tell the next candidate to come in."

Starlight looked annoyed for a moment, but then she clenched her teeth and wrapped her horn in a light turquoise light with a strained smile. Then the same aura formed around the chair and flew towards her. After a few moments, the chair landed quietly and Starlight sat down on it. Shifting slightly on it, she smiled again, trying not to show annoyance.

Chuckling, I returned to the list and asked: "Well, Glimmer, let's get down to business. Any specialist requires a monetary award for his services. The question is how much the specialist sitting in front of me requires. And whether he is a specialist at all. "

Starlight put a hoof to her chin and lightly tapped it, she grinned maliciously before answering: " First of all, I am ready to declare that I am as excellent a specialist as any other pony. Talents don't mean anything. Secondly, I think a hundred thousand bits will be enough. Although I would like a hundred and twenty thousand."

Why couldn't Celestia just say how much money she was willing to allocate? Was it really impossible to give more specifics than "a little"? No matter. We bargain and bring down the price.

Laughing briefly, I said, looking Starlight clearly in the eyes: "Very funny. Now let's get serious. What is your price?"

The evil grin on Starlight's face became even wider and assuming that she would say, I interrupted her with the words: "I know how much you usually get even for your biggest victories. Five thousand bits. If you moderate your appetites and be a good girl, you can get five times more than usual. Or maybe even ten. You just need to do a good job. But a hundred thousand? Never. "

" Okay, okay. I agree to fifty thousand. " Replied Starlight dismissively waving one hoof. Hmm, I wonder how a pony will walk if one hoof is broken? No matter. I'll think about it later.

"Oh no, no, no. Fifty thousand is a figure for good workers who work tirelessly. You can consider that fifty thousand is a standard payment plus a bonus for the highest contribution to the project. So I have a final offer for you. Or you put your payment without taking into account the premium yourself. Or I'll put you in front of a figure that I'll come up with myself. The choice is yours. "Snorting, Starlight was silent for a few seconds before answering firmly: " Thirty-five thousand bits. For less money, I refuse to work. "

Nodding, I quickly wrote down the price of 35.000 next to the line and signed Starlight Glimmer in parentheses. Sighing, I looked at Starlight again and asked: " Very well, we have agreed on the price. Now I need to know something else. For what purpose do you want to get hold of so much money?"

Seeing how an evil grin appeared on Starlight's face again, I quickly interrupted her: "And don't tell me nonsense that you need money just for the sake of money. Most people want a lot of money for some kind of dream. My father worked overtime at work because he dreamed of starting a business. I just don't remember which one. I wasn't interested. But it doesn't matter now. What is your goal? "

The smile on Starlight's face did not fade a bit and she answered with pride in her voice: " I want to establish my own city. The best city in Equestria."

Hmm, interesting. We need to find out as much as possible about this. Perhaps the cooperation with her will be longer than we thought.

Nodding slowly, I leaned back in my chair and asked in a slightly more relaxed voice: "The best city is a very extensible concept. And it varies depending on the views of the representative. So let me ask you, how do you see your city? "

Starlight's smile became even wider and now looked one hundred percent artificial. After a few seconds of keeping a smile on her face, she said: " A city where everyone is absolutely equal."

Is she a communist or something?

Trying not to show my embarrassment, I smiled slightly and asked: "What kind of equality exactly?"

"Absolute. I want no one in my city to stand out with something more than a name, so that no one competes, so that no one surpasses each other. You won't have a nightmare if you never dream after all. Hmm, I think it might make a good anthem. "

While Starlight was thinking about the idea of creating an anthem, I squinted and began to drill her with my gaze. We need to ask a few questions to make sure for sure. Taking a deep breath, I asked the question: " Miss Glimmer, do you think a person should do what he knows best or what will be most useful to the nation?"

Starlight looked at me puzzled and after a moment of silence confidently replied: "Of course the second. Talents are just nonsense that some stupid ponies have come up with. Everyone can and must do anything, but it must necessarily be useful to the nation or at least in the city."

Okay, she's not a communist. Communism is built on the principle of everyone according to their abilities, everyone according to their needs. Yes, under communism, everyone works. Yes, under communism, the interests of the collective are higher than personal ones. BUT first, people perform ONLY those duties that they prefer and are able to perform. And secondly, under communism, personality still has no value. Well, that's if we don't go further than theoretical communism. Because there has never been a real one. Socialism doesn't count.

Gritting my teeth, I asked the last question in the hope that I was wrong: "Miss Glimmer, what do you think about the class struggle? You know, the struggle of the working class against the ruling."

Starlight waved her right hoof and said irritably: "You can't imagine how annoying people are to me talking about it in a positive way. All ponies in Equestria are representatives of the same nation who should be friends with each other. The ruling class and the worker must work together. For Equestria, safety and friendship. "

Calm down, don't panic, crybaby. Yes, she clearly adheres to many aspects of fascism. Or some aspects of Strasserism. Now think which of these is worse. You can thank fate for the fact that she looks more like a Strasserist than a Nazi. Although in any case, only the grave can fix such.

Releasing an exasperated sigh, I looked at Starlight from under my forehead and said: "You are free. Leave the room and call the next candidate."

For the second time in the entire conversation, Starlight looked upset and reluctantly got up from her chair and asked: "We can talk about politics again, right?"

I tilted my head to the side trying not to show my irritation and asked almost calmly: "Why should I talk to you about something?"

Starlight suddenly became much more excited and began to tell quickly: "You see, I read your interview. And it's just nice to know that someone shares my opinion about many things. Especially your statement about the Griffin Republic. Every single word was said correctly. I think that in every large and not very Equestria city there should be a sign with your quote about this non-state, Mr. Ctumer."

We arrived, now the fascist is impressed with us. Write it down for the future: "Cooperation with Starlight Glimmer will be terminated exactly at the time of Ahirata's death. Not a minute later."

Nodding slightly, I answered without hiding a smile: "We will definitely talk. When your task is completed and you receive payment. And now I ask you to leave the room and let another candidate in here."

Starlight nodded actively and jumped to the exit at a fast pace. Taking advantage of the moments of rest, I began to process the situation. I'll have to cooperate with a fascist. The most vile creature that ever existed. Well, if you don't take into account the bastard who killed my soldiers, of course. I was ready to cooperate and even present myself as a communist. But to cooperate with the right forces? It's a humiliation.

Before I could let out a disappointed sigh, two unicorns with pale olive-colored fur and a red mane burst into the room. Unlike most ponies, they were wearing clothes, namely a shirt with a black bow and hats. One of them had a small red mustache. Otherwise, they were completely indistinguishable from each other.

Immediately entering the room, they simultaneously looked in different directions as if they did not see me. Are they putting on a show? And why the hell did they come in here as a couple anyway? As soon as they saw me, they both straightened forward like dogs.

"Do you see this, Flim?" Presumably Flam asked, looking at his brother.

"What is it, Flam?" Flim asked, playing the fool. Obviously, he knows exactly what to look at.

They can't start singing. They just can't. That's not going to happen.

"This is the incomparable and unsurpassed one. . . " Flam began to speak in a singing voice, approaching me. No, they can start singing.

"The only hero who paid attention to. . . " Flim continued before passing the baton again and also starting to walk slowly towards me.

"On poor but brilliant inventors who do what?" Flam asked, trying to pass the baton again, but was interrupted by me.

I loudly slammed my palm on the table ending this farce and asked irritably: "You should have been told that each candidate comes in alone. So why the fuck did you come in here as a couple? "

"Oh, we offer our deepest apologies. You see, we always work in pairs. . ." Flim began before abruptly falling silent.

"And that's why we thought that as single parts of one whole we should imagine ourselves together." Flam finished before smiling together with his brother. Unlike Starlight's smile, they were at least not frightening. Although it still looks wrong.

Squinting, I looked at them and said firmly: "I don't care what you thought there. Choose who stays and who goes to the exit. The fact that you will work in pairs does not mean that you will be interviewed in the same way."

No, wait. I had an idea. What is the point of developing new weapons and armor if we are not even completely sure what problems the soldiers are experiencing? That's right, there's no point. Therefore, tomorrow we need to hold a rehearsal like this. The soldiers will have to try to surround you on their own or press you to an unfavorable position. At the same time, it is best to conduct several exercises at once in different localities. In the city, in the village, on the hill, in the forest, and so on. It will take time to plan all this. And even the extra minutes will come in handy.

Nodding to myself, I waved my hand and said, crossing out my past words: "Okay, stay here. Since there is only one chair, only one will sit. Or you can just stand there."

" We will stand. " Both of them answered at the same time, exactly at the moment when I finished speaking.

Sighing, I focused my gaze on the unicorn to my right and asked: "How much do you demand for your services? And I don't care if you're Flim or Flam."

The unicorn cleared his throat and said, putting a hoof on his chest: "First of all, my name is Flim. My brother and I are very pleased that you paid attention to us, sir. Secondly. . ."

As soon as Flim stopped talking, I quickly turned my gaze to Flam who had just started talking: "Since the development of what you need will be mainly on our shoulders, we consider it more than fair to ask for a price approximately..."

Then the two brothers exchanged glances and nodded to each other and said with a smile: "Seventy thousand bits for each of us. This is without taking into account the premium of course."

Don't you want too much, you bastards?

Before I could say anything, both brothers started talking very quickly: "We understand that this is a large sum. Of course, sir, it's much better for you to know what part of the things that we will create will be played with magic or engineering. But objectively speaking, magic is slowly but surely stagnating. And engineering is cheap, publicly available and easy to maintain. Therefore, believe me, Starlight Glimmer will play no more than a secondary role."

Rubbing my chin, I looked at each unicorn alternately for a few seconds. Can they be trusted? I think not. Can they be right, at least in part? Perhaps. Well, you'll have to do the most vile and ungodly thing in the world. Compromise.

In the end I said, "Seventy thousand times two. That's a hundred and forty thousand. This amount plus how much Starlight requires is equal to one hundred seventy-five thousand. Consider it a kind of foundation of scientists and developers. Depending on how much magic is used in the creation of new weapons, it will depend on how much money Starlight will receive. In the same way and in the opposite direction. Do you at least roughly understand what I'm trying to say?"

Grins appeared on the faces of Flim and Flam and the latter asked: "Do you mean that if the new weapons do not use magic at all, then we will get all the money?"

Grinning in response, I said nodding: "Yes, that's right. But it works the other way around. Therefore, if there is a choice between magic and engineering, you turn to me, do you understand? I will decide what is most effective. Questions? "

Flim and Flam quickly shook her head. I chuckled contentedly and said, waving my hand towards the exit: " So it's settled. I'm not even interested in what you need money for. So go to the exit. And don't forget to tell Starlight that the payment situation has changed. After all, it doesn't hurt anyone to have a little competition, eh? "

Just for a moment, Flim and Flam frowned, but quickly smiled again and nodded actively before heading for the exit: " We will definitely do everything as you asked, sir. You can put at least 200 percent on us. "

When they finished talking, they quickly went to the exit but stopped a step away from the exit Flim said: "By the way, you have a very nice coat. How did you get it?"

"And your trousers are also very interesting. How much do they cost? "

I frowned and looked irritably at the two unicorns and said: " Go to the exit and mentally prepare for work. The conversation is over."

Flim and Flam reluctantly nodded and took the last step to the exit and calmly closed the door behind them. Once in the vacant office, I took a deep breath. I hope the cooperation will not last long. And then I can't stand all three of them from the first second. There is a plus at least in the fact that I did not choose a blacksmith but preferred a corporation. This is probably the only plus.

Let's think about much more important things. For example, how to convince Celestia to allow the exercises to be held in the city?

After looking at absolutely empty sheets of paper, I took one of them and began to write in a column every reason why Celestia should allow me to conduct exercises in the city. 1: In order to show civilians that the guard is able to ensure their safety. 2: In order to identify inconveniences for ordinary soldiers and problems of the army as a whole. 3: . . .

By the time of writing the third paragraph, my brain, which had not slept for several days, had already completely stalled. New thoughts are simply not formulated. Nothing, absolutely nothing. Sighing heavily, I leaned back in my chair and glancing up muttered: "Think, you stupid head. Think while you have the opportunity to sit in the office."

But it didn't work out.