Canterlot Academy Trials

“Wait a sec, Mei. Look around,” Nebula called out.

Mei looked up and took a glance around the city’s streets.

Not only were ponies lined up at the Tasty Treat, but they were also lined up at other various restaurants such as the Bitalian Bistro, bakeries, and cafes as well. More specifically, all of the restaurants that were awarded a “three hoof” rating from Zesty Gourmand were no longer in business. Because of the public’s general disdain towards her, they effectively turned their backs upon Zesty and started to re-establish their own cuisine culture.

“Heheheeee…” Mei gave an impish, satisfied laugh as she marveled at what their team had accomplished. “Social change brought about by getting people to realize what they did wrong. It’s like we’re comic book heroes or something.”

Nebula rolled his eyes at such a notion. “Oh c’mon, Mei. We live in a world chock full of magic. It’s not like we’re some special individuals with unique quirks.”

Mei simply tilted her head and glanced at him with a neutral expression from behind her foggy glasses. “Seriously? I mean, we may not be like, special children of the stars or anything but you gotta admit what we did was cool.”

“Well…”

Before Nebula could respond, they heard a familiar voice call out to them.

“Ah! Perfect timing! Mr. Nebula! Ms. Bi-Ju!”

They both turned to see Saffron Masala calling out to them from the back of her restaurant. The unicorn and kirin quickly pranced over to see what she wanted.

“Ma’am?” Nebula asked, “Is everything okay? I see business has gotten better.”

“Oh, lots better!” she chirped as she pulled them both in for a quick hug, “Thank you both for getting the Tasty Treat back into the public’s minds!” She let them go, and beckoned them to follow her inside through the back of the restaurant via the kitchen. “Come. Come! I wish to show you what’s been happening!”

Nebula glanced at Mei, who simply stared back at him with that same devious little grin from before. The kirin was openly satisfied with what they had done while Nebula could only let out a trembling sigh, wondering if their efforts had borne fruit for Saffron…

Come to find out--they had! Once they entered through the back of the restaurant, they could see that all of Canterlot’s population--even the most elite of ponies--were happily enjoying Saffron’s dishes at various tables. What’s more, is that she also had various employees working with her, taking orders and waiting tables!

“Wow,” Nebula muttered in awe with a smile, “It seems like we finally got more hooves in the door, huh?”

“Because we were the ones who helped advertise the place,” Mei added proudly, “I’m glad to see that Zesty’s influence is no longer relevant out here.”

Saffron giggled and offered them a few enclosed takeout boxes worth of food via her magic. “Here, here! Eat as much as you like. You deserve it for helping me.”

“Wow this smells great,” Nebula replied as he accepted the box with his own yellow magical aura from Saffron’s purple. “Is this your special gold hay curry? Mmm, I love that stuff…”

“Yes!” Saffron answered happily, “You deserve it for all your hard work, my friends.”

Mei had already scooped some of hers into her mouth with the enclosed plastic fork. “Mmm…so good,” she moaned from the taste, then swallowed the bite. “Oh. Are we in your way? We don’t wanna bother you if you’re still working.”

“Actually, I’m not,” Saffron shook her head. To their surprise, not only was the head chef mare not working that day, but she had changed her clothes, exchanging her casual attire for a purple tracksuit. “I’ve got some time to myself since I’ve got other hooves in the kitchen and working the front. There’s this neat antique I’ve had my eye on for quite a while now and I don’t wanna miss it.”

“Oh, you’re a collector?” Nebula asked with an interested tone, “I’ve been somewhat interested in gathering old items myself, but I don’t have all the money for it. But then again, I’m not sure I’d have anywhere to put it all,” he added with a chuckle.

To which Saffron snickered as well. “Yes, I agree. I’m not looking to overload myself. But I do want some nice pieces of art that’ll remind me of home. Hoping to find some sculptures too.”

Mei looked up from her box of curry and joined in, “Oh. You should totally ask some of the other kirin around here. We’re experts in knowing about good art. It’s kinda our thing.”

“Ah! That’s a great idea,” Saffron agreed, “Well, I’ll be off now. Hope your both do well on your exams! Oh, and if you need a place for a Hearts and Hooves Day date, be sure to come here. I’ll reserve you a table!”

Mei and Nebula left the building from the way they came in, as did Saffron as she bid them goodbye. They both carried their curry in their magical auras as they walked back towards the university campus.

“Now do you think we’re special heroes?” Mei asked with a teasing smirk behind her glasses, “You know you eat up the attention that Grimrose is giving you.”

“Er…maybe? I’m just happy to see Saffron’s doing well for herself.” Nebula puffed out his cheeks in a frustrated huff. He couldn’t exactly deny what Mei was saying and she knew it--hence the smirk.

“You’re our leader, ‘Sage’,” she added with a wiggle of her eyebrows, “It’s perfectly okay to be happy for a win…so Rose can reward you for it~”

“...Shaddaaaap.”