As I stumbled through the thick trunks and dense foliage, I continuously fought to keep myself from falling into the clutches of unconsciousness, practically having to hold my eyelids open as I tiredly trudged through the seemingly never-ending forest. Naturally, my mind kept returning to the battle I had just fought, flashes of Damien's malicious grin underlit by an ominous blue glow prominent amongst the memories.

I don't know how long I walked, the deep canopy overhead prevented me from seeing the sun's movement and I had been too drained to think about checking my watch which had miraculously come out unscathed but it didn't take long before my body went into autopilot as I tiredly trudged along dragging Damiens's sword behind me, trying my best to keep at least a decent grip on it, eventually giving up and shoddily tying the tassels around my hand.

I glanced down rather unsettled at said sword every now and then as I dragged it along as something in my brain, some dark untapped recess in the back of my mind felt something. It felt like a longing or deja vu. But I had never seen this blade before in my life, so what it could be was unknown to me.

At one point or another, the trees went from their usual dark, jagged and unnatural visage to ripe, colourful and comparatively smooth. The soil went from a dark tainted brown and a life-filled brown while the grass turned from a sickly swamp colour to a lush green. I passed a light beige reinforced wooden fence as apples started filling the trees more and more until they were all filled to the brim, almost bursting. I knew now where I was headed.

Before long, I heard voices, a small group of them by the sound of it, all varying drastically in tone, accent and texture. Looking up as my head hung semi-loosely as I followed the paved out path towards the voices, I spotted the group I had heard. I limply raise my arm up to wave at them as they very quickly spot my approach.

"I'm okay! I'm okay!" I shouted before falling not a second later as they sped towards me. "I'm not okay!"

"Celestia above!" Rarity shouted as she and Applejack skidded to a stop.

"What in tarnation happened to yah!" Applejack exclaimed.

"Long story really," I replied, fighting off my darkening vision. "But Twilight?"

"What is it?" She asked quickly.

"You should probably let the Princesses know I'm alive."

"Y'all really got a habit of getting in sticky situations dontcha?" Applejack said. "Pinkie, help me lift 'em up."

"On it!" She replied quickly.

"To be fair....trouble usually seeks me out," I replied to her. Almost instantly, I felt my arms being lifted as I was swiftly hoisted up, said arms being draped over the shoulders of the group's two strongest women.

"Gods Percival, you gotta weigh almost as much as Mac does," Applejack commented, strain surprisingly clear in her voice.

"Definitely more," Pinkie added, though any form of strain was absent from her voice.

"I've got...dense bones," I replied, my head drooping.

"Come on, don't yah pass out on us yet," Applejack attempted to muster me as Pinkie lightly tapped my cheek.

"Tryin'...muh best," I replied in an almost slurred tone before my vision went black.

Applejack and Pinkie slowly lowered Percival down onto the farm girl's bed that she gave no hesitation in giving to the currently comatose Paladin. They were careful to remove his blood-stained purple coat and shirt, placing the coat in a thicker fabric bag as Rarity had been confident she could fix the various slashes it bore, though the slight singe marks would prove to be finicky. They placed his weaponry on the set of drawers, careful to not set anything off or cut themselves. The shirt was unrecoverable, deeply stained and barely clinging together. They also removed his belt, boots and trousers, though the boots gave them some amount of trouble and all had miraculously sustained little damage, nothing a bit of buffing and small stitches couldn't fix.

Wringing a towel in a bowl of warm water, Rarity placed it on the man's head as she shooed out the other two in the room to let her work her medical magic. She checked for any injuries she could heal and did a quick and basic scan for any magic gone afoul, letting Twilight do a more in-depth search, both of which came out as negative, though the more academic of the two came out with a curious look but assured the fashionista it wasn't anything to worry about.

After staying behind a few minutes after Twilight had left to make sure the man was alright, Rarity left the room and descended the stairs of the Apples family home. Sitting next to the farm girl, she let out a small sigh.

"Is he okay?" Fluttershy asked.

"He'll be just fine darling," Rarity reassured. "It seems that whatever happened took a lot of energy out of him. He simply needs some rest."

"I'm sure he'll be fine," Rainbow Dash said, putting her arm over her lifelong friend's shoulder. "He's the Princesses Paladin remember? Whatever happened, he'll up and kickin' in no time flat!"

"Yeah, Rainbow's right!" Pinkie Pie agreed, appearing on the shy woman's other side. "He just needs a quick power nap."

"To be fair, we did find him in a heck of a state," Applejack commented. "Last time he was like that was the attack. Makes me wonder what exactly got 'em like that."

"You don't think it has anything to do with that pulse everyone felt this morning?" Spike asked, briefly looking up from the scroll he was writing on.

"Yeah, what was with that," Rainbow asked out loud. "I mean, I felt it in my living room, and I ain't exactly close to the ground."

"Even we felt it," Applejack added, thumbing between herself and Pinkie Pie who nodded vigorously. "And we Earth-ponies ain't exactly 'in tune' with magic like you Unicorns are. It was like a weird shiver up mah spine"

"I'm not sure, to be honest," Twilight muttered as she read the scroll Spike wrote before nodding and handing it back to him as he let out a belch of greenfire. "I wasn't able to get a proper reading on it, but based on what I could get, I'd say it was a magical surge."

"You think Percival had a surge?" Spike asked.

"I don't think so. He doesn't have the right magical signature that would suggest that he can wield magic," She replied. "Plus he isn't a Unicorn, so he lacks a catalyst to project any spells."

"I feel a 'but' comin' up," Applejack commented.

"Isn't there always?" Rainbow asked rhetorically.

"When I did the check-up with Rarity earlier, I briefly brushed against his mana pool and it was immense and dense," Twilight said, her brow furrowing. "I'd go as far as to say it would rival even the Princesses."

There was a moment of contemplative silence as the group processed the academic's words. Looking amongst themselves, expressions of uncertainty and scepticism washed over them before another word was spoken.

"But I thought you said he couldn't wield magic?" Pinkie cocked her head slightly.

"He can't, as far as I'm aware," Twilight replied. "Ponies with large pools that are unable to produce magic isn't unheard of, Strongjaw being a prime example. But to have reserves that large shouldn't be possible."

"Seems we have a magic mystery on our hands," Rarity said.

"When do we not?" Rainbow Dash said quietly to Pinkie Pie, who giggled at her comment. Looking back at her friend, Rainbow Dash noticed she gained a frown along with her usual inquisitive expression. "What're you thinkin'?"

"I keep thinking about that magic we felt this morning," Twilight responded after a moment. "It didn't feel...right. It was like it was raw. Unrefined."

"I will readily admit it felt unlike anything I have ever felt before," Rarity added. "I dare say it felt...angry."

"Did y'all tell the Princesses about it?" Applejack asked.

"I did," Twilight replied. "But highly doubt they didn't feel it."

"But whatever it was," She continued. "I'm willing to bet Percival is connected somehow."

"Gods above," Luna muttered as she stared at the crumbling mountainside, dust and stones still falling.

Celestia's brow furrowed as her horn dimmed, her spell deactivating while she lifted her hand from the blackened soil. Standing to her full height, her eyes scanned the immediate with a face full of uncertainty.

"I knew he was a strong individual, but I never expected he be capable of such feats," Luna said, turning to face her older sister. "I believe your hunch has been further corroborated."

"Indeed sister," Celestia nodded. "And the surge we felt afterwards? It was nothing to scoff at whether it be him or Damien."

"What do you think Ghost?" Luna asked, glancing over her shoulder.

"I dunno," Ghost replied, standing and stepping away from the bloody mass of dead flesh and bone while a few other guards examined it. "This goes way beyond me, Ma'am."

"Your Highness!"

Looking over their shoulders, they spotted a Guard quickly jogging up to them as several others stood near the border of the chard landscape roughly a dozen metres away. Stopping in front of them with a salute, he glanced over his shoulder before addressing his superiors.

"Ma'am, we've so far been unable to ascertain the whereabouts of Sir Felwinter," The Guard stated. "I suggest we widen the search."

Nodding, Celestia folded her arms slightly. "Thank you, Lieutenant Shield," She said. "You may return to your men. You may widen the search but do not stray far into the Everfree."

The Lieutenant saluted again before turning on his heel and stepping up back to his squad as he spoke, quietly giving them the Princesses orders as the two looked back towards the mountain.

"Where do you think he is?" Luna thought aloud.

"Safe, I'd imagine," Celestia replied as she smiled reassuringly. "He is a smart man and tough to boot. I'm sure he's fine."

Just as the words left her mouth, a puff of green Dragonfire flashed in front of the Solar Princess as she instinctually reached out and grabbed it, unrolling the scroll and quickly reading through its contents. A soft smile crossed her lips as she finished reading the scroll, sending it away with a similar green flash before she turned to her sister.

"Like I said, he's safe," Celestia smiled at her sister as she looked towards her Guards. "Lieutenant Shield! Call off the search effort! We have Sir Felwinters location!"

~~

As the group of Ponies pleasantly spoke, the Apple matriarch joining in occasionally while the eldest sibling watched from his spot on his chair, their conversation was cut short as a bright flash from outside alerted them to the presence of another. Rushing out, they all relaxed upon seeing it was their dual rulers with a small contingent of Guards standing alert and ready nearby. The sight of the tall, skull-masked soldier did give them pause, however.

"My Little Ponies," She greeted with a small bow of her own. "I apologise if our sudden appearance caused distress, but we were informed that Sir Felwinter was here?"

"Yeah, the youngin's here alright," Granny Smith nodded. "He's upstairs restin'. Whatever happn'd got him right plum tuckered out."

"Come in! Come in!" She quickly added, motioning for them to follow her with her cane. "I'll git y'all some tea."

Smiling, Celestia signalled for the gathered Guards to remain outside and alert as she and Luna followed the group inside. Ghost remained near the front door, leaning against the wooden frame as he kept an eye out with a tight grip around Ace. The Princesses sat comfortably on the couch while Granny Smith continued on into the kitchen as the rest of the others gathered around.

"How is he?" Luna asked after everyone got situated.

"He's...unconscious, but is well," Rarity responded. "As Granny Smith said, whatever happened seems to have simply exhausted him."

"Yeah, but you saw the condition his clothes were in," Rainbow Dash said quickly. "Dude looked like he went through a blender."

"And what was the condition, if I may ask?" Celestia asked.

"They were....tattered, to say the least," Rarity replied.

"His shirt was shredded," Applejack corrected. "How his coat survived, I haven't the foggiest idea."

"What happened Princess?" Twilight asked.

"That information is, for now, confidential," Celestia replied.

"But-"

"No, Twilight," She said firmly. "You may be my student but there is information even you are not privy to."

"I understand," She said, trying her best not to pout.

"I just hope he's okay," Fluttershy muttered.

Appearing next to her for the second, Pinkie wrapped her arm around her shoulder. "He'll be fiiiiiiiine."

Almost as if on cue, a sudden thud came from upstairs followed by a small, muffled "ow" as all present collectively looked up and laughed.

"Ah think the youngin's up," Granny Smith commented with a smirk.

"Eeyup," Big Mac nodded.

My eyes slowly flutter open as I'm nearly blinded by the bright sun shining onto my face through the unobscured window. Limply lifting a hand to shield my sensitive eyes, I groan and turn to face away from it. Propping myself onto my elbows and slowly sitting up, I rubbed my eyes to mitigate the stinging that plagued them.

Glancing around, I looked to be in a rustic, comfortable bedroom, sparsely decorated bar the occasional piece of memorabilia. And going by the orange and brown colour scheme, I'd wager a guess it was Applejack's room.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, my bare feet touching the cool wooden floor as I roll my neck and shoulders. I push myself up from the surprisingly soft mattress and stand, my legs momentarily wabbling once I was up. My eyes then snap to the set of drawers, spotting both my sword and the one Damien once wielded. Taking a step forward, my legs buckle and I immediately find myself eating wood.

"Ow," I sound out before hearing the sound of ascending footsteps.

The door to the room opens up and I hear a couple of soft giggles.

"Y'all alright there partner?" Applejack asked.

"Oh yeah, just fine," I reply. "Just gonna wallow in self-pity for a bit."

She giggled again before I was hoisted back onto the bed with a grunt, my eyes meeting both hers and Pinkies.

"Good to see ya again, sugercube," Applejack said.

"Good to see you too," I replied with a grin, lightly clapping her on the shoulder and looking over to the other woman. "You too Pinks."

"Long time no see, Percy!" She replied cheerfully.

"Y'all looked like you went through the wringer," Applejack commented.

"Yeah, I feel like it too," I replied, rolling my neck and shoulders, eliciting a few rather satisfying pops and cracks. "Help a guy up?"

The two nodded and let me hold onto their shoulders as I stood again and walked shakily out of the room I had been placed in. Seems my fight with Damien took a lot out of me. Stepping down the stairs with the help of Applejack and Pinkie, I almost immediately spotted Ghost standing by the front door as he turned to see us descending the stairs.

"Glad to see you in one piece, Sir," Ghost said.

"Glad to be in one piece," I chuckled as I bumped him on the shoulder lightly with my fist, letting go of Applejack's and Pinkie's shoulders as I slowly felt my strength returning.

"Sir Felwinter," I hear from my left.

Peering to the side, I look into the living room and see the Princesses, the Elements and the Apple family all gathered within, looking seemingly pleased and relieved to see me up and about.

"Your Grace," I bow slightly, making sure not to fall flat on my face.

"It is good to see you well," Luna said.

"Likewise your Highness," I nod. "How long was I out?"

"Jus' a couple hours," Granny Smith replied. "Yer lucky ya weren't out longer."

"Only a couple hours?" I repeated before humming. "Thought I'd be out longer. Regardless, thank you for caring for me and giving me a place to rest."

"Nonsense! T'was the least ah could do for ya after what ya did fir us," She said, stepping forward, her cane lightly tapping on the wooden floor, with Applejack and Big Mac close behind. "I wanted teh thank ya personally fir savin' mah family. It was mighty stupid what ya did, but it was brave. I can't thank ya enough."

Easing myself onto my knee in front of her, I kneel, making sure to keep my balance as I gently take her hands in mine. "It may have been stupid, but I would do it again in a heartbeat," I nod with a smile. "It is my job after all."

"Still," Applejack replied. "Our doors open to ya if ya ever need it. We owe you that at least."

"Eeyup."

Pushing on my knee, I stand as a mirthful grin spread across my face. "Not going to take no for an answer, are you?"

"Nope," Was their simultaneous reply.

I laughed as the rest of the room giggled, the brief bit of levity doing wonders for my fairly stressed nerves. Peering around the room, I catch a few of the girls sparing glances at me, reminding me of my half-naked body which, I won't, was beginning to make me feel somewhat self-conscious.

"Uhh," I said, sheepishly rubbing the back of my neck. "You guys got anything I could borrow to...cover up?"

The majority of the room, bar the two other guys and the three oldest in the room, then almost immediately look away with heavy blushes. Applejack laughs as she claps me on the shoulder, moving to the stairs while talking over her shoulder.

"I should have a couple spare flannels ya could borrow that'll fit ya. Gimme a sec."

"So....what now?" Rainbow Dash asked after several moments of silence, looking at the Princesses.

"For now, I think we will escort Sir Felwinter back to Canterlot where he will give us his report of recent events," Celestia replied, clasping her hands in front of her.

Luna was about to follow up on her sister's statement when a golden flash popped in front of the solar sibling revealing a neatly rolled scroll, the older of the two quickly grabbed it before it could fall to the ground. Breaking the wax seal that kept it rolled over her thumbs, she unrolled it, her eyes rapidly scanning over its contents before muttering under her breath, something about "timing".

"There has been a change of plans," She said suddenly as Applejack descended the stairs and handed me a fairly well-fitting flannel. "Girls, if you would all be so kind as to follow us?"

Quirking my brow, I look between the group and the Princess, noting a sense of understanding between them, leaving me utterly in the blind. Even Ghost, who remained at the front door, seemed confused. A small chorus of excited agreements rang out as they all moved to file out of the house.

"I'll uh...." I said, pointing over my shoulder, my face scrunched in confusion. "...go grab my stuff."

Stepping up the stairs, I quickly grabbed what equipment I had and strapped them to my body while keeping Damien's blade in my hand as I did not have a proper place to store it. I stare at my sword for a second or two, a sudden and random thought springing to mind. I gotta name the thing. Quickly patting everything down, I make sure everything is in its rightful place and go out and down the stairs.

"Now don't go 'n stressin' the boy out!" Granny Smith shouted as we moved away from the farmhouse, the Princesses calling off the Guards as the Unicorns bamfed them away. "Boy's earned some rest!"

"What does she mean by that?" I asked uncertainly.

"It would be best to show you," Celestia said, leading us further down the path towards Ponyville.

"I believe this belongs to you, Sir," Ghost said walking up next to me, handing me Ace carefully by the barrel.

"Thanks, Ghost," I nod, taking Ace, giving it a quick twirl around my finger, holstering it with practised ease before turning to peer at Applejack. "By the way, what happened to my coat?"

"Oh, I had to take it, Darling. It had some damage to it and I knew you'd want it mended," Rarity replied with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, it'll be as good as new. Just like before."

"That's good to know, thank you," I smile back. "I gotta see about getting the thing protected. I don't want to bother you about getting it fixed any time there's a tear in it."

"Oh nonsense Darling! I'm always happy to help," She said as she placed a reassuring hand on my arm. "But if you still want it looked at, I'm sure our resident scholar might be able to help."

Looking over at Twilight, who walked alongside the Princesses, she glanced over her shoulder, already gaining an inquisitive expression, lightly humming to herself as said Princesses giggled.

"Hmmm, it would take a while, but I could probably set something up so your coat sustains less damage," She rubbed her chin, quietly muttering to herself as she thought. "Maybe to strengthen the fibres by increasing the density? No, then the weight would be off. Maybe....."

I shook my head as we continued down the path and into Ponyville itself. Many of its inhabitants stopped dead in their tracks, bowing at the sight of their Princesses but when they grinned widely, waved eagerly or stammered, seemingly overtaken by seeing me. I swear I saw a couple of them look me up and down as well! And it wasn't just the woman either.

I couldn't help but feel my ears burn a little as I rather sheepishly waved back. I've the attention of dozens of trained soldiers, highly or otherwise, trained on me for hours on end, yet, the attention I was getting from the citizens, the civilians of Ponyville...it felt completely different and being that I've been a wanderer, a nobody for longer than I haven't, I wasn't entirely sure how to feel about it.

Eventually, we made it through town and started walking towards the Everfree. I tried craning my neck to see if I could spot where we were going, but then suddenly felt a small weight on my shoulders as something covered my eyes. The girls around me giggled as I looked around, my confusion mounting.

"No peeking!" I hear Pinkie's voice in my ears as she more than likely sat on my shoulders. "It's a surprise!"

Shaking my head, I decided to simply accept the fact that whatever this "surprise" was would have to wait a little longer until I could see it. We continued walking, some of the girls gently taking my hands and leading me along to where this surprise lay. Suddenly, we came to a stop.

"Fuckin' hell," I hear Ghost say.

Pinkie then released her grip on my eyes, letting me open as I felt her jump from my shoulders. The sudden flow of light momentarily blinded me as I reached up to rub the sight back into them. Thankfully, the sensation of sight quickly returned to me and I looked up and my mouth quickly hung open.

"Surprise!"

To say what stood in front of me was a house would do it a terrible disservice. Several stories tall and wider than any commercial building I've ever seen, the best word to describe it would be a mansion. I simply stood there in shock as even Ghost looked at it with astonishment, glancing between me, the Princesses and the building while I couldn't tear my eyes from it.

"Welcome to your new home, Percival!" Celestia said happily.

"I-I...wh....holy shit!" I exclaimed. "When you said I'd be given my own accommodation, I didn't think you give me a mansion!"

"As Paladin and General to our army, it is customary to have an abode fit for one of your station. Plus, we would not want neighbouring countries to believe we are taking advantage of you," Luna replied, her grin as wide as her sisters.

"Oh god, do you know how hard this'll be to keep clean?" I asked rhetorically with a chuckle, getting a wry smile from the two rulers. "Thank you. I...don't know what to say."

"No thanks are necessary, and though your previous comment was a jest, it leads perfectly into the next part," Luna said.

"What?"

"If you'll remember, back when we informed you of the bonuses your title granted you, that one of them was your own staff," Celestia said.

"Oh god."

"Indeed. This sixteen-bedroom estate will not be manned by yourself, but by your personal staff that, much like Ghost here, answer to you and you alone," Luna added.

Indicating for us to follow them, the Princesses led us to the front doors, pushing them open to be met with a small entourage of the various sub-races: Pegasi, Unicorn and Earth-pony.

"Meet your personal waiting staff. They have been hand-picked by us to work for you," Celestia said as they bowed lightly.

In total, there were twelve of them, consisting of four Pegasi, four Unicorns and four Earth-ponies. Quickly looking them over, the gender equality was split surprisingly evenly, having six of each gender with four of each sub-species.

Stepping forward, the four Pegasi bowed their heads as they introduced themselves, going from left to right with the woman first.

"Feather Duster."
"Honey Bee."
"Clean Wing."
"And Caramel Ice."

"At your service," They said all at once.

They stepped back with the Unicorns stepping up next with the same formation.

"Sapphire Snow."
"Violet Light."
"Marble Sweeper.
"And Sunrise Dew."

"At your service."

The Earth-ponies were up next, but one held back. They had all been fairly young, but he was an older gentleman, his rich brown hair and beard peppered with greying hair. He even held himself differently.

"Ebony Velvet."
"Rose Blossom."
"Silver Plate."

"At your service."

And the final man stepped forward.

"Percival, I'd like to personally introduce Walter," Celestia said, indicating to the older man. "He is one of our top butlers and has served us for more than thirty years. I have no doubt you will be pleased with his performance."

"Walter?" I asked. "Griffons raised you?"

Fun fact, unlike most other species, Griffons have a more human-based naming convention. Rather than be named after aspects of yourself or the world around you that would come to you through vague and cryptic dreams and visions, Griffons bear names similar to that of English, Norwegian or Danish in origin.

"Indeed I was, Sir," Walter replied with a rich and raspy baritone voice that held a rather subtle accent I couldn't quite place. "A pleasure to meet you, Sir. I hope to serve you well."

"If the Princesses personally chose you, then I trust their judgement that you're more than fit," I replied.

"Thank you, Sir," He bowed his head. "Now if you would follow me please and I'll show you around. Your friends are more than welcome to join."

The girls could barely contain their excitement as Walter led us around the house, showing us the many living rooms, the massive grand kitchen, the wine cellar, the honestly ludicrous amount of bedrooms, including the master bedroom, and what would be my office, serving as my workspace that included an attached war room off to the side.

But just when I thought it could get any more ridiculous, we made it to the basement, which could be considered an underground complex with the amount of things it had. It was this portion of the house that would serve more for pleasure than anything as it included but was not limited to a tennis court, a basketball court, an indoor swimming pool, a music room and a gym with a built-in sparring court. It even had a two-story arcade with damn near anything you could think of! When I said the place was ridiculous, I truly meant it.

Finally returning to the main foyer, I couldn't help but lean against my knees and let out a rather disbelieving sigh as I shook my head, the Princesses seemingly taking sick pleasure from my reaction.

"Well, darling? How do you like it?" Rarity asked.

"I....it...wh-I," I stuttered. "Never in my life did I ever think it would ever lead to...this!"

Looking at the Princesses, I shoot them an incredulous look. "How the hell did you get this built in just four months!?"

Celestia gave me a rather triumphant grin as Luna looked on in amusement. "I did say I hired the best, didn't I?"

"I mean....yeah, you did, but this is insane!" I said, briefly rubbing my temples and standing up straight. "It's a beautiful house Chief, it really is. I can't thank you enough"

"Like I said, no thanks are necessary," Celestia replied with her normal soft smile. "Now my sister and I shall take our leave and let you acclimatise to your new home."

"We are elated that you like your home, Sir Felwinter. We shall keep you updated should we learn anything new," Luna nodded.

"And before I forget, we expect a report of recent events," Celestia said.

"Of course," I bowed my head lightly. "Take care, your Grace."

In a flash of gold and blue, the Princesses were gone in a fraction of a second, leaving Twilight and her friends to look amongst themselves for a moment before I shook my head, still having trouble wrapping my head around my new living arrangements.

"Did you guys know about this?" I ask with a small smile.

"Everyone in Ponyville knew about it," Rainbow Dash quickly replied. "Kinda hard to keep a sixteen-bedroom mansion a secret."

"No kidding," I chuckled. "You know Pinkie, when you said my place could be here, this isn't exactly what I had in mind."

"Oh I did say that, didn't I?" Pinkie said, putting her arm around my shoulders and pulling me down slightly. "Looks like I was right!"

"That you were."

"Anyway, we should probably leave you to it," Twilight suggested. "Let you get used to your new home."

"Awwww, no party?" Pinkie sighed.

"A party can wait fir now, sugarcube," Applejack said, patting her on the shoulder.

"Yeah! Means we can have a bigger party later!" Rainbow Dash added as Fluttershy nodded softly beside her.

As they began filing out the door, they each gave a quick farewell as they walked down the stone pathway of the immaculately mowed lawn. Rarity stopped at the door as I followed behind them.

"If there's anything you need while you get used to your gorgeous home, don't hesitate to ask any of us," Rarity said, placing a soft hand on my arm.

"You do more than enough for me as is," I replied. "But I'll keep it in mind."

"That's all I ask," She smiled, turning and following her friends to the front gate.

I close the door behind me as I retreat into my home, glancing around before my eyes settle on Walter, hands clasped behind his back while he wears an amused but surprisingly professional grin.

"Walter," I said.

"Yes Sir?"

"Would you mind calling everyone here, please? There's something I need to say."

"Of course, Sir. It won't be a moment."

I glanced at Ghost who seemed just as surprised at the sheer size of the place as I was as he looked around the foyer. We didn't have to wait long as Walter and the other members of staff stood before me in no more than a minute and a half, all ready to hear what I had to say.

"Alright, there's something I need to make clear before we move forward," I said as I got their undivided attention. "I don't know how you were trained to conduct yourselves, but going off of what little experience I have with dealing with butlers and maids, you are not my servants and I am not your master. For all intents and purposes, you are this house's waiting staff and I am your boss. None of that master shit I've seen be done."

"We are all equals in this household and as a result, I will help around the house where I am able, when I am able," I continue. "And much like our resident Lieutenant Ghost, I would prefer if you refer to me by name, or if you feel more comfortable you may call me Sir. While I may be your boss, respect goes both ways. If any of you have any problems with this arrangement, speak up now."

The silence held within the foyer told me all I needed to know.

"Alright then," I said with a grin. "As you were."

The maids and butlers all filed out of the foyer, moving to different parts of the house while Walter remained behind, his grin never leaving his face.

"The Princesses were quite right," He said. "You are quite different from how I expected."

"I get that a lot," I said with a sigh.

"I can only imagine, Sir," He replied before he too moved to a different part of the house.

Hearing a soft chuckle, I looked over at Ghost, I sighed deeply, rolling my shoulders as the skull-masked man gave me an amused look.

"Well, Sir," He said. "How's it feel to finally have a home to call yours?"

"It feels.....nice, actually," I replied slowly. "But it'll take a lot of getting used to."

Author's Note

Alright, apologies for the late update, life's wack and refusing to slow down plus writer's block hit hard
I think this one's a little messy, but regardless, I hope you enjoyed this one

And if you want an idea of what Percival's new living looks like, the £30,000,000 in this video is the general vibe I was going for
https://youtu.be/3ryID_SwU5E?si=Vf3stxBrWSlWodt2

Please point out any mistakes I may have made
Constructive criticism is always appreciated
Until next time, TTFN!