Author's Note
I had a bad Idea and I wrote this story. Enjoy it if you can if not I'm sorry.
NIGHT SCHOOL
"I take it you all understand why you are here." Princess Luna spoke with an air of authority as she looked out at the random assortment of ponies before her.
The group was gathered in a small warehouse. The room was bare except for a dozen chairs of which only half were occupied, a lectern scattered with an assortment of shuffled papers behind which the Princess of the Night stood wearing a pair of lensless glasses, and finally just beyond Luna was a chalkboard on wheels with the words 'NIGHT SCHOOL' written on it.
One of the five mares in attendance raised a hoof.
"You yes," Luna said nodding at the mare. "Why are you here?"
"The leaflets said this class would provide financial guidance and open up new possibilities for financial stability." The mare stated excitedly. "I lost a good portion of my savings to those darn Flim Flam brothers in a scam recently and I'm looking forward to all the options I'll have after taking a class being personally taught by a princess."
"That's correct each of you is here because you have had trouble with money in the past. My ultimate goal with this school is to give each and every student a chance to grow their financial literacy." Luna beamed. "This class recognizes you all as individuals and understands that every pony learns at their own pace so instead of upfront tuition, there will be a fee collected at the start of each class. Speaking of which today's class is everyone's first so you each you only owe five bits." The princess said as she magically produced a collection bucket and began to pass it around.
The bucket slowly floated past each student wrapped in a blue aura of magic and one by one the doubtful ponies placed five bits each inside until it floated before the final mare. The last mare didn't move to put any bits in the bucket.
"Is there a problem miss?" Luna asked.
"The first class is supposed to be free," The mare stated skeptically.
"Before I can continue with the lesson I need to make sure everyone is on the same page and committed to learning. If the lesson was advertised as free I assure you I would be legally incapable of holding onto it. Even Princesses have to follow the laws." Luna said with a reassuring smile.
"So this is a test?" The mare asked.
"Of course, tests are a vital part of the learning process," Luna explained. "Without them, we would be unable to gauge your current progress."
"Okay," The mare said depositing five bits into the bucket.
"Thank you," Luna said magically pulling the collections to her and setting it behind the lectern. "Our first lesson is a simple but crucial one." She produced a copy of the school's leaflet and enlarged it to the size of the chalkboard. "We are going to go over the importance of reading the fine print."
"Fine print?" The singular stallion in the class blurted out.
"Yes. Fine print," Luna repeated. "Right here on our advertisement, it says 'Please join us for a trial lesson.' but I'm thinking some of you may have missed this indicator next to trial." She pointed out what could barely amount to a smudge mark just above the word trial even on the oversized pamphlet. "This indicator is there to let you know that further details about this part are provided. From there we look down at the bottom of the page and see this small line that gives clarity that the trial offer is a discount of eighty percent on your first lesson. Since a normal class cost twenty-five bits you were' only required to pay five bits today."
"Wait you said that was a test. Am I not getting my bits back after all?" The frugal mare from earlier blurted out.
"It was a test to see which of you had read the fine print," Luna explained. "A test you seemed to have failed miss. But worry not every failure is a beautiful step forward and a lesson learned. The rest of the class obviously read the clause as they were all quick to pay their discounted fee."
An awkward silence hung in the air. The frugal mare wanted to complain but had a feeling Luna would explain away any argument she might have. She had already paid for the class the least she could do to get her money out of it was to stick around.
"You all did read the fine print didn't you?" Luna asked the class.
"I did for sure," The mare who spoke earlier stammered quickly.
"Me too," The stallion added.
The other mares also confirmed they had noticed it as well.
"That's great. As long as you are always aware of the preexisting terms of an agreement you can avoid one of the greatest pitfalls in personal finance. So remember always take note of the fine print whether it be a contract or even something as simple as an advertisement And with that our lesson concludes you're all dismissed."
The class stood around in silence as Luna began to gather her things.
"Your eagerness to learn more reminds me," Luna said producing a signup sheet. "This a signup for our mailing list it will allow you to get regular updates on the class and on occasion discount coupons for future classes. There is a slight fee of five bits to sign up. It's completely optional though and you will be able to cancel at any time." Luna taped the chart to the lectern.
One by one each student stepped forward, signed the paper, deposited another five bits into the collection bucket, and left the building. When it was the frugal mare's turn she stopped and scoured the paper noticing the small writing at the top.
"This says there is a fifty bit termination fee even upon graduation," The mare said flatly.
"It does. But signup is completely optional and not required to stay enrolled in the program," Luna said smiling.
"I'm going to tell everyone about your school. This is just a way to scam hardworking ponies out of their money. Those ponies trust you and you are basically just stealing from them." The mare explained angrily.
"Did you sign in on the attendance roster at the door?" Luna asked calmly.
"Yes?" The mare question basked.
A flash of blue light and Luna stood holding out the attendance chart. A magical aura was highlighting some tiny writing at the top of the page.
"By signing this document I agree not to speak poorly about the institute of Princess Luna's Night School For the Financially Challenged nor reveal any of its operational maneuvers or I can be held in financial liability for defamation." The mare read aloud.
"Congratulations you're the school's very first graduate," Luna said producing a piece of paper with the royal seal and the word diploma just above a blank name line.
"What?" The mare asked.
"By seeing through the shadowy red tape of the school you have proven yourself worthy of this certificate. Just sign your name on the line." Luna explained.
The mare scoured the document for any hint of foul play.
"There is no fine print on this one I promise you already passed the final exam." The princess said sternly.
The mare signed her name and shoved the worthless certificate in her saddle bag.
"So if I say anything about this operation you will sue me?" The mare asked.
Luna nodded.
"Can I at least have my five bits back?" The mare asked already certain of the answer.
"Unfortunately not," Luna said.
"Had to try. Well bye." The mare said as she turned to leave.
"As our first alumnus would I be able to interest you in making a small donation to support the school?" Luna asked.
The mare shook her head and just kept walking.
