"Spoiled Cupcakes..."

[Ponyville - Sugarcube Corner - Pinkie's POV]

"Pinkie." Mrs Cake called out. "Don't forget that the health inspector is coming by in a few minutes. Make sure everything is neat."

"No probemlo Mrs Cake. I'll have everything in tip-top shape," Pinkie giggled. It's another fantastic day in the best place in the world. Ponyville! Oh, wait. Sugarcube Corner is the best place. No, no. There are loads of fun places in and around Ponyville. Oh, I got it. Sugarcube Corner is the best place in Ponyville to work. Yeah, that's it. There is no need to pick and choose which place in Ponyville is better. Everything here is excellent. I put my hooves over the counter and watch my best customers enjoy the Sugarcube Corner special. Colgate loves the caramel frozen poppers. Peppermint Twist adores the thunder blue cupcakes. I still hadn't found Rainbow's favorite pie. But I am sure I'll find the right flavor eventually.

"Excuse me." Oh, somepony is calling me. I better stop the inner monologue. "I am health inspector Hard Case. I've come to ensure this establishment is up to standard for the EDH."

Correct-a-mondo Mister Hard Case. Welcome to..." I jumped and sang my welcome to Ponyville, Sugarcube Corner edition. I ended my song with a big jump, landed on my Pinkie canon, and shot a burst of confetti everywhere. "Ponyville; home of Sugarcube Corner."

I look to Hard Case, expecting him to smile and laugh at my song. But, instead, he still had this grumpy look on his face. His horn glows a bright blue before a pencil and paper float to my face. "Demerit. The establishment has an overabundance of litter on the ground—a potential hazard for trips and falls. The staff is underdressed, no apron or gloves."

"W-What? But I always wear an apron when I am baking. I'm working the cash register right now--"

"Also, what are you doing with battle armorments in a bakery? That is not regulation and presents a clear potential of injuring innocent customers. Demerits."

"But, my party canon doesn't hurt--"

"The loud bang alone can deafen ponies. Never mind the concussive force causing bodily harm. Where are the owners?"

"Well, it's just Mrs Cake in there. Mr Cake is on a delivery. She's handling a particular order."

"Hmm, I can see why; if your performance so far is any indication, I would not let you near anything important. Take me to the kitchen."

I felt my mane deflate a little at this stallion's words. I lead the health inspector into the kitchen. "Hey, Mrs Cake. Here's the health inspector, Hard Case."

"Oh, yes, hello." Mrs cake said with a smile. "Welcome to--"

"I've already received the welcoming committee from your employee, and it is less impressive than now. I'll just be taking a look at your inventory. For your sake, there better not be so much as a disorganized spice rack." Hard Case said as he walked around the kitchen. I knew Mrs Cake was nervous because she constantly chewed on her hooves. Hard Case trots around the whole kitchen without adding any more of his dumb demerits, and it looks like we are in the clear until he opens the fridge and lets out a filly's scream. "W-What? What is this thing?!"

I peek past Hard Case's head to spot Gummy sitting behind a mixing bowl. "Oh, that's not a thing. That's Gummy." I picked up my little helper and tucked him safely into my mane. "What did Mama tell you about locking yourself in the fridge?"

I turn back to see Mrs. Cake helping Hard Case off the floor. But he pulls his hoof away and starts writing fast on his paper. "Dermerits. Cross Contamination! I don't know why such a creature is inside the fridge. But it is not a standard pet, nor should it be anywhere near the food! In less than a few short minutes, I already have issued three. I believe you are familiar with the three-strike rule, Mrs Cake?"

"Oh, is it like a game of Stableshift?" I asked.

"No, Pinkie. It means he can shut down the store." Mrs Cake hissed while I gasped. "Please Mister Hard Case. This business is my family's whole life. We can't lose it! How else will we support our newborn foals?"

"You're going to close the bakery...?" I whispered in a small voice.

"I cannot in good conscience allow this bakery to continue functioning with such incompetent employees and hazardous elements to public safety!" Hard Case stated. "Besides, you have made enough bits to start over somewhere else. My suggestion would be to hire comment help."

I shrank back, knowing he was talking about me. "But, nopony has ever had a problem with me."

Miss Cake threw herself at Hard Case's hooves with tears in her eyes. Was this my fault? "Please, Mister Hard Case, we put all our savings into this dream! We just started saving again, and it is nowhere near enough to start all over! We were going to pass our store down to our foals! Please, there has to be some way to get a better review!"

Hard Case smiles at Mrs Cake, but something feels off. He leans down and whispers to her while Mrs Cake shudders. "Do you find my proposal acceptable? I have a lot of influence and can make this meeting go away quickly."

Mrs Cake looked desperate as she got up and turned to me. "Pinkie, deary, I will leave with a Hard Case about changing the review. Please continue to operate the register. Keep our customers smiling."

"Oh, is there anything I can do to help?" I asked hopefully.

If I could make up for the mistake, I would gladly do it. But Mrs Cake shot me down. "NO!!! I mean, no deary. I can handle this." Mrs Cake turns to Hard Case. "Just me. You don't have to worry about a thing."

"Hmm, a shame. We might've found a use for a mare like yourself, but Mrs Cake is adamant about saving her shop. Come along, Mrs Cake."

I sent Mrs. Cake a small wave as she and Hard Case left the kitchen while I returned up front. It was an hour later before Mrs. Cake and Hard Case came back. Hard Case was smiling for the first since he came inside. But Mrs Cake's smile was more forced, and she looked tired. When she joined my side, Hard Case stood before the counter. "Well, I can let you off with a little warning this time. But I will visit monthly to ensure you have earned this positive rating."

"That's great. Good job, Mrs. Cake!" I beamed. But my smile slowly fell when I saw Mrs Cake looking more scared than happy.

"Yes, Mrs Cake. Despite the mishaps of your hyperactive employee, you've put a smile on my face."