"Well, sir, I know this sounds obvious, but what this letter means is that…" she narrows her eyes, almost as if she is talking to herself. Slowly folding up the letter and giving it back to you when she is done. "There will be some changes around here."
wow, so insightful Ponpon
"Because Lord Pride is the next in line. Or rather, he is the officially recognized next in line. Crown-granted nobility only applies to a single pony, so for all that the rest of their families are lords and ladies, such as Lady Velvet, they really are just orbiting the real title-holder of the family," she explains. And you think you vaguely remember what she is talking about, from a conversation you had with your wife so many years ago. "However, the next in line is a big deal, so to speak. Because if a title-holder is what gives the rest of their family their status, then the next in line naturally carries more importance because he will be the source of that authority. Even if it only after he formally inherits the title."
...yeah, about that...
Celestia kinda went all 🔥🔥 on that custom. Not that most people know about it yet, if I remember correctly
"For starters, sir, he technically outranks the Lady." She says that, and the pang of concern you have inside of you immediately grows heavier. "Because even though she is his older sister, and even though she has lived here for so many years… well, those are things that a pony would only consider out of common courtesy."
She says that, and then she lets out a humorless chuckle as she remembers something.
"Or rather, those are things that would matter under commoner's courtesy, and noble courtesy is an entirely different world."
On the other hand, we're the COMMISSIONER who recently HOSTED A PRINCESS.
There's need for courtesy just because of that.
But now that you are faced with the prospect of a miniature Velvet Hill quite literally living under the same roof as your daughter…
It might not be that bad. Velvet turned out allright (somewhat) in the end.
I'm kind of reminded of the Schnee family from Rwby. Velvet would be Winter or Weiss Schnee, and Pride would be Whitley, who started off slightly antagonistic, but eventually turned out to their side (while the father got what he deserved)
Because you don't mind receiving guests. You don't mind receiving your wife's family, like when her uncle came over, or other "ponies" such as Baldomare and Axe.
I wonder just how much he understands of Baldomare's and Axe's natures right now. Did we even explain summons and Names yet?
That a strange, bastard of a stallion is about to invade your home. And that this damn culture of blue blood being better than red might give him the impression, or perhaps even the legitimacy, to start making your family's life worse.
Inside your own home. In the place where they are supposed to be happy.
hey, let's not judge him before meeting him at least!
Also... you know, a Grail influence might help turning him into an ally faster.
Who knows, we might turn him to our side and even make it a confidant/minion, in theory. Though that's risky, of course.
Our lore bonuses should make it harder for him to trick us to our face at least.
"Furthermore, Lord Pride himself is scheduled to arrive this Monday, two days from now."
"Monday?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. The implications of your question obvious.
Because everypony knows you will be gone by Monday. You are sure that everypony who needs to know, which includes your father, knows you are only at home during the weekends from now on.
...We might want to take a day off for that, if allowed.
"That is another thing I wanted to mention to you, ma'am," Ponpon continues, her tone becoming ever so slightly curious as she speaks. "As I was discussing accommodations with Lord Pride's butler, he was also very quick to settle on housing the Lord on one of the annex buildings."
You let out a curious "oh?" at that, nodding for your head maid to continue.
"In fact, most of our efforts this week were spent refurbishing the place. The estate carpenters even took down a few interior walls and changed a few things to make it more suitable for the Lord. And I won't be surprised if a more thorough renovation is ordered in the coming months."
Ponpon pauses for a few moments, as if wondering how to put what she has her mind into words.
And when she finally speaks, you can't help but think her tone is oh so close to what she sounds like when she is gossiping.
"I even overheard one of the accompanying servants let slip that… that the Lord might go back home during the weekends himself."
Ponpon gives you a meaningful look as she says that, and you immediately understand the implications of what she is saying.
"If I didn't know any better," you say, "I would also think he is avoiding me. Or that he has been instructed to avoid me…"
...all of the benefits of being able to spy on our family and use our name and influence in Ponyville, while also being out of our influence?
not a bad plan. We'll have to
ensure we meet to ruin such a plan.
"That being said, whether there are some changes on their way or not, they still aren't here, and we still have two more days before anything happens. So…" you say, talking to Ponpon and then turning to face Stormchaser. "Stormy dear, I had a bit of time to think over the week, and I was thinking we should throw a little party tomorrow."
"I… hold on. A party? What do you mean?" he asks, clearly confused at the sudden change in subject.
"You know. A party. Smack in the middle of the garden, using the entrance hall and whatnot. I mean, I was thinking about how big the estate is, but how few ponies in Ponyville have ever even seen it, given how far it is from town," you recline back into your seat, your tone becoming almost casual as you do. "So why not? I'm sure Silky's schoolfriends will be thrilled to explore it, at the very least. It would also be lovely to have the staff bring their families, and the farmhoofs as well. What the hay, why not just invite as many ponies as we can? Make it a town event of sorts and empty the pantry?"
interesting thought. a way to establish our authority/influence, to push our narrative with the town before our brother arrives...
ANd if we managed to get Cadance as our guest of honor...
"Excuse me, my Lady," you hear, turning to face an extremely excited cook, "were you being serious when you talked about emptying the pantry?"
Your casual nod is enough to get everypony, the cook first of all, out of their seats and off to work.
I'm jealous of people with this level of passion for their work...
Although to be honest, you also realize some of the things you are seeing just occurred independently. Because sure, the chairs and tables are from your estate, and the constant stream of ponies bringing food from the kitchen is thanks to a few rotating hoofs of your staff. But the music? That really came out of the blue. A few ponies from town just up and appeared with instruments, and before you realized it the small stage that had been prepared on the side had a respectable line of volunteers waiting for their turn to perform.
well, it's nice to see that the Ponyville residents feel enough at ease to do this.
And that genuinely brings a smile to your face. It reminds you that when ponies come together, things simply work out. And that for all that you are too a part of it, it still makes you glad to see how well you all can function as a community.
shame we can't join a Heartsong though.
...WAIT, I JUST REALIZED...
IS THIS WHEN WE FINALLY MEET PINKIE PIE?!
if she's not here, then it's definitive proof she's avoiding us!
"Any part of the garden is fair game! Any building is fair game, but only the ground floors! Anywhere within the walls is also fair game, but if you leave for the farmland at large you will be disqualified! AAARE THERE AAANY QUEEESTIONS?!"
this might be the first time Velvet is being so...
loudly happy
"I-ah… m'alright an'… time to search thos'foals an…"
Still, he heroically takes off his blindfold, and begins his task.
"That's my stallion," you say with a smile. "And don't forget what I told you!"
He gives you a crooked, slightly disoriented nod.
But when he sets off, you already get the slightest hint that he knows exactly where he is going.
He still isn't ready to do it while still wearing the blindfolds, you can tell.
But for today's purpose? He seems to have caught on to more than enough.
And of course, just like the two of you agreed beforehoof, he is not the only one who will take a step forward today.
oh, so the party is doubling as a training lore session.
Cool idea!
So, you know you could do something like that here. Maybe you could put yourself into an even better light. Maybe you could make sure that some ponies… understand, that a new noble will be coming to town, and that his words are not necessarily your own.
I KNEW IT!
However…
You won't. Because you simply don't want to.
...ok, I did NOT knew it apparently
And after you are done having an unusually cheerful conversation with Jade Whistle, with the mare actually wearing a smile on her face as she watches the many foals play around, you then decide to…
[] Go meet some new ponies. There are a few faces in the crowd you have not met before. Most of them are related to or accompanying your daughter's school friends, but a small number of them are not. (Make at least one new random acquaintance)
[] Go talk to ponies you already know. After all, just because you haven't been in touch, it doesn't mean you aren't interested in how they are doing. (Raise your social bond with a single random pony you already know)
[] Just soak in the atmosphere. The laughter, the music, the hoofsteps of ponies as they dance. You really could get used to this. (Gain one scrap of Heart Lore)
Jade happy, such a rare sight!
so, new contact (Potentially Rainbow Dash or Pinkie Pie even!), raise a current one (that would be... Cherilee/Filthy Rich from friend to good friend; or Mayor Mare/Applejack from acquaintance to friend), or just 1 scrap of Heart (and go up to 2/4 to lvl 4).
And while many don't like it, I'll point out that if it ended up being Cherilee or Filthy Rich, we COULD in theory use the leash on them in the future and use them for the Moth Sacrament.
I don't think "changing ourselves" is necessarily a bad thing. Velvet doesn't like herself even if we don't pick that sacrament, and people change all the time. That said, I understand the reservations, and who knows, maybe the sacrament could change if Velvet ever ends up liking herself.
I'm leaning towards new contact in the hope of getting another of the Elements on our side (
AND MAYBE FINALLY MEET PINKIE PIE), or maybe Spoiled Rich as a "easy sacrifice" for moth sacrament, but current contact has potential too.
getting Mayor Mare or Cherilee would give us more options for help on turn actions, with Mayor Mare for actions regarding our influence in Ponyville (
and making it absolutely clear Velvet Pride does NOT speak for us), Applejack is another element and a respected pillar of this community, Filthy Rich is a source of funding or investment potential (and again
someone we can make clear with that Velvet Pride doesn't speak for us), and Cherilee can help us in influencing the children, potentially including the children of newcomers, and might notice rumors from hearing what the kids talk about.
mh... yeah, maybe current contact is better.
...and who knows, maybe Twilight came?
You are somewhat surprised to see that she is wearing her maid uniform. Because she wasn't wearing it during the party, but it seems that she decided to put it on as soon as it was over.
She never told you, but you think she feels comfortable in it. And you can't help but think that she wears it the same way a foal might drag around a stuffed toy or a blanket they particularly like. Of course, you are not judging her. It is good that she has things that can help her ground herself.
Besides, you think she looks cute in it.
a bit weird if taken out of context, but it makes sense.
and maids always look cute!
"But do you remember how I told you that… that there is this group in Ponyville? Of ponies who, um… need somepony to talk to?"
...if this turns out to be a new cult I swear I'll...
...maybe vote to take over it? Not sure.
Maybe they could be a way for the Bureau to "discover" the lores...
"A-and even after we were done. After we were done for the night and heading out, a few ponies… actually, more than half of our group. They came up to me and asked if I could speak again next time? Mrs. Velvet, t-they even thanked me?"
...oh look, our latest daughter is making
her own cult some followers minions friends!! I'm so proud!
[] Tell her a small secret of
Lantern, to help her shine the light.
Blindness
[] Give her a pep talk of
Grail, to encourage her further.
Blood
[] Teach her the patience of
Winter, so she learns how to pace herself.
Ice
[] Tell her that she should follow her heart, and speak about whatever comes to mind. You believe in her, so you are sure that whatever she feels inspired to do will be better than anything you suggest.
???
...I have no idea.
You have successfully taught your family about the Lores.
Stormchaser is now a "Disciple", having attained Secret Histories Level 3 and Knock Level 1.
Stormchaser is now "reasonably competent" in identifying the occult. This will keep him safer when he is away from home, but by no means is a guarantee.
Your other daughters have also benefited, but not in a way you can easily quantify.
Further lessons, that will benefit everypony at the same time, will require all your Lores to be at level 4.
It's not tha far off, really. Give us a few turns.
), this is the basic question behind 
