As a Library, the collection of magic books here was pitifully small, and the few that were available were just some very basic Unicorn magic, which inevitably lowered Sunset Shimmer's evaluation of the Golden Oak Library.
However, after thinking about it for a moment, the reason was clear: Ponyville, founded by Earth Ponies, rarely used Unicorn magic.
Although they had discovered during their investigation on the streets and at the Ponyville school that this was a mixed area for all three pony tribes, many local customs still followed the rules of the Earth Ponies.
Although there were few magic books, there were many books on manual arts here. This was hard to find in Canterlot; after all, Canterlot was mainly inhabited by Unicorns, who were accustomed to using magic to solve all problems.
"Hiss... this, I have to admit, is actually kind of interesting."
Sunset Shimmer found a skill book on woodworking; she reassured herself that she was just browsing, and then she couldn't stop.
"First Senior Sister, we're done looking, we can go now..."
Just as Sunset Shimmer had expected, the two of them only symbolically glanced at the book collection and the room layout. Because only the first floor was open to the public, they finished looking around quickly.
They were ready to call Sunset Shimmer to go explore elsewhere, only to see her reading alone in a corner, looking completely engrossed.
"It seems somepony says they don't like it, but their body is quite honest."
Aurora and Twilight Sparkle exchanged a glance, both almost unable to hold back their laughter.
Even ponies couldn't escape the irony of claiming one thing and doing another.
Sunset Shimmer was a pony with strong practical skills, and she was accustomed to a learning style that prioritized practice over reading. Seeing that she had finally found a book she liked, the two of them didn't go up to disturb her and simply found books to pass the time.
"Flying Light, look, there are Canterlot newspapers here, and they're newly printed today...!"
Twilight Sparkle excitedly shared her discovery with Flying Light, but since this was a Library and they needed to keep quiet, she made sure to control her volume.
Because Ponyville was the town closest to Canterlot, it wasn't strange that there were Canterlot newspapers in Ponyville.
Not to mention how often The Grand Princess would drop into Ponyville in the show; besides "missing Twilight," it was also because of the proximity.
Aurora had a habit of reading the newspaper every day to confirm how far the timeline had progressed through recent news.
Because she came to Ponyville today, she missed the first-hand Canterlot Daily; she had intended to buy a copy at the station on her way back, but she hadn't expected to find it at the Golden Oak Library.
It must have just been printed and transported here during the morning; they could even smell the ink on the newspaper.
But the more Aurora read today's newspaper, the more something felt wrong. Especially the newspaper headline, which made her frown.
Twilight Sparkle was reading the newspaper next to her, and her eyes widened when she saw a flash news item in the top column.
The headline column directly featured a photo of Aurora and The Grand Princess together at the Grand Galloping Gala. The two ponies in the photo were chatting and laughing, looking very intimate.
If it were just that, it wouldn't be a big deal, but the newspaper's commentary below the photo was truly thought-provoking.
The editor fully utilized the charm of journalism, with every line guiding public opinion toward the idea that Aurora might be Princess Celestia's designated princess candidate, and even made rich associations, claiming she would take over the rule of Equestria in the future.
Twilight Sparkle was shocked after reading the newspaper, as the subject matter of this report was very bold and sensitive, enough to attract attention.
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