Furthermore, Twilight Sparkle was already losing mane hair from the headache of managing just one Spike, let alone something as distant as managing Equestria.
"For me, being able to study magic with you every day is enough. I've never thought about things so far ahead."
"Twilight is right, I feel the same way as she does."
Actually, it wasn't quite the same. In Aurora's heart, it was certain that Twilight would become a Princess, but then again, no one ever ruled that only Twilight Sparkle could be a Princess.
Letting Twilight Sparkle, a single pony, rule Equestria, worrying about national defense while also fussing over internal affairs—are they trying to work my dear Twilight to death?
And letting an easily anxious pony rule independently... I don't know what The Grand Princess is thinking. She's been on the job alone for a thousand years; it's not like she doesn't know how hard life is.
If Aurora were to judge, letting Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle rule Equestria together as Princesses would be the optimal solution.
When the time comes, one can take the day shift and the other the night shift, while Shimmering is responsible for resting... ah, no, doing scientific research in the rear. Equestria's national strength would surely flourish, and all three of them would have a bright future.
"You are our Eldest Senior Sister. No matter what happens, we will definitely support you unconditionally."
Sunset Shimmer looked at the two of them. It wasn't that she had any grievances against them, but the topic these rumors pointed to really concerned her, so she wanted to know the detailed truth of the situation.
"I just want to know why this kind of gossip suddenly started spreading?"
"We'll talk more after we get back. For now, you two get mentally prepared—it's best to close your eyes."
Aurora looked out through a gap in the curtains, calculated the distance in her mind, and then pulled them both close, one under each hoof.
A few flashes of magic leaked from the cracks of the carriage doors and windows, but no pony noticed. Only the driver felt the weight behind him lighten slightly, but he was working seriously and didn't pay it any mind.
The carriage sped past, leading the chasing pack of reporter ponies toward Canterlot Castle.
Once the dust kicked up on the road settled, three Foals poked their heads out from an inconspicuous bush by the roadside to peek out.
"Aren't we going to the castle?"
"My silly Twilight, do you really want to be blocked in the castle and unable to go home?"
Aurora rubbed her little head, helped her brush the leaves out of her hair, and then pulled her out of the bushes.
When getting into the carriage, Aurora never intended to actually ride it to the destination. It was just a convenient way for her to create a diversion so they could escape, while throwing these troublesome matters to The Grand Princess to handle.
Of course, before escaping, Aurora left the fare on the seat so the driver wouldn't have made the trip for nothing.
"Didn't you just set up Princess Celestia?"
Sunset Shimmer had a deep bond with The Grand Princess and felt a bit bad for her.
"When students are in trouble, how can a teacher not help? Besides, only the Princess can handle such a sensitive public opinion topic."
It was the first time they'd seen someone package 'betraying one's master' so righteously.
After hearing Aurora's analysis, Sunset Shimmer felt it made sense, and then she forgot about The Grand Princess.
"Come, you two, take this side path."
Since the paparazzi and busybodies had mostly been led away by the carriage, they didn't encounter any more roadblocks along the way.
Just to be safe, and because they didn't want to reveal the address of The House of Academic Studies, they remained cautious throughout the journey, taking side paths whenever possible, and finally made it back to the cottage with great effort.
"I have to say, that was pretty exciting! I feel like the three of us were just like secret agents!"
Twilight Sparkle was still a child at heart. Despite the ups and downs of the day, she was still more optimistic and cheerful than her two senior sisters.
After Aurora picked up the newspaper from the envelope at the door, she quickly returned to the cottage and closed the door.
Sunset Shimmer took the newspaper and began to read, her expression turning somewhat sour.
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