Starlight, Sunburst, and Trixie were having a bit of a better time than the others had. No sad news about the past, and not even any snobs looking down on them. The elite already knew Starlight to be Twilight's student, Sunburst to be an important member of the Crystal Empire court (the fact that none of Sunburst's former classmates were there also helped), and Trixie to be a good performer.

After completely reforming Trixie was able to get her act together enough to even have successful performances in Canterlot in the past. Of course even Trixie wasn't fond of the stuffiness of the elite side of the Gala, but their friends' side of the Gala - especially Discord's performances - were still fun.

In fact Discord and Trixie had grown fond of each other - in a sibling-teasing sort of way - over the years and were really happy to hang out. Discord even let Trixie perform with him a little, which Trixie agreed to as long as she wouldn't be the victim of Discord's pranking nature during the performance. Fortunately Discord actually wanted Trixie to perform a little snarking routine with him, that is trade off sarcastic comments and playful insults. Trixie was more than happy to participate.

Oh, and the Crusaders? Well they were enjoying the Gala as usual, even Babs and Gabby. Yeah most of the guests being snobby or at least stuffy was irritating, but it was still fun hanging out with each other and their other friends/family members and they loved Discord's stand-up comedy and physical gags routine, as well as his snarking routine with Trixie. Silver Spoon was enjoying herself a bit more since she was already used to many details of a noblepony's life...but for some reason Diamond Tiara soon became almost depressed.

It didn't take long for the others to spot Diamond moping by the refreshments and drinking punch.

"Hey Diamond, what's wrong?" Gabby asked, going over to her.

"Well...do you and Babs remember us telling you that mom used to control me, including my behavior, until I finally stood up to her?" Diamond asked.

"Of course." Babs nodded, wincing disapprovingly about the fact.

"As you also already know mom has stopped controlling most of my life...except for one." Diamond sighed. "She's planning on marrying me off to a rich stallion from Canterlot once I'm old enough, and seeing what most of the rich Canterlot ponies are like...well, I'm now dreading it more than ever."

"Aw don't worry about it, even though your mom is bossy you don't have to obey her about marryin' somepony you don't love." Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah. Besides, won't you be old enough to live on your own by the time you're old enough to marry anyway?" Sweetie Belle pointed out.

"That's a good point, she can't control you at all if you're no longer living with her." Silver agreed.

"Yeah...that's true." Diamond smiled. "You're right, I don't really have to worry about an arranged marriage. Thanks girls."

"That's what friends are for." Babs smiled.

Everyone continued enjoying the Gala a while longer, and then stopped over at Joe's for their traditional post-Gala doughnuts. Even Celestia and Luna later stopped by. After happily congratulating Pinkie and Cheese for ending up together they continued talking and laughing a while longer...especially after Rarity told them what Spike did to take care of Blueblood.

"Excellent work nephew." Luna laughed. "It's about time someone knocked down his ego a peg."

"Even I agree, truthfully I've already been considering taking away his prince title." Celestia admitted. "I've only hesitated because he's still family and there's nopony else to replace his role in the court. But if he crosses the line again then I'll go through with it."

"Hmm...I think I know somepony who'd be good at Blueblood's job." Spike remembered. "I'll suggest him later during the next court session, first I want to talk to him about the idea. Plus I used 'taking away his title' as a threat, so it'd be best to wait until he crosses the line again anyway...wouldn't be surprised if he does soon despite my warning."

"Very well son, you've had good judgement in other ponies before so I'll trust you."

"What does that snob do anyway?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"He helps negotiate trades and relations with other kingdoms." Luna explained. "As rude as he is to non-elite ponies he can be charming to other nobles...even if he does only use that charm to increase his social standing."

They continued talking a bit longer, and then headed home. Even Cheese, since he decided to make Ponyville his home. Since the Cakes didn't have extra room he checked into a hotel, planning to look for his own place the next day.

However, as he found out the next morning, there were no buildings for sale. He quickly got a home though...thanks to Discord, who zapped up a silly-looking house near Sugarcube Corner. It looked like a giant present with balloon-shaped windows and a slanted roof that looked to be made out of confetti.

"Hey, you didn't do that for me and my parents." Flicker said, confused.

"Figured you wouldn't appreciate my sense of style, but I thought Cheese would like it." Discord explained.

"Actually, I love it!" Cheese grinned. "This house is perfect for a party planner!"

"It sure is!" Pinkie grinned.

"Thank you Discord." Cheese smiled.

"No need, always happy to meet those who enjoy my style." Discord shrugged with a smile. "Oh, it's also already furnished. Only grocery shopping needs to be done, since I don't know whether you have any allergies or not."

"Actually I don't, but thanks." Cheese said. "Want to help me get some food Pinkie?"

"You bet!" Pinkie smiled.

They headed over to the market to buy food.

"Say Cheese, I know we just started dating but I was thinking of the two of us taking a trip to see my family tomorrow." Pinkie said. "Well, at least my parents and Marble and Limestone, Maud travels so she'll have to wait."

"Um...I guess it's okay..." Cheese said nervously. "I mean I would love to meet them, I'm just a little nervous about how they'll react to me."

"Oh don't worry about that, they may be old-fashioned but they love me so as long as you make me happy - and you do - they'll be nice to you." Pinkie reassured him.

"That's good, but what if they don't like me?"

"Why wouldn't they? You're pretty much a male version of me, only you prefer cheese to pastries and candy."

"Okay, good point." Cheese chuckled. "But a party pony who's dating a relative is different from a party pony who is a relative."

"Uh...gee, you're right about that." Pinkie had to admit. "But even so don't worry, my family likes anything that makes me happy. And, again, you do."

"Okay...in that case sure, I'm up for it." Cheese smiled.