Princess Twilight Sparkle was frantically looking over her schedule. It was pretty hard to keep up with everything without Spike around. She had trouble just making the list on her own.

She sighed, missing her little assistant already. Unfortunately her duties as Princess couldn't be put off until after school so Spike could help her.

For example her next meeting.

Twilight walked into Mayor Mare's office who was busy filling out paperwork. Her unicorn assistants were levitating the papers over to her for her to quickly read and sign.

"You wanted to see me?" Twilight asked.

"Ah yes, Your Highness," Mayor Mare gently shooed away her helpers and put her quil down, "Sorry, I was expecting you to stop by more then an hour ago. So I decided to catch up on my work. You're usually so punctual,"

Twilight sighed, "Sorry, it's Spike's first day of school and I'm still adjusting to not having him around,"

Mayor Mare chuckled, "You can hardly expect to get used to not having the foals underhoof in one day. Now shall we start the meeting. I have a formal request to make,"

"Of course," Twilight nodded watching as Mayor Mare walked over to her desk and pulled out a large scroll.

"You might not know this but I've been trying to get Princess Celestia to grant Ponyville the rights of a city state for some years now," She informed bringing the scroll over and giving it to Twilight, "Technically right now we are just considered a large village which falls under the jurisdiction of Canterlot, but as a City State we would be allowed to participate in setting down national law. It would greatly increase our trade and help with tourism,"

"That sounds good," Twilight nodded. She knew all about the benefits of being one of the city states. She had been Celestia's apprentice after all and learned a lot about politics, if not just from watching her. This meant she understood the disadvantages of being a City State as well. They could no longer rely on Canterlot's army and would have to form their own royal guard. They would also have more responsibilities and a greater level of independence which could be good or bad.

Mayor Mare continued, "Princess Celestia has denied my various request, stating that Ponyville was just not ready, but after you ascended into an Alicorn she has been giving us a longer leash. She even allowed Ponyville to participate in the Equestria Games. That was a big step in the public's recognition of us... if you were to make the request of her..."

"You want me to ask Princess Celestia if we can be a City State?" Twilight blinked.

"With respect, I think she is waiting for you to ask. You are already considered Ponyville's Princess but it isn't actually official. You would need to personally tell Princess Celestia your ready to lead. You've taken on a large amount of responsibility since you became the Princess of friendship, but most of what you do in Ponyville you aren't actually required to. Since you are technically a resident and not our official Princess. You've been doing the job for near a year now, regardless. So I think it's time to make it official,"

Twilight shifted uncomfortably. She knew the town relied on her a lot but actually seperating from Canterlot and declaring herself Ponyville's official Princess? She didn't even like it when ponies called her by her title.

"In here," Mayor Mare patted the scroll Twilight was now holding, "Are my suggestions for turning Ponyville into a City State. You need to have a firm grasp on where you want Ponyville to go in order for the request to be taken seriously. Firstly there is the matter of officially recognizing Spike as Ponyville's prince,"

"What?" Twilight blinked.

"Well he is your ward and he helps you a great deal with your duties. I think he will be able to handle the responsibility when he's older. Don't you?"

"O-of course," Twilight fumbled over her words for a moment. Spike might let the title 'Prince' go to his head though.

"Much of Ponyville already understands him to be our prince, but sadly most of our population believe him to be your... servant," truthfully most of the townsfolk thought Spike was her dragon slave or some kind of familiar.

"WHAT!?" Twilight gaped.

Mayor Mare poked the scroll firmly, "This would help nip that misconception in the bud," she stated, "Next we have the matter of selecting the City's nobles. Obviously you would want your friends to fill that role,"

"I would?" Twilight blinked again.

"Please take this more seriously your highness. If Ponyville is truly to become a City State you would need to hold yourself with highest confidence,"

"R-right," Twilight blushed but steeled herself and tried to act more Regal, "Yes, yes of course but what I mean to say is why would my friends be a good choice? Other then being my friends I mean,"

"Well you already run a 'Council of Friendship' with them were you spread across Equestria handling diplomatic disturbances both large and small. This means each of them have the essential understandings of what it means to be in a position of authority,"

'By solving Friendship problems?' Twilight thought to herself.

"And if they were genuine nobles ponies would be more inclined to listen to them when you send them off on one of these diplomatic ventures. And although you might not realize this the very fact they're your friends plays a large part. They can keep you grounded and won't be afraid to disagree with you or call you out when they think you have gone too far. Such qualities are the very reason City States have governesses to begin with,"

"Well... I imagine Rarity would love being a Governess... still, I need to talk with them to see if they are willing to take the job,"

"Of course and I have one final suggestion for a noble to serve on the Council,"

"Who?"

"Filthy Rich, his family is largely responsible for making Ponyville what it is today. Making him a noble would make him happy and insure his family maintain it's roots here bringing us more business. It would also help him spread his influence and potentially make more money which would again help Ponyville. Also, although it is rude to say, having a stallion on your Council would make you look very good and progressive,"

"So you want a token Stallion," Twilight gaped.

"No of course not, I never meant to imply that. Everything I said was true. Having him serve on your Council would greatly help. His family, along with the Apples, are responsible for building this town and should be recognized for that. As Applejack is serving on your Council of Friendship and would already be made a noble her family would be represented properly.

"The Rich family might actually be insulted if you gave the Apples such an honor and not them as they are equally responsible for building this town. Besides Filthy Rich is a reasonable colt, even if his wife is a bit unbearable, and his heir has had a dramatic change of heart and might actually be capable of doing some good herself when she's older. Their family already understands politics and you would need someone with such experience as one of your advisors." the fact he was a Stallion, which would look good to the voters, was just a bonus.

Twilight nodded, "That makes sense, I would like to read over the scroll myself, make a few adjustments and get back to you later this week,"

"Of course your highness, that is exactly what you should do."