Page 1027 — The Enigma Lode
I'm not the world's biggest fan of the "chessmaster" interpretation of Celestia's character, but I'm 100% on-board for "opportunistic and more than a little devious."
Transcript:Princess Celestia: Not only was this the most exciting Grand Galloping Gala in years – just as I hoped… But Elusive has been exposed and the Thieves Guild is at its most vulnerable – just as I hoped!
Fluttershy: But… what about Elusive bring Prince Blueblood?
Rainbow Dash: You knew the whole time, didn't you?
Princess Celestia: Oh no, that's giving me far too much credit. But let's just say Blueblood was his own set of problems, and this is a "two birds with one stone" situation.
Rarity: Not so perfect a bachelor behind the scenes, I take it?
Princess Celestia: Of all ponies to be Elusive, plotting behind my back… I'm kind of relieved it was Blueblood! Vindication! Haha. But honestly, that's not the real reason why I'm so giddy. While all of you were fighting… I found his Invisible Desk. The nerve center of the Guild. All of his contacts and secret codes.
Rarity: I see… So now you can round up all of the Guild's officers, operatives, collaborators… Bring them all to justice.
Princess Celestia: No.
Rarity: As much as it pains me to– Wait, what did you say??