Auto-imported from derpibooru.org (1772054)

Commission for the always wonderful flippedoutkyrii, who was inspired by the Undyne guard I stuck in the background here, and wanted to expand her story, protecting her liege from the many dangers this world holds. Flipped also wrote the story for this piece, as begins now:


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Princess Cadence hummed a mirthful tune as she procured her desired blouse from the elegantly designed rack with a flick of her horn, her 5 inch dagger heels clicking against the pristine tiles as she lifted her shopping bags up off the ground and made her way to the checkout lane.



“All tuckered out from corralling some of my finest garments, Honey Bun?” The Cashier inquired with a spirited tone, her signature top-hat and popped high collar doing their best to express her extravagantly thick eyelashes.



It wasn’t often that Sapphire Shores checked-out her own customers, after all!



Passing a mirthful smile back, Cadence lined her bags on the counter as she dug into her purse to retrieve her most faithfully packed wallet.



“Just about! I just couldn’t decide between which lace to go with, I have quite the ensemble back home and a certain Hubby who would be more then happy to see completed. A decision like that needed a dash of love to accomplish!” Cadence winked to Sapphire Shores, who giggled in response.



“OOH LA LA!! if I knew ahead of time you were getting somethin’somethin’ for your special somepony, I would have rolled out my latest undergarment line for my first ever grand opening in the Crystal Empire! But honey, sometimes you just have to commit to the bare minimum with such a gamble!”



Sapphire Shores wasn’t wrong in her assessment. As soon as the Crystal Empire returned to Equestria, it did not take long for throngs of business ponies operating under questionable circumstances flood the city and serve only the finest in useless trinkets and tat to a future-shocked population. Princess Cadence was quick to stamp out that practice, however, overseeing the influx of legitimate entrepreneurs and merchants herself with a keen eye for high quality wares and merchandise suitable for a population who has been living under a literal rock for over a thousand years.



Suffice to say, a vast majority of the Crystal Empire has been untouched by modern Corporate Equestria. That’s not to say that the time-capsule of a Kingdom is oblivious to their modern neighbors. The last year has seen an explosion in fashion among the population thanks to a particular Violet-maned Unicorn and her notable entourage of esteemed seamstresses. And by golly, a vocal niche had an appetite for more. And it was that desire which Sapphire Shores was more then happy to satisfy!



Unfortunately, judging from the lack of customers in the building, it seems her advertising campaign to celebrate her stores grand opening fell on deaf ears.



“Well, I am more then certain your new line-up will reach the Crystal Ponies soon enough, a slow day like this shouldn’t be a detriment to such a talented Seamstress such as yourself!” Princess Cadence smiled, happily sliding a platinum credit card across the counter with a snap of her finger.



“I ain’t one to fret the small stuff, Sugar Plum!” Sapphire Shores chirped happily, not a care in the world. “It was practically jumpin’ this morning and I have no doubt it will pick up the moment you are finished stimulating the local economy!



“Whatever do you mean-” Princess Cadence bit her lip, suddenly realizing what Sapphire meant. Turning on her heel to face the entrance to Sapphires Boutique, The Princess of Love blinked at the scenery outside.



Standing tall even among Alicorns, stood Princess Cadence’s most resilient and persistent bodyguard. Her armor as immaculate as her ponytail and her spear as smooth as her bald head, Cadences Bodyguard flexed under her steel plates as she studied passerby, who hastened their pace or had the brilliance to take the long way around such an imposing threat to their daily grind.



“In all my years abroad across Equestria and down the most dangerous Manehatten street, I have never seen such a sight! My own Staff have overstayed their smoke-break for the day just so they don’t get her stink-eye! Hay, she put the pep in Discord himself when he waltzed by for Celestia knows what! Wherever did you find such a brute, Sugar?”



Gulping loudly, Princess Cadence put on her best forced smile. “Oh… well, I didn’t have to look far for somepony in such a profession as myself!… I mean, where else would I…?” Cadence cast a quick glance back at her intimidating boydguard, who successfully scared away another potential customer with one single glimpse. “…She came with the Castle.”



Sapphire Shore’s blinked profusely, nearly dropping Princess Cadences Platinum credit card. “Beg your pardon, Sugar?”



“Undyne is quite renowned for her immense determination to serve… I couldn’t even get her to leave my side even if I wanted to!” Princess Cadence giggled, trying her best to hide her own woes at her current predicament.

Upvotes at import: 55 | Stars at import: 45
Posted previously at: 2018-07-03T16:19:37 | Posted previously by: Mildgyth