Though it certainly had achieved Lily’s short-term objectives: access to Captain Mailedhoof's loins, and through them, his wallet as well. But it sure put her Very Important Pony, who wasn't actually a pony, in a bit of a tight spot with the major general. Hoofstrong was trying to put a horseshoe to nobleponies just like Mailedhoof, who bought their way into the fashionable palace guard and pretended to serve their country, all while slacking at their duties with the knowledge that their regiments were seldom called upon for anything beyond pomp and circumstance.