A Small Turning Point
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“Wouldn’t you consider staying a little longer?”
A noble with a dashing mustache said to the woman.
“Diana, I still need your help.”
“I don’t have anything else to do. Others should be able to take over just fine.”
“…If you say so, then I suppose it’s alright. Thank you for your hard work.”
After leaving the noble’s house, Diana walked the streets alone. She happened to spot a fortune cookie at a dessert shop.
“Huh?”
She picked up the cookie and gently broke it open. A slip of paper fell out.
“You will find what you desire.”
A simple sentence. She looked over the slip carefully, but that was all it said.
Diana tucked the note into her pocket and resumed walking the street.
Where should I go? As for the thing I desire…
“There you are. Got a moment to talk?”
A voice came from behind, and Diana turned around.
There stood a woman as dazzling as flames.
“Long time no see, Lady Artnis.”
“Long time no see. How have you been?”
Artnis gracefully closed her folding fan with a soft smile.
“Sorry to say this upon meeting, but I need your help. Do you have time now?”
Someone’s invitation… Diana recalled the slip from the fortune cookie. Maybe this was the path to what she desired.
“Of course. Let’s talk somewhere else.”
The End of a Small Uproar
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Ah, here you are. Did you come to see me? Hehe, just kidding. You're probably here to ask about the banquet, right?
The banquet was a great success. Although the royal family of Pereus has hosted many banquets, none have ever encouraged such free interaction among attendees. Both nobles and commoners alike gave it high praise.
Some even suggested that Lady Artnis should be in charge of future banquets. Though… it seems she didn't particularly like that idea.
However, there was also a bit of trouble. Miss Chesha was investigated by the Perreus Knights. Lady Artnis played a big part in resolving the situation. Fortunately, Miss Chesha had never appeared publicly, so things went relatively smoothly. The Knights seem to have dismissed her as merely a girl who got caught up in the incident. As for the remnants of Crimson Glaze, Lady Artnis has already entrusted them to Lady Isania.
Though Miss Chesha's actions were certainly inappropriate, no one was seriously harmed in the end. Hopefully, she'll be forgiven. After all, she's a victim of Crimson Glaze herself.
As for me? I plan to rely on Lady Artnis a little longer. You may have heard—I've worked in many noble households. But I've never truly served anyone from the heart. I always wandered, hoping to one day find a master I'd be willing to serve with all my heart.
Perhaps… I'll meet them very soon.
The First Maid
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For nobles, banquets are matters of utmost importance. In a society filled with scheming and power plays, banquets provide an opportunity for nobles to expand their connections.
Among all types of banquets, the most prestigious are those hosted within one's own estate.
However, hosting a banquet is no easy task. It must satisfy the attending nobles. Any oversight in preparation can lead guests to look down on the host—some may even see it as an insult to their status. Therefore, being able to host a banquet that pleases all guests is considered a basic requirement for any reputable noble.
Once, a duke was preparing to host an extravagant banquet. Countless people put in great effort to make it a success, but the picky duke remained dissatisfied. As he grew more troubled, he heard a rumor—of a maid named Diana, said to possess exceptional skills. Any banquet she prepared was guaranteed to succeed.
The duke immediately tried to recruit Diana, but she turned down his offer. She agreed only to help with the banquet preparations, stating that she was still searching for a master she truly wished to serve and had no plans for long-term employment.
The duke was enraged—how dare a mere maid presume to choose her own master? But that arrogance melted away like snow the moment he witnessed her flawless abilities. A maid of such talent indeed had the right to make her own choice.
In the end, the duke's banquet was a resounding success. Many people asked how he managed it. To this, the duke simply replied:
"This banquet succeeded because I hired a maid named Diana."
Word spread quickly throughout noble society, and from that day on, Diana came to be known as the "First Maid."
The master I wish to serve
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I'm Rei. Have you been doing well lately?
After meeting with you all and Diana, I went to visit her and earnestly asked her to teach me how to be a proper maid. I really wanted to become more professional, and she agreed without hesitation! Oh my gosh, it was a chance to learn from the original maid herself! Even though I'm just a country girl with little experience, I knew how precious this opportunity was—it might never come again in my lifetime! So I made up my mind to learn diligently at Diana's side, without slacking off for a second.
One day, Diana recommended me to help prepare for a banquet at a prestigious noble estate. It was an assignment she received and passed on to me. When I heard the news, I didn't feel joy at first—instead, I was overwhelmed with worry. I was afraid I'd mess up again and embarrass Diana.
After the preparations were complete, the noble actually summoned me personally. My heart immediately tensed up—I thought I'd done something wrong and ended up dragging Diana down with me… But to my surprise, the noble was very pleased with my work and even gave me a huge compliment! It was the first time I'd ever been praised like that since becoming a maid! And then… he even asked if I'd be interested in officially joining his household as a full-time maid! I was so overjoyed I didn't know what to do! He's known for treating his staff with utmost respect and gentlemanly care—I've always dreamed of working for him, and now that dream has come true! All of this is thanks to Diana—and to all of you!
Oh, by the way, did you know? Diana is surprisingly talkative! While training, we chatted a lot, and I found out she's actually a romantic at heart! That totally caught me off guard! I always thought she was the strict, perfectionist type… but it turns out she also has a softer, girlish side!
We even talked about our “ideal master” recently. She didn't say much about it, only quietly mentioned that she's already met the one she wishes to serve for life… but still can't be by their side. I wonder what kind of person that master is—who could capture Diana's heart like that? They must be someone truly remarkable!