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."