[Diana]
I paced around the bedroom while waiting for Devia. I gazed at the murals painted on the ceiling and started making a story out of it. I was astonished by the artistry and creativity exhibited in the paintings.
Devia came back and announced that the bath was ready. I abandoned my reverie and made my way to the bathroom.
"Thanks, Devia. I can take it from here," I said.
"Are you sure, m'lady?" She asked.
"Yes, I don't need help to get undressed and bathe..." I answered.
She stood dumbfounded and unable to respond.
"Is it normal for someone to accompany you in the bath?" I asked.
"For nobles, yes," She answered.
"Well, maybe you can just prepare my evening clothes, I guess?" I asked hesitantly.
She nodded and answered, "Understood."
I nodded and began undressing, then headed into the bath.
~o0o~
After my bath, I felt refreshed and relaxed. I grabbed a towel, dried myself off, and left the bathroom. Devia was waiting next to my bed, with the clothes neatly piled and organized on top of it.
"M'lady!" Devia shrieked.
She rushed to the window and pulled the curtains together.
"You can't run around naked! Most especially with curtains open," Devia scolded.
"Well, how was I supposed to know the curtains were open?!" I retorted.
"Next time, please knock on the door so I may hand your change of clothes to you," Devia suggested.
"Alright, alright," I replied.
"Can I at least change here?" I asked.
"Of course, m'lady," Devia answered.
With the help of Devia, I was able to get changed into a fresh set of clothes. The evening clothes were more comfortable and less stiff compared to this afternoon's gown. However, this set of clothes was equally sumptuous and elegantly designed.
"Devia, why did you become a menyott?" I asked.
She paused from styling my hair and thought about the question.
"I wasn't originally from Levelia," She answered.
"Really?!" I exclaimed.
"Let me explain," She paused, "My mother was a Levelian diplomat, and my father was a priest in the Creator's Temple on Senlov. They met in Ecklesnovad and fell in love."
"What...?" I was stunned.
"Yes, and from that affair, I was born. Then my mother had to leave Robania. So, I was left with my father in the Temple of the Creator," She said.
"So you learned from your father?" I asked.
"He taught me during my childhood, but my mother took me to Luminaris, and I haven't seen my father since," She answered.
"But, why did you become a menyott?" I asked again.
"My mother enrolled me in the Imperial Academy of Puritia and wanted me to follow in her footsteps. However, I wanted to become a menyott, so after I graduated and worked for some time, I quit and joined the Creyaltver," She answered.
"So you didn't want to become a diplomat?" I asked.
"Yes, and I felt closer to my father by becoming a menyott," Devia answered.
"Ah-h-h-h, I see," I replied.
"Besides, being a menyott is more rewarding than being a diplomat," She said.
"Why's that?" I asked.
"Both jobs require me to leave the country, but being a menyott has always been my dream. Besides, fewer people question a menyott's intentions," Devia answered.
"Isn't being a menyott more restrictive than being a diplomat? I mean, you have diplomatic immunity as a diplomat, but you don't as a menyott," I said.
"That's true. I'm constantly going on missions abroad, but the threat of being caught is more exhilarating than being stuck with paperwork every day," Devia answered.
"So, you didn't join the Creyaltver because of faith or piety?" I asked.
"That was one of the factors, but I was drawn by the prospect of adventure," Devia paused, "Sure, diplomatic missions can go south and get dangerous, but the missions from the Creyaltver are more exciting."
"You sound like an adrenaline junkie right now," I teased.
She chuckled and said, "I kinda am, m'lady, but I mainly joined in memory of my father. He practically raised me until I was whisked away to Levelia."
"Would you have rather stayed on Senlov?" I asked.
"No, I would have been ostracized if they knew I was a bastard," She paused, "Forgive me, m'lady. I shouldn't have said that."
"Haha! Don't worry, I'm used to hearing that," I smiled.
"Thank you. Well, anyway, that was the story of my life. I'll check if Lady Mara has arrived with our dinner," She said as she finished styling my hair.
"Alright, thank you, Devia," I said as I gazed at her handiwork.
Devia left the bedroom while I remained seated next to the dresser.
I gazed at my reflection and was amazed by Devia's handiwork. My long, wavy hair was intricately styled into a braided bun. It felt surreal to have my hair styled like this.
A knock on the door broke me from my reverie, Devia's voice called out from the other side and said, "M'lady, dinner's ready!"
"Coming!" I replied.
I got up from my seat and exited my room to be surprised by Sam, Thomas, and Gabrosch's presence.
"W-What are you guys doing here?!" I exclaimed.
"We were discharged early, and Gabrosch tagged along," Sam answered.
"W-well, would you like to join us for dinner? I mean, if there's any extra," I said.
"Don't worry, m'lady, Lady Mara brought up enough food for all of us," Devia assured.
"Oh, that's strange, but cool," I paused, "Well then, shall we?"
We gathered in the dining room, and while Devia and Gabrosch prepared the dining table, I caught up with Samina and Thomas.
Once the table was ready, we all sat down and feasted on the sumptuous meal prepared for us.