Chapter 285 Changed Things
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
In the year 2205 of the Grigis calendar, Diana was born.
Though her family had their own home, both her parents worked constantly. Leaving young children alone was dangerous, so Diana and her older sister, Nishe, spent most of their days at Count Atmiras’s mansion. Thanks to the kindness of Neil’s parents, they lived among the servants in the grand house.
When Diana turned six, Nishe—three years older—began helping the servants, leaving Diana to spend many quiet, lonely days on her own. One afternoon, her mother, Lucena, told her, “You should be Neil’s playmate now.”
Diana was just six, still getting used to life in the mansion, and she didn’t fully understand what that meant. The first time she met Neil, she was so nervous she couldn’t say a word, much less play.
Neil was only four then. To avoid drawing attention from the adults, he acted like an ordinary child. But when he saw Diana trembling with fear, he gently spoke to her in a calm, mature voice—surprisingly mature for a boy his age. His kindness slowly eased her nerves, and before long, they became close. From that moment, Diana admired Neil deeply.
About six months later, Neil turned five and began studying with a tutor. His days filled with lessons, and he no longer had time to play with Diana.
Losing Neil’s company hit Diana hard, but what troubled her more was the feeling of being left behind.
Neil was growing up, becoming smarter and more mature, while she stayed stuck in the mansion, waiting for her parents to finish work. Diana worried she’d never grow up or become someone useful like Neil.
One day, she told her mother, “I want to be an adult like you. I want to support Neil-sama.”
At first, Lucena thought it was just a childish whim. But when Diana kept asking week after week, Lucena realized she was serious and began training her to become Neil’s servant.
Lucena was strict, even as a mother. The servant lessons were harsh, very different from what a child normally learns. Diana often cried from the difficulty. But her desire to serve Neil kept her going, even when her heart ached.
Eight years passed. Diana had grown skilled enough to assist Lucena by giving instructions to the household staff. She was close to her childhood dream.
But her feelings had changed.
Neil’s attitude bothered her. Though noble, he always spoke politely to servants, asking kindly instead of ordering. Sometimes he bowed and thanked them. He was a prodigy, with incredible achievements, but his self-confidence was painfully low. His weak attitude seemed unworthy of someone destined to lead the Atmiras house. Diana’s admiration turned into disappointment.
Two years later, Neil was fifteen and in charge of colonization efforts. Diana was assigned as his personal attendant.
”Um… it’s been a while. Do you remember me?” Diana asked.
”Of course,” Neil replied politely.
For the first time in ten years, Neil spoke to her with formal respect. The confident boy who once held her hand was gone. Diana fought to hide her rising frustration.
”Lord Neil, I am your servant. Such an attitude is inappropriate.”
”But Diana-san, you’re older than me…”
”Age doesn’t matter. You should remember your social rank. As the future head of the Atmiras family, acting weak makes the servants uneasy.”
”S-sorry—I mean, I apologize.”
”You don’t need to apologize. You should behave with dignity when talking to servants.”
Neil smiled bitterly. “I understand, but I’m just… not cut out for being a noble. Maybe I’m not meant to be one.”
Her disappointment shifted to anger. Words spilled out before she could stop them. She insulted him—something unthinkable for a servant to do to their master. She could lose everything for it.
But Neil only smiled sadly and said, “No… I’m sorry for what I said.”
Normally, she should have been the one apologizing. Seeing his calm acceptance made her emotions spiral. She kept insulting him, defying her role.
Despite her harsh words, Neil didn’t argue or scold her back.
How weak had he become? Why had he changed like this?
Even so, Diana stayed by his side as his servant. She couldn’t erase all the years she had spent training for this. She still cared for Neil. And though she couldn’t succeed in the labyrinth, she hoped that their current mission would help Neil regain his confidence and show her the boy she once admired.
One day, everything changed.
Meeting Heindahl led Diana to meet Lewya. Until then, she had thought Neil weak and insecure, someone who would run from danger. She believed if an emergency came, she’d have to sacrifice herself so Neil could escape.
”How can you risk your life so easily?!” she had shouted.
She never imagined that someone so “weak” would risk himself without hesitation to protect a mere servant.
At first, Diana thought Neil had changed. Now, she realized she was wrong.
Neil wasn’t arrogant like other nobles who thought their lives mattered more than commoners. To him, all lives were equal. That was why he spoke politely and respected servants.
His words, “How can you risk your life so easily?” showed his true heart.
It wasn’t Neil who had changed.
It was Diana—she had lost her dreams and forced her own ideals onto Neil. When reality didn’t match, she blamed him. She felt ashamed and slowly softened.
From then on, she didn’t serve Neil out of duty, but because she truly wanted to support him.
Finally, I was able to write about the moment Diana’s attitude changed.
Other parts of this have been mentioned throughout the main story, so this section is short and simple.
If Diana were a ramen with no toppings, the other 2 would be a bowl of ramen with lots of toppings and a bowl of oil noodles. Apologies if it makes you feel heavy.
Notes:
• Count Atmiras – MC’s family
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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