This was the first time in the series a "mindless" Titan was shown to have the capacity for speech and complex emotion (reverence).
The notebook reveals Ilse's struggle after her squad was wiped out. Lost and without a horse or gear, she attempted to flee north. She encountered a Titan that, instead of eating her immediately, bowed and spoke human words, calling her "a subject of Ymir" and "Lady Ymir". Shingeki no Kyojin OVA - Episode 1
Confused and terrified, Ilse attempted to question the Titan about its origins. Her yelling triggered the Titan's aggression, leading it to tear its own face before eventually killing her. She continued writing her observations until her final breath. Key Takeaways & Significance This was the first time in the series
The episode follows two parallel timelines: the present search by the Scout Regiment and the past account written in a diary. She encountered a Titan that, instead of eating