Mob to Duchess

Chapter 18

One month before dukes return.

Everyone had grown stronger. Most of them could do an assignment on their own. Raven could easily win a fight against an average person. Her favourite weapon turned out to be throwing knives. And she used her agility to avoid attacks made on her. She was really happy with the outcome.

Kaia knew that the Duke was to return soon, which made her a little nervous. Kaia was strong, and she thought she may actually have a good chance against the Duke. What she was afraid of was his army. She could hide well, but if possible she would rather not live like that. Plus with all the people she was taking care of she didn't want to leave them behind, though if something did happen she could not take them with her. She was finally getting fond of these people.
In her previous life she was born in a family where she couldn't even trust her parents. Everyone was a back stabber, like her brother who literally stabbed her in the back. The people she trusted could be counted on one hand. Just like them she was also ready to die for her trusted. It was a group she made herself. It was a league of its own.
In this life it was different. She trusted these people enough to care about their life and death. Their getting hurt may actually make her angry or sad. 

................

The country had started planning for the Duke's return. She has to now figure out how to hand Azai to him. But she had a bad feeling about meeting the duke. It was not because she felt threatened. But it was something else, and she couldn't point her finger to it.

She was also invited to the celebration party of the army's return, which she wanted to decline at first. But before she could say anything Raven said that Kaia has to.

'I'm starting to think she wants me dead.' Kaia thought thinking about Raven.

'And you have to wear a proper dress' raven had told Kaia. 

So they both sacrificed a bit and the dress was something Kaia designed. Kaia didn't hate wearing dresses the main issue was Kaia would rather die than wear a corset. She came from a modern era. A dress could do without coset and still bring your figure out the way intended. So a dress was designed according to those standards. 

There was no particular rule here to how much skin you show, but most dresses focused on chest. Kaia's dress though was an A line dress which tied around her neck covering her chest but exposing most of her back. The colour was kept simple shade of red with light embroidery that wouldn't attract too much attention towards Kaia. 

Raven was also joining Kaia for the celebration, after Kaia put effort in persuading her. Of course the invitation Kaia received allowed her to bring someone with her and the castle was informed of the same.

Day of the celebration
In Kaia's mansion

As they walked out of their room everyone was gathered at the door. The moment they saw Raven and Kaia they couldn't keep their mouth open. They couldn't believe that these were the same women that they were living with. Kaia had done both of their makeup. Which made them look natural. Of course all the effort Kaia had made to keep herself simple had gone to waste.

Raven was wearing a violet dress that complimented her eyes. And her hair was tied up in beautiful braids.
While Kaia wore the red dress. And half of her hair was tied up in partially braided Bun with an ornament.

They sat in the carriage and made their way towards the castle where the celebration was being held.