Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1453 The festive atmosphere of the New Year was only truly felt upon returning to Hell Monarch Estate. Everyone there was playing games like ring toss and archery, as well as taking part in a daring contest with Flamepetals, all with prizes and special rewards for the winners.

For the Flamepetal contest, each person had to hold a small pouch of red petals with a short fuse and throw it before it exploded. But it had to go off in the air-if it hit the ground first, they lost. Naturally, it was also acceptable to let it explode in hand. After all, if one's hands were burned, they deserved a prize for their efforts. Otherwise, Travis wouldn't stand for it.

By the time Carissa returned, they had been playing for over an hour. Bits of charred and powdery red petals covered the ground in a thick layer, soft underfoot, leaving a red dusting on her shoes.

She loved this kind of lively atmosphere and quickly joined in. She never let the Flamepetals explode in her hands, always throwing them at just the right moment and sending them bursting with a sharp, satisfying pop in the air.

On the other hand, Travis had reddened hands from too many near-misses, but his grin never faded. His prizes already filled an entire table, piled high.

Jacob played along for a while before sitting to the side, watching Kyle paint. Depicted on the canvas were everyone's youthful, radiant faces, smiling brightly. The red petals scattered across the floor reflected their flushed cheeks as they played, and the festive spirit seemed to spill right out of the painting. Lily had prepared meat pies and honeyed pies, both steaming hot.

The honeyed pies were Violet's favorite. She had once said that eating them for the New Year symbolized reunion, harmony, and completeness. Meanwhile, Carissa said that meat pies were meant to be eaten for wealth, as their shape resembled gold coins, symbolizing prosperity.

Violet insisted Carissa eat the honeyed pies, while Carissa insisted Violet eat the meat pies. They argued, their faces growing red with mock indignation, before both of them broke into hearty laughter.

two are like a couple of

Bun, on the other hand, didn't really care

it good enough to eat both

with a smile as she leaned against Violet, her face a little flushed. "It would have been even livelier tonight if he were here. He plays every game." Violet didn't reply, simply reaching for a handful of roasted nuts

Ridge? Wasn't he supposed to stay here for the New Year

"He said he's going back to prepare engagement gifts, then go to the

them in her mouth. "Did one of your cousins or aunts catch his

her expression a little strange. "He said he wants to marry me." Everyone turned to look at her with

of marrying anyone she was always the one declaring she would never

ear, tugging on it. "Is that

resist, her face calm as she continued to eat the

and knelt in front of

drunken nonsense," Violet scoffed. "I told him not

such a decision under my very nose and I had no idea? How could

roasted nuts, only for Cynthia to grab her