Her Graceful War Song

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.

"You two are like a couple of madwomen," Cynthia remarked.

Travis and Bun, on the other hand, didn't really care for the traditions.

Wasn't it good enough to eat both pies?

"It's a shame Isaac went back to Meadow Ridge," Carissa said 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 to snack on.

"By the way, why did Isaac go back to Meadow Ridge? Wasn't he supposed to stay here for the New Year with me?" Carissa asked, suddenly remembering that point.

Violet chewed on the roasted nuts, her voice calm as she replied, "He said he's going back to prepare engagement gifts, then go to the Spencer family to propose."

Carissa snatched a few nuts from her and tossed them in her mouth. "Did one of your cousins or aunts catch his eye?"

Violet suddenly sat up straighter, her expression a little strange. "He said he wants to marry me." Everyone turned to look at her with wide eyes.

It was common knowledge that Violet had no intention of marrying anyone she was always the one declaring she would never get married.

Carissa grabbed her friend's ear, tugging on it. "Is that for real?"

Violet didn't resist, her face calm as she continued to eat the roasted nuts. "From the look on his face, he seemed serious."

Cynthia rushed over and knelt in front of Violet. "So, are you going to marry him?"

"It was drunken nonsense," Violet scoffed. "I told him not to go, but he insisted."noveldrama

"Spill it!" Carissa jumped to her feet. "You two made such a decision under my very nose and I had no idea? How could you do this to me?"

"Spill what?" Violet reached for another handful of roasted nuts, only for Cynthia to grab her hands.

"You have to explain," Cynthia

insisted, her wide eyes narrowing. "What do you mean by drunken nonsense? You two were drinking without us? And he got so drunk he started talking about marrying you? What exactly happened?"

Travis placed his hands on his hips, shaking his head in indignation. "Right? With no news from the Southern Frontier, here you are sneaking around with this little secret, and we had no clue!"

"Violet, we tell you everything we do,

even the silliest stuff," Bun added with mock outrage. "But when it comes to something as big as you and Isaac getting married, you keep it from us? That's disrespectful. We're cutting ties!"

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Violet shot him a sharp look, her eyes glinting "Who wants to know the silly stuff you do? And I'm telling you now Caren't I? I even chose a grand occasion to share this simple little matter with you. Isn't that enough respect?"