Chapter 417: Chapter 236: Power Vetted by the Ancestors
He tried the maple-glazed bacon Brussels sprouts, their slight bitterness perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the maple and the smoky saltiness of the bacon, delivering a crisp and layered texture.
Ethan and Olivia were seated in their designated baby high chairs. In front of them was their own "mini Christmas dinner" on a small plate.
Emily had specially prepared it for them: a few pieces of mashed potatoes, softened to extreme tenderness without salt, a small handful of finely shredded chicken thigh, and carrots steamed to a soft and glutinous texture, cut into small cubes.
Ethan curiously grabbed a small piece of mashed potato with his chubby little hand, clumsily stuffing it into his mouth, smearing it all over his face.
Meanwhile, his sister Olivia was more poised, simply poking at the little cubes of carrot on the plate with her fingers.
Whiskey and Honey lay quietly by the dining table, contentedly gnawing at their share of turkey meat, occasionally sticking out their tongues to lick up food crumbs that fell from the baby high chair.
This meal, they ate unhurriedly, without discussing work or past hardships; they merely delighted in the delicious food and chatted about a few new words the children had recently learned.
Enjoying the pure bliss of familial happiness.
The dinner plates were cleared away, but the warm atmosphere of Christmas Eve continued to intensify.
Whiskey and Honey lay contentedly in front of the fireplace, resting their heads on their front paws, blissfully dozing off.
"Alright, now it’s time for my specialty," Aliya turned and headed into the kitchen.
A moment later, a more complex aroma began to slowly permeate the cabin, a unique scent mixing fruit, alcohol, and various spices.
The warmth of cinnamon, the spiciness of cloves, and a subtle, robust aroma of spirits.
Aliya came out holding two rustic ceramic pots, one slightly larger, the other smaller.
First, she poured a steaming hot mulled wine from the larger pot for both Lin Yu’an and herself.
"Glühwein," Aliya handed the warm glass to Lin Yu’an, a touch of pride on her face.
"This is a tradition from Germany. My dad says Christmas without this is like winter without a fireplace, lacking a soul."
Next, she poured for Emily from the smaller pot a drink that was lighter and amber-colored.
Aliya smiled and said to Emily, "This is for our hero, made with apple juice, cranberry juice, and the same spices, sure to have that festive air."
Lin Yu’an held his cup, noticing cinnamon sticks and orange slices floating in the deep red wine.
He took a sip, the warm, sweet, and spicy liquid sliding down his throat, followed by a stronger, fruit-scented warmth rushing down.
"Did you add brandy?" Lin Yu’an looked at her in surprise.
"Of course," Aliya proudly winked.
"My dad’s version, it has to pack a punch to dispel Montana’s chill."
Emily also held her warm "children’s punch," happily taking a sip of that cinnamon and fruity aroma.
Though each held a different drink, the warmth and sweet taste they shared belonged solely to Christmas.
They sat around on the sofa in front of the fireplace, the flames warmly flickering, and before them was the little Christmas tree.
Ethan and Olivia, exhausted from playing, had fallen into a deep sleep on the soft woolen carpet, while Aliya and Emily gently held them in their arms.
"Okay, it’s gift time now!" Aliya lowered her voice, but couldn’t hide her excitement.
Like a child, she knelt on the carpet beside the Christmas tree, beginning to play the role of Santa Claus.
She first dug out a flat box from the pile of gifts wrapped in brown paper and string, distinctively wrapped in deep blue velvet and silver ribbon.
"First, for our beloved Emily." She solemnly handed the box to Emily, "Emily, thank you for being by my side when I needed you the most."
Emily carefully untied the beautiful silver ribbon, then gently unfolded the velvet wrap, revealing a low-profile black hard gun case.
Curiously, she opened the lid, accompanied by a soft "click," finding a Walther PPK handgun lying quietly in the velvet lining, its small and exquisite body gleaming with elegant metallic luster.
"Wow..." Emily covered her mouth in surprise. She didn’t expect Aliya to give her such a hardcore yet trustful gift.
"I think it’s more suitable for you than a Glock 17," Aliya said with a smile, "Elegant, precise, and easier to carry and conceal."
Emily gave Aliya a big hug, whispering, "Thank you, Aliya, I really like it."
