The Million-Dollar Heart

After the photo shoot, Vivienne was left speechless.

Out of the dozen people, she and her mentor, Dawson, stuck out like sore thumbs.

And of course, they had been placed right in the middle.

Like two overly festive "clowns" in a sea of subtlety.

The rest of the group, however, lit up at the sight of the photo, eagerly asking for copies.

Dawson, ever the eccentric, and Vivienne, not much for frivolities, made this gathering a first for their group, Emerald Mountain. This photo was, in a way, their "family portrait." Dawson glanced at the photo now set as his screensaver, nodding in approval, "Leopold, well done, lad. Much appreciated!"

"I'll have to get this printed and hung by my bed. Leopold, you've outdone yourself this time."

Leopold beamed with pride.

Seeing the leftover tear streaks on Leopold's face from the ceremony, Griffin's heart softened. She passed him a tissue under the table, "Here, wipe it off before the others start teasing." Finnian, overhearing, let out a hearty laugh, "Oh, come on, we all know Leopold's strengths. Nothing we haven't seen before."

Leopold's cheeks flushed, "Master, could you not bring up my past blunders today, especially not in front of Griffin!"

Finnian laughed even harder, "Alright, alright."

A student grows, and pride must be preserved.

But as a mentor, Finnian felt certain responsibilities, especially with Leopold being the first among them to get married. He had to share some wisdom.

"Leopold's partner..."

Griffin straightened up, ready to listen, "Yes, Master?"

approval, "Don't hesitate to call me if you need. Of all my students, Leopold is the most guileless-naive, to put it bluntly. If he ever gives you trouble, don't hold back. A good scolding or a visit from Vivienne

agreement, solidifying

mentors joined in the

phone. Any issues, just reach out. If Leopold dares to cross you, he'll have

If Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and we'll sort him out without needing Master or Vivienne to step

for assigning him all household duties even

why Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going a step

much

just a wedding, not a mission to

remembered he was the vulnerable one in

found a new use for the tissues, not for Leopold but

"Thank you, Master, Vivienne, and all my brothers-in-law. You might have heard of me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love

that, she downed her glass of

stop her in

strong spirits, not something one should

table, except for Vivienne and Percival,

envious glares turned

that pursued him for twenty years and was so understanding? Leopold must

soon too drunk to hold his

own drinks and conversations. Percival, ever attentive to Vivienne, sampled dishes, ensuring nothing upset her again. Once Vivienne indicated she was full,

him some of her favorites, "Mr. Wolf, your

from her hand, sharing a tender moment amidst the

party's focus, Leopold and Griffin were eventually called away, leaving Leopold

support, he managed, a testament to the strong bonds formed