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?"

"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

agreement, solidifying her

mentors joined in the

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

man from Emerald Mountain should be a gentleman at heart and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and we'll sort him out without needing

swallowed hard, silently thanking them for assigning him all

witnessing this harmonious family dynamic for the first time, understanding why Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going a step

much harsher

a wedding, not a mission to

360-degree warning made him wonder if they remembered he was the

new use for the tissues, not for

of me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love Leopold, and chasing him for twenty years proves it." "I'll treasure his virtues and work through his flaws together. I believe

her glass of strong spirits in one

stop her in time, shocked at her

something one should

table, except for Vivienne

glares turned

twenty years and was so

soon too

seeing Leopold's state, eased off, focusing on their own drinks and conversations.

nodded, offering him some of her favorites, "Mr.

replied, accepting the food directly from her hand,

and Griffin were eventually called away, leaving Leopold regretting not finishing his

he managed, a testament to the strong bonds formed within