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?"

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 and me

in agreement, solidifying her

joined

If Leopold dares to cross you, he'll have us to

gentleman at heart and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and we'll sort him out without needing Master or Vivienne

them for assigning him all household duties even

he was. Percival, going a step further while serving Vivienne some food,

much harsher than

just a wedding, not a mission

remembered he was the vulnerable

use for the tissues, not for Leopold

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

she downed her glass of strong spirits

couldn't stop her in

not something one should simply

table, except for Vivienne and Percival, was

envious glares turned

and

drinking continued, Leopold was soon too drunk to

and conversations. Percival, ever attentive to Vivienne, sampled dishes, ensuring nothing upset her again. Once Vivienne indicated she was full, Percival helped clean up, asking

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

Percival replied, accepting the food directly from her hand, sharing a tender moment amidst the oblivious

and Griffin were eventually called away, leaving Leopold regretting not

a testament to the strong bonds