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?"

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 and me will set him straight, ensuring he treats you with

agreement,

joined in

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

home. If Leopold ever slacks

them for assigning him all household duties even before

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

much harsher than

wedding, not a mission to Fariana

warning made him wonder if they remembered he was the vulnerable one in this

new use for the tissues,

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

downed her glass

her in time, shocked at

was strong spirits, not something one

table, except for Vivienne

glares turned toward

pursued him for twenty years and

Leopold was soon

was surrounded by loved ones, a happiness worth savoring. The others, seeing Leopold's state, eased off, focusing on their own drinks and conversations. Percival, ever attentive to Vivienne, sampled dishes, ensuring nothing upset her again. Once Vivienne indicated she was

nodded, offering him some of her

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

focus, Leopold and Griffin were eventually called away, leaving Leopold regretting not

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