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?"

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,

nodded in agreement,

other mentors joined in the

numbers in Leopold's phone. Any issues, just reach out. If Leopold dares to cross

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

them for assigning him

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

much harsher than

not

wonder if they remembered

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

heard of me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love Leopold, and chasing him for twenty years proves it." "I'll

downed her glass

her in

not something one should simply

Vivienne and Percival, was

glares turned

and was so

the drinking continued, Leopold was soon too drunk to hold

others, seeing Leopold's state, eased off, focusing on their own drinks and conversations. Percival, ever attentive to

of her favorites, "Mr. Wolf,

from her hand, sharing a tender

the party's focus, Leopold and Griffin were eventually called away, leaving Leopold regretting not

support, he managed, a testament to the strong