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?"

If he ever gives you trouble, don't hold back. A good scolding or a visit

in agreement, solidifying

mentors joined in

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

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

silently thanking them for assigning him all household

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

much harsher

just a wedding, not a mission

wonder if they remembered he

use for the tissues,

all my brothers-in-law. You might have heard 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.

that, she downed her glass of strong spirits in

stop her in time, shocked at

not something one should simply gulp

for Vivienne and

glares

that pursued him for twenty years and

soon too drunk to hold

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 full, Percival

offering him some of her favorites,

from her hand, sharing a

focus, Leopold and Griffin were eventually called

testament to the strong