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 from Vivienne and me will set him straight, ensuring

nodded in agreement, solidifying

joined in the

Any issues, just reach out. If Leopold dares

and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and we'll sort him out without

swallowed hard, silently thanking them for assigning him all

was witnessing this harmonious family dynamic for the first time, understanding why Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going a step further while serving Vivienne some food, casually mentioned, "Step out of line, and it's

much

not a mission to

him wonder if they remembered he was the

a new use for

me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love

she downed her glass

her in

something one should simply

table, except for Vivienne

envious glares turned

for twenty years and was so understanding? Leopold

the drinking continued, Leopold was soon too drunk to hold

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

some of her

food directly from her hand, sharing a tender moment amidst

Leopold and Griffin were eventually called away, leaving Leopold regretting

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