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

in agreement, solidifying her

joined in

phone. Any issues, just reach out. If Leopold dares

at home. If Leopold ever slacks off,

hard, silently thanking them for assigning him

for the first time, understanding why Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going a step further

much harsher than

wedding, not

they remembered he was the vulnerable

meanwhile, found a new use for the tissues, not

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

glass of

stop her in time,

was strong spirits, not something one should simply gulp

except for Vivienne and Percival, was

glares turned toward

that pursued him for twenty years and

the drinking continued, Leopold was soon too drunk to

let him be, knowing he 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

some of her favorites,

directly from her hand, sharing a tender

were eventually called away, leaving Leopold regretting

with Griffin's support, he managed, a testament to the strong bonds formed