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?"

he ever gives you trouble, don't hold back. A good scolding or a visit from Vivienne and me will set him straight, ensuring

in agreement, solidifying

other mentors joined in the

Any issues, just reach out. If Leopold dares to cross you, he'll have us to answer to," they

helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks

silently thanking them for assigning him all household duties

was. Percival, going a step further while serving Vivienne some food, casually

much

wedding, not a mission to Fariana

they remembered he was the vulnerable one

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

she downed her glass of

couldn't stop her in time, shocked at

was strong spirits, not something one should simply

for Vivienne and Percival,

envious glares

him for twenty years and was so understanding? Leopold must

was soon too drunk to hold

loved ones, a happiness worth savoring. The others, seeing Leopold's state, eased off, focusing on their own drinks and conversations. Percival,

offering him some of her favorites,

the food directly from her hand, sharing a tender

were eventually called away,

he managed, a testament to the strong bonds formed within