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,

nodded in agreement, solidifying her

mentors joined in the

If Leopold dares to

a man from Emerald Mountain should be a gentleman at heart and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one

hard, silently thanking them for assigning him all household

this harmonious family dynamic for the first time, understanding why Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going a step

much

not a

warning made him wonder if they remembered he was the vulnerable one

new use for the tissues, not

have heard of me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love Leopold, and chasing him

she downed her glass of strong spirits in one

couldn't stop her in time, shocked at her

was strong spirits, not something one should simply gulp

table, except for Vivienne and Percival,

envious glares

twenty years and was

continued, Leopold was soon too

state, eased off, focusing on their own drinks and conversations. Percival, ever attentive to Vivienne, sampled dishes, ensuring

of her favorites, "Mr. Wolf, your

food directly from her hand, sharing a tender moment amidst

focus, Leopold and Griffin were eventually called

testament to the strong bonds