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?"

Of all my students, Leopold is the most guileless-naive, to put it bluntly. If he ever gives you trouble,

agreement,

mentors joined

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

Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and we'll sort

for assigning him all household duties even before

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

much harsher

a wedding, not a mission to Fariana

360-degree warning made him wonder if they remembered he

for the tissues, not

to everyone at the table, she said, "Thank you, Master, Vivienne, and all my brothers-in-law. You might have heard of me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love Leopold, and chasing him for twenty years

that, she downed her glass

stop her in time, shocked

strong spirits, not something one should

Vivienne and Percival, was

glares turned toward

pursued him for twenty years and was so understanding? Leopold

the drinking continued, Leopold was soon too drunk to

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

some of her favorites,

the food directly from her

party's focus, Leopold and Griffin were eventually called away, leaving Leopold regretting not finishing his

he managed, a testament to the