The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Gary couldn't hold back his admiration. "Master, considering Vivienne's touch, this minor task is a piece of cake for her. Moreover, everything she handles turns into a collector's edition." Donald nodded earnestly, glancing at Finnian's bright red attire and swallowed hard. "Indeed, Master, maybe Vivienne could tweak something for you too?"

Daniel frowned, "You're going too far, guys. Our Master is a man of stature. Can we really afford to make him a spectacle in front of everyone?"

Finnian stroked his beard, finding Daniel's concern the only one that resonated with him.

However, Daniel's next comment nearly pushed Finnian to disown him as a disciple.

Casting a glance at Finnian's increasingly portly figure, Daniel shook his head, "Besides, what transformation can we expect at Master's age? Can we really expect him to match Vivienne's fitness?" There was a moment of silence before a unanimous agreement.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Lately, Master did seem to have indulged a bit too much.

Dressed in bright red, he actually looked... rather festive.

They all pondered when they'd have Finnian don such attire for their weddings, given none of them were keen on marrying yet.

Finnian's mood darkened further.

What sins had he committed in his past life to deserve such disciples?

Eric, unable to bear the tension and sitting directly across Finnian, adjusted his glasses, now seeing everything tinted in red. "Master, how about I send over a piece that's just as good as the one you're wearing?" Finnian was tempted but suppressed the thought immediately.

He had accepted those gifts from Leopold; what if Leopold asked for them back?

Knowing Leopold's temperament, it was entirely possible.

Choosing between a day's embarrassment and a box of treasures, Finnian found no room for hesitation. "What's there to change? Leopold gave this to me, and I... I think it's quite nice."

After all, it was only for a day; no skin off his back.

Vivienne saw right through him, commenting casually, "Master seems quite pleased. It appears Leopold has been quite diligent."

Finnian choked on his words, about to defend himself, but the eager faces of his disciples looking for gossip stopped him. He vented his frustration, "What are you all standing around for? Go help Leopold and learn something useful from Jerry, won't you? Have some initiative."

Once the disciples had left, Finnian whispered to Vivienne, "Watch your words, girl. You know how they covet my treasures."

Vivienne couldn't help but roll her eyes. The treasures Finnian guarded so jealously were of no real interest to his wealthy disciples, concerned more with assets in billions than with old medicinal herbs they'd never use.

Yet, Vivienne knew better than to argue. It would only make things worse.

Switching topics, she inquired about Finnian's health, to which he boasted about his resilience if not for an enchantment that halved his inner energy.

Remembering something, Finnian's tone softened, asking if Vivienne had any more of that healing potion he found effective.

Vivienne turned away, incredulous that Finnian had used up the entire bottle. Knowing him, he was probably planning to trade it for cash. "None left," she replied firmly.

The conversation drifted as Vivienne

reached for some snack nuts on the table, finding them surprisingly palatable She was about to enjoy another when a sudden wave of nausea hit her, a secret struggle she had tried to mask that morning.

Finnian, noticing Vivienne's discomfort, offered his help, suggesting remedies and acknowledging the unique bond between her and Mr. Wolf, especially through a particular scent that seemed to ease her symptoms.

Their moment was abruptly

interrupted by Leopold, who had accidentally overheard their private conversation. Panicked, he promised to keep Vivienne's pregnancy a secret, unwittingly revealing it to everyone within earshot.

The sudden cold silence that followed was punctuated by gasps, marking the revelation of a closely guarded secret to the entire household.

The news hit them like a ton of bricks. Vivienne was pregnant!

Vivienne herself remained silent, a storm brewing behind her calm facade. "Well, Leopold," she thought. "This is a grudge I won't forget." Behind her, her friends exchanged bewildered looks, unsure of what to say next.

Eric, the so-called "Fourth Musketeer," gulped nervously. "Vivienne, when did this happen? Please tell me we're not the last to know."

Donald, always the clueless one, blinked in confusion. "Hold up, we've only been apart for a few days. How did this happen so quickly...?" "It's like you've been keeping secrets from us!"

They acted as though they'd stumbled upon some scandalous secret.

Just a while back, Vivienne had been dueling that old witch, a dangerous encounter they could barely bring themselves to think about.

"It was me who suggested we keep it under wraps!"

Percival's arrival only stoked the flames of their frustration.

Dawson, ever the protective one, stepped forward, his anger palpable. "And who are you in this picture? She's our Vivienne. Do you have any

idea how risky that situation was, letting her face that danger alone?"

"We entrusted her to you, and this is how you repay us?"

"Percival, are you even a man?"

BUMS

The brothers were seething, ready to drag Percival out and give him a piece of their minds.

Percival stood his ground, silent, offering no explanation.