Chapter 18
Master Linnaeus looked at Marcus carefully. Both of them gazed at each other with a mutual understanding at heart. They seemed to have the ability to read each other's thoughts. This was due to their level of closeness. They had known and been with each other for more than twenty years. This was enough time for a close bond to be established.
"You got a point there, Master Linnaeus, but still, I won't agree with you completely," Marcus said slowly. He thought about it for a while before he made that statement.
"Why would you do that?" Master Linnaeus asked. "Since you accept that I am quite right, it will be a necessary thing to highlight where I was right to clarify."
"No…" Marcus replied. "I don't think it's so necessary. You should be able to know what I am talking about. This isn't so hard, you know."
"But I still don't understand…" Master Linnaeus said carefully. "I think you should tell me where I made a point. You are making this discussion get elongated."
Marcus looked at Master Linnaeus slowly. He knew Master Linnaeus had a point but he didn't want to accept that. At last, Marcus decided to accept the point. He knew what to do.
"Alright! I am ready to accept the fact that you're right and also highlight the exact part that touched my heart. That would make things work between us, right?" Marcus said slowly. He looked at Master Linnaeus carefully after saying this. He was intently reading his expression.
"Go on! Things would work only after I have listened to that part that touched you…" Master Linnaeus said slowly. He was maintaining his stance about the situation at hand.
"Okay…" Marcus began. "I was touched by the fact that you said that I wouldn't have come here if I had all the answers in the world. That's the only thing I gained."
"This is sounding a little insulting though…" Master Linnaeus said slowly. "I guess you don't take it like that, do you?"
Marcus frowned.
"I don't mean to be insultive, master, but you see, this is supposed to be a challenge of intellects but from what I am seeing here, I am definitely losing out and I don't want to. You should get my point now," Marcus said carefully. He was addressing Master Linnaeus.
This got Master Linnaeus laughing hard. He almost rolled on the floor in laughter. Marcus didn't know why but this sounded so funny for Master Linnaeus.
"But this is not even the main challenge…" Master Linnaeus. "You are already complaining based on a freestyle which I didn't even count. Do you think you would survive if the real challenge begins?"
"Leave me alone, Master Linnaeus! I agree that you are too wise and I know I can never win you in any challenge whatsoever…" Marcus was saying. "I have agreed that you are the boss here. Instead, shall we discuss something more important?"
"Very well…" Master Linnaeus replied. "Have a seat, Marcus. I already knew you came here for something more important. I'd be happy to discuss it with you."
Marcus sat down on the chair opposite Master Linnaeus. Both of them could gaze at each other and look into each other's eyes properly now.
"The issue I wish to discuss with you is no small one. It's a huge one which requires attention and I want your wise input," Marcus said slowly.
"Go on! Like I said earlier, I will be more than happy to give you my own input. Just go ahead and tell me what's happening in your life," Master Linnaeus said to Marcus. This sounded like the most favorable response here.
"Okay…" Marcus began. "The issue is with my Luna…"
"You mean Rose, right?" Master Linnaeus intercepted coolly. He was anticipating a reply as quickly as possible.
"Yes, Master Linnaeus. I don't have any other Luna apart from her," Marcus said savagely. Master Linnaeus didn't mind about this. He kept his cool.
"Go on!" Master Linnaeus urged. "I am all ears!"
"Alright…" Marcus continued. He sighed deeply then continued talking. "Like I told you earlier, we both got attacked by some assassins earlier today. Both of us had to defend ourselves against the raging army of assassins sent to us."
But Master Linnaeus didn't let Marcus flow with his explanation. He interrupted once more.
"Where were the guards that were supposed to be with you and protect you in those kinds of circumstances?" Master Linnaeus wanted to know.
"I am sure you don't want to hear that explanation, Master…" Marcus said slowly. "Can I go ahead with my explanation?"
Master Linnaeus wasn't offended. He understood what was happening and he kept his cool just as usual.
"Well, you can go ahead!" Master Linnaeus replied. His voice sounded cool, not tense.
"Alright, Master…" Marcus continued. "So while we fought, Rose got injured…"
And once more, Master Linnaeus interrupted. This time he had an alarmed look which rarely popped on his face. He was really worried and nervous at the same time.
Marcus thought he would ask if Rose was fine but he didn't do that. Instead, he asked about something he didn't expect but you see, what he asked was related to the circumstance.
"Wait…" Master Linnaeus began. He was trying to catch his breath as his breathing had gotten disordered just as he heard the news about Rose's injury. "Do you mean you and Rose fought separately? Like you fought in the left corner and her in the right…"
Marcus sighed.
"Well, kind of…" Marcus said. "But you are wrong. I was on the right while she was on the left."
This made Master Linnaeus angry. He looked at Marcus angrily, stood up on his feet, and hit his hand on the hard table angrily.
"Are you supposed to be saying this right now?" Master Linnaeus asked in anger.
"Calm down…" Marcus tried. This sounded quite heavy since he wasn't used to it.
"Shut it!" Master Linnaeus cried. "If anything bad happens to Rose, I will make you suffer for it. You were supposed to protect her and not let her fight alone!"