Finnegan's rejection was resolute and unambiguous. He conveyed his decision with a tone that was unwavering and authoritative, leaving Jacqueline feeling a growing sense of discomfort and anxiety. As she tentatively began, “Mr. Larkin, I...” her voice trailed off uncertainly.
At that moment, Marisol, possessing a general grasp of the situation from Theoden, intervened with a subtle but effective sigh, tactfully redirecting the conversation to prevent any further awkwardness for Jacqueline. With a graceful motion, she reached for her wine glass and turned her attention toward Finnegan. “This first toast is to honor Dr. Larkin. Thank you for transforming what could have been a perilous situation into one of safety for me!”
Since Marisol did not persist in the matter, Finnegan chose not to extend the conversation further.
Acknowledging the toast, he lifted his wine glass and responded with a touch of humility, “You're too kind, Mdm. Yeatman!”
During this exchange, Norman cast a silent but meaningful glance toward Jacqueline, serving as a non-verbal cue.
As a result, the banquet continued in its usual manner.
Despite Jacqueline's visibly subdued demeanor, the rest of the guests were engaged in animated discussions, contributing to a convivial and harmonious atmosphere.
As the meal progressed, Charlie, feeling a profound sense of respect, stood up. Clasping his cup firmly with both hands, he respectfully turned to face Finnegan and executed a deep bow.
His unexpected action momentarily surprised everyone. In a sincere tone, he addressed Finnegan, “Mr. Larkin, would it be possible for me to treat you with the esteem of a student, honoring you as my master?”
Charlie's request was not influenced by witnessing Finnegan's interaction with Marisol.
Instead, it was based on fragmented information gathered from Humphrey, combined with what he had heard from Celine the previous night.
He had pieced together a narrative that made him acutely aware of the immense benefits he could gain under Finnegan's mentorship.
However, apart from Norman and Marisol, his request astonished the rest of the guests.
This astonishment stemmed from the fact that Charlie was not just one of Loang's top ten miracle doctors, but he was also considered the most eminent in Jacaster.
His medical prowess was unrivaled, and his status was exalted.
The idea of him, a figure of such prestige, seeking to acknowledge Finnegan, a much younger individual, as his master, was indeed startling.
Tyrone and Jacqueline, in particular, were overwhelmed with a sense of remorse.
Tyrone's regret was more pronounced as he realized the folly of his previous covert schemes against Finnegan.
“Mr. Zester, this is not appropriate!” Finnegan, quickly understanding the gravity of the situation, promptly set his glass aside and stood up to help Charlie.
However, Charlie was firm in his resolve, adamantly remaining bowed, “Mr. Larkin, both Jerome and Humphrey view you as their master, please accept me as well. I will not rise until you do so!”
At this revelation, Tyrone was visibly shocked, his heart racing.
He was aware of Jerome's admiration for Finnegan, but the news of Humphrey, also one of the top ten miracle doctors and a confidant of influential figures, being Finnegan's student was new to him.
Humphrey's status was such that not just Theoden, but possibly even Norman might not have been privy to his allegiance
The realization that Humphrey might also be a disciple of Finnegan was a revelation that left Tyrone reeling.
As Tyrone grappled with his unease and disorientation, Finnegan, sensing the tension, uttered a light sigh, “Mr. Zester, it seems you have a knack for placing others in challenging positions.”
Finnegan already felt it somewhat incongruous to accept Jerome and Humphrey as his disciples.
Now, with Charlie also expressing a desire to acknowledge him as a master, Finnegan was truly experiencing a sense of dilemma.
Charlie, with unwavering conviction, asserted, “Mr. Larkin, in the realm of medicine, there is no hierarchy of seniority; the more proficient one naturally becomes the master. Despite your youth, your medical expertise far exceeds mine. I earnestly hope you will allow me to address you as 'master.”‘
As Charlie spoke, he seemed on the brink of kneeling down in reverence.
Finnegan, perceiving the gravity of the gesture, swiftly intervened. “Given your esteemed words, I fear I may have unintentionally assumed too much authority.”
Accepting the cup of alcohol from Charlie's hand, Finnegan consumed it in a single swig, symbolically accepting Charlie as his student.
Charlie's expression brightened with gratitude. “Thank you for your kindness, Master!”
With a smile tinged with resignation, Finnegan assisted Charlie to his feet and guided him back to his seat.
Marisol initiated the conversation with a playful tone. “First, we had Dr. Suisse and Dr. Magnussen acknowledging you as their master, and now Dr. Zester also regards you as his master. Dr. Larkin, does this not position you as the preeminent figure in the medical community of Loang?”
Indeed, it was unprecedented for someone to earn the admiration and respect of three of the top ten miracle doctors simultaneously.
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