Vini was confused out of his mind.
When, where, why and how. His brain was full of questions. He recognises that the room he's in is a pretty fancy room. With gold ornaments and sophisticated utensils.
Then suddenly, a man enters his room.
Upon seeing him Vini's jaw drops to the floor.
In front of him was the man who solved the universe.
One of the founding father of stoicism.
Last of the five good emperor of the "Pax Romana ", a period of roughly 200 years which was identified as the golden age of increased and sustained Roman imperialism, relative peace and order, prosperous stability, hegemonic power, and regional expansion.
A man deserving of the title of being the greatest man to have ever lived.
The man in front of him was none other than, Marcus Aurelius.
The most powerful man on earth at the time of his reign.
He could've had anything he wanted, but Aurelius was a different man.
He chose virtue.
He was fundamentally, a good man.
But being good doesn't make someone a great person.
But imagine staring down the beast of truly unlimited fantasy and declaring,
'I choose virtue'
Not for the sake of praise or fame or admiration but simply for the sake of being good and doing that for 20 years.
That's impressive.
That's what made him great.
An emperor who chose humility over arrogance. He chose virtue over vice.
Life of Roman Emperors were often linked with hedonism. That is what they did, they indulged in money, sex, wine and any other luxury known to man.
But Aurelius cared for none. He was a good man even when no one was looking. If anything, he was at his best when no one was looking. His only fear was that he would let himself down.
Vini was in awe. To be in the presence of such a great man.
Aurelius opened his mouth,
" Morning, young lad"
Vini was confused. Why was he able to understand Aurelius, he didn't know ancient roman or latin. To begin with, How did he know the man infront of him was Marcus Aurelius without having ever seen him in real life. But the question that bugged him the most was ,why was Vini there. Was he still dreaming.
" What is all this!!! Am I still in a dream. Must be. That's the only way" Vini speaks with a tremble in his voice.
"Oh! how humorous!. But I can assure you, this is no dream, Vini Del Marcus,
Oh! look at that we share a name."
Marcus says with a smile.
Vini was dumbfounded.
"Why do you know my name."
Marcus replies in a calm voice,
"Well HE told me all about you"
" Who's HE"
Vini asks in a frenzy.
"How can I go back home"
Marcus looks at him," well you certainly have a lot of questions don't you, unfortunately for you I am a little busy. After all, I have an empire to look after.
Why don't you accompany me and we can talk on the way.
Vini agrees. Afterall he wanted to know more about his current situation. What was happening with him and why.
Marcus and Vini make their way through the huge castle, a few guards come their way. They greet Marcus but none of them notice Vini.
"It's like I'm invisible" Vini says in surprise.
"Oh yes, I forgot to tell you. Nobody other than me can see you."-Marcus
" So now can you finally tell me what's going on. Why am I here?"-Vini
"Well you are here to learn. Isn't it obvious. I'm not as intelligent as you but some people do call me wise sometimes " Marcus say jockingly.
"Learn what ??" Vini asks in confusion.
Marcus, ever with the same calm and somber look, " we shall find that out soon, but first I have a meeting, so if you could spare me a few moments.
After that we shall come back it"