18 Balthazar's mask

After their quarrel, Isabelle and Ishkaria intensely gaze at Balthazar while the old lady Ella poured some tea into Balthazar's cup. Celestina on the other hands were not interested, She glanced at the two girls then let out a sigh.

"If you're hoping to see his face, give it up" she casually said and went back to read her book.

Ishkaria and Isabelle were confused. They wanted to ask why, But before they could ask the question, Balthazar slowly lift the teacup into his mouth.

The two went back to stare at him not wanting to miss a single detail.

"Moment of truth" Ishkaria whispered.

But Balthazar did not remove his mask, Instead, The teacup went through it. He also grab a snack given to her by Ella and it also went through the mask.

"It's... Weird" Isabelle felt uncomfortable by what she saw. The cup and the biscuit passed through the mask like any other object that passed through a liquid substance.

Ishkaria felt the same way. "yeah it's disgusting, But I'm curious" Ishkaria said.

"Professor, is his mask just an illusion?" Ishkaria asked Celestina who were still reading her book.

"Believe me, that thing was made by one of the hardest material on earth"

"Then why does it looked like it was made out of liquid?" Isabelle asked a follow up question.

"That masked is inscribed with magic, see those runic symbols on the sides?" Celestina pointed it out, Indeed there was a runic symbols on it. "That magic only responds to him, thus only him can decide whatever that pass through it"

Feeling dejected, Isabelle gave up on her goal to see Balthazar's face. She sat on the couch opposite to Celestina.

"still wearing that mask alone makes him a very mysterious person" Isabelle muttered.

Celestina stopped reading her book for a moment then she took a small glanced at Balthazar. A smile was formed on her lips "Yes, he is very mysterious" She then went back into reading.

"Still, wearing that strange mask all the time."

"He doesn't wear it all the time you know, he always take it out when he bath"

All of a sudden, Isabelle's burning desire was reignited, She had a new scheme on her mind. She must satisfy her curiosity.

Ishkaria looked at Isabelle and she quickly knew what's on her mind. She gave Isabelle a wink and a thumbs up. Ella approached the girls on the coach and offered a cup of tea.

"Oh thanks lady Ella" Celestina grabbed the cup of tea that Ella offered.

Ella has been serving Balthazar for the last 40 years, She was serving Balthazar even before Althrea was established. So when Althrea was built, Balthazar offered Ella who's real name is Janela to go with him in Althrea in which Ella happily agreed.

Because of that, Celestina was very familiar with her because Celestina was Balthazar's apprentice.

"Back on the topic Ishkaria, You never mention that your father is Altirion"

"Ehhh, That?, I never really like that old man, He can just rot in Enthua" Ishkaria was frustrated hearing the name of her father.

"You don't seem to like your father? why is that?" Isabelle asked

"That old fool moved to Enthua and left me and my mom here on Vreyane. His role as a great monk is more important than his role as a father in his own family. Ughh talking about him makes me more frustrated!, for that let me hug you until I'm satisfied!"

Ishkaria jumped towards Isabelle and hugged her tightly without waiting for her approval

"That old fool should just rot on their temple"

Meanwhile, not far Balthazar was listening on their conversation. He looked up into the ceiling as if thinking of something. "Roles huh." he muttered. He reorganized the papers on his desk and returned the tea cup to Ella. "Your tea really gives me comfort Ella"

"Ohh thank you, You can always ask for more" Ella was really happy that she serve this kind of man. After her hometown was destroyed by the war years ago, It was Balthazar who helped Ella, When even her own friends, neighbors and government abandoned her. Balthazar, Who at that time was a complete stranger to her was there.

Balthazar walked towards Isabelle, "Come Isabelle" He said.

Isabelle was confused, 'What's this all of the sudden?'

"Where are we going?" She asked Balthazar.

"In my personal room, We'll begin your first lesson"

A big smile appeared on Isabelle's face.

"By the way, have you decided on what to call me yet?" Balthazar asked.

"Yep"

"And what did you came up with?"

"Balthy"

Ishkaria and Celestina hid their faces and tried to contain their laugh.

Balthazar: ....