After everyone had dispersed, Alex and Seras headed to the dining hall to grab some coffee and just chat about random nonsense. On the way there, Seras kept asking Alex questions about who his people used to be in the past. Alex named them and, without going into too much detail, told her what each of them had done before.

Seras listened attentively and nodded, but she also finally got the answer to her earlier question: which of Alex’s friends had such a specific sense of humor. For some reason, she wasn’t surprised at all that it turned out to be Ghost. She had immediately pegged him as pretty creepy and dangerous.

When they reached the kitchen, Alex brewed coffee for himself and Seras, who immediately dropped one of her blood candies into her cup to find out what flavor she’d get today. Unfortunately for Seras, luck wasn’t on her side — she ended up with a taste she hated: bitter dark chocolate.

Sipping coffee together with Alex, Seras wanted to ask him what kind of “job” he had been talking about with his team. She had overheard the conversation thanks to her excellent vampiric hearing. But when she voiced the question, Alex simply replied that it was a secret.

Alex had no intention of telling Seras that he was sending his people to clean out yet another secret organization in London. He knew that Seras still believed killing people was wrong — no matter what those people had done.

Alex perfectly understood that Seras was still a kind girl at heart, despite her nature, so he planned to stay silent. Seeing that Alex wasn’t going to answer, Seras just nodded, took an offended sip of her coffee, narrowed her eyes slightly at him, and tried to guess what his plans were.

But before Alex and Seras could fully enjoy their coffee, Integra’s voice rang in Alex’s head — she requested or rather, ordered him to come to her office. Sighing, Alex picked up his coffee mug and, together with Seras, headed to Integra’s office to find out what she wanted. Of course, Alex already knew the answer.

It was all connected to Enrico Maxwell, who had sent a letter inviting them to a meeting. And all Alex remembered about Enrico Maxwell was that the man had enormous ambitions and was a fanatical follower of the Catholic Church.

Despite his difficult childhood, Enrico Maxwell had still managed to achieve great success on his path and even become the head of a secret organization in the Vatican called Iscariot. Thinking about Enrico, Alex could only shake his head, believing that people like him always became victims of their own ambitions and always ended the same way — dead in some filthy ditch. Because that was exactly the fate awaiting Enrico Maxwell at the end of his road.

Alex didn’t even need to look into the Library of Death to know the end of this fanatical bishop’s path — the one who had already decided to launch a crusade against the Protestant Church. Even if Maxwell didn’t die at Alucard’s hands in the end, Alex would do it himself. He had never liked fanatics who kept forcing their faith on others, stripping people of their freedom of choice.

When they reached Integra’s office, Alex saw Integra herself standing by the window, while Alucard was lounging on the sofa where he usually sat, legs propped up on the table. Seras was most curious why they had been summoned. Integra simply turned, pointed to the letter on her desk, and indicated that Alex should read it — she was interested in hearing his opinion.

Alex shrugged lightly and read the letter Maxwell had sent. Scanning the lines, he barely managed to keep from rolling his eyes at what he saw. The entire text oozed arrogance that made Alex feel physically nauseous. Alucard, seeing Alex’s face, couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing, while Integra continued watching him.

“I think we should meet with him,” Alex said, placing the letter back on the desk.

“Explain,” Integra said, crossing her arms over her chest, thin cigar clenched between her teeth.

“He might have useful information he’ll want to leverage. I think it’s no secret to anyone that the Vatican was connected to Millennium. Most likely he has intel on the location of one of Millennium’s hideouts or one of their members. And that could play right into our hands,” Alex said, lighting a cigarette.

“Go on. I want to hear all your reasoning,” Integra said, exhaling white smoke.

“When Walter was searching for everything known about Millennium, he did it openly — as a representative of Hellsing. And that information definitely reached Maxwell. But he doesn’t know that I brought enough intel on Millennium with me. If we play our cards right in this situation, we can get not only useful information, but also find out what that lapdog is planning. Possibly. But most importantly — if someone brings something we need straight to our doorstep, who are we to refuse it?” Alex said, giving a small smile.

“You’re right. Then tomorrow we go to the meeting at the military museum to see this Vatican pig,” Integra said, stubbing out her thin cigar in the ashtray.

Alex smiled and gave a slight nod. Integra shifted her gaze to Alucard, who was sitting on the sofa with her legs on the table, hat covering her eyes, hiding her expression — but a wide smile spread across her face because she already knew something interesting would happen tomorrow too. Only Seras felt nervous about what was coming — she hadn’t had the most pleasant first encounter with Iscariot, when they had tried to kill her.

A few minutes after the conversation, Walter appeared and reported that he had settled the mercenaries and was about to brief them fully on what they would be dealing with. Fortunately for Walter, Alex had already prepared the materials, which made his job much easier. Integra nodded — she needed her people ready in the shortest possible time, since no one knew when Millennium would strike next.

At that moment Alex waved his hand and decided to go watch how the infiltration of the Men of Letters headquarters would unfold. Even though he had already prepared everything with the help of his clones, he preferred to see it with his own eyes. Hearing Alex’s thoughts, Integra frowned slightly but let him go. Alucard followed Alex — she couldn’t miss the chance to watch the bloodshed.

Leaving the estate, Alex met up with his team on the street just before they were about to depart. After exchanging a few words, Alex reminded them all to be careful, considering what the Men of Letters possessed. With that done, Alex rode ahead, not paying attention to the fact that Alucard had followed him — she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to observe the carnage.

Alex arrived first at the Men of Letters headquarters and looked at the aristocratic academy, which looked extremely ornate and ancient. Storing his motorcycle in inventory, Alex calmly headed toward the nearest building, climbed onto its roof, and sat on the edge — from where he had a perfect view of the Men of Letters academy. Lighting a cigarette, he waited for his team to arrive.

“How long are you going to hide? That’s not really your style,” Alex said, exhaling cigarette smoke.

“I’m not hiding. I’m simply watching you. Watching the one who gave the order to kill hundreds of people — and didn’t hesitate for a single second,” came Alucard’s soft voice from behind Alex.

“I’m just eliminating scum who hold things they shouldn’t. That’s all. Because what they have in their hands can kill not only Integra and Seras, but you too. No matter how many spare lives you’ve got stockpiled. Whatever is inside there — your immortality won’t save you from it,” Alex said, turning his head toward Alucard.

“You’re so caring. I haven’t even asked for anything yet, and you’ve already decided I need your protection. Or were you hoping for a reward? Was the last kiss not enough? You can just ask, and I’ll give you everything,” Alucard said, leaning closer to Alex and running her fingers across his lips.

“You could at least invite me on a date first. So far all I’ve gotten from you is harassment and attempts to kill me. I haven’t even touched you, and you’ve already groped me in places decent women don’t touch men,” Alex said in an innocent tone.

“Pahahaha. Decent woman? Me? You’re hilarious. You want me to become a proper lady for you? Or are you just hiding the fact that you liked it? Just say the word, and we can continue our games like last time. We still haven’t decided who gets to be on top,” Alucard said, climbing onto Alex’s lap and wrapping her arms around his neck.

“I’d prefer to go on a date. Not try to kill each other. And why does anyone need to be ‘on top’ in a relationship? Relationships are a two-way road — everyone contributes something,” Alex said, poking Alucard on the nose with his finger.

Alucard didn’t respond to Alex’s words — she just kept staring into his eyes, trying once again to see the darkness she had glimpsed before. But this time she could only see a tiny fragment of what she had seen earlier — as though his darkness was buried very deep inside him, hidden so no one could see it.

Alucard didn’t understand why Alex kept hiding his true self behind a hundred masks she could see on his face. Over the past week she had seen his smiles, his laziness, and many other expressions. But only once had she seen the real him — when they had fought each other.

Alucard shifted her gaze to Alex’s shadow, which appeared because of the bright moon high in the sky. The shadow wavered and took the form of a woman. Alucard knew Alex had a family. And she realized that his family was the chains keeping his true self locked inside.

She didn’t like that Alex hid his real self — but at the same time it fascinated her: how could he contain something like that, something that even made her feel a powerful thrill? Stroking Alex’s cheek, Alucard continued staring into his eyes, completely ignoring the fact that Alex’s team had already begun their infiltration of the Men of Letters academy.

“You talk about a date. But have you ever gone on a date with the ghost girl who lives in your shadow?” Alucard asked, cupping Alex’s cheeks with both hands.

“Yes, we went on a date. I saw her past — who she was when she was still alive. And we found the one responsible for her death,” Alex said with a light smile, glancing at his shadow.

“And what happened to that man?” Alucard asked in an intrigued tone.

“I built him a personal hell. Where he relives the most horrific deaths over and over. And I gave him false hope of escape. Now he searches for doors that will grant him freedom again and again — only to die each time and return to the beginning. And Zhang Ya watches over him — over all of them who ended up in her world,” Alex said with a bloodthirsty smile.

Alucard narrowed her eyes when she heard Alex say he had built a hell not for one person, but for many. And she suddenly wanted to see what this hell looked like — one built by someone like Alex and ruled by a ghost girl who was ready to kill her at any moment. Alucard even tried to peer into Alex’s mind through the accidental bond he had created. But all she managed to glimpse was a flash of a red city — and Zhang Ya herself.

Just the sight of that city filled Alucard with the desire to see it with her own eyes. She found it truly beautiful and mesmerizing — especially the screams of pain and despair that brought her immense pleasure. And what truly irritated Alucard was how well Alex guarded his thoughts — so neither she nor Integra could see anything extra — as though his secrets were far more captivating than he had shown so far.

Even though Alucard was used to waiting, at that moment she simply couldn’t wait to uncover all of Alex’s secrets — every single one. She wanted to see them all with her own eyes. Her smile widened, baring sharp teeth, revealing her growing desire to possess Alex completely.

“How long are you going to sit on my lap looking so thoughtful, like I owe you something?” Alex asked, looking into Alucard’s pensive eyes.

“Who knows. But if you want to chase me away, you can try. I always get what I want. And you’re no exception. All your secrets — everything you are — will become mine in time,” Alucard said, pressing her forehead against Alex’s.

Alex decided to just leave Alucard alone and returned to watching the academy. His eyes gleamed as he began observing what was happening inside. He saw his team advancing deeper, eliminating everyone on his list while merely putting the rest to sleep.

But what made Alex smile was that, in the days since he last checked on the Men of Letters elders, they had become vampires. He saw that vampire chips had been implanted in their brains — the same kind Millennium used to create their vampires.

Smiling faintly, Alex pulled a handful of coins from his pocket and tossed them forward. Alucard only caught the barely perceptible movement of his hand — but she didn’t see what he did. Seeing the smile on his face, though, she knew something very interesting was happening.

Hearing his thoughts that the Men of Letters elders had become vampires, she burst into mad laughter, calling them stupid pigs for what they had done. For Alucard, the Men of Letters were no secret — they had tried to kill her over and over and always failed. She had devoured everyone who came to slay her. Only one man had ever defeated her — not killed her, but merely sealed her away.

Alex glanced at Alucard, who was still sitting on his lap and laughing loudly. Shaking his head slightly, Alex wrapped his arms around her waist — causing her to lean against his chest, gazing up at the moon high in the sky and inhaling the scent of blood wafting from the Men of Letters academy.

Time passed slowly, and soon the team Alex had sent on the cleanup mission left the academy, having eliminated everyone he had marked. Alex wrapped his arms around Alucard’s waist and jumped down to meet his people. Lehm handed him a small box with a smirk; Alex immediately pocketed it inside his coat. No one even paid attention to the fact that Alex had arrived together with Alucard — the guys were simply used to Alex always being surrounded by dangerous women.

After finishing the conversation, Alex mounted Fenrir to ride back to the Hellsing estate. But instead of traveling through shadows as she usually did, Alucard sat on the motorcycle behind him, wrapping her arms around his chest. Alex started the engine, waved to his team to follow, and rode ahead.

“Seras held you like this when you rode together,” Alucard said, running her hands over Alex’s chest.

“Yeah, except she didn’t grope my chest like you’re doing. And it’s pretty ticklish — stop it. We might crash,” Alex said, chuckling lightly as he felt Alucard tickling him.

“Oh really? You like it when I do this. Or maybe you want my hands to slide a little lower?” Alucard whispered into his ear, lightly biting his earlobe.

“Look — if we crash, we won’t get hurt, but my motorcycle will. And by the way, it’s expensive — and one of a kind. I built it myself. So don’t even think about it, or you’ll be walking,” Alex said, rolling his eyes and slapping Alucard’s hands away from where they were wandering.

“Really? Maybe then I can repay you if we crash because you can’t control your bike,” Alucard said, blowing into his ear and running her tongue along his neck.

“Even if Integra sold all of Hellsing, she couldn’t cover the damage if my motorcycle got wrecked,” Alex said, rolling his eyes again as he felt Alucard’s sharp teeth on his neck.

“That valuable?” Alucard asked in genuine surprise, looking down at the motorcycle they were riding.

“There’s a katana in the weapons compartment that’s as old as you are. It was forged to kill monsters. And it’s also one of a kind — just like you. How valuable do you think something like that is?” Alex asked, turning his head toward Alucard.

“A weapon that kills monsters. Forged by human hands?” Alucard asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.

“Yes. Made from a special solar metal that absorbed sunlight. That metal can’t be obtained anywhere anymore,” Alex said, slowing down as he saw the outline of the Hellsing estate.

“How interesting. I didn’t even know such metal existed. Don’t you want to tell me more about it?” Alucard asked, showing genuine curiosity.

“I don’t mind. I think Integra would want to hear it too,” Alex said, shrugging lightly.

“And why did you mention my Mistress?” Alucard asked with a sly smile.

“She can hear our conversation. And after every one of your stunts you just disappear, while I’m the one who suffers. I do nothing, yet I get yelled at. I’m used to getting scolded when I actually screw up. But all the recent times — that’s completely your fault. You piss her off, and I get the blame. Where’s the justice?” Alex said in an irritated tone, parking at the entrance to the Hellsing estate.

“There is no justice, my dear. Never has been. You’ve understood that long ago. You’re just too soft on my Mistress. And she takes advantage of it. Isn’t that right? Or do you actually like being dominated? Just say the word, and we can continue our game,” Alucard said, grabbing Alex’s cheeks and forcing him to look into her eyes.

“No thanks. I prefer pure and innocent relationships,” Alex said with a serious face, staring back into Alucard’s eyes.

Seeing the seriousness in Alex’s eyes, Alucard couldn’t hold back and burst into loud, genuine laughter, truly amused by his answer. She still couldn’t understand why someone like Alex preferred to build relationships instead of simply taking. He had everything: power, beauty, and everything else that would let him have any woman he desired. But she saw no lie in his eyes.

Alex calmly removed Alucard’s hands from his face and stood up from the motorcycle, storing it in inventory.

“And if you decide to kiss me again — at least buy me coffee first. Boop,” Alex said, poking Alucard on the nose with his finger and heading toward the mansion doors.

“That’s it? So simple?” Alucard asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.

“Yeah, that’s it. Like one person said: we love beauty that lies in simplicity. And in all this time I’ve never once said I don’t like you. Even like this — you’re still you… Come on, Integra’s already pissed. And you’ll just run off again while I get yelled at,” Alex said, opening the mansion doors.

Alucard was so stunned by Alex’s words that she remained standing outside, her long black hair fluttering in the wind as her blood-red eyes followed his back while he entered the mansion. But soon she burst into sincere laughter when she realized everything really was as simple as Alex had said. Alucard was genuinely surprised that someone like Alex preferred the simplest, most ordinary things in relationships. Laughing, Alucard looked up at the moon, thinking that tonight’s moon was truly beautiful. Raising her palm toward the moon, she clenched her fist — and her desire to possess Alex grew even stronger, as did her obsession with him.

Lowering her gaze, Alucard saw Integra standing on the third floor, looking back at her. Alucard pushed off the ground and flew up to the third-floor window, passing straight through it to stand face-to-face with Integra.

“What do you think, my Mistress? Who will he belong to? One of us — or both? Will he keep indulging your need for control, or will he choose my madness? Who will he choose in the end — you or me?” Alucard asked, leaning over Integra.

“Are you trying to rebel, Alucard?” Integra asked, narrowing her eyes.

“No, my Mistress. I’m simply asking you a question. Will your hands be able to hold someone like him? Or will you voluntarily follow him when he leaves?” Alucard said lightly, continuing to smile as she looked into Integra’s eyes.

“He won’t leave,” Integra said coldly.

“True. After all, he is Death. Or perhaps something more than Death. Who knows… But the question remains: will you be able to keep him by your side, my Mistress?” Alucard said, straightening up and looking at Integra.

Integra had no intention of responding to Alucard’s words. But the seeds of doubt had already been planted in her heart — because the iron wall she had built around it now had a crack, one through which Alucard had managed to slip inside. Integra fixed Alucard with a cold stare, making it clear that one more word and she would lock her in the basement again. In response, Alucard only flashed a toothy grin, showing she was ready for it.

Just before Integra could unleash her anger, both she and Alucard heard footsteps and saw Alex, who looked puzzled that Alucard was already there. Alex tilted his head, noticing the strange atmosphere between the two women, but tactfully decided to ignore it so he wouldn’t once again become the center of an explosion called “female rage.” Integra narrowed her eyes and pointed toward the doors of her office, indicating that Alex would be sleeping there again. Shrugging, Alex entered Integra’s office and sat on the sofa.

Integra and Alucard followed him inside. Integra sat at her desk and resumed work, while Alucard sat next to Alex — she wanted him to tell her more about the weapon he carried with him. Integra wanted to hear it too, but her work couldn’t be postponed.

Only one person — or rather, one vampire in the mansion — had no idea where everyone had gone. Seras wandered the estate looking for Alex. Eventually she reached Integra’s office, cautiously peeked in, and saw who was there. But for some reason Seras felt a very cold atmosphere in Integra’s office, which filled her with strong unease.

“Come in, Police Girl. What do you want?” Integra said, lifting her gaze to Seras.

“Just… no one was around… and I started looking for you…” Seras said in an embarrassed tone.

“I see… Anything else?” Integra asked, raising her eyes to Seras again.

“Um… No,” Seras said, slightly frightened by Integra’s cold stare.

Integra looked at the scared Seras and said nothing, returning to her work. Seras swallowed nervously and glanced at Alex and Alucard, who were sitting on the sofa. Alucard was grinning widely, clearly enjoying how frightened Seras was. Alex waved to Seras, signaling that everything was okay.

By that point Alex had already told everything and decided to go to sleep so he could head to the meeting at the military museum tomorrow. He told Integra where he was going and left the office. Integra didn’t react to his words or to the fact that he left. Seras quickly bowed and hurried after Alex, afraid to remain in Integra’s presence without understanding what had happened.

When Alex and Seras were gone, only Integra and Alucard remained in the office. Integra set her pen down and looked at Alucard, who was looking back at her.

Alex, meanwhile, had no idea what was happening between Integra and Alucard — or that he had accidentally provoked the two women into competing for him. At that moment he was walking with Seras, who was still trying to calm down after Integra’s cold stare.

Alex lightly patted Seras on the head to help her snap out of it. He walked her to the entrance of the basement where she rested, then headed to his own room to get some rest. Alex definitely didn’t want to wake up yet again by face-planting into the floor.

Reaching his room, Alex quickly changed and climbed into bed, wrapping himself in the blanket. Gradually morning arrived, and the time for the meeting drew closer while Alex continued sleeping. And while Alex slept, the doors to his room opened — and Integra appeared on the threshold.

Integra was not wearing her usual outfit, but a strict, conservative suit with a long skirt and a hat on her head. Behind her stood Walter, hands clasped behind his back, mentally pitying Alex for what awaited him. Seeing the sleeping Alex triggered a mix of emotions in Integra: irritation that he was sleeping while she had worked all night, anger at Alucard’s words, and a desire to ruin his sleep just because he had simply left.

Integra approached Alex’s bed, slightly lifted her skirt, and raised her leg. Once again, she hooked Alex’s body with her foot and shoved him off the bed. Hitting the floor face-first yet again, Alex let out a tired groan.

“Father, why me… I just want some peace,” Alex muttered, lying face-down on the floor.

“Stop whining. You’ve slept enough. I have work to do,” Integra said coldly.

“Can’t you wake me up normally? Do you have to throw me off every time? You know it’s rude to wake a sleeping person?” Alex said, rolling onto his back while still on the floor.

“Because you’re mine. And I decide when you sleep,” Integra said, looking down at him from above.

“If I didn’t know you better, I’d think that was your way of confessing your love,” Alex said wearily.

“One more joke like that and you’ll get a kick to the face. Now get up,” Integra said coldly.

“Oh brother, someone take my shift…” Alex muttered, climbing to his feet.

Hearing Alex’s last words, Integra immediately spun around and aimed a kick at his face. Alex calmly tilted his head back to avoid it. He wasn’t the kind of person who enjoyed getting hit first thing in the morning.

Alex gave Integra a blank stare, which she returned with her own cold one. Alex shook his head slightly, wondering why Integra was so angry from the moment she woke up. He glanced at Walter, who gave a small shake of his head to indicate he didn’t know either.

Sighing, Alex changed into his usual casual clothes — a light black coat, black T-shirt, and black jeans. Adjusting his outfit, Alex followed Integra and Walter outside.

Stepping outside, Alex saw Ugo, dressed in a strict black suit, standing beside the car.

“Good morning, Ugo. If you’re driving, that means we’re safe,” Alex said with a light smile, walking up to Ugo.

“Good morning, Boss. I’m just more comfortable behind the wheel. As always,” Ugo said with a small smile, opening the doors.

Alex nodded understandingly and patted Ugo on the shoulder, indicating he would take it from here. Ugo nodded and went to sit in the driver’s seat, while Walter took the front passenger seat. Walter wanted to see for himself how the man Alex had recommended drove — and how professional he was.

Alex extended his hand toward Integra to help her into the car. Integra looked at the offered hand, then at him.

“I’m not an invalid. And I’m not a lady from the 19th century,” Integra said calmly.

Alex rolled his eyes, silently urging her to just get in instead of commenting on every move he made. Integra didn’t push his hand away — she calmly took it and got into the car. Alex closed the door and sat on the other side, noticing that Alucard and Seras were already inside.

Integra had specifically ordered this type of car with tinted windows so Alucard and Seras could ride with her during the day without issues. Seeing Alex, Seras shyly waved, forcing a smile amid the awkward atmosphere. Alucard only lifted her gaze to Alex and gave a faint smile.

“You replaced my driver? Why?” Integra asked, slightly opening the window and lighting a cigar.

“Ugo’s a professional. He’s an excellent driver and has pulled the guys out of dangerous situations more than once. If we ever need to get away fast, Ugo will get you home safe and sound. Right, Ugo?” Alex said with a light smile.

“Exactly, Boss. You can count on me, ma’am,” Ugo said with a small smile, glancing in the rearview mirror.

“How’s your family doing?” Alex asked, leaning slightly forward.

“You already know everything, Boss. My wife opened the flower shop she always dreamed of, and my daughter started training at the Ma family dojo. She’s making great progress,” Ugo said, chuckling lightly.

Alex smiled and nodded. Integra watched Alex curiously as he talked to Ugo, noting once again that he spoke to his subordinates like comrades, not like people he commanded. Integra even felt like asking whether Alex wasn’t afraid of betrayal — or if he didn’t even consider that his people might betray him.

Seras already knew about Ugo from yesterday’s conversation with Alex — including the fact that Ugo used to be part of the mafia and had been their driver.

Soon the military museum came into view, and Ugo parked the car nearby. Alex got out first and gave Ugo a few instructions just in case. He walked to Integra’s door and helped her open it, extending his hand. This time Integra refrained from snarky remarks and simply took his hand, stepping out. She immediately headed into the museum together with Walter. Alucard also vanished unnoticed, leaving no trace of her presence.

Once again Alex and Seras were left alone. Exchanging glances, they both sighed and walked into the museum. Alex knew Maxwell would arrive in a few hours just to annoy Integra — which gave Alex the chance to stroll through the military museum and enjoy the exhibits in Seras’s company.

To be continued…

(You know, I was thinking I could just skip around between events, but screw it. I’ll just do as the voices in my head tell me. And I wanted to ask you, should I focus on the Supernatural plot after the Hellsing arc, to finish that world, or should I show a couple of plots like Outlast, or something like that? I mean, why not. I’ve certainly thought about why and how Alex might end up in Mount Messive. But it’s all up to you. I’m going to get some ice cream.)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep