A/N: Hello, all my beautiful readers! I hope you all are healthy and safe!

I apologize for the delay in updating. I work in the healthcare system so you can guess how busy I've been!

Thank you all so much for the beautiful reviews and love you have sent my way! I love you all so much!

Here is the next chapter! Please enjoy and I welcome all new and returning readers!

Thank you and enjoy! :D

"I have yet to receive an answer, Mr. Dornez. Cat got your tongue?" Manali tapped her foot against the floor with a razor sharp gaze. "It is a simple question—who were you talking to?"

The room spun around Walter like a mad carousel, his heart in his throat and his fingers tingling as she continued to stare him down.

He had been careless. Of course someone would get suspicious, especially with the way Olivia was carrying off! But—dammit!—why did it have to be the royal advisor?! And how the fuck did he not hear her?!

"Well, Mr. Dornez?"

"You must be mistaken." Walter replied, his cool expression masking the hurricane inside him. "There wasn't anyone else in the garden."

"I heard you clea—."

"Did you see anyone with me, Advisor Yadav?"

"No," Manali confessed, sparks practically visible between them. "When I rounded the corner, you were alone."

"Then you have your answer." Walter shrugged with a quirk of his lips. "I was alone like I said."

"Why would you say 'What did you do to her?' then." Manali fired again, her heels clacking against the floor as she stepped forward. "Quite an odd question to ask yourself."

'Does this bitch think she can intimidate me?!' Walter had to restrain himself from actually taking a step back. 'I am the Angel of Death, I yield to no one!'

"Are you accusing me of something, Advisor Yadav?" He kept his tone respectful yet there was a challenge present as well. "Let's not dance around this like children. Neither of us have time to waste on idle chit-chat."

"Answer my question, Walter C. Dornez." The sparks cracked, and Walter suddenly found himself with his back against the door. "Why did you say that?"

"I was talking to the cat." Manali teetered back in bemusement, giving Walter the chance to charge forward. "If you must know, I asked the cat that scared Olivia what he did to scare her. It was a silly act on my part, and I was embarrassed to admit I was talking to a cat like it was a person." Manali's back hit the wall, and Walter leaned in until their faces were centimeters apart. "Does that answer your questions, Advisor Yadav? Or will you cut the crap and accuse me of whatever crime you believe I've committed?"

While anyone else would wither under Walter's aura, Manali just placed her hand on his chest and eased him back with a firm upper lip.

"Watch yourself, Walter C. Dornez. I represent the Crown and threats against me will be brought to the Yard."

"Pardon me, Advisor Yadav." He nudged her hand away before bowing at the waist. "That was unbecoming behavior of Hellsing's butler. Please forgive me."

Manali just narrowed her eyes before pulling her gloves back on and marching towards the door.

"I shall let this matter slide then. I bid you a good morning, Mr. Dornez."

"Of course, Advisor Yadav." Walter smiled angelically, opening the door for her. "Safe travels back to the Palace."

Then, as he was closing the door, Manali whirled around and looked him dead in the eye.

"Try to limit your urges to talk to 'cats' in the future, Mr. Dornez. Considering your position, others may get the wrong idea."

And with that, she grabbed the doorknob and closed the door, leaving Walter to stare at the oak door as his nails dug into his palms.

"Uh oh~! She suspects you!" Schrodinger's voice tickled his ear. "You just made it worse, silly boy!"

"Fuck off!" Walter swatted him away, only to find he was alone in the foyer.

Moments later, the sound of heels drew closer and he glanced up to find Olivia walking down the stairs.

"I thought I heard someone at the door." She yawned behind her palm. "It sounded like Advisor Yadav's voice."

Walter didn't reply at first, taking in her appearance before grabbing her arm and dragging her towards the kitchen.

"Wal—?"

"It was nobody important. You're just imagining things."

Halfway down the porch, Manali paused and peered back over her shoulder at the front door.

'Why is Mr. Dornez lying to me?'

In 17 years of service to the Crown, Manali had developed the keen eye and nerve to sense when someone was lying. She was also a mother and mothers know when children are lying.

She had seen Olivia's face—such fear could not be caused by a mere cat. And she had seen how Olivia carried herself during her demonstration, a soldier of her caliber did not scare easily.

So what happened last night, and why was Walter so dead set on keeping it quiet? Manali could tell she'd taken him by surprise from how flimsy his lie was and how he tried to intimidate her.

During their first meeting, Manali found him to be a bit of a wild card judging by how brutal and egotistical his attacks were. Now, she began to wonder what truly lurked behind that 'devoted butler' mask he wore.

'Dwelling on this will get me nowhere. If I want answers, I should go to the source.' Manali continued on her way, heading towards the gardens. 'When we return to the Palace, I shall send notice for Ms. Song to see me at once. Hopefully she will be more forthcoming with information than her partner.'

In the gardens, Pushpa sat perched on the same bench from before, hunched over her sketchpad as her pencil scratched furiously against the paper.

"No, her lips were fuller…lashes longer…..hair wavier—Ah! There we go!" She dusted off loose eraser shavings before smiling proudly at her creation. "What do you think?" She angled the sketchpad to the cat's eye level, showing off a life-like portrait of Olivia.

Since their meeting, Pushpa had found herself drawing her—a lot.

It was strange, she never liked to do portraits but she enjoyed drawing Olivia.

Perhaps it was because of the subject herself.

Her kindness…..her consideration…..her smile…..the tinge of melancholy that lingered in her green eyes that stirred Pushpa curiosity.

"I wonder if she would call me strange if she saw all of these." Pushpa flipped through her sketchpad, full of sketches and watercolors of Olivia. "No, she wouldn't call me strange, right? She is too graceful and polite to do so."

The 'cat' just blinked its mysterious eyes as Pushpa clutched the sketchpad to her chest and rocked back and forth.

"Can I tell you a secret, kitty?" Her ears flushed pink as a bashful smile crossed her face. "I think Ms. Song is beautiful, and…..I'm a little jealous….of…." She gulped and made sure they were alone before crouching down low and whispering "her husband."

"Why are you on the ground?" Manali questioned, her tone and expression soft as her daughter squeaking and shot up to her feet. "Goodness, it is just me."

"Sorry, Mummy." Pushpa blushed, gathering her things and shoving them into her bag. "I was talking to the—oh, it's gone." She scanned the area for the mysterious cat, but it had vanished. "Where did they go?"

"What's that, sweetheart?"

"Nothing, Mummy." Pushpa shook her head before grabbing her mom's outstretched hand. "Did you finish your work here?"

"In a sense, I suppose." Manali sighed, swinging their hands as they strolled back to the car. "I'll need to contact Ms. Song when I get back to the Palace though."

"You mean…after you drop me off at school?"

"….Yes?" Manali paused at her daughter's crestfallen expression. "My affairs with her need to be dealt with swiftly. You know how busy I am, Pushpa."

"I know, I know but…." She fiddled with her bag's strap and dug her heel into the dirt.

"Pushpa?"

"I….I just…" She darted her eyes to the side, her brown skin practically glowing red. "I want to see her too…..I….want to give her one of my drawings."

In the 19 years Pushpa had been her daughter, she had never once offered to share her art with anyone besides her. Pushpa guarded her sketchbook like the lost city of Atlantis and erupted into sobs whenever anyone tried to take it from her.

So, what made Ms. Olivia Emese Song so special to be honored with her daughter's work despite only meeting her once?

"Ms. Song must've left quite an impression for you to bless her with such a gift." Manali kept her tone neutral, aware that her daughter's sensitivity would perceive any hint of emotion as negative. "What did she do, if you are comfortable telling me."

Pushpa released her mom's hand, her fists bunching at the fabric of her uniform skirt. Her plaited hair was standing on end, her face sweating buckets, her pupils wobbly, and her knee buckling—Manali had never seen her daughter so out of sorts.

"It's fine if you aren't comfo—."

"Ms. Song said I was a wonderful artist." Pushpa blurted out, finally meeting her mom's gaze. "She treated me so kindly and respected my boundaries. Her smile was warm, like she actually didn't mind being there with me. Being near her made me feel calm too…." A tiny smile crept across her face, and Manali's eyebrows rose at the sight. "And during the coronation ceremony, she waved at me when she didn't have too. Ms. Song looked happy to see me and that…that made me happy too."

Manali was at a loss for words. Never had her daughter expressed her emotions so candidly, and never had she admitted to having another person give her feelings besides fear and anxiety.

As the advisor and right hand of the Queen, Manali knew she needed to wrap up her affairs regarding last night's incident quickly, yet as a mother, she wanted her daughter to be happy.

So, she made a decision.

"How about I invite her over for tea this evening? And after we talk, I'll ask her to escort you to your evening lessons at the Art Academy; you can give her your gift then."

"R-Really?!" Pushpa squeaked in jubilation before reeling herself in. "But, Mummy, I don't want to interfere with your job. I can—."

"Nonsense." Manali cleared her throat firmly, taking her hand in hers once more as they continued their trek to the car. "It shall be done. Now, let us hurry before we get stuck in traffic."

"You've got bags under your eyes." Walter pointed out, forcing her to take a seat at the counter before pouring her a cup of coffee.

"So do you." Olivia retorted, placing five sugar cubes and half a pitcher of cream into the cup, the drink becoming white within seconds.

Silence quickly filled the kitchen, save for the sound of eggs sizzling in a frying pan and a spoon clicking against the coffee cup.

However, it was soon broken by Olivia placing the spoon down and scooting her stool back.

"We need to talk. Somewhere private."

"Is this about last night?" Walter flipped the eggs onto a plate without looking at her. "I told you, everything is fi—."

"Shut up and listen to me."

The sound of her heels hitting the floor and the authority in her tone caused Walter to pause and finally give Olivia his full attention.

"….Fine." He flung his arm out, crisscrossing his wires throughout the room until all points of entry were blocked. "What is it?"

"This is important, Walter. No one can hear about this."

"Allow me to increase the security then." Alucard phased through the wall, his shadows slithering up every surface and submerging the room into darkness. "How is this?"

"You should be resting." Olivia sighed, crossing her arms. "Walter and I can handle this ourselves."

"I have a role in this situation as well, my dear." Alucard stood next to her, placing a hand on her waist. "Good morning, Walter. I take it that you enjoyed last night's festivities?"

"Fuck off." Walter rolled his eyes, whipping out his lighter so they could actually see each other. "Okay, you got your little bunker. What is it?"

"I need your help getting that figurine from Sir Hellsing's office."

"Why?"

"I…." Olivia peeked over at Alucard, placing her hand over his, before facing Walter again. "We believe it may be hexed. Last night, Alucard was in Sir Hellsing's office and when he approached that figurine, his body ignited from within. The pain was so immense that I felt it, and you saw for yourself how it affected me."

"Are you implying that Richard knows of Alucard's existence and is trying to kill him?" Walter scoffed. "Are you sure you're not half asleep still?"

"I don't know, but why else would he give Sir Hellsing that figurine? And don't you dare write me off! It is obvious that figurine serves some heinous purpose. And the attack last night along with my nightmare…..it all has to be connected somehow." Olivia's eyes clouded over for a moment before she shook it off and squared her shoulders. "But our first order of action is to remove it from Sir Hellsing's office and find out what it is made of."

As Olivia gave her explanation, Walter's mind wandered back to his confrontation with Richard, and the possibility that Richard had aligned with Millennium reared its ugly head again.

'Could it be? If so, for what purpose? Why?! Why the fuck would they recruit him?!'

"Walter?" Olivia's voice penetrated through his thoughts. "Are you listening? Will you help me or not?"

"Yeah, yeah I hear you." He fished out a cigarette and lit it up. "I guess if this 'figurine' is making Alucard a whiny bitch, then something needs to be done."

Alucard chuckled at that while Olivia smiled in gratitude.

"Thank you, Walter."

The sound of the doorbell drifted through the darkness, signaling the end of their little meeting.

"Alright, let's aim to remove it by the end of the day." Olivia faced Alucard as his shadows and Walter's wires retracted themselves, reaching out to caress his gaunt cheek. "You still look pale, I want you to rest some more, alright?"

"When doesn't he look pale?" Walter grumbled under his breath, let out a gag when Alucard kiss her palm.

"As you wish, but I beg that you will call upon me for action as well." His lips and breath tickled her skin, sending tingles up her arm. "Like I said, I have a role in this situation as well."

Olivia nodded and watched as he retreated back into the wall, her brow furrowed with worry.

*DING DONG*

*DING DONG*

"I'll answer it." Olivia scurried away to open the door, finding a young woman with brown hair and blue eyes on the other side. "May I help you?"

"Ah, yes, My name is Acelie Smith." She reached into her coat pocket and handed her a business card. "Pardon me for dropping by so early in the morning, but I sent a letter to Sir Hellsing quite a while back and asked if I could visit. Is now a good time?"

Aceline Smith—Research Specialist

Deveraux Academia

1314 Merrylou Lane

Newport, VA 23608

"Um, Sir Hellsing won't be available for the next hour. He was at Her Majesty's coronation yesterday and will need some time to compose himself. You are welcome to wait in library until then, especially since you've come from overseas." Olivia stepped aside and gestured for her to come in. "I will show you the way, Ms. Smith."

"Thank you," Acelie beamed, stepping inside and falling into step with Olivia. "May I ask your name, ma'am?"

"Oh, forgive me, I am Olivia Emese Song."

"And what is your job here?"

"Um….I guess I do a little of everything. I am a solider—a Lieutenant General if you want to get technical. I'm responsible for Divisions 1 and 2 of Hellsing's military. And I do some domestic tasks as well, although most of that falls under Walter's jurisdiction."

"Ah! You mean Mr. Dornez? I'm sure he's grown up quite well."

"You know Walter?"

"I met him when he was just a toddler. My mentor is an old friend of the family."

"Oh, I see. Sir Hellsing will be glad to see you then."

"I hope so. I would like to further my studies using Hellsing's archives. Hopefully there is literature about the paranormal and occult that I've yet to read."

"So, you must know of Hellsing's supernatural dealings then."

"Yes, and I know of the organization's "Trump Card" as well. It would be an honor to interview him."

"I'm sure he would enjoy that." Olivia snorted under her breath. "Great, more attention to stroke his massive ego."

"You are friends with him?"

"I suppose you can phrase it that way." Olivia laughed, opening the library door and gesturing inwards. "Please make yourself at home, Ms. Smith. I will notify Sir Hellsing of your arrival."

"Thank you, Ms. Song. Oh, and tell your husband I look forward to interviewing him."

Those words were like a bucket of ice water, and Olivia slowly turned around, taking in Acelie's calm smile with wide eyes.

"…..You know?"

"I was just guessing, but your reaction right then just confirmed it." Acelie chuckled, clasping her hands in front of her. "You may not realize it, Mrs. Dracul, but your husband still has a reputation in the supernatural world and there is a rumor circulating that the fearsome No Life King has taken a human bride." She then held up her hands and bowed at the waist. "Please be at ease, I don't wish you any harm. My reasons for asking are purely scientific."

"What do you want to know?" Olivia narrowed her eyes, prepared to whip out her bow and pistol.

"Well, for starters, I have been wondering why he hasn't turned you yet. I mean, by marrying him, you are technically Queen of the Night, despite still being human. Are there any adverse effects to forging such a bond yet never completing it? For you and for him?"

"What are you talking about?" That familiar sense of dread burrowed its claws into her chest. "What effe—?!"

The doorbell rang again, and Acelie smiled.

"We can discuss this later. I don't plan on returning to the states anytime soon. Please, continue on with your duties, Mrs. Dracul." Acelie then turned on her heel and disappeared between the massive shelves, leaving Olivia to stare after her.

*DING DONG*

*DING DONG*

"C-Coming!" Olivia called out, glancing at where Acelie had disappeared before hurrying back towards the door and opening it to find the royal messenger. "Good morning, sir. Are you here for Sir Hellsing?"

"No, Ms. Song. I'm actually here for you." He presented her with a calling card. "Royal Advisor Yadav requires your presence for tea this evening at her home."

"M-Me? But I—why me?"

"I do not know, Ms. Song, but Royal Advisor Yadav made it clear this invitation cannot be declined and that you keep this meeting a secret." He bowed and turned around. "Good day."

"Good….day…" Olivia studied the calling card before doing the same to Acelie's business card again. "Why do I feel like I just fell through the Looking Glass?" That monster from last night, Alucard's situation, the figurine, her nightmare, Aceline, and now she was being summoned for tea by the Crown's right hand lady. "What does this all mean…..?" Flopping down on the bottom stair of the grand staircase, Olivia covered her face and let out a weary sigh. "What the hell does all of this mean?"

Of all the hangovers Arthur had experienced in his lifetime, this one was by far the worst. His throat was dry, his head was pounding, his fingers tingled, and his heart was pounding in his ears.

It was strange, Arthur made sure not to go overboard last night but so many ladies offered him a drink, and they had his usual brand of scotch on hand so—okay maybe he wasn't as careful as he thought.

Groaning, he laid his head down on his desk and watched the room spin around him through squinted eyes. His eyes eventually landed on the figurine, and his stomach curdled at the sight.

'What a strange piece of work. What is it supposed to represent anyways?' Black dots scattered across his vision, and he groaned as zap of pain shot across his chest. 'Richard may mean well, but he has horrible tastes in gifts.' The black dots continued to dance across his vision, and just for a moment, one of the dots landed between the hands of the standing figurine, giving the positions of the two figurines an entirely new meaning. But Arthur quickly shook it off and turned away, chalking it up to his insufferable migraine.

'Christ, what is wrong with me?'

Yet, at the same time, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling blossoming in his chest.

'With that black dot, it looks like the standing figure has a rock in its hand and is trying to—."

"Sir Hellsing, I brought you breakfast." Walter entered the office as swiftly and quietly as possible. "The coffee will help with your hangover."

"Bless you, Walter." He took a swing of the coffee, only to spit it out immediately. "What the fuck—?!"

"The coffee is hot, Sir Hellsing." Walter explained, wiping up the spilled drink from his chin and his desk.

"You don't say?" He coughed violently, clutching at his chest. "Fuck, I feel like shit."

"Shall I cancel your appointments?"

"No, no, Islands will have my ass if I reschedule our meeting again. Is there anything to report?"

"Olivia said an American lady is here to see you." He placed the business card on the desk. "Her name is Acelie Smith."

"Acelie…..Oh right, Devereux's protégé. Where is she right now?"

"She is in the library. Shall I call for her?"

"It's fine. She is here to study anyways. I'll greet her after I eat, and the urge to bash my head against the wall ceases."

"I see. Shall I tidy up then?"

Arthur waved his hand in approval, digging into his eggs with his head flopped on his hand.

"Quite the gift your brother brought you, Sir Hellsing." Walter gestured to the figurine with his feather duster.

"Yeah….."

"Actually, I was going to clean all the statues in the manor today. May I take this as well?"

"Richard said it was covered in some type of oil to keep the wood preserved. The art may not be my taste, but he bought it for me so I should cherish it."

"But I will—."

"Walter, don't touch it." Arthur rubbed his aching chest again. "I can't fucking tell if this is heartburn or something else. Bring me some medicine and another bottle of scotch."

"…..As you command, Sir Hellsing." Walter bowed and made his exit, his wire slicing a chip off the figurine and slipping it into his waistcoat pocket. "I will return shortly."

Arthur just groaned, grateful that Walter didn't slam the door on his way out.

"I'm only 38, why do I feel like I'm 83?" He winched, standing up and pulling a cigarette out of its case. "Maybe I need to get more exercise or actually eat my vegetables like Walter is always nagging me to." Blowing out a smoke ring, he peered over at the figurine once more before shaking his head and turning away. "Don't succumb to paranoia again, Arthur. Your hair's already thinning from stress as it is."

"Here," Walter tossed the wood chip towards Olivia as he passed her in the hallway, balancing a tray of scotch and painkillers with the other hand.

"This is only a piece."

"That is the best I could do without raising suspicions. You said this had to stay between us right?"

"Yeah. Is Sir Hellsing alright?" She eyed the medicine warily. "He has been looking pale recently."

"Hungover as crap, but fine. He'll be alright after his usual drink."

Olivia nodded and wrapped the chip in her handkerchief.

"Thank you, Walter."

"What's your plan now, Ace Detective?"

"We have to find out what this wood is soaked in or if this wood is hexed in anyway."

"So we are going to meet in the library to research this then? After dinner sound fine?"

"No, I have other matters to attend to. We can do this late tonight when everyone else is asleep."

"What other matters?" Walter scoffed, his curiosity piqued. "You don't have friends outside of work."

"The only reason I'm not going to punch you is because you are standing by the stairs and I don't feel like going to prison today." Olivia sneered, hands on her hips. "And frankly it's none of your business. I'll just be in town for an hour or so."

"Just don't take forever." He rolled his eyes, making a note to investigate this later. "I don't want to waste my night playing doctor for the family pet."

"He's not a 'pet'!" Walter stumbled when Olivia marched up to him and yanked him forward by the tie, her teeth bared and eyes livid. "And if you refer to him as such again, I really will push you down the stairs."

"Yeesh, calm down." He swatted her away and continued his way down the hallway. "Sorry for insulting your husband's honor."

"Asshole." Olivia growled before staring down at the wrapped chip. "Whatever you're planning, Richard, I will find out…."

"Forgive me for not greeting you earlier." Arthur stood up from his desk when Acelie walked in later that day, his chest pains and headache gone after some medicine and three glasses of scotch. "Welcome to the Hellsing Organization, Ms. Smith."

"Thank you, Sir Hellsing." Acelie smiled, taking a seat in front of his desk. "And, please, don't apologize. I did drop by unexpectedly."

"So, I heard you've already acquainted yourself with the library." Arthur took his seat as well, leaning forward with his hands clasped together. "What do you think?"

"You've quite the selection, I'm impressed. However, I would also like to access your personal texts as well. Your family has studied creatures of the nights for decades, and I believe it would be helpful to my research."

"Hmmm, well these documents are considered top-secret for a reason. I ask that you not be offended that I decline your request. If it's any consolation, I refuse to share them even with my trusted soldiers."

"No offense taken. However, I would like your permission to stay in the manor for the next few weeks. I believe there is much I can observe from my stay here, but rest assured, I will not stick my nose where it doesn't belong."

"Your mentor is a trusted friend of the family, so I will consent to your request to stay." He nodded, reaching over for his bottle of scotch and a glass. "I'll have Olivia prepare a room for you."

"Thank you, Sir Hellsing. I do have one more question for you."

"And that would be?" He mumbled, pouring himself a glass.

"Why did you allow Alucard to marry Olivia?" Arthur's hand jerked, causing alcohol to spill onto his desk yet Acelie continued on as if it didn't happen. "It just seems rather odd for a monster's master let him marry a human."

"I didn't consent. They eloped. That's all." He growled, quickly wiping his desk with his coat sleeve. "But that's not important right now," Arthur shot up to his feet and glared down at her. "How the hell did you know about that? No one is supposed to know."

"It's my job to know about the inner workings of the occult world. Worry not, Sir Hellsing. I am but a simple scholar, nothing more."Acelie smiled cryptically before standing and bowing. "I bid you good evening."

As the door closed behind her, Arthur grabbed the scotch bottle and took a hearty swig, the sting of alcohol combatting the ache growing in his chest.

'What the hell is going on?!'

"I hope you will find your accommodations to your liking, Ms. Smith." Olivia laid out new sheets on the mattress in one of the many guest rooms. "Please notify us if you require anything else. Dinner will be served in the dining room in an hour's time, relax until then." Stepping back towards the door, Olivia bowed at the waist. "I'll take my leave now."

"Will you not be joining us for dinner?" Acelie inquired while placing her suitcase on the bed.

"I have an appointment in the city this evening."

"Don't you want to continue our conversation from the library?"

"I do, Ms. Smith. However, I have more pressing matters to deal with first. But, rest assured," Olivia regarded her with an iron gaze and raised chin. "I will have my answers from you."

'You speak and act so regally," Acelie giggled behind her palm. "Is that your husband's influence?'

Olivia paused for a moment before bowing once more.

"Forgive me, Ms. Smith. I did not mean to speak so rudely. My mind as of late has been far from at ease."

"I realize you are wary of me—goodness even Sir Hellsing is—but all I desire is to learn and I hold no malicious intent for anyone in this organization. I came to study, that is all."

Studying her eyes, Olivia could see no evidence of deceit and chose to believe her—for now.

"I understand. Good evening, Ms. Smith."

"That being said," Acelie took a seat on the bed, hands resting on her lap. "I will also offer my services during my stay here. If you have any questions about the supernatural or occult, please don't hesitate to ask."

Olivia paused at that.

'Should I ask? She is right, I don't trust her. She knows too much and she has such a cryptic way of speaking. However, I need information fast…..'

"Have you heard of a type of wood or oil that harms vampires? One strong enough to paralyze them, regardless of their strength or age?"

"That is quite the question. May I ask the reason?"

"Do you know of any or not, Ms. Smith?"

"Well there is white oak, popularly used by Sir Hellsing's famous ancestor. White ash is another that comes to mind, fruit wood as well since there is a belief that plants that give life can slay the undead." She stood tall and moved to stand in front of Oliva. "Why do you ask?"

"I….have something that hurt a vampire." Olivia explained, choosing her words carefully. "I ask that you only determine the contents of this sample. You will not question my reasons nor will you notify Sir Hellsing."

"You keep secrets from your superior officer?" Acelie hummed, tapping her finger against her cheek. "My, my, that's not a good sign."

"You have your secrets, I have my mine. And I intend to notify him of this once I have enough evidence." Olivia hissed, leaning in close to her face as her tone dropped an octave. "Don't you dare accuse me of deceiving anyone, Ms. Acelie Smith."

For once, the smile fell from her face and Acelie averted her eyes with a cough.

"….Forgive me. I shouldn't have assumed. I will be happy to help you, Mrs. Dracul." She then held her hands out. "May I have the sample?"

Olivia hesitated before taking the wrapped chip out of her apron pocket. Acelie reached out to take it, but Olivia held it up high, grabbing her shoulder and pinning her against the wall with her other hand.

"You may be a guest here, but if I have any reason to believe you will do harm to anyone here or betray my trust, I will take action."

"You have my word." Acelie made a cross over her heart. "Truly."

Studying her for a moment more, Olivia finally placed the chip in Acelie's hands and stepped back.

"Notify me the minute you have the results."

"I shall do that." Acelie smiled, watching Olivia regard her cautiously before making her exit. "How interesting. I am anxious to know this chip's backstory."

The Yadav residence was located in the Knightsbridge District of London, which considering the owner's occupation wasn't a surprise. But the house was rather plain in comparison with its neighbor's: three-stories, simple brick walls, modest garden, cobblestone path. The only indication that the house belonged to a high ranking official was the seven foot iron gate and two officers standing guard outside.

The moment her bike rolled up to the gates, the two officers saluted her and the gates opened, revealing Manali standing at the doorway.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Ms. Song. I hope I wasn't taking you away from anything dire."

"It is not a problem, Ms. Yadav." Olivia knocked the kickstand down and dismounted. "Although, I was rather surprised by your invitation. Is there a particular reason you requested my presence alone?"

"Come, we can discuss this inside." Manali walked into the house, waiting for Olivia to enter before closing the door. "May I take your coat?"

"Oh yes, thank you." Olivia handed her coat over while taking in the house's interior. For such a strict lady, the Yadav residence was rather cute with pastel furniture, flower pots on every table, and the wall framed with photos of her and Pushpa.

"You have a beautiful home, Ms. Yadav."

"Thank you. Right this way, we shall take tea in the drawing room."

Olivia followed after Manali but not before spying Pushpa peeking down from the second story railing with her face pressed against the bars.

"Hello, Pushpa." She smiled and waved, laughing when the teen blushed and scurried away. 'She is such a cute kid.'

"I noticed at the party that you have quite the sweet tooth, Ms. Song." Manali stated as Olivia entered the drawing room, her eyes zeroing in on the cake and tea adorning the table. "So my daughter offered to bake you her favorite: Mont Blanc. Please, help yourself."

"That is very sweet of her." Olivia beamed, taking a seat and grabbing her fork. "Oh, pardon my delay in gratitude but thank you and Her Majesty for the gifts. Walter and I appreciate them greatly."

"Consider it a reward for your efforts." Manali sipped her tea before placing the cup on its saucer, her posture and poise still ever graceful even at home. "Now, to the reason I called—Oh, forgive me, please keep eating."

Red as a tomato, Olivia quickly swallowed the chunk of cake she'd shoved into her mouth. Damn her weakness for sweets!

Once her throat was clear, she bowed her head in shame and apologized.

"That was incredibly rude of me, Ms. Yadav. I beg your forgiveness."

"No, no, I'm glad you like my daughter's baking." Manali hid her smile behind her cup. "Besides, you rarely get the chance to indulge yourself right? So, please, have another slice."

"Thank you." Olivia muttered bashfully, this time taking a smaller bite. "So, how may I help you, Ms. Yadav?"

"At the banquet last night, I saw your exchange with Mr. Dornez. I want to hear from your mouth exactly what happened."

Olivia's stomach did a flip as she placed her fork down and squared her shoulders.

"I went outside for some fresh air when a strange cat waltzed up to me."

'So the part about the cat wasn't a lie.' Manali noted, moving to clasp her hand in front of her face. "Go on."

"It had such strange eyes," Olivia continued on, her mind reliving the encounter. "And when I was petting it, the creature bit me. I quickly eliminated it, yet when I went to dress my wound, it was gone."

"Gone?"

"Yes, the skin was unbroken. See?" Olivia held her hand out and pointed to where the 'cat' bit her. "No mark, no scar, nothing."

"I see. And I saw you approach Mr. Dornez. What did he tell you?"

"He told me to calm down and that he would check the perimeter."

"Did you try to notify Sir Hellsing or anyone else of what happened?"

"I wanted to, but Walter said not to cause a scene and when he came back, he said there wasn't anything suspicious."

"And you believed him?"

"Of course." There was a hint of steel in Olivia's tone that Manali didn't miss.

"I see." Manali hummed, pouring herself and Olivia another cup of tea. "Tell me, how would you describe your relationship with Mr. Dornez?"

"He is my partner and friend. We've known each other since we were kids. He is my family."

"So he is not your husband?"

"No, my husband is….I suppose you could call him one of Hellsing's undercover agents."

"Hmm, well I hope to meet him someday." Manali gave a brief smile before taking another sip of her tea.

"Ms. Yadav, pardon me but why are you asking me about all of this?" Olivia's hands curled into fists as that wretched feeling bubbled in her chest.

"I've gotten this far in life by being cautious." The cup clattered against its saucer, and Manali's stern amber eyes locked onto Olivia's distressed ones. "The world of politics is like the battlefields you are used to. I have learned not to trust anyone and to be able to spot deceit."

"Wha—?"

"I spoke to Mr. Dorenz this morning about the incident, and I believe he may be hiding something. I heard him talking to someone about you, yet he claims the opposite. He may have a good poker face, but I suspect there is a possibility he and that 'creature' are connected and he may be trying to—."

Olivia shot up and slammed her palms on the table.

"Are you accusing Walter of something, Ms. Yadav? He is loyal to Hellsing and the Crown." Despite the fury in her tone, Olivia's body was trembling like a leaf as words poured from her mouth. "He is my best friend and yes, he may have a crass manner of speaking but he would never do harm or conspire against us!"

"…..Are you sure about that? In history's time, those who betrayed their loved ones were not the opposing armies but those in their victim's close circle." Manali sighed and reached over to grab Olivia's hand, her thumb caressing her knuckles. "It was not my intention to upset you, Ms. Song, but my duty is to protect Her Majesty and when her subjects evade the truth, I do everything in my power to find out the reason why."

"Walter wouldn't conspire against us!"

"Why not?"

"He has no reason to!"

"Why not?"

"BECAUSE HE LOVES ME!" Olivia swung her arm out, toppled cups and plates shattering on the ground. "WALTER WOULD NEVER BETRAY MY TRUST! HE IS AN HONORABLE, TRUSTHWORTHY MAN WHO WOULD NEVER CONSPIRE AGAINST ME! NEVER!"

Manali studied Olivia's seething form, how her eyes were livid, her teeth bared, her fists burrowing into the stained tablecloth. However, amongst the hurricane of fury surrounding her, Manali spotted a twinge of something else—doubt.

'So, you already have your suspicions as well. That's all I need to know.'

"You can scream and break all the chinaware you want, Ms. Song. I still will say 'why not?'. Afterall," Manali dusted china fragments from her lap before standing tall and lifting up her sweater, revealing a large scar running from her clavicle to her navel. "My husband loved me, yet that didn't stop him from trying to kill me when I caught him attempting to sell our infant daughter into trafficking. Money was worth more to him than his family."

Olivia had to stabilize herself against the table, her knees giving out and her mouth like sand. The scar was deep and jagged, and Olivia wondered how the hell Manali had survived that.

"I….I'm—"

"Please, save your apologizes." Manali held a hand up as she lowered her sweater. "I survived and was able to save my daughter, that is all that matters. However, I have learned from that experience as I am sure you've learned from yours." Moving around the table, she looked up at Olivia and placed a hand on her cheek. "Not even the Pope is above sin. You know that and after all your years as a solider, you should know better than to ignore your instincts."

Olivia's limbs were jelly, and it took all her willpower not to collapse onto the ground. She had been skating on thin ice since last night, and Manali's accusations were like a boulder crashing through the ice, sending her plummeting into the icy depths.

'There was someone else?! Someone Walter knows?! If so, why didn't he tell me?! Why did he tell me to calm down and keep quiet if he knew something was wrong?! Why did he lie to me?!'

"Do you trust me?! As your partner? As your friend? …As your brother?"

"With all my heart."

This time Olivia did fall to the ground, glass shards digging into her palms as she stared blankly ahead; she didn't even notice Manali leave and return with the first-aid kit.

There had to be a mistake.

There had to be an explanation.

Walter would never conspire with an enemy.

Walter would never align with anyone but Sir Hellsing.

Walter would never let her get hurt.

…..Right?

His sudden easygoing behavior after learning off her marriage, his neutrality to her revelation this morning, his adamancy that she keep quiet yesterday instead of listening to her, every single moment she swallowed the nagging feeling in her chest because of her guilt for keeping him in the dark about her marriage and because this was Walter! Her best friend, her partner, her brother!

He would never break her heart!

Never!

…..Never.

….Never…?

"I have to go." Olivia scrambled to her feet and fled towards the entrance, ignoring Manali's pleas to wait until her wounds were dressed. "I apologize for my actions this evening, Ms. Yadav. I will replace all the chinaware I broke and reimburse their costs, but I have to go now!"

Yanking her coat on, Olivia vaulted over the porch and onto her bike, ramming the key into the ignition and tearing down the road while Manali watched from the entranceway.

"Mummy?" Pushpa crept up behind her, sketchbook in hand. "Where did Ms. Song go? I heard screaming and glass shattering..." She hugged her mom close, eyeing the tire marks on their driveway. "Is everything alright?"

"…..I don't know, sweetheart." She leaned down to kiss her temple. "And I'm sorry you couldn't spend time with Ms. Song this evening like I promised. Maybe some other time."

"…..Alright." Pushpa sighed, walking back inside as her mom closed the door. "I even painted her portrait so—." She froze when she opened her sketchbook to find the page ripped out. "Wha—What?! But how?!"

The lights of London were a blur as Olivia tore down the street, zipping between cars and ignoring the bellows of rightfully pissed off pedestrians.

'This can't be! This has to be some kind of sick joke!' The motorcycle increased in speed, leaving a cop on a bicycle to ponder whether it was a gust of wind or an actual person that just flew past him. 'There is no way Walter would—! I have to find him! I have to know the truth!'

Then, just as she swerved around the corner, a black hornet passed by her in the opposite lane and time suddenly froze.

In the passenger seat was a man Olivia recognized but couldn't name and in the driver's seat was Jonathan, Richard's right hand man.

Time quickly resumed, and the car sped on, leaving Olivia screeching to a stop and narrowly missing a businessman.

"Watch where you are going, you crazy bitch!" The man howled, kicking her bike as he walked on yet she didn't even noticed him, her eyes locked onto the car fading into the distance.

"What the hell?" She panted, ignoring the growing number of cars and angry shouts behind her. "Of all the times to see that man, why now?!"

When Olivia pulled into the garage moments later, she found yet another surprise waiting for her.

"Follow me to my room." Acelie stood up from where she'd been sitting on the hood of Walter's car. "And don't worry, I already have a barrier surrounding it. No one will hear this but us."

Feeling like she was teetering on the edge of a cliff, Olivia just nodded and followed after her, blood dripping from the bike's handlebars.

At the same time, Walter sat on his bed, cigarette in one hand and the transmitter in the other.

It looked as though he was waiting for something.

Then, right on cue, Schrödinger materialized before him wearing his usual cunning smirk.

"You rang, Walter ?" He purred, resting his arms and head on Walter's lap for a moment before he was suddenly launched back.

"I refuse to be left in the dark any longer." Walter stood tall, a dark shadow casted over his eyes. "I want answers, now!"

"If that is what you wish!" Schrödinger sprung back up and bowed as a portal appeared behind him. "After you, Walter C. Dornez."

"I'm surprised your husband hasn't come to fetch you yet." Acelie pondered as she closed the door behind them. "Especially with the state of your hands."

"He is not a dog." Olivia hissed, her patience hanging on its last thread. "And this room is probably saturated with whatever was on that chip, so no, he won't be coming."

"…..So, your reasons are because of Alucard." Acelie muttered, applying a green salve to Olivia's hands before bandaging them.

"….Yeah." Olivia closed her eyes, her slip-up a mere pebble compared to the rockslide she endured an hour prior. "It's because of him."

Acelie was silent for a moment, checking to make sure she'd bandaged her wounds properly before facing Olivia with a fierce gaze and firm lip.

"Then what I am about to tell you concerns me greatly."

"Walter C. Dornez, how nice to see you after so long!" The Major greeted him from his seat. "You have grown since—!"

"Cut the shit, Fatass." Walter growled, his grimace growing as the Doktor and the Captain also came into view. "I want to know what the hell is going on! Why did you attack Olivia, and how the fuck does Richard Hellsing factor into this?!"

"The Younger Hellsing's affairs are none of your concern. Your goals may branch off each other, but ultimately they go in separate directions. And yet," Light flashed across the Major's glasses, obscuring his eyes as his smile dropped ever so slightly, "it appears they are intertwined after all. To think, his little gift would reveal such a revolting reality."

"What the hell are you babbling about?!" Wires swirled around Walter's form as he drew closer. "Are you talking about that figurine you gave Richard?!"

"The figurine we 'gave' Richard?" The Major chuckled before standing tall. "We had nothing to do with that. What we gave the younger Hellsing was something else entirely."

"Cut the bullshit!" Walter flung his wires out, only for the Captain to intercept them. "It has to be your doing! Why else would that damn thing harm Alucard?!"

"Why indeed!" The Major agreed. "Knowing My Beloved Count, the figurine and its components shouldn't have harmed him at all! And yet," He gave a harsh chuckle, disdain dripping from his tone. "That is not so. Like the mighty Goliath, Alucard has met his David."

"After running some tests, I discovered the wood is from an olive tree." Acelie handed Olivia her research notes, pointing to the results. "I mentioned earlier fruiting trees can cause harm to vampires, but only to newborns."

"What about the oil?!" Olivia demanded, the papers crumpling in her grip.

"Well, my tools aren't as advanced as my mentor's but I was able to determine it is tung oil which is commonly used for preserving wood. There were also hints of roses, dill, and coriander, but like I said, they would harm only newborns." Acelie sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "That is why this concerns me. Considering Alucard's age and power, there is no logical reason he should've been injured by the figurine." She racked her brain for any possible explanation. "Like I said, only very weak vampires would—." The word died at her lips, and she slowly turned towards Olivia whose eyes widened in disbelief.

"You're…You're not saying—."

"Fruiting trees, dried roses, dill and coriander cause allergic reactions to newborn vampires because their vampire blood is coagulating against the remnants of their human blood," Acelie explained, her heart racing at what they'd just discovered. "I….I don't know how but I think Alucard's vampire powers are deteriorating…..because he has human blood flowing through his veins."

"What is it that Alucard does these days?" The Major asked rhetorically, pacing the room with his arms clasped behind his back. "Does he slaughter his enemies, devouring their blood and innards like the warmongering, ravenous monster that he is? No! He waits upon his wife," The title was said like a curse as the Major continued on. "He brushes her hair, tends to her needs, and lavishes her with romantic gestures like an endeared mortal man before his beloved. And, what does she do in return?" The Major spun around, his incensed glare burning into Walter's. "She feeds him her mortal blood! Alucard has drunk nothing but her blood since their marriage! Ah! But her blood is not ordinary! It carries the curse of their vows! As vile as it is, that fraulien is Queen of the Undead, yet she herself is alive! What a contradiction!"

"Get to the point, fatass!" Walter sneered, his wires still tangled in the Captain's iron grip. "What do Olivia's blood and her marriage have to do with Alucard's condition?!"

"Don't you get it?!" The Major flung his arms outward. "By the laws of a vampire marriage, their souls and hearts are bound as one! But her heart still beats, her blood still rich with vitality, and Alucard has done nothing but feast upon it! Alucard carries that woman's heart within him—the heart of a human! And if I allow this disgusting display to continue, My Beloved Count will be nothing more than a weak urchin whose true nature was sullied by a half-breed parasite."

Walter couldn't believe his ears.

Alucard was becoming human because Olivia was?! How the fuck was that possible?! No…this was possible because Alucard made it possible. He willingly married her, he willingly drank her blood, he willingly bound himself to her.

Alucard was forgoing his legacy because his love for Olivia outweighed it all.

His dead heart, once sated by the blood of his enemies, was now pumping with the blood of his mortal wife transforming Hellsing's deadly weapon into a domesticated man.

"….What are you going to do to her?" Walter breathed, retracting his wires.

"At first, I only wanted to test her—to determine if she was worthy to be at his side. But now…..now I want revenge for she has destroyed such a beautiful creature. Doktor," The Major faced his subordinate as Schrödinger curled around his shoulders, a piece of paper in his grasp. "Is the first of our 'gifts' ready?"

"Yes, Major." The Doktor bowed with a pleased grin. "It is ready for deployment at your command."

"Excellent," The Major grinned, taking the piece of paper from Schrödinger's grasp and studying it closely. "Walter, we will also take this opportunity to eliminate that nosy pest of yours." He flipped the paper over, revealing Pushpa's painting of Olivia. "Her and her child."

"How is this possible?!" Olivia buried her head in her hands. "Alucard is the strongest being on Earth! His vampire powers can't just diminish like that! It's not possible!"

"But it is." Acelie exhaled before grabbing her journal and scribbling something down. "And it seems my question from the library is being answered."

The floor crumbled beneath Olivia and she steadied herself against the wall, bile stinging her throat and her vision fading.

"Are you saying…I did this to him? That my marriage to Alucard may kill him?!"

Acelie's silence was her answer and with a pitiful laugh, Olivia slid to the floor as her limbs became weights.

"Oh God….." She whimpered, clutching her ring hand to her chest as Acelie knelt before her. "Oh God…."

"We will figure this out! Don't fret, Mrs. Dracul!"She brushed Olivia's hair from her face in hopes of comforting her. "Wait here and I'll bring you something to drink. I saw the deliveryman earlier and he—."

The….deliveryman?

"Is Sir Hellsing alright? He has been looking pale recently."

"He'll be fine after his usual drink."

Realization hit Olivia like a truck, and Acelie screamed when she latched onto her shoulders and jostled her violently.

"Mrs. Dracul! What—?!"

"The man I saw in the car was the manor's deliveryman!" Olivia wailed, her expression a whirlpool of hysteria and despair. "The figurine was a red herring! That's why Richard made such a big deal about it! It was the scotch that he tampered with, not the figurine!"

And the moment that revelation left her lips, the sounds of soldiers shouting her name echoed down the hallway.

"Lieutenant General Song! Where are you?! There's been an attack! The Royal Adviser's home has been attacked by a vampire! "

A/N: The fic is now entering last portion of the final arc before we reaching the canon parts of the manga! And all the characters introduced in the recent chapters will serve a bigger purpose in the upcoming chapter, so look forward to that!

But yes! I wanted to play around with the effects of Alucard and Olivia's marriage and the positive/negative impacts it could have. I will go into more detail in the upcoming chapter, so please look forward to that!

Thank you again for all your support and for reading this fic! Please leave a review! I love them all and you all so much!

Please be safe, guys! Wash your hands! I love you all, and I will see you in the next chapter! :D