Alex stood in St. George's Hall — one of the most luxurious and spacious halls in Windsor Castle. This enormous elongated room, over fifty meters long, was striking in its scale and solemn Gothic splendor. The high ceiling was adorned with hundreds of coats of arms belonging to the Knights of the Order of the Garter: bright shields and mottos created the feeling that the entire history of English chivalry was floating overhead.
The walls of light stone were decorated with massive portraits of kings and tapestries, while the huge stained-glass windows let in muted evening light that mixed with the warm glow of crystal chandeliers and gilded candelabras. Alex calmly surveyed the hall while the subdued voices of the people attending the royal family's ceremony hummed in the background.
All those present were dressed appropriately: many high-ranking military officers added orders, ribbons, and stars to their chests, while some aristocrats wore the Windsor uniform — dark red tunics with gold accents that emphasized their connection to the royal court.
The women were dressed in beautiful evening gowns that perfectly fit the atmosphere of such an event. Looking at all this, Alex could only quietly sigh through his nose as he observed the gathered crowd.
Beside him stood Integra, who was engaged in a polite conversation with the members of the Round Table. They cautiously questioned her about the events that had taken place in England a few days earlier. Throughout the conversation, they repeatedly tried to find out what had really happened in London.
But Integra, without changing her expression, skillfully dodged such questions and simply changed the subject, making it clear with her whole demeanor that she had no intention of discussing the topic and that it was not something they needed to know. Alex stood next to Integra, and his face had already gone numb from the constantly polite smile that never left his lips.
Various aristocrats and high-ranking military officers kept approaching him — some of whom he had met back at the British Self-Defense Forces headquarters. Alex politely responded to all greetings and shook hands with everyone who approached him.
In his desire to experience everything new, he was beginning to realize that not every new experience would be particularly interesting. Feeling his face go numb from the polite smile, Alex mentally complained about everyone, including Integra, who had assured him that there wouldn't be that many people at the event.
"What a drag… I thought there would be fewer people. It feels like literally everyone is here…" Alex thought, sweeping his gaze over all those present.
But what Alex had once again conveniently forgotten was that because of his connection with Integra, she could hear all his complaints. Hearing them in her head, Integra only slightly turned her head and gave Alex a cold look. The last thing Integra wanted at that moment was to hear Alex's complaints inside her head.
After all, she already had to evasively answer the questions of the Round Table members, who wanted to know from her all the details of why London had remained intact when Sir Penwood had clearly said the opposite. At such moments, Integra felt a slight headache because of Penwood's actions — instead of thinking, he had blurted out what should not have been said.
But Integra hid her thoughts behind the cold mask that was always on her face. Penwood himself was at that moment trying to become as inconspicuous as possible. Only when he met Integra's gaze did he realize that he had said what he should not have.
The only one who completely ignored the general atmosphere around her was Alessa. She stood between Alex and Integra, firmly holding her father's hand. She didn't even pay attention to the barely audible whispers of those who were talking about her. Those who discussed Alessa were mostly military officers who had been present during the vampire attack at the Self-Defense Forces headquarters.
The conversations mostly revolved around the fact that a child like Alessa hadn't even reacted to a gun pointed at her, and that she hadn't reacted at all when someone was killed right in front of her eyes. The rumors were gradually gaining momentum among the aristocrats and military officers.
The situation quickly reached the point where Alessa began to be considered Integra's illegitimate daughter, whom she and Alex had hidden for many years. Alex clearly heard these absurd rumors and could barely hold back his laughter. He had to restrain his laughter and refrain from making a sarcastic comment about these ridiculous rumors.
Considering that Integra was currently only twenty-two years old, while Alessa looked like a seven-year-old girl. Trying not to laugh, Alex reached out and lightly touched Integra's shoulder with his finger to get her attention. Integra turned her head and raised an eyebrow slightly, asking what he wanted.
"If you need to go to the toilet or want to smoke, then hold it," Integra said calmly, looking at Alex.
"That's not what I wanted to talk about. I even forgot how much people in places like this love gossip," Alex whispered into Integra's ear so that no one would hear them.
"Let them talk. People always love to make up stories to feel important. If that's all you wanted to tell me, then there was no need to bother me over such trifles," Integra replied calmly, looking him in the eyes.
"That's not what I meant. I'm just amazed by the imagination of some people. Alessa has somehow become your illegitimate daughter, whom we hid for many years," Alex said, chuckling lightly and continuing to whisper in Integra's ear.
"Congratulations. Now I am officially a 'fallen woman' in the eyes of the entire English aristocracy…" Integra began in a cold tone, slightly turning her gaze aside.
"I can shut them up if you want. And no one will ever know. It's not hard for me to play a little with their memories. I'll just snip a bit — and they'll have nightmares for the rest of their lives," Alex said, making scissor motions with his fingers.
"No need. If these stories start to bother Alessa or cast a shadow on Hellsing… I'll find the author of this 'beautiful' story myself," Integra said, scanning the people in the hall with a cold gaze.
"And then what? I'm just curious what you'll do. In situations like this, I usually just maim idiots," Alex said, raising an eyebrow slightly and looking at Integra with interest.
"Then we'll see how much they'll like it when the truth about their own little secrets suddenly comes to light. That compromising material you brought me is still sitting unused. I have no problem using it against those who consider themselves too talkative," Integra said, returning her gaze to Alex.
Alex raised an eyebrow and immediately remembered the mountains of documents he had obtained while clearing out the secret bunkers of the British organization Men of Letters. There was more than enough compromising material to socially and financially destroy a person, and all those documents were now stored at Hellsing.
If Integra wanted, he could hand them over to whoever needed them, and she wouldn't even have to do anything to strip a person of everything. Alex nodded with a light smile, but still moved his fingers like scissors, showing that there was an even simpler option. However, Integra shook her head slightly, indicating that there was no need to do that.
She herself saw no point in it, believing that these people who loved gossip were not worthy of her attention. Alex simply shrugged and continued standing next to Integra, still observing the elite of English society who loved to discuss other people's lives.
Alessa herself didn't react at all to the conversations in which she was mentioned. She didn't even take them seriously. Before she became Alex's daughter, she had been called much worse things. Now, having gained a family, Alessa believed there was no point in paying attention to such people.
But Alessa also wouldn't mind giving those who talked too much a few nightmares so they would know when to keep their mouths shut and when not to.
Alessa swept her gaze over those who were discussing her. And those who met the gaze of Alessa's black eyes shuddered and quickly looked away. Like many others who had seen that gaze, they couldn't believe that a seven-year-old child could have such a creepy, skin-crawling look.
"Don't pay attention to them, little princess. If they keep talking, we'll just send GIR, MIMI, and Stitch to play in their houses," Alex said, gently stroking Alessa's hair.
"I don't care… Their opinions mean nothing to me… But they will still have to face their fears," Alessa said, looking up at Alex.
"Just don't leave any traces, Alessa," Alex said with a light smile, not even trying to dissuade his daughter.
"I know… Mama Wednesday taught me how not to leave traces at a crime scene," Alessa said, nodding slightly and continuing to hold Alex's hand.
"Sometimes I wonder what exactly Wednesday is teaching you," Alex said, chuckling lightly.
"Mama Wednesday teaches me many things… And I can already do a lot. Especially torture…" Alessa said in a calm tone, not wanting to go into all the details.
Alex smiled slightly and stroked his daughter's hair again, having no thoughts of stopping Alessa. Integra listened with half an ear to the conversation between her husband and daughter. Alessa's words about those who spread rumors facing nightmares received Integra's silent approval.
Integra herself also believed that such people should learn to keep their mouths shut, and a small reminder in the form of nightmares would be more than enough. Stopping paying attention to the conversation between Alex and Alessa, Integra continued her dialogue with the Round Table members, discussing important matters before the main part of the event began.
Time continued to pass, and the hall gradually filled with people. Soon, everyone who had been invited to the event had arrived. Despite the fact that such a ceremony could be called closed, there were still quite a few people present. After all, many military sites in Britain had been attacked not only by vampires but also by traitors who had switched to Millennium's side.
And those who had distinguished themselves and shown themselves were awarded by the Queen herself. Even though the civilian population remained unaware of what had really happened in the country. Everyone was waiting for only one person — the organizer of the event.
And soon a representative of the Queen herself came out and began announcing the arrival of the Queen. When the representative finished speaking, the guards standing at the doors opened them and saluted. The moment the doors opened, the Queen appeared, dressed in a royal gown with a crown on her head.
The Queen walked down the center of the hall along the red carpet. As she moved forward, everyone expressed their respect to her, bowing their heads in deference. The Queen reached the main dais and stood before everyone. Turning around, her gaze moved to Alex and Integra, who stood at the front.
Seeing that the Queen was looking at him, Alex bowed slightly with a smile on his face. A small smile flashed across the Queen's aged face, which quickly disappeared, and she looked away. She didn't know all the details of how Millennium had been defeated, but she knew that Alex had played the main role in it.
"Thank you, my loyal subjects, for coming here today… With a heavy heart I must say these words… But our country has faced an enemy that should have disappeared many decades ago," the Queen said in a heavy tone.
As soon as the Queen began to speak, the entire hall fell silent. Everyone perfectly understood what she was talking about. After all, all those present had faced this enemy. Before everyone's eyes were the torn bodies of those they had served with, and the sound of the traitors' laughter as they stabbed them in the back. And the heaviest blow for many was the transformation of the killed into the living dead, whom they themselves had to kill.
"And despite the betrayal by those who betrayed our country… and thanks to the help of those who were ready to fight to the end… all this is the merit of these people who are now present in the hall. That we were able to cope with an unknown threat that put not only one city but the entire country at risk," the Queen continued, looking at all those present.
The Queen continued her long speech, mentioning the events that had been prevented thanks to the collective efforts of many and the selfless command of officers. After finishing her solemn speech, the Queen moved on to the awards ceremony. At that moment, other guards approached her on the dais, holding exquisite boxes with the royal coat of arms.
When the guards opened the boxes, military medals lay inside. The Queen began to call out names, and those she named rose to the dais. The Queen personally pinned the medals, uttering solemn words and mentioning their merits. Each time a new medal was awarded, restrained applause sounded in the hall.
Alex watched all this ceremony with a calm expression on his face, lightly applauding along with everyone else. Despite his previous complaints, this was the first time he had been at such an event, and he even found it somewhat interesting to observe what was happening.
The awarding process continued, and more and more people came up to the stage to receive their medals and honors. When the last medal was awarded, other guards came onto the stage holding two more exquisite red boxes, on which the royal family's coat of arms was embossed in gold. Those who saw these boxes with the royal coat of arms immediately understood what they meant.
After all, these two boxes did not contain just medals, but a true symbol of status. Even Alex, who was attending such an event for the first time, immediately understood that the final part of the ceremony had arrived. The Queen turned and looked at Alex and Integra.
"And to conclude this ceremony, we have gathered here to pay tribute to those who played a decisive role in protecting our kingdom. The enemy that sowed fear and chaos no longer exists. This victory became possible thanks to the courage, determination, and devotion to duty of many people… and especially two of them," the Queen said in a solemn tone.
All eyes immediately turned to Alex and Integra, who stood together at the front of the crowd. Alex remembered what Integra had told him, and together with her they ascended the dais and stood before the Queen, bowing slightly. At that moment Alex felt mixed feelings about what was happening.
But now was not the time for him to express his thoughts and inner feelings. The Queen turned and took a silver exquisite ceremonial sword in her hands. Seeing the ceremonial sword, Alex knelt on one knee, waiting for the beginning of the knighting ceremony.
"Sir Alexander Voldigoad… For your exceptional bravery and strength shown in the fight against the greatest enemy of our time, I bestow upon you the title of Knight of the British Empire. Furthermore, taking into account your decisive role in the destruction of our enemy and your readiness to fight the forces of darkness, I, by the right of the Crown, induct you as a member of the Royal Order of Protestant Knights," the Queen said, touching Alex's right shoulder with the silver sword.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Alex said, rising from his knee.
"From now on you are Sir Alexander Voldigoad. From now on you become a full member of this ancient order, whose mission is to protect the British Empire and the Protestant faith from everything unclean and supernatural. I also present you with a knight's saber and the order's ribbon as a symbol of the Crown's gratitude. Wear them with pride," the Queen said, signaling a guard to come closer.
At the Queen's signal, the guard approached, holding an exquisite red box. The Queen turned and opened it. Inside was an exquisite saber, a knight's medal, and a ribbon. The Queen placed the ribbon over Alex's shoulders and attached the knight's medal to it.
The last thing the Queen presented was the saber, signifying knightly status. At that moment, applause rolled through the hall. Everyone expressed their respect for Alex's appointment as a knight. No one knew exactly what Alex had done or how he had defeated the enemy. But everyone believed that if the Queen was appointing Alex as a Knight of the Faith, there must be every reason for it. The Round Table members standing in the front rows respectfully applauded Alex.
Despite the fact that their acquaintance had been quite strange — when he jumped through the third-floor window of the Hellsing manor. Alessa, standing in the front rows, applauded using the hands of her creepy rabbit Robbie. But that didn't stop her from showing pride in her father. Integra, standing next to Alex, smiled proudly as she watched Alex being knighted. For her, this was also an important moment.
When the Queen finished awarding Alex and delivering her solemn praise, her gaze moved to Integra.
"The Honorable Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing. As the head of the Hellsing organization, you have stood guard over this kingdom for many years, protecting it from threats that most of our subjects are not even aware of. In the recent events, your role was no less invaluable," the Queen said, looking at Integra with a slight smile on her face.
"Thank you for those words, Your Majesty," Integra said, bowing slightly.
"Your leadership, determination, and devotion to duty allowed us to deliver a decisive blow to the enemy of our country. Therefore, today I take special pride in raising you to the rank of Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath. From now on you are Dame Integra. In recognition of your services, I also present you with the star and ribbon of the order, as well as a new ceremonial saber on behalf of the Crown," the Queen said, signaling another guard behind her.
At the Queen's signal, the next guard approached with an exquisite red box. Opening the box, the Queen took out the ribbon of the Order to place it over Integra's shoulders. Integra bowed her head gratefully, allowing the Queen to place the Order's ribbon over her shoulders.
After putting on the ribbon, the Queen attached the medal to the order. Having finished with the medal, the Queen took out an exquisite saber decorated with gold from the box. Integra drew her previous knight's saber and handed it to Alex, who stood nearby waiting for the end of the awarding. Integra took the new saber in her hands and attached it to her belt.
"And when all the honors have been distributed, it is worth mentioning one more important piece of news. Dame Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing and Sir Alexander Voldigoad. We are pleased to see that the head of the ancient and loyal House of Hellsing has found herself a worthy life companion. Taking into account Sir Voldigoad's exceptional services to the Crown and the people of Great Britain, as well as his loyalty to the Order, we gladly give our royal consent and blessing to your marriage. From now on, your union is officially recognized as the union of two faithful servants of the Crown and the Protestant Order. May the Lord protect your house and your family," the Queen said with a smile, looking at Alex and Integra, who stood next to each other.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Alex and Integra said simultaneously, bowing slightly.
When the Queen's last words sounded, another wave of applause and voices congratulating Alex and Integra rolled through the hall. Integra herself was very pleased that even her country had officially recognized her marriage. Even though no one present, except herself and Alessa, knew Alex's true identity and origin.
But to some extent this recognition brought her a sense of calm. Descending from the dais, Alex and Integra returned to Alessa, who continued to applaud using the hands of her creepy rabbit Robbie. Alex smiled and gently stroked Alessa's hair, causing a barely noticeable smile to appear on her face.
The Round Table members took turns congratulating Alex on becoming part of their Order and shook his hand, thereby showing that they accepted him into their ranks. The one who shook Alex's hand most emotionally was Sir Penwood, who kept shaking it with a smile on his face.
"Your father would be proud of you, Dame Hellsing," Hugh Irons said, standing next to Integra.
"Thank you, Sir Irons," Integra said, nodding slightly.
Hugh Irons nodded at Integra's short reply because he perfectly understood her character. But he wasn't lying when he said that Arthur Hellsing would be proud of what his daughter had achieved. The Round Table members finished exchanging pleasantries with Alex, and everyone continued listening to the Queen's concluding solemn speech.
At the same time, Alex's entire family was watching the event from the different worlds they were in. After all, despite having their own work, none of Alex's wives wanted to miss something like this. After all, some of them had never seen such an event, and the most important factor was that their husband was participating in it. Some of the girls even laughed at the fact that someone like Alex had become a knight, considering who he really was.
All the girls endlessly exchanged opinions about the entire ceremony, expressing their thoughts and sharing their impressions. In particular, there was discussion about the titles that Alex and Integra had received. After all, only some of the women in Alex's family had aristocratic experience and understood little about it. But that still didn't stop them from discussing the event. The girls even began to recall and count how many titles their husband already had.
Alex didn't know that in the family chat the discussion of what had happened to him was once again in full swing. At that moment he was in a specially prepared banquet hall, where everyone had gone after the solemn awarding had come to an end. Alex stood next to a table on which desserts were placed.
In his hands he held a plate with dessert and slowly ate it. Putting a piece of cake in his mouth, Alex bit the fork and lifted the knight's medal attached to the knight's ribbon. Alex couldn't hold back the smile on his face at the thought that he had arrived in London as a representative of the Federal Bureau of Control to hide his identity.
And in the end he had become a knight, and his marriage had even been approved by the Queen herself. Alex understood that among the civilian population this news would most likely simply pass by. But what he was sure of was that once this event ended, the news would spread among the British elite faster than a forest fire.
"I think Dean will be jealous," Alex said, chuckling lightly.
"Uncle Dean will most likely say that now we need to install a golden toilet so you can use it, Papa," Alessa said, standing next to Alex and also holding a plate with dessert.
"That's all envy, my little princess. He and Sam have saved the world so many times, and in the end no one even thanked them. And I saved just one country and became a knight. So think about it," Alex said, smiling as he speared a piece of cake with his fork.
"Mmm… That's definitely envy. But he'll still say something about the golden toilet. I'm sure of it. Uncle Dean is exactly like that," Alessa said, nodding her head.
"Well then, we'll buy him a golden toilet and golden toilet paper. So he can enjoy himself a little," Alex said, lightly twirling the dessert fork between his fingers.
Alessa nodded thoughtfully, agreeing with her father's opinion. But she quickly shook her head negatively, thinking that her mamas would be against installing a golden toilet in the Bunker. Alex saw that Alessa was shaking her head and quickly understood what his daughter was thinking.
Smiling slightly, Alex stroked Alessa's hair and continued eating his dessert, observing the people who were enjoying the banquet and drinking. What really pleased Alex was that so far no one had approached him to start a conversation.
And that brought Alex relief, because he didn't need to talk to anyone. And the moment Alex thought about that, a light cough sounded behind him. Exhaling wearily through his nose, Alex turned his head and met the smiling gaze of Sir Penwood, who had suddenly approached.
"How can I help you, Sir Penwood?" Alex asked with a light smile on his face.
"I wanted to thank you, Sir Voldigoad. After all, I owe you my life," Penwood said, wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.
"There's no need to thank me, Sir Penwood. As I said back then, many in your place would have run away long ago or even switched to the enemy's side. But you decided to stay until the very end, even knowing that only death awaited you. Such things are rarely seen," Alex said, lightly waving his dessert fork.
"And yet, why did I end up alive? No matter how much I think about it, I couldn't find an answer. I clearly remember being wounded, and how I activated your bomb. But when I opened my eyes, there were no wounds on my body… And my men… They were also alive. I even considered it a miracle," Penwood said in a quiet enough voice that only Alex could hear.
"Sir Penwood, do you remember my words when I handed you the bomb?" Alex asked, bringing the fork with cake to his mouth.
"You said that a gentleman should leave brightly and beautifully, as is fitting… If I remember correctly," Penwood said with a strained smile, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Correct. But I never said that you would die. You left the 'battlefield' brightly and beautifully… Although your last speech was inspiring. Even if no one heard it in 'London'," Alex said in a cheerful tone, deliberately emphasizing certain words.
"You mean to say…" Penwood said, swallowing hard when he heard the indirect hint in Alex's words.
When Penwood's words sounded, Alex simply brought his finger to his lips, showing that he wouldn't say anything, but wouldn't stop him from thinking either. Seeing Alex's gesture, Penwood swallowed another lump in his throat. Even though Penwood had received the title and rank of vice admiral through family inheritance, it didn't mean he was stupid.
Penwood was insecure and didn't know how to behave in emergency situations, but he definitely wasn't stupid. And hearing how Alex had emphasized the words "battlefield" and "London," he partially guessed what Alex was talking about, even if he considered it complete nonsense.
Penwood opened and closed his mouth to say something. But after a moment he simply sighed, understanding that there was no point in asking more questions. He had remained alive, and even the Queen had appreciated his contribution to this war, which had brought more honors to his family.
"You are right, Sir Voldigoad. There is no point in asking questions… Then allow me to thank you once again for your help… And also congratulate you on your appointment as a Knight of the Faith. I am pleased to know that there is a man like you among us," Penwood said with a smile, extending his hand for a handshake.
"Thank you, Sir Penwood. You are a very good man… even if a little nervous," Alex said, chuckling lightly and shaking Penwood's hand.
"I won't deny that, Sir Voldigoad. The last few days have been truly strange. I even considered going for a medical examination. Fortunately, my wife talked me out of it. Otherwise I would be lying in a hospital right now," Penwood said, chuckling lightly.
"In my opinion, you should go on vacation with your family. You've earned it. Rest is the best way to get rid of stress," Alex said, continuing to smile.
"I think I should consider that. My wife and I haven't gone anywhere in a long time. Even if it's a short vacation, it's worth it," Penwood said thoughtfully, nodding his head.
Alex smiled and continued chatting with Penwood, who began to calm down and have a normal conversation with Alex. At that time, Integra entered the banquet hall after having a private conversation with the Queen. Entering the hall, Integra looked for Alex and Alessa with her eyes.
Her first thought about where to look for Alex was — near the dessert table. And she was right when she saw Alex and Alessa standing in Penwood's company. Noticing how Alex and Penwood were talking with smiles on their faces, Integra nodded slightly, considering Alex's action correct. After watching Alex for a couple of moments, Integra calmly walked toward him.
Noticing Integra, Alex waved with a smile on his face, while Penwood respectfully nodded his head. When Integra approached, Penwood said goodbye to Alex and returned to his family. Alex then asked Integra about the conversation she had had with the Queen. Integra shook her head, showing that they would discuss it at home, and Alex nodded, asking no more questions.
To be continued...
(So, actually, I was thinking of keeping this celebration short. But I stumbled across some videos about how such events are held. And I figured I should do it properly, or at least try. It's just that, depending on the book or fanfic, such moments are described in either detail or in a condensed manner. But now Alex has earned another title, which, as usual, he didn't ask for. And I'll go get something tasty and play Space Marine 2. It's fun to play, and killing Xenon abominations is even more exciting. Peace, love, and HERESY!)
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