Chapter 5: The Caggiano Family's Plea for Help, and Clare's Affection for Hellsing

"A whole night has passed, can young master Hellsing still come back alive?"

"Uncertain. There are so many thieves outside the city, he might have been captured. If they're after money, it's still manageable, but if they're just venting, then young master Hellsing might be..."

The soldiers guarding the city gate made a throat-slitting gesture and stopped speaking.

They knew better than to gossip about the affairs of the nobles, lest they bring trouble upon themselves.

"Madam, you know that I cannot put the lives of the entire city in danger for Hellsing."

Inside the Caggiano family residence.

Hellsing's father expressed his helplessness, sneaking a glance at his daughter Clare.

Unlike other noble families, the head of the Caggiano family had always groomed Clare, his daughter, as the heir from the very beginning.

Hellsing was merely a young master.

Even though he was dearly loved, he was still a pawn that could be sacrificed when it came to major issues.

But if the one kidnapped by the thieves was Clare, things would definitely not be the same.

Hellsing's mother kept a gloomy face, silent, her hands tightly clenched.

She understood the implications of her husband's words.

She was reluctant, but there was nothing she could do.

"I must find Hellsing."

Clare rushed out of the door.

The intelligent girl had already understood that her parents did not plan to take action, but she couldn't accept that.

Hellsing was her little brother, whom she had watched grow up.

She had to find him no matter what.

"Damn it, why couldn't you be stronger?"

Clare's resolute words made Hellsing's mother unable to hold back any longer. She punched Hellsing's father heavily and stormed out of the room.

Watching the retreating figures of his wife and daughter, Hellsing's father took a deep breath.

Unable to even protect his own children, what could he, a baron, do?

Hellsing's father made up his mind, and a decision was made.

In the study, the long-sealed magic circle lit up.

It was a circle that could establish communication with the surrounding city lords.

"The Caggiano family is willing to offer half of the family's wealth to request the city lords to join us in annihilating the thieves roaming outside the city."

Hellsing's father knew well that the surrounding city lords were all profit-driven.

He directly put half of the family's wealth on the line.

Even though he knew this deal was a loss.

But what he lacked most now was time, and he had no other choice.

The surrounding city lords became excited like chickens on steroids when they learned of the Caggiano family's stake.

But as nobles, they were planning for more than just half of the wealth.

After some bargaining.

The city lord closest to the Caggiano family took up the commission.

The reward was raised from half to two-thirds.

At this, the surrounding city lords were all envious.

But alas, the early bird catches the worm, and they could only watch as others took the benefits.

.

"Who's there?"

The two soldiers guarding the city gate became alert when they smelled the strong scent of blood.

They held their spears level, staring intently at the two blood-covered figures emerging from the forest.

"It's me."

The familiar voice made the two soldiers hesitate. They exchanged glances and asked in confusion.

"Is it young master Hellsing?"

The two soldiers didn't recognize Hellsing at first.

But Clare

, who had just appeared at the city gate, immediately rushed into Hellsing's arms.

Hellsing frowned.

In order to avoid arousing suspicion, Hellsing had deliberately doused himself in the blood of the thieves. It was sticky and emitted a foul smell.

Even he could barely stand it, yet Clare had rushed right into his arms.

Hellsing initially wanted to push Clare away.

But when he saw the tears welling up in Clare's eyes and her slight trembling, Hellsing hesitated.

"Sis, I'm fine."

Hellsing held Clare tightly in his arms, whispering words of comfort.

"It seems that Miss Clare really does dote on young master Hellsing!"

The two city guards exchanged bewildered glances and said in unison.

It was well known that Miss Clare was slightly germophobic.

But facing Hellsing, who was covered in blood, she didn't hesitate to embrace him. If this wasn't doting, what was?

After a moment, Clare controlled her emotions, struggled out of Hellsing's arms, and looked at him with concern.

Despite repeatedly emphasizing that the blood wasn't his, the worry in Clare's eyes didn't diminish.

All her attention was focused on Hellsing, and she didn't even notice Alpha standing behind him.

"From now on, you're not allowed to spend the night outside."

Clare wiped away her tears, put on a stern face like a big sister, and pulled Hellsing towards their home.

Hellsing smiled slightly.

"The long-lost feeling of being cared for seems quite nice."

Hellsing beckoned, and Alpha followed respectfully.

But seeing her master being held by Clare, a subtle feeling arose in her heart.

It was as if her most precious possession had been taken away, and she felt a bit unwilling.

...