The letter was an interesting proposition. Out of the question, but interesting none the less. The tradition of Boxing Day had not been well observed outside of England, nor had it been terribly popular as of late even within Britain's borders. However, the Fraternal Order of Butlers suggested that it might be a lark for it's members to participate in a switch among themselves in it's honour. Not exactly as it was in the old days, but a change none the less. Especially for a butler like Walter.He'd often mused to himself how it would be to work for a normal employer, rather than the secret monster hunting order, Hellsing.
He'd been pondering over the subject since the letter had arrived and he thought he'd finally stumbled upon a way that he could participate. At the last international FOB convention he'd met with a gentleman about his own age who worked for an American billionaire. He'd established quite a rapport with this Alfred and had began a corrospondance with him. The man had made some brief mention of his employer's rather hush-hush side activities that kept him in a near constant state of anxiety. Much as Walter viewed Sir Integra as a sort of daughter, Alfred apparently held very similar feelings towards his own master whom he'd raised from the age of 8 when his parents had tragically died.
Perhaps if he could keep whatever tawdry and distasteful secrets this billionaire playboy apparently indulged in, he could be trusted to keep quiet about Hellsing's activities. And if not...well, Alucard could always just wipe his mind before he left. Working for a normal, allbeit filthy rich person would be an interesting change of pace.
Alfred sifted through the morning mail, weeding out anything Master Bruce needn't be bothered with. Party invitations; a smattering of minor society functions; adverts; a letter from Mr. Kent,most likely in regard to Master Bruce's birthday last Thursday (which he had threatened bodily harm to anyone who made mention of it); and finally a letter adressed to Alfred himself from England. He paused en route to the study and opened it immediately.
"Dear Alfred,
No Doubt you've seen the latest mailing about the upcomming Boxing Day at the end of next month. If you are interested, and can keep a secret or two for me as well as you obviously can for your master, I should very much like to participate in the exchange with you. Please inform me of your response immediately.
Your Truly,
Walter C. Dolnez"
Alfred raised an eyebrow. This was interesting. He recalled Walter worked in the household of some higher up in the British government. Lots of privvy, classified information there, apparently. He was rather flattered that the man would trust him enough to extend this invitation.
But, considering Master Bruce's nightly excursions and his own rather singular duties it was quite out of the question. Or was it? Walter certainly seemed the trustworthy sort. Not to mention it would be an exchange of very sensative secrets which would prompt both men to keep their mouths shut about anything they might learn.
He entered the study with a polite knock. Bruce Wayne raised his head from the stack of Wayne Enterprises paperwork he'd been studiously ignoring for the past three weeks.
"Good afternoon, sir." Alfred announced as he sat the relevant mail on the edge of the desk. The junk mail and his personal letter he still clutched in his hand.
"What's that?" Bruce indicated the opened piece of mail in the older man's grasp.
"Ah, yes. This is from a colleague of mine." Alfred handed the letter to his employer. "The Fraternal Order of Butlers has proposed an exchange within our ranks for the upcomming Boxing Day holiday. Walter is in something of a similar situation to myself, in that his work also requires him to keep a great many rather top secret matters to himself. He has suggested that we participate in the festivities together. Him coming here, and me going to his employer, a certain Sir Hellsing. I am quite interested by the whole thing"
"The postmark is from England. I'm not sure this is a good idea to begin with. I doubt this Sir Hellsing is a costumed vigilante. Not to mention, having you so far from here. What if there's an emergency and I need you here"
"Sir Hellsing is of a rather high position in the government, and apparently she consults with him often. So security is not an issue on that end. If he can keep state secrets, he can keep yours. He is also very capable from what I can tell. I would never dream of leaving you with someone who I thought was useless" Alfred looked a bit appalled that Bruce would even think such a thing.
The younger man regarded him steadily for a moment. "You're really set on this, aren't you"
Alfred nodded. "This truly is a unique experience that's being proposed. And it would only be for a couple of weeks"
Bruce folded his hands and knitted his brow in fierce contemplation. At length he muttered, "I suppose if it gets out of hand I could always ask J'onn to wipe his memory"
Alfred gave a smile. "Thank you, sir. I'll send my reply post-haste."