-----
Maria sighed in relief, her Dominion slowly dissipating as she smiled at the clear blue sky, feeling she had gained a great deal from this battle.
"I bet they'll love to learn this technique too, huhu!"
As she giggled with child-like wonder, she descended gently. Everyone greeted her with relieved smiles; she had taken a little longer than usual.
"What happened? Was that vampire really that strong?!" Partner asked in disbelief.
"Somewhat," Maria said, nodding. "She was at least five times stronger than the White Mist Immortal."
"What?!" Lucifer gasped. "And she said something about being part of a big family?!"
"Yeah, the Crimson Order has ten different families," Maria explained. "Dukes and Duchesses hold the third-highest position in their respective families, with Archdukes and Archduchesses above them, and then the Family Heads. Pretty straightforward hierarchy."
