Michael gave Sera a small nod before rising from his chair at the head of the table.
âThank you, Sera. As Sera said, todayâs meeting is about looking ahead. Heaven is at peace, and Iâd like to keep it that way. Rather than waiting for problems to appear, we should use this time to strengthen our kingdom while we can.â
He rested his hands on the table.
âEarlier, Uriel, Sera and I spoke about improving Heavenâs defenses. But, I donât expect this meeting to revolve around my ideas alone. If anyone has suggestions for improving Heaven whether itâs our defenses, infrastructure, or anything else, I want to hear them.â
Before he could continue, Agatha gently cleared her throat.
Michael turned to her. âYes, Agatha?â
She looked down at her notes before speaking âThere is⌠one issue that probably deserves our attention first.â
Michael raised an eyebrow. âAnd that would be?â
âThe Pearly Gates?â he repeated.
Agatha gave an awkward smile. âI was just wondering⌠when are we planning to repair them?â
Michael frowned. ââŚRepair them?â
âTheyâve been blown off their hinges ever since that sinner⌠what was his name againâŚ. Vox! Yeah ⌠ever since Vox fired that celestial cannonâ
The room suddenly became very quiet. Michael blinked. ââŚTheyâre still broken?â
âYes? Theyâve been like that for⌠several months.â
Michael stared at her in complete disbelief. âFor months?âŚ.
THEYâVE BEEN BROKEN FOR MONTHS?!â
He looked around the entire council. âDid nobody think to tell me?!â Several people suddenly became very interested in the papers in front of them.
Michael slowly turned his attention to Saint Peter.who was sitting far away from him, next to Abel whispering about something.
âY-Yes Saint Michael?â Peter asked a bit confused why the archangel was addressing him.
âYou guard the Pearly Gates.â
Peter nodded nervously. âI⌠do.â
âWhat exactly do you have to say for yourself? And what should we do to properly fix them?!â
âUhhhh⌠I just watch the door.â
Michael stared at him for a long moment before throwing his hands up in frustration.
âWHAT DOOR?! There is no door for you to watch!â
He buried his face into his palm and muttered. âI donât get paid enough for thisâŚâ
A few council members covered their mouths, trying not to laugh. Michael let out an exasperated sigh, rubbing his temples.
âI cannot believe Heavenâs front entrance has been broken for months⌠and this is the first Iâm hearing about it.â