"Wow! This must be what Heaven is like." Lloyd's gaze swept the breathtaking surroundings. Everything he saw was spotlessly white. The sleek floor. The temple pillars, the sky, and the holy sun in the sky. Everything was white and radiated pure holiness.
"Woah," observed Lloyd. "Doesn't it feel like we're a germ or cockroach that intruded inside somewhere we shouldn't be."
"You know, Young Master, you can keep those kinds of thoughts to yourself..."
"Nope," defied Lloyd. "Can't do that."
Irritated, Javier tightly pressed his lips together, and a notion occurred to him while he gazed at the divine sight around him. How did he end up here after being pulled out by Lloyd from his comfortable position in bed?
Ha... It's my fault for getting involved with this man in the first place.
Why, of all people, did this type of man have to possess Lloyd Frontera's body. Why did he have to take him to such unexpected places at every chance he had? Javier resentfully reflected on the past. However, there was only one conclusion he could draw.
It's just because he's a bad person.
His mind went back to the events that had occurred prior to his arrival. He was lying on his bed about an hour ago, having finished the cleanup for the dam's construction site and completed all his exhausting chores for the day while also worrying about Lloyd's evasive behavior recently. He was tossing and turning in his bed, trying to sleep, when the door burst open with a voice saying, "Hey! Let's go to Heaven!"
I thought he had lost it at first.
Who barged into someone's room and demanded they travel to Heaven? Javier tried to calm Lloyd down and help him get a grip on himself, believing that he had finally gone mad. Javier even considered knocking him out for a few seconds as a form of medical treatment. Lloyd's next move, however, surpassed his imagination.
"Come on! Let's go!" Lloyd held out his hand to grab Javier's and yanked it up, leaving no time for the knight to respond.
Finally making sense of the situation, Javier managed, "Where on earth are you suggesting we go?" "I told you!" bawled Lloyd excitedly. "To Heaven!"
Okay. That was it for Javier. He was about to knock Lloyd out when he saw six angels standing in a line in the corridor.
"All right, Young Master," Javier said as he finished recalling the previous events. "I can accept the fact that I was forced to come to Heaven with you. However, I have a question." Javier swiveled his head toward Lloyd. His eyes were filled with suspicion. "What on earth am I doing here?"
"Hmm?" retorted Lloyd innocently. "You?"
"Yes." The suspicion in his eyes grew. "You told me a while ago in the corridor as you introduced me to the angels that Raphael was right about the heavens sending them to take you away and that I was to tag along."
"Yes, I did," Lloyd said matter-of-factly.
"That is what I'm curious about."
"About what?" inquired Lloyd patiently.
Javier frowned. "The angels descended down to take you away."
"That's right."
"So, what am I doing here with you?"
Lloyd looked Javier in the eyes as if the question couldn't be more absurd. "I'm scared to go alone."
That completely silenced Javier, who had been almost persuaded for a split second by Lloyd's outrageous gibberish due to his shameless attitude. "You are scared?" Javier blurted out, quickly gathering himself and screwing up his nose. "Is that why you brought me here? That is a bad joke."
"I'm serious. It's not a joke," replied Lloyd with a straight face.
“...”
"Come on," went on Lloyd. "This isn't a neighborhood or kingdom next to us. It's Heaven. Quite literally Heaven. Although different from Hell, this is also a place for the dead. Plus, should I also remind you that I was coerced into coming here? I didn't come here for a fun vacation. It only makes sense for me to be scared of coming here alone."
"Well, that is..." Javier's voice faltered.
"So, you have to protect me by my side."
Javier narrowed his eyes.
"That's how much I trust you, my knight."
Lloyd Frontera. Javier was astonished by the man's ability to occasionally move him with his sincerity like now. But Javier pretended he wasn't moved and tutted, "You trust me, Young Master? Please don't say something so ridiculous."
"But I'm seriously serious," pressed Lloyd.
"I say that you are rather bored."
"Oops," giggled Lloyd. "You got me."
Javier didn't respond.
Lloyd clapped his hands. "Let's move faster, shall we? Why are you so slow? Are you a turtle?"
Suddenly, Javier felt a shaft of irritation.
"You know, you might as well answer if you're asked a question. Let's go, Javier the Turtle."
"Master Lloyd," huffed Javier gravely. "I am neither a turtle nor Javier the-"
"All right. I get it. Sir Javier Asrahan. No need to get upset over what I said. Tsk."
Lloyd chuckled. Truly, Javier was a fun guy to tease. However, an unpleasant message appeared whenever Lloyd went too far with his teasing. Like now.
[Javier Asrahan thought that your joke crossed the line.]
[Your likeability with Javier Asrahan has decreased by one point.]
[Current RP with Javier Asrahan: +67]
[Even though your relationship with a major character has slightly worsened, your RP remains unchanged and will not be forfeited.]
[Current RP: 10,071]
Ha. I guess I went out too far.
Lloyd gave a wry smile. Javier's reaction was actually understandable, given that he was dragged out of his bed to this celestial place. But as far as Lloyd was concerned, he didn't have any other choice.
Of course. Who knows what will happen here? I really was nervous about coming alone.
It was nowhere other than Heaven. Moreover, he wasn't here for a good reason.
I mean, even though I stand to gain a lot from this visit if it all goes according to my plan, you can never be certain that everything will go as expected. That's why I need someone to look out for me if things go wrong.
Thinking that taking Javier was only a natural decision for him, Lloyd moved on as he stole glances at the faces of the angels escorting him. They were the same angels who had come down to pick him up.
Two Thrones angels. The rest... The Dominion angels?
The Thrones angels held the same amount of power as grandmasters. Dominion angels were slightly less powerful than that. Aside from them, the angels flying about the area also exuded a menacing energy.
Most of them are those in the lower ranks of the Principalities to Angels. Comparing them to humans, they'd be somewhere between a high-level sword expert and a swordmaster. The Virtues I intermittently see are equivalent to swordmasters. This place is filled with powerful angels.
His shoulders drooped naturally, and he was glad he had brought Javier with him. It meant he could buy some time to stall and flee with him if a fight erupted, which Lloyd knew would be impossible to win.
They soon came to a large door that was about 120 feet tall and 60 feet wide and hung in the air. There was no wall or frame around it. There was merely a large white door hanging in the air. Lloyd even peered around the corner, but nothing was there.
One of the angels gestured to the door and said, "Please open the door and go in."
"Open this one?" asked Lloyd, gulping.
"Yes, but your guard should stay here. Please go in alone. The minister should be inside."
Lloyd figured that the angel was referring to Gabriel the Seraph. Clasping the handle, he pushed the door open. Just then... Fwoosh!
Eh?
His entire surroundings changed after a brief moment of nausea as if someone had used transportation magic on him.
Where am I?
Lloyd's gaze darted around the room, trying to calm his nauseated stomach. The entire setting had been converted into a large office. The walls and floor, as well as the bookshelf and books, were all white. The desk and chair were white as well as if the entire place had been designed by someone who was obsessed with the color white. Lloyd then noticed an immaculate angel sitting straight in his chair, gently smiling.
"Welcome. Have a seat."
Lloyd wordlessly obeyed. After taking a seat across from the angel, he leaned forward and said, "Nice to meet you. I am Lloyd Frontera, the human from the mundane realm."
Lloyd figured the angel must be Gabriel. Determined to make a good first impression on him, he gulped and observed the angel's reaction.
The angel beamed. "I am aware. I have been watching over your every move. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Gabriel, the Minister of Angels."
"Nice to meet you," Lloyd said as he put on a modest and humble smile. "I am infinitely honored to be in the presence of the Minister of Angels who possesses such great reputation, honor, glory, joy, and praise."
Gabriel raised his brow at the groveling remark. "Really...?"
"Yes, minister."
"I think you are lying," accused Gabriel, unaffected.
"I would never lie to you."
"I suggest you wipe the sweat off yourself before you speak."
"Please forgive me..." Lloyd trailed off, inwardly scrapping his plan to win him over with flattery. He suppressed a bitter smile.
Gabriel put on a similar expression. "Anyway, thank you for agreeing to come here without a fight. Unlike what happened last time."
"By that, you mean..."
"Raphael the Throne. You put up quite a fierce resistance against him while he tried to carry out his duty." Lloyd avoided Gabriel's gaze.
"I am sure you are aware why I called for you here today.
"Yes, I am."
"Then, care to tell me the reason yourself?"
"Haah..." sighed Lloyd. "I didn't abide by the demolition order of the Jewel of Truth and interfered with Raphael's efforts to carry out his duties as a public official of Heaven. I suppose you wanted to interrogate me about it all."
"You are smart. I like that. You are exactly right."
"Thank you, minister."
"Thank you? You should be offering at least one hundred apologies instead," said Gabriel in a reproachful tone. Ever so carefully, Lloyd spoke in a humble tone. "On what ground should I apologize..."
"Do you not know?" Gabriel was slightly taken aback by Lloyd's question.
Lloyd closed his mouth. Gabriel's benevolent eyes began to become stern and stringent. "What do you think of the heavens' decision, Human Lloyd Frontera? Do you see it as a tyrannical move from selfish higher-ups who are unconcerned about those in the mundane realm?"
Yes, I do, Lloyd thought to himself.
Gabriel's criticism continued. "But, human Lloyd Frontera, you see. You are off in your assessment. The preser is not the only factor when we make decisions. We also take into account the numerous possibilities and risks that our decision may have on the universe in its present, past, and future." Gabriel's voice grew commanding. "Now, do you dare tell me that you are arrogant enough to believe you are above Heaven's wisdom with your menial judgment, hopes, and willpower as a human?"
Lloyd didn't rush into response. He remained silent, listening to what Gabriel had to say.
"That is truly an arrogant thought. I am aware that such propensity can be easily observed in smart humans, but I thought you were different. How utterly disappointing."
Even then, Lloyd didn't speak.
"This should be enough to enlighten you of your wrongdoing. Do speak if you have something to say," urged Gabriel. His benevolent tone was back.
"Oh, yes, My Grace. But before that," Lloyd said as he gently smiled, "May I bother you with a question?" "Do ask now," allowed Gabriel.
"Yes, thank you." Lloyd licked his lips with saliva as he noticed Gabriel's sternness in his eyes. He was well aware that he needed to tread carefully. As a result, he phrased his question with great care, as if he were testing the water, which he knew was shallow.
"Um, the thing is..." finally managed Lloyd, "Um... If ever I present a rebutting argument to what you have just said..."
"A rebutting argument?" Gabriel echoed.
"Yes," said Lloyd as he nodded. "This is just to be certain. But if I rebut your words... Will I be hated by you and receive great misfortune in the future?"
Being an angel, the question didn't make sense to Gabriel. "Hated? Receive great misfortune? What do you mean?"
"Oh, I mean, would you do something along the lines of kill me immediately and send me to Hell?"
"Hell? Haha." Gabriel burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of the thought. "That will never happen. Are you inquiring if you would go to Hell over giving an opposing argument? That would be completely unacceptable. That is something that can never happen."
"I-is that so?" Lloyd felt a whoosh of relief.
"Of course," replied Gabriel benevolently. "Where you go after you pass depends on the total score of your good and bad deeds. It is impossible for an angel to deduct or add any points from your score. Regardless of an angel's rank, they are all those who are serving Heaven, not an object of worship."
"Oh," observed Lloyd with glee, "Is that the same case for you, my angel?"
"Indeed." Gabriel flashed a stringent and generous smile. He knew what he was. Angels were workers, tools that execute the will of God into the world. They could not and must not be objects of worship.
"As such, if you have any words of rebuttal, do feel free to speak up," Gabriel urged kindly. "Whatever you bring up, I shall not hold it against you."
"Do you really mean that?" Lloyd asked, whose tone grew a little more excited.
"Of course."
"Mean it with all your heart?" asked Lloyd again. This time, his voice went higher in pitch.
"I-do." Gabriel nodded.
"Promise, my angel?" He gestured with his pinky finger.
"Consider it done."
"Thank you."
"Do not be."
"Of course, I should be grateful," replied Lloyd. By now, his tone was more relaxed than ever. "Okay, so since you have given me the assurance, why don't we sit down and have a fruitful discussion on how senseless and ludicrous your teaching is regarding the demolition of the Jewel of Truth."
"Hmm?" Gabriel stopped for a second. Just then, a thought interrupted him. Why on earth was this human licking his lips with a smile as if he were talking to a naive fool?
