Samael stood at the edge of a vast construction site in Cherub Towne, where the clang of hammers and the hum of diligent voices filled the air. The area was bustling with activity as angels of all orders worked tirelessly to build towering structures and intricate statues, their movements orchestrated with precision. At the center of it all stood Belfagel, the Virtue of Diligence, directing every detail with an authoritative, focused energy.

Belfagel's presence was commanding—though she looked a lot more cherub-like than the other virtues with her fluffy sheep appearance, her suit polished but streaked with signs of her work. She carried herself with the stern grace of a general and the relentless drive of someone who carried Heaven's progress on her back. Samael hesitated, unsure if this was the right time to approach, but he reminded himself why he had come. If anyone could teach him about responsibility and hard work, it was her.

As Samael stepped closer, Belfagel noticed him immediately. Her light pink eyes narrowed with suspicion, and she crossed her arms, the corner of her mouth twitching in slight annoyance. "Morningstar. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Samael gave her his best sheepish grin. "I, uh... wanted to talk. Maybe ask for some advice. You're... kind of the hardest worker in Heaven."

Belfagel's expression didn't soften. "If this is some ploy to avoid responsibility, save it. Michael's told me plenty about your... antics."

Samael winced at the mention of his older brother but pressed on. "Look, I know I've messed up a lot, but I really am trying. I thought maybe shadowing you could help me figure things out, you know? How to be better."

Belfagel raised a skeptical brow, but after a moment's pause, she nodded. "Fine. If you think you can keep up, you're welcome to follow. But don't expect me to slow down for you."

The day was grueling.

Samael followed Belfagel as she oversaw construction efforts, ensuring every beam and stone was placed with precision. From there, she moved to the training grounds, sparring with Michael in intense battles that left even the Archangel of War impressed. Her sermons, delivered with fiery conviction, inspired her followers to push themselves to their limits.

Throughout it all, Samael tried his best to keep up. He carried tools for the workers, observed her lessons, and even sparred lightly with a few angels. But as the day wore on, he noticed something troubling: Belfagel never stopped. Not for food, water, or even a moment of rest. Her pace was relentless, and while her followers admired her drive, Samael could see the toll it was taking.

As the sun dipped lower in the heavens, Samael finally spoke up. "Bel... don't you think you're overdoing it a bit?"

Belfagel, mid-step, turned to him with a frown. "What do you mean?"

"You haven't stopped all day," Samael said, gesturing around them. "Your work is amazing, but... you're only one angel. Even you need a break sometimes."

Belfagel's eyes hardened. "Breaks are a luxury we can't afford, Samael. Diligence is about pushing through, no matter how tired you are. It's what inspires others to do the same."

Samael hesitated, but then stepped closer, his tone earnest. "But what happens if you push too hard? What happens to your followers when you collapse because you've given too much?"

Belfagel opened her mouth to retort but paused, his words striking a chord.

"I'm not saying don't work hard," Samael continued. "But even diligence needs balance. You're already the hardest worker I've ever met. You've proven that a million times over. You don't have to break yourself to keep proving it."

There was a long silence as Belfagel looked out over the construction site. Her followers were moving slower now, their exhaustion evident. She sighed, some of her rigid demeanor softening. "Perhaps... you have a point. But how do I tell them to stop when I've spent so long telling them to keep going?"

Samael grinned. "You lead by example. Call it a 'scheduled recharge' or something. Make it part of the process."

Belfagel looked at him, her lips twitching into the faintest of smiles. "A 'scheduled recharge,' huh? I'll consider it."

Later, Belfagel gathered her followers and announced a brief respite. Though initially confused, they were grateful, taking the opportunity to rest and share lighthearted conversations. Samael, watching from a distance, felt a small surge of pride.

As the break came to an end, Belfagel approached Samael, her expression softer than he'd ever seen. "You may be a troublemaker, Samael, but today you've shown wisdom. Thank you."

Samael beamed. "Anytime, Bel."

As Belfagel returned to her work, her pace slightly more measured, Samael felt lighter. For once, he felt he'd truly made a difference—and maybe, just maybe, he was finding his place after all.

————————————————————————

The serene expanse of Heaven was unusually quiet as Belfagel, the Virtue of Diligence, found herself seated on a soft patch of radiant clouds. The golden light of Heaven bathed her in warmth, and for once, her shoulders were not burdened by tasks or plans. Her hands, usually busy with scrolls or tools, now rested idly in her lap. It felt alien but strangely comforting.

She had never imagined herself taking a break. The very idea had seemed frivolous until Samael had opened her eyes to the necessity of balance.

"Who would have thought?" Belfagel murmured to herself, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

The sound of approaching footsteps drew her attention. From the horizon of light came two familiar figures: Asmodel, the Virtue of Chastity, with his immaculate poise and glowing aura, and Azazil, the Virtue of Patience, his presence exuding a soft warmth that made the very air seem lighter. Both angels slowed as they caught sight of her, their expressions shifting from surprise to outright bewilderment.

"Belfagel?" Asmodel's rich, suave voice carried a tone of disbelief. "Are my eyes deceiving me, or is the Virtue of Diligence actually resting?"

Azazil's kind smile widened, though his serene blue eyes held equal astonishment. "I never thought I'd live to see this moment. The very heavens themselves might tremble at the sight of Belfagel taking a break."

Belfagel rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small chuckle. "Go on, laugh it up. I suppose I deserve it."

Asmodel elegantly lowered himself to sit beside her, his flowing robes cascading like liquid starlight. "I'm not laughing at you, dear Belfagel. I'm marveling. Truly, this is a momentous occasion."

Azazil remained standing, his wings gently folded behind him as he observed her with an empathetic gaze. "What brought this about, if I may ask? Not that I disapprove—I've always thought you deserved rest as much as anyone else, perhaps more so."

Belfagel hesitated, her golden eyes drifting to the horizon. "Samael."

At the mention of his name, both Asmodel and Azazil straightened slightly.

"Samael?" Asmodel echoed, his tone thoughtful. "What did he say to you?"

"He pointed out something I'd refused to see," Belfagel admitted. "That even diligence requires balance. That if I push myself too hard, I'll set a harmful example for those who look up to me. He made me realize that... I don't need to prove my worth through exhaustion."

Azazil's eyes softened further, his voice gentle. "That sounds exactly like him. Beneath his struggles, Samael has a heart that truly understands others. It's a rare gift."

Belfagel nodded, her gaze unwavering. "He saw what even I couldn't see in myself. I've spent centuries—no, since our very creation—working endlessly because I thought it was my duty. But Samael... he reminded me that duty and compassion must go hand in hand. He's... wiser than any of us give him credit for."

Asmodel smiled, his voice tinged with admiration. "Indeed. I've always thought Samael had a unique ability to see beyond the surface, to care in ways most archangels and seraphim seem to overlook."

Azazil stepped closer, his gentle warmth reaching both of them. "Samael's kindness is... different. He doesn't simply go through the motions or follow the rules. He feels deeply. Even when he's struggling, he always puts others first."

Belfagel leaned back slightly, her eyes gleaming in the celestial light. "It's ironic, isn't it? We're supposed to be the Virtues—the paragons of Heaven. Yet Samael, despite everything he's been through, exemplifies the best of us."

The three angels sat in a rare moment of agreement, their admiration for their younger sibling unspoken but deeply felt.

Asmodel broke the silence with a soft chuckle. "Who would have thought we'd end up here, singing his praises? He'd laugh if he heard us now."

Azazil smiled, his serene light glowing brighter. "Perhaps. But he deserves to hear it. He struggles, yes, but he's also the most genuine, the most earnest of all the archangels."

Belfagel glanced at the two of them, a newfound determination in her eyes. "Then maybe we should make sure he knows it. He's always fighting to prove himself. Maybe it's time someone reminded him that he already has."

Asmodel placed a hand over his heart, nodding. "For once, Belfagel, I agree entirely. We owe him that much."

Azazil extended his hand to Belfagel, his gentle smile unwavering. "And perhaps we can start by following his example—showing kindness and balance, not just diligence and duty."

Belfagel took his hand, a small but genuine smile gracing her features. "Agreed. Perhaps it's time we all learned a little something from Samael."

As the three Virtues sat together, the golden light around them seemed to shine brighter, as if Heaven itself acknowledged the truth in their words. Samael might have struggled, but to those who truly saw him, he was already the best of them.