Secondo grumbled low in his throat as the Ministry’s doorbell rang again—this time, three sharp, impatient chimes in rapid succession. He hated the relentless noise of trick-or-treaters, the way they banged on doors and hollered for candy like it was some grand battle cry.

Of course, Copia was the one handing out sweets, standing patiently by the door with a warm smile. Secondo couldn’t understand why Copia insisted on staying inside the building instead of just greeting the kids outside where the noise wouldn’t echo through the halls.

He himself refused to don a Halloween costume. To Secondo, it all seemed pointless—just an excuse for frivolity he didn’t have time for.