It was a scorching, sun-drenched day in Italy. Inside the Ministry, the Emeritus family and the Ghouls were practically melting from the heat—so they called it: a well-deserved day off for a pool party.

The celebration took place in the Ministry’s backyard, where the crystal-clear pool shimmered under the blazing sun.

Near the grill, Primo and Secondo stood side by side, casually flipping meat while chatting, both dressed in shorts and light button-down shirts. Smoke from the barbecue curled into the air, carrying the mouthwatering scent of grilled food.

Lounging on hammocks under the shade, Nihil and Sister Imperator watched the chaos with amused smiles, observing the Ghouls and their sons splashing and laughing in the pool.

Sodo, Rain, Mountain, Aether, Phantom, and Swiss were making waves—literally—tossing beach balls, dunking each other, and playfully roughhousing in the water.

Nearby, Copia was crouched at the edge of the pool, determinedly trying to coax his beloved rat onto a tiny float, muttering encouragements as if speaking to a toddler.

Floating lazily in the center of the pool, Terzo sipped a cold beer from atop his inflatable lounger, sunglasses on, utterly unbothered by the commotion around him.