The King of Laughter

Marie-Josephe has grown up in the strict environment of a convent, where discipline reigns supreme. Her spirited nature often puts her at odds with the authoritative Abbess, establishing a backdrop of conflict and struggle in her early life.

King Louis XIV narrowly escapes an assassination attempt that leaves him shaken. This brush with death ignites a deep obsession with his own mortality and drives him to seek extraordinary solutions to extend his life.

King Louis XIV, under the counsel of Dr. Labarthe, becomes fixated on capturing a mythical Mermaid believed to possess the secret of immortality. He assembles a crew led by Captain Yves De La Croix for the perilous venture into the sea.

During their expedition, Louis's crew encounters the Mermaid's mate, who fiercely defends her partner from capture. This encounter illustrates the depths of love and loyalty inherent in the marine creatures, setting a tone of impending conflict.

Louis orders Dr. Labarthe to retrieve a vital organ from the captured Mermaid, demonstrating his ruthless ambition. Father Francoise La Chaise grows increasingly concerned with the moral implications of Louis’s commands and being complicit in such actions.

La Chaise tricks Marie-Josephe into believing she is invited to perform at the royal court. Upon her arrival in Versailles, she feels out of place among the elite yet forges a bond with Magali, a kind-hearted servant.

While exploring the opulence of the court, Marie-Josephe accidentally crashes into a fountain, where she has a brief but poignant encounter with her estranged father. This moment unveils the complexity of her family connections and personal history.

As Marie-Josephe explores her surroundings, she discovers her latent musical talent, which becomes pivotal to her emotional growth. Her music reflects her struggles and desires, providing an outlet for her feelings.

One night, Marie-Josephe discovers the Mermaid imprisoned by Louis's men. Driven by empathy, she plays her violin, creating a magical melody that resonates deeply between her and the Mermaid, bridging their two worlds.

As preparations for an extravagant ball unfold, tension mounts at court, particularly with the introduction of Jean-Michel Lintillac. During the ball, Marie-Josephe and Louis share a dance, revealing unexpected emotional connections amidst the glamour.

A tragic riding accident leaves Marie-Josephe seriously injured, thrusting her into a perilous situation. In her moment of need, the Mermaid appears, miraculously healing her, which highlights the bond formed between them.

Upon learning of Louis's intentions to marry her off to Lintillac, Marie-Josephe faces a deep moral conflict. She vows to save the Mermaid, pushing back against Louis’s ruthless ambition, increasing the stakes of her situation.

Amidst the escalating wedding preparations, La Chaise and Yves risk everything to rescue the Mermaid from Louis's men. Their mission turns desperate, showcasing loyalty and heroism as they navigate the treacherous court politics.

In a climactic confrontation, Marie-Josephe stands firm against King Louis, challenging his authority over her destiny. As tensions peak, she chooses to plunge into the depths alongside the Mermaid, embracing her fate.

With the chaos dissipated, Marie-Josephe and Yves set off on an expedition to find the mystical city of Atlantis. Together, they seek the enchanted secrets it holds, marking a new beginning in their intertwined destinies.