Having abdicated the throne of Lystra in favor of his adopted son, Henry, Ares travels to the monastery/ leprosarium he had established, the Sanctum. Ares has heard disturbing reports that the Master of the Sanctum has converted it to his own private domain. Not to be left behind, Nicole follows. With the cooperation of Nicole and the Second Oswald, Ares acts as poltergeist to the Master’s rule at the Sanctum. But when Henry’s sister Renee misplaces some property, she goes to the Sanctum to recover it-and there discovers who is fomenting rebellion against the young Surchatain.

The Laughing Side of the World is the ninth and final book of the Latter Annals of Lystra, which begin with Nicole of Prie Mer.