Author's Note:
First, I want to warn you that the book was translated from another language, so some expressions may seem unusual.
In the prologue of volume one, I devoted more time to the main character's childhood, so don't be confused by the first few chapters. Take it easy with the overly sweet family scenes.
As children, we all loved sweets. But as we grow older, even our favorite dishes become boring. Then they become nothing more than memories. Sometimes, however, you may not even notice how your eyes fill with bitter-salty tears when you sense a long-forgotten taste. (Was that a spoiler?! Haha, of course not. Just a little... Joke?)
Beginning of Volume one — Joke
...
A few days earlier, in a small scientific town, stood a charmingly painted house.
In a small scientific town, there stood a charmingly painted house. Its color stood out sharply against the monotonous dormitories and houses in the neighborhood. In a sea of pompous ships striving for stunning discoveries and breakthroughs, striving for new heights of humanity, the house seemed like a floating island of comfort, warmth, and care. A boy who loved to have fun and laugh lived in this house. He could joke with anyone, regardless of their age or status. He liked to bring smiles and laughter to others, and his mischievous, innocent, joyful jokes were something he wanted to share with everyone.
The world responded to his mischief with ridicule,
The world responded to his innocence with cruelty.
And the world responded to his joy with unbearable despair.
The boy cried until his tears ran dry.
He screamed until his voice turned into an animalistic growl.
He ran until his fingers were rubbed raw.
One day, he will respond to this cruelty.
His joke will be heard by more than just his tormentors.
His joke will undoubtedly be heard by the whole world.
"Elion..." But until then, the boy woke up listening to his favorite voice.
"..."
"Elion, are you asleep?"
"..."
"Well, if you're still asleep, then of course you won't be able to stop me if i..." His sister slowly reached for the top of his head, as if waiting for a response.
Her pink lips moved like a predator creeping up on its prey. And then...
" Vwah!" Elion deftly performed a barrel roll, dodging the hungry beast's jaws.
"Are you crazy?!" He exclaimed, glaring fiercely at Anabel with reddened cheeks.
"Hmm... What's the matter? Weren't you asleep?" She asked slowly.
"Even if I was asleep, is that a reason to pounce on me like that? That's harassment!" he said, embarrassed.
"..." The girl said nothing but smiled softly as if finding the boy's reaction cute.
"Haa... You've completely lost your mind and I don't understand how I can put up with it..." said the boy, calming down and catching his breath after such a turbulent morning.
"Put up—put up... You can argue all you want, but it's clear to anyone that you're completely crazy about your beloved sister. After all, you've never asked me to stop brightening up your mornings." She smiled contentedly, rested her elbows on her hips, and made an improvised headrest out of her hands. Finally, she assumed her favorite position for observation.
"Never asked me to? Another blatant lie! I tell you every day to stop harassing me in the morning, but you never stop! You've completely lost your mind! I'm going to complain about this at our family dinner meeting tonight!" Elion exclaimed, boiling over again.
"Ah... So you ignored the first sentence because you couldn't argue with what I said about your love for me? To divert attention, you decided to mention that you would tell parents everything. That wouldn't make you a liar, and you wouldn't lose your pride. Really not a bad plan... It's unfortunate that I saw through you. If you had succeeded, you would have been happy and looked pretty cute. What a pity... Maybe next time I should pretend that I didn't understand anything? I'm sure you'd look charming." She said innocently, suppressing a joyful smile.
Elion looked deeply shocked as he continued to listen to his sister reveal his carefully thought-out, cunning plan in a matter of seconds.
Looking at Anabel's warm smile, Elion—already completely exhausted and having lost all light in his eyes—had no choice but to mutter dejectedly.
"Gods, please have a mercy..."