Original subtitles

PERFECT CROWN

SPONSORED BY: MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM

AND KOREA CREATIVE CONTENT AGENCY.

MBC DRAMA SCRIPT CONTEST WINNER

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION

CHILD ACTORS AND ANIMALS WERE FILMED SAFELY

The unyielding throne of Joseon

stood firm for 600 years…

before fading under the constitutional monarchy.

Though its prestige endured, it became largely ceremonial.

Power became class.

Class became hereditary.

And it held on…

tenaciously.

Make way, make way.

I said, move.

2009 ROYAL ACADEMY SPRING EXAM RANKING

TOP LAUREATE: SEONG HUIJU, JUJAK HOUSE

SECOND-PLACE LAUREATE: RYU MINSEOK, CHEONGNYONG HOUSE

It's that brat again?

You said you'd win.

And yet you lost again.

Only fools flail desperately over trifles.

Aren't you exhausted yet?

Was it hard for you?

I didn't find this exam difficult at all.

You've lost. Learn to accept defeat.

Don't run your mouth and embarrass yourself.

You're not even a noble.

Know your place.

Watch your mouth, you noble prick.

Do you want to be written up?

Damn it.

You should put some effort into it next time, Minseok.

Okay?

How is it you lose every single time?

You're an esteemed nobleman, after all.

Just look at this mess of a uniform.

Is Huiju the top laureate for the ninth grade again?

Yes, sir.

The morale in Jujak House must be through the roof.

Everyone's spirits are high.

Seong Huiju.

- Yes? - Are you aware of our founding philosophy?

- Pardon? - Why the Crown established this school.

Well…

Equal opportunity and…

That's right. Equal opportunity was very much the objective.

Seonggyungwan is great and all,

but limiting admission to noblemen's sons has obvious limits.

Right.

Do you know who invented this?

That's right.

A masterpiece of its era, commissioned by King Sejong

and crafted by Jang Yeongsil.

Isn't it?

He may have been the son of a courtesan,

but he had a brilliant mind.

Here. Take this.

PERFECT CROWN

EPISODE 1

You said we'd win,

but we lost.

Lost?

We remain the industry leader,

and we also ranked first in the preference survey.

You know how underhanded their promotional tactics can be.

They're offering 50% off as part of their launch event.

And you know Lee Yungyeong, who made a comeback?

They managed to create some buzz with that celebrity endorsement.

So,

you're confirming we lost

in terms of sales.

My apologies, ma'am.

Let's start digging.

Who shall we dig into exactly?

Don't tell me you want us to dig into their CEO.

That's asking for trouble.

That would be a complete waste of time.

Of course.

Lee Yungyeong turned us down and became their spokesperson.

Dig into her.

Understood. Pardon?

When a single ad blows up like this, there are bound to be issues.

Where there are issues, trouble follows.

It shouldn't be too difficult to spin them into a full-blown media storm.

No… …it shouldn't be difficult, but…

If it's not difficult, then do it.

Play dirty and cheap.

- Yes, ma'am. - Logistics.

Yes, ma'am.

I'm the logistics manager.

What?

You two could be twins.

Anyhow, let's cut outbound volume.

- By half. - That much?

Spark fear of missing out in consumers and push the products to sell out.

Make it go viral.

As quickly and loudly as possible.

- Yes, ma'am. - Wait, hold on.

That's not as easy as it sounds. The units have already been produced.

- Toss them. - Pardon?

Bury them or burn them.

The possibilities are endless.

But we'd take a huge loss…

Gosh, look at our logistics manager.

Sounds like you save every penny just to pinch it harder.

Yeah. My goodness.

I hope all that saving makes you ridiculously rich.

I will decide

what I do with my money.

- Whose phone is that? - Unbelievable.

That's five minutes. We're done.

Hold on. We have one more item.

Traffic downtown is already nuts. You don't want to be late.

I get it!

Why did His Majesty have to be born today of all days?

You all know I'll be at the palace today.

I'll be drumming up some serious buzz for us.

So I expect all of you

to work just as hard.

- Yes, ma'am. - Of course.

What exactly should we...

Write up articles. Articles.

- Articles. - Yes. Articles.

Articles…

"Castle Group successor gets invited to His Majesty's Royal Birthday Banquet."

Killer headline, don't you think?

You're the successor now?

- No. - Then why did you lie?

The ones who claim they're all that rarely are.

They all say it, hoping to will it into existence.

Do you know nothing about PR?

THE ROYAL FAMILY GATHERS FOR THE KING'S ROYAL BIRTHDAY

…PREPARES FOR A ROYAL CELEBRATION…

ROYAL BIRTHDAY BANQUET AT GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE…

Your Royal Highness, you must make haste.

- Your Royal Highness! - Excuse me.

I'll handle it from here. You all can go.

Your Royal Highness, it is Hyeon.

Come in.

Your Royal Highness.

Have you prepared a gift?

After seeing blood all morning…

…I remain fervid.

Fervid, I see.

- Shall I get you some tea? - No.

- I need to catch up on sleep. - Wait.

Your Royal Highness,

as if hunting today were not bad enough, now you wish to take a nap?

That will not do.

- I mean, out of all days... - Choi Hyeon.

Aide Choi Hyeon.

But today is His Majesty's Royal Birthday Banquet!

Please wave this way!

- Look over here! - Please look over here!

I'm currently standing outside the palace,

where the Royal Birthday Banquet is being held.

Distinguished guests of the royal family

are arriving one after another.

Ms. Seong, please look over here!

Did Seong Huiju really wear red to come to the palace?

You know she's a clout chaser.

Can't deny she's beautiful.

- Go on. Take pictures. - All right.

Get to work.

All right! Ms. Seong has grabbed their attention.

What do we do now?

Now we begin!

Go on! Get to it! Hurry up!

We must sell out of everything she's wearing!

Type faster!

Find all the photos and articles she's featured in.

You will find them if you look.

You must keep searching, and you must type faster.

That's the spirit! We can do this, people!

We are Castle Group!

SEONG HUIJU'S RED SUIT STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT

# SEONG HUIJU, #RED SUIT

RETHINKING RED SUITS NOW…

…SOLD OUT ALREADY…

THE CUT OF THAT SUIT IS INSANE!

Seong Huiju's suit! Seong Huiju's bag!

Seong Huiju's shoes!

That's so pretty.

Those are just too cute. I can't even.

Sold out!

SHE WEARS IT, IT SELLS OUT

"Castle Group successor gets invited

to His Majesty's Royal Birthday Banquet."

Have you been well?

That's her, right?

- The second child of Castle Group? - Second? As if.

They didn't even know she existed until she was ten.

What do you mean?

The mistress raised her,

and when she was about ten,

she was sent to Chairman Seong.

A commoner, born out of wedlock, no less?

Yeah.

That would explain her various shortcomings.

No sense of honor or dignity.

Obnoxious and without a shred of sense.

So on and so forth.

In short, she's a psycho?

Cheers.

Wow, is that CEO Seong, the industry's runner-up?

Excuse me. I'll take one of those.

Thank you.

I know you can hear me.

Then hear this. Get lost.

Show some respect to your brother.

This is why people call you uncultured.

I thought you at least possessed some business prowess, but…

I heard your sales slipped recently.

I just don't understand it.

Rumors have spread far and wide.

I know.

Far and wide, right?

We don't have any flashy ad campaigns.

No discounts, either.

Despite all your stunts like the ad campaign, virality,

and even the half-off sales event, my brand still took

the top spot in the preference survey, surpassing yours.

Common knowledge, apparently.

I'm concerned about pushback on the high price point.

But cutting prices would just kill me.

It feels so bargain-bin.

Just like somebody.

What, "Bargain-bin"?

Unbelievable.

Hey, that's just your inferiority complex talking.

My… …inferiority complex?

- Me? - Yeah.

- Triggered by you? - Yeah.

You're clearly obsessed with luxury marketing

because deep inside, you're a knockoff.

I get you're trying hard to cover up your lowly origins,

but please just try to live a life benefiting your station.

Stop glaring, you brat.

I'm your older brother.

I just hate seeing you like that as your older brother.

Maybe we're only half, but at the end of the day,

we're still siblings.

Hmm? Right?

Yapping away like a little lapdog.

What? Why you...

If you're going to yap like that, at least wear a leash.

A leash I could pull to choke you with.

Also, it's "a life befitting your station,"

not "a life benefiting your station," you moron.

We will now make our way to Junghwajeon Hall.

We're a package deal here.

Just two-bit peddlers.

I can't see anything from back here.

That pillar isn't helping.

Oh, boy.

Your Majesty.

Why aren't they starting?

Grand Prince I-AN isn't here yet.

What's taking him so long?

Announcing Grand Prince I-AN.

Hey, look at what he's wearing.

Is he here for a hunt?

Shut it.

My apologies, Your Majesty.

Queen Mother Yun.

Uncle!

Please accept my warmest wishes.

What manner of attire is this?

His Majesty bestowed this silk upon me some time ago.

Is it not to your liking?

It looks so good on you...

You must observe decorum.

Hunting season has passed.

Do you believe hunting is limited to a season?

You can lecture me later.

I must take my seat…

for all of them to take theirs.

The nation has been celebrating

in honor of His Majesty's royal birthday.

Events at Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gwanghwamun

are set to carry on throughout the night.

With the day designated a public holiday, heavy traffic is expected

as crowds head out for the break.

Following the ceremony featuring the formal greetings,

the second half will begin alongside a Nakhwa Nori display.

After His Majesty writes down a wish and presents it to Grand Prince I-AN,

His Royal Highness will commence the Nakhwa Nori.

Good health for Queen Mother.

Good health for Uncle.

Happiness for the people.

Well done, Your Majesty.

- Hello, Prime Minister Min. - It's nice to see you, sir.

- Hello there. - I'm always rooting for you.

Thank you for all your hard work.

- It's nice to see you. - So handsome.

My goodness.

Seong Huiju.

Ooh.

- Should I call you Prime Minister Min? - Come on now.

Don't. That'd be so awkward.

Look at that rosy pink floral overcoat.

You didn't come to play.

The Cabinet would bite my head off if I showed up here in civilian clothes.

Where were you? I couldn't find you earlier.

I was all the way in the back.

And you must've been in the front row.

How's the front row? Is it fun?

Don't get me started. It was so boring I almost fell asleep.

It was pure torture.

- You've been crushing it. - Me?

I hear Castle Beauty's US rollout is going well.

I'm sure everyone is secretly shocked.

Taeju tried and failed at the same venture two years ago.

Come on.

You know I'm in a different league than him.

But… was this outfit intentional?

Yeah.

Why? You don't like it?

I thought red wasn't permitted in the palace.

Who cares? It's not like I'm breaking any laws.

You should still be careful. It could lead to controversy.

What's so bad about a little controversy?

Nobody knows who Seong Taeju is,

but everyone knows Seong Huiju.

They know I'm the CEO of Castle Beauty

and that I'm an illegitimate child.

Hey.

Prime Minister Min.

I need to go.

Make some time for me soon. Let's grab a bite.

As long as you don't show up in that.

That's enough teasing.

Bye.

- Prime Minister Min. - Hello.

Your Royal Highness.

How many times have I told you not to run off alone?

Why?

Are you afraid I might be assassinated quietly?

I'm more worried about your aide dying from stress.

You disappeared, and he came running…

You should just be more careful. You're precious cargo.

Why aren't you getting married?

That's random.

Half the maidens at the banquet couldn't stop staring at you.

What's this now?

The other half… No.

More than half of them were staring at me.

So?

You want to marry me off and steal the spotlight?

Quite the opposite, actually.

Pardon?

It appears I'll soon be married.

You will?

My sister-in-law presses me to take a spouse day after day.

It'll happen sooner rather than later.

That will make your life quite difficult.

Me?

I'd have to leave the palace if I got married.

It'll be difficult to serve as regent from outside the palace.

But His Majesty, at the tender age of eight,

cannot attend to state affairs.

The duties you dumped on me,

including the various charity events,

hosting of diplomatic delegations,

visiting international organizations, cultural heritage management,

and the unbearably dull military ceremonies

will all fall to you once more.

What could go wrong?

That will not do.

No. Absolutely not.

That cannot happen.

We're already short on royals able to attend to state affairs.

If you leave, we won't have...

- Then block it. - What?

Use your veto power.

A royal marriage requires the approval of the Cabinet.

The Royal Family Act.

He could've just said that from the start.

Did he need to make me sweat?

Seriously?

I can't believe they really cut off cell service for this.

Who goes there?

Your Royal Highness.

Name.

Please forgive me.

I seem to have lost my way.

Your name.

It is Seong Huiju.

Affiliation.

I am not a member of the palace staff.

Why is an outsider to the court…

loitering in an area…

not open to the public?

If you're gone in the count of three, I'll overlook it.

Really?

That much I can do for my junior alum.

That makes sense…

- Pardon? - One.

Two.

What was that?

You stay here.

Your Majesty!

Are you unharmed?

What about His Majesty?

Do you once more seek…

the life of another sovereign?

Queen Mother!

Your Majesty.

Are you all right?

Manage the optics.

Keep the press under control to prevent any conspiracy theories.

Aren't we taking this too lightly?

No need to overthink it.

There were no injuries or fatalities.

The late King passed away in a fire three years ago.

The monarchy has only recently stabilized.

And now, another fire?

That won't do at all.

It shouldn't be over already.

Why…

Hold on.

Don't tell me you just walked out.

What?

Oh.

Tell me you didn't just leave to draw attention.

I couldn't even if I tried.

- Why not? - There was an incident.

You caused an incident?

Seriously?

- There was a fire. - A fire?

Wait. A fire?

What about the Grand Prince? Is he okay?

Ms. Do.

Are you a fan of Prince I-AN?

Me?

I mean…

An explosion has occurred at Junghwajeon Hall.

It occurred during the Royal Birthday Banquet,

but fortunately, no casualties have been reported.

The police and fire department…

Is there some bad blood?

What?

Grand Prince I-AN also attended the Royal Academy of Korea.

I thought you might've been bullied or something.

You're so hostile toward him.

Yeah, right.

Do I look like someone who would be bullied?

That's true.

Then why do you hate him so much?

Just because.

He's obnoxious.

Please work. Come on.

Please.

Who goes there?

If you've done wrong, you must accept a fair punishment.

Don't disgrace yourself by getting caught in flight.

Name.

It's Seong Huiju.

Affiliation.

Jujak House. Ninth grade.

You know you violated school regulations.

I needed more training time. The exhibition match is coming up...

Are you a man of virtue or of profit?

Students under tenth grade are prohibited

from leaving the dormitory after 11 p.m.

Violation of this rule results in 20 demerit points.

Use of facilities outside designated training hours

requires prior approval from the principal.

Violation of this rule results in 10 demerit points.

- In total… - And Your Royal Highness?

You are here too, are you not?

Will you receive demerit points as well?

I'm here with approval.

ARCHERY RANGE USAGE APPROVAL

How'd you get this?

After all that talk about students getting carried away for the exhibition match

and the archery range not being meant for individual training?

I got this key from Ryu Minseok, Cheongnyong House, ninth grade.

- Ryu Minseok? - Yes.

He was shamelessly bragging about having this key,

so I stole it.

I'm not sure why an individual had a key to this archery range

when it's not a place for individual training.

But seeing how easily you obtained this approval notice,

I guess it was only out of reach for me.

So do not lecture me about demerit points or whatever.

I intend

to enjoy every opportunity

my enemy enjoys.

You wish to stoop to their level?

I'd rather play dirty and win

than play clean and lose.

So obnoxious.

Your Royal Highness. The Queen Mother has arrived.

Escort her in.

IN TIMES OF PEACE, DO NOT FORGET DANGER

IN TIMES OF PROSPERITY, DO NOT FORGET RUIN

IN TIMES OF ORDER, DO NOT FORGET CHAOS

Must I wait longer?

Grand Prince.

Yes?

About yesterday…

I regret my actions.

I was not in my right mind.

I feared some misfortune had struck His Majesty.

Prime Minister Min has asked for the details

of how the Queen Mother

dared to strike the Grand Prince and lash out with such unspeakable words.

So I hear.

Do not worry.

I shall tell him you took responsibility

and expressed remorse

for your actions.

No one shows concern for His Majesty.

The palace was on fire,

and the King almost died.

Yet all anyone seems to care about is the scratch on your cheek.

Am I to blame for that?

Yes, you are. You are the regent.

His Majesty is a mere eight years of age.

Far too young to be overseeing state affairs.

So my regency is unavoidable.

- I-AN… - Furthermore,

a regent holds no special powers.

- I-AN! - Politicians…

engage in politics.

Peddlers engage in business.

The monarchy remains passive.

Simply doing nothing…

is its sole duty.

Have you ever considered that to be true power?

The politicians

burn with fervor to claim a place at your side.

Because a single photo taken beside you

wields greater power than ten pledges wrought with painstaking care.

And the business elites?

They hasten to attend to you on every diplomatic tour.

The mere fact that you granted them a place by your side

is enough to gain the trust of their investors.

You eclipse…

the Crown itself.

Father.

I have received a 100 on my exam.

- Rise above such trifles. - Sorry?

If it be remarkable, it is but the natural order.

If it be lacking,

it is but a cause for shame.

But Father,

is diligence not the duty of a man of virtue?

You are a Grand Prince before you are a man of virtue.

I-SHIN

That is your new royal title.

My royal title is to change?

It is a reminder to remain true and just.

Do not stand in the way of the Crown Prince.

This is your new royal title.

I-AN

Am I being…

rewarded again?

And so…

what do you seek from me?

That you be His Majesty's steadfast pillar of support.

I already serve in that capacity.

Proceed to your nuptials.

Wed the woman of my choosing

and demonstrate your allegiance to His Majesty and me.

I told you I don't want to.

Fine.

Let's say I concede to everything, and I do get married.

I am still an heir to a conglomerate, so strategic M&A is certainly important.

That's my role in fortifying the family's legacy.

But the CEO of a mere subsidiary simply will not do.

Do you think that makes any sense?

I'm Seong Huiju!

So what if you are?

Father, we're here.

Hey.

Must you be so loud?

All you do is bark day and night.

Hello, Father. Huiju.

Honey, you want a cup?

- So hot! - You should be more careful, honey.

You could've warned me.

Don't pester Father too much, Huiju.

He went to great lengths

to find a proper suitor for you.

So you two collaborated on this?

And this is the result?

A nobody who doesn't even make the industry rankings?

Shall I use him as a trophy boyfriend?

Why you little…

Our hands are tied.

When it comes to arranged marriages,

most families tend to nitpick every detail.

"Every detail"?

"Every detail"?

So you also nitpicked "every detail" and ended up with this loser?

That's strange.

With all that nitpicking, you had to see the marriage was doomed.

- Hey, we married for love! - Who cares what the in-laws' pet thinks?

- What was that? - That's enough!

She's just impossible.

As you said, you'll eventually have to marry.

Who said I didn't want to marry?

I just don't want to marry someone that far beneath me.

Father, just be honest with me.

You want to take this chance to get rid of me, no?

Because based on pure competence, that jerk wouldn't stand a chance.

Hey, who wouldn't stand a chance?

You, obviously. Certainly not me!

I guess branding me illegitimate

and saddling me with a useless brother wasn't enough?

Now you want to foist an incompetent husband upon me as well?

This will not go

as you wish, Father.

I won't let that happen.

Nuptials?

Did you agree to it?

Maybe.

You're really going to?

Why not?

Since when did Your Royal Highness become so obedient?

And since when have you grown so insolent?

My apologies, sir.

I'm just frustrated with the situation, that's all.

I mean, all this time, she was firmly against your nuptials.

And now, she wants you to get married?

To a woman she chooses, no less?

This is downright unreasonable.

Darn it.

We did this last year.

And this is what our competitor is doing.

Did you need more time or something?

Ms. Seong, the thing about PR is...

Don't tell me there are only so many ways to spin it.

If that's your excuse, you should resign.

You're saying anyone could do your job.

If it's all the same, why carry a bloated payroll?

My apologies.

We'll revise based on your feedback and get back to you, ma'am.

Here we go.

Drink some. It's lotus root tea.

Isn't this super bitter?

Come on. Just drink it.

It soothes pent-up anger.

I don't have any pent-up anger.

You've been riding the staff for days now.

Listen, I know you're on edge with the marriage issue and all,

but don't drag personal issues into the workplace.

- You look really petty. - What?

"Petty"?

Who? Me?

Ms. Do. I am Seong Huiju!

Yeah, sure. Here.

Go on.

Drink it.

So bitter.

Your Royal Highness.

Lord INPYEONG.

It appears you are leaving the palace.

Yes, I am taking some time off.

"Time off"?

His Majesty's birthday preparations had me held up in the palace for a while.

I intend to spend a few days resting at my private residence.

Your private residence?

Then who will safeguard the palace, Your Royal Highness?

What would we do if you were to leave the palace alone

and misfortune befell you?

I thought you would welcome my absence.

Perhaps I was under the wrong impression.

Please give my best to Queen Mother.

I was so excited about my time off that I forgot to pay my respects.

Is that what you said to him?

It was His Majesty's royal birthday.

He showed up late…

wearing a cheollik.

A fire even broke out.

That was all I-AN...

Your Majesty.

And the members of the royal family?

Despite tirelessly preaching propriety, they do not dare utter

a single word of remonstrance before the Grand Prince.

The people cherish the Grand Prince.

Even after losing his parents and brother,

he continues to serve as regent for his nephew,

safeguarding the Crown.

That is precisely the issue.

His Majesty is but a child, throwing the disparity

between him and the Grand Prince behind him into even starker relief.

KIM YEONGHUN, CEO OF SEONGSAN TEXTILE

None of them?

Come on.

How are they any different from the men Father picked?

At least be handsome if you're a lost cause in the corporate rankings.

No money.

No looks to speak of.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

What about politicians? No candidates there?

Why is it all businessmen?

Politicians don't like mixing with business people.

They love money but hate business people?

Too much potential baggage.

- Illegal succession, tax evasion… - What?

That's ridiculous.

Either way, politicians are a no-go.

They traditionally prefer aristocrats.

Aristocrats? You must be kidding.

Are we living in the Joseon era? Are they trying to marry up?

That's not something for you to say.

Ms. Do. Come on, Ms. Do!

I'm simply looking for someone who matches my current status. That's all.

He doesn't need to be super impressive.

Just someone of my capability,

my means, and my beauty.

Is that too much to ask?

It's not like I'm looking to marry into the royal…

family.

Didn't I warn you?

Just look at this.

I-AN, THE 21ST-CENTURY PRINCE SUYANG

This is no time for doodling orchids.

I told you wearing the cheollik was a bad idea.

Didn't I beg you to wear proper court attire?

The Royal Secretariat and Public Affairs Office

are outraged right now.

- And the public? - They're in an uproar.

Is there any mention of the fire?

Pardon?

It appears my nickname

will be trending once more.

The regent Grand Prince I-AN has recently come under public scrutiny.

Good morning.

Ms. Do, look at this.

The controversy stems from his appearance.

- As the cheollik is considered informal… - Amazing, no?

…many viewed it as inappropriate for a Grand Prince at a royal celebration.

He looks so sharp in that.

Members of the royal family have voiced criticism.

They argue that preserving tradition and decorum is the duty of the crown,

and that the Grand Prince's recent bizarre behavior is unacceptable.

"Bizarre"? That's taking it too far.

It's not like he was carrying a sword.

Political circles praised him for putting practicality ahead of protocol

and modeling a modern monarchy.

Politicians always take Grand Prince I-AN's side.

Why?

Because the people are enamored with the Grand Prince.

- He's so cool. - Let's get back to work.

PRINCE I-AN IN CHEOLLIK AT ROYAL BIRTHDAY BANQUET

Ah. His hype is next-level.

- What? - Grand Prince I-AN.

Right.

The executive operations team is buzzing about it.

Really?

What do you think of him?

PRINCE I-AN IN CHEOLLIK AT ROYAL BIRTHDAY BANQUET

I think…

he's quite nice.

What?

You told me not to pick them.

Well, I mean,

you mentioned that arranging flowers can quiet a restless mind.

Why on earth are you remaining silent? You should defend yourself.

Of course, it is true that you violated decorum.

Proper court attire was a must.

But what can we do?

You remain so enamored with the spotlight.

But is that such a crime?

Is it so wrong to want some attention in the 21st century?

Let's be real. Court attire isn't the most flattering.

The cheollik is so much cooler, isn't it?

For one thing, court attire has such a drab palette.

Such a grim brown.

Sure, it might suit someone like me

with a warm, golden complexion.

I can pull off colors like that just fine.

But on someone like Your Royal Highness, with that icy cool tone,

it would just clash.

Give me a break already.

- That's enough. - "That's enough."

- Tell them. - Tell them what?

You meant no dishonor to His Majesty,

and you were only expressing your simple, unassuming taste.

Just issue that statement already.

"Prince Suyang of the 21st-century"?

How does that make any sense?

Why not?

You can't.

- Why not? - Of course, you can't.

Right.

And why is that exactly?

Are you drunk?

No.

Then what has gotten into you?

How can you even think about marrying Prince I-AN?

Ms. Do, just think about it.

How many are as beautiful,

as intelligent,

and as wealthy as I am?

Where else could you find such a match in this world?

Okay.

No one else knows, right?

- You didn't tell anyone else, right? - You're the first.

Good thinking.

But I did submit a request for a royal audience.

What? A royal audience request?

Where? How?

Royal audience requests?

I guess you really are trending.

The Prime Minister's Office reached out.

Lord Jeongseon is begging for a meeting too.

Lord Jeongseon too?

He must be itching to chime in. You know how talkative he is.

So nosy.

Oh, right!

Ms. Seong Huiju has also submitted a request. How shall I proceed?

- Seong Huiju? - Yes, the CEO of Castle Beauty.

The illegitimate-born of Castle Group.

YOUR AUDIENCE REQUEST HAS BEEN REJECTED

Why was it rejected? I haven't said a word yet.

It's okay, Ms. Seong.

An audience with Prince I-AN is no easy feat.

And I'm easy?

I'm an incredibly busy person too.

Prince I-AN is currently a regent.

He's basically the king.

Plus, you said you didn't even write a reason for the request.

What kind of king would give up his time for someone like that?

Then what should I do?

Should I have written, "I wish to marry you"?

Stop talking about that damn marriage, okay?

I feel like I'm about to get arrested any minute.

Hold on.

No way.

Is he playing hard to get?

He totally is.

Have we not heard from Grand Prince I-AN?

No, both the Royal Secretariat

and Lord Jeongseon are pressing him on the matter.

But he has even turned down Prime Minister Min's audience request.

Is this his way of saying he remains completely unfazed?

You're practically climbing into that book at this rate.

Why did you ask for this food?

Did I do something wrong?

You eat it.

Seriously?

I didn't know you cared for me so much.

Thank you for the food.

Yes, eat that and stop talking.

All your nagging

is drowning out the sound of rain.

Yes, sir.

But this is important…

Ms. Seong has submitted another request for a royal audience.

How shall I respond this time?

- Again? - Yes.

I rejected it due to scheduling conflicts.

But she submitted another request right away.

With a different name, no less.

What does that mean?

The first request clearly stated, "Seong Huiju from Castle Beauty."

This time, she put, "Castle Group Seong Hyeonguk's second daughter."

Reject it.

YOUR AUDIENCE REQUEST HAS BEEN REJECTED

Again?

Is he trying to get me riled up?

Unbelievable.

Have some.

We all work to fill our bellies, don't we?

Go on.

What's this?

- It's delicious. - Good, right?

It just opened across the street.

The whole team orders from there frequently.

Hey.

Tell them to share the treats they find instead of just gorging themselves!

It'd be best if we didn't have to work so late.

God, this is beyond infuriating.

So what if he's a grand prince?

Maybe it's because I didn't put down a reason?

ROYAL AUDIENCE REQUEST

Your Royal Highness,

Castle Group, under the benevolent care of the Crown,

has continued to achieve remarkable growth and development,

attaining the honor of being the top conglomerate…

Ah, is this a bit too much?

I sincerely pledge to further the nation's development,

and I hereby request an audience.

I patiently await the sagacious counsel

of Your Royal Highness.

"Executive Director of Castle Group,

Seong Huiju."

SUBMIT

YOUR REQUEST HAS BEEN SUBMITTED

Ha!

Seriously, what's gotten into her?

Your Royal Highness, Ms. Seong…

- Reject it. - Yes, sir.

- Your Royal Highness. - Reject it.

Yes, sir.

- Reject it. - Yes, sir.

Got it.

Ms. Seong...

- Reject it! - Yes, sir!

Ms. Seong continues to submit her requests.

How much longer must I…

REJECT IT

- Your Royal Highness. - Reject it.

But wait...

- Reject it! - Rejected.

I reject your request for an audience.

Oh, my goodness.

Jeez, what's wrong with her?

If you're gone in the count of three, I'll overlook it.

Really?

That much I can do for my junior alum.

She has already submitted over five requests.

With another new name this time?

Yes, she put down "Junior alum" this time.

- "Junior alum"? - Yes.

She requests the esteemed counsel of her senior alum this time.

What's this now? Are you two alumni?

I assume it's another rejection?

Grant it.

Pardon?

How can I say no

to a junior alum in need?

YOUR AUDIENCE REQUEST HAS BEEN ACCEPTED

It worked.

Who did you say was there?

Executive Director Seong Huiju of Castle Group.

You said you had a mole planted at his residence, right?

- Yes, Your Majesty. - Can I trust her?

Yes. You may call upon her at any time.

I am not sure what to call you.

You seem to go by many names.

I was not sure which one you would prefer.

Why did you seek me so earnestly?

I wanted to propose.

Let's…

get married.

PERFECT CROWN

Let's…

get married.

My pedigree is impressive, and my acumen sharper still.

I decline.

I was rejected.

- I missed you. - Seong Huiju?

Hyah!

You dared to run a background check on me?

- Yes. - "Yes"?

I must meet this maiden.

"Grand Prince I-AN's secret lover"?

Me?

- They're even speculating you're pregnant. - What?

You would marry me for nothing more than a hollow title?

EPILOGUE

And considering how easily you secured this approval,

I guess it was only out of reach for me.

So do not lecture me about demerit points or whatever.

I'm so screwed.

Am I going to get expelled?

What if I end up in prison for insulting the royal family?

Why on earth did I do that?

Hey, get up.

Hurry, get up. There's an announcement.

What announcement?

Get up. Hurry.

It's total chaos. Everyone's freaking out.

Why?

As Confucius said,

"Though a noble man does not contend with others,

he must compete when it comes to archery."

The forthcoming exhibition match

celebrates that spirit.

Thus, students shall devote themselves to their training.

Well? Isn't this amazing?

The range will be open for a whole month.

You said you didn't have enough time to train.

The sole condition for access

shall be the observance

of protocol and decorum.

Translated by Justin S. Kim

PERFECT CROWN