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Overlord, Overlord, Overlord.

Hear me.

Today I assume the mantle of Overlord, like my father and his father before him.

My father's dying wish was that I make Koryo a great empire.

And that I defeat the Mongols.

I accept the challenge to make Koryo a great nation, a great empire!

Overlord, Overlord, Overlord.

Join with me to fight for the glory of Koryo!

The Guard Corps has always protected this nation.

We will honor that spirit.

Whatever happens, we will never kneel before the Mongols!

Remember that, all of you. Remember that!

- Well said - Well said!

Well said!

To the glory of the Koryo Empire!

Overlord, Overlord, Overlord.

So we have yet another overlord.

The Imperial House must go the way of the world.

You can throttle a rooster, but the dawn still comes.

A new day will come.

I'm old now.

If a new day comes, what good will it be?

To us, I mean?

But you are still the ruler of this nation.

Perhaps.

The military has run Koryo for 100 years now.

Not to mention the constant Mongol attacks. It's all so frustrating.

Welcome. You've come from the Guard Corps?

Today was the Overlord's inauguration.

Yes, Sire. The chancellors are all gathered at the Guard Corps.

I see. All except you, Chamberlain Choe?

The Military Council needs your approval of certain adjustments in personnel.

- A new posting? - Yes, Sire.

Naturally, Choe Hang runs the Guard Corps and the Directorate General.

But your approval is required.

Of course. In fact, I've been thinking about that.

The Corps runs this country, after all.

He needs an appropriate position.

Sire, the Overlord has always been over the chancelleries.

May I suggest he be appointed over the Security Council and Civil Personnel.

As well as Military Affairs?

Give him so much authority?

The Security Council has always been responsible for the court and the military.

They all ultimately answer to the Guard Corps.

What difference do a few extra titles make?

Quite right. Go ahead.

The throne is titular signatory, nothing more.

Go ahead, all of you.

At your service, Sire.

Congratulations.

The Emperor has named you head of the Security Council,

the Ministries of Finance and Civil Personnel and Military Affairs.

You are truly Overlord over all of Koryo.

There's more.

As head of Civil Personnel, you supplant His Majesty as head of the chancelleries.

You act in His Majesty's stead.

Exactly. You bear a heavy burden, sir.

What do I know about that?

That pretty speech I made? Viscount Kim here wrote it.

Isn't that so, Viscount?

Not quite. You chose it, after all.

I don't know the Directorate General from squat.

My father said to rely on the Viscount for political advice.

Overlord, many of our subordinates have worked for years in slavery.

- Some are illegitimate? - Illegitimate?

Illegitimate what?

Many of our subordinates are in the slave brigade.

This may be a good time to give these illegitimate sons of concubines their freedom.

No more of this "illegitimate" stuff.

Bastards, illegitimate! No words are dirtier in any language.

Give them their freedom.

Choe Yangbaek and Yi Kongju served my father for years.

You're both viscounts.

Thank you, sir.

While we're at it, Viscount Choe here.

You've looked after my person.

You can head all the personal guards of the Corps.

Overlord.

Yes, sir, just as you say.

Overlord, it is customary to be generous when assuming your post.

Open the storehouses, distribute grain to your hungry people.

You might remit taxes and regional tribute to the court, as well.

Wait, the imperial tribute?

Well, if it's for the people.

Make it so.

Yes, sir. Now about the Mongols.

They continue to insist that the capital be returned to Kaegyeong.

And that Emperor Kojong go to their court. Envoys are on the way.

I don't know anything about that.

We'll fortify the walled city of Sungchonbu and hear the Mongols out.

Appearing to acquiesce to their terms will buy us some time.

Sungchonbu.

A walled city on the mainland across from Kanghwa Island.

A pavilion was built to house the frequent Mongol delegations,

in hopes of staving off an invasion.

However, Koryo's attempt to pass off the Duke of Yongnyong as a prince,

and its refusal to move the capital from Kanghwa,

ultimately led to a fourth invasion.

But Koryo had a brief respite when Guyuk Khan died a year earlier in 1248.

Well, this is my first day as head of the Directorate General.

So you keep an eye on the Mongol problem for me.

Need you ask? They are coming, sir.

We must use the time available...

to reinforce our fortresses and prepare for war.

Right you are.

Maybe send some envoys to make one excuse or another.

See to the preparations.

Yes, sir.

Another thing, affairs of state are piling up.

We can't wear mourning clothes forever.

He's been dead a few days now. That's long enough.

We can honor his memory by taking care of Koryo.

But that breaches the rules of etiquette.

Just do it. The nation is more important than etiquette.

I won't be a better son for wearing white forever.

Am I wrong?

What's that again? End the period of mourning?

So he said, Your Grace.

He orders everyone to stop wearing white immediately.

No, I can't! He's truly insane.

His father barely in the grave and he does this?

All the retainers have obeyed?

No one in the Guard Corps is wearing white.

This won't do, it just won't do.

It's irreverent, unheard of, what kind of son is he?

Oh, dear. I won't have it. Head Lady, come with me.

But Your Grace, where are you going?

Where do you think? To see the Overlord.

Please, Your Grace. Try to calm down.

The retainers have all obeyed.

You can't be seen doing otherwise.

There's no disaster, no necessity, why would he end the mourning period?

Is he quite himself?

It would break his father's heart if he knew.

Oh, dear, oh dear!

- Listen, Lord Son. - Yes, Overlord.

I don't know how people used to do it for 3 years.

They built a cottage by the tomb and mourned for 3 years?

So they did.

Guess they weren't busy. Am I right, Viscount Choe?

A drink.

- Come on. - Sir.

See how much better it is without all that white hemp and what-have-you?

- Drink. - Sir.

I swear! The Emperor is no better.

This title, that rank, what's the rush anyway?

It merely attests to the importance of your position.

The life and death of Koryo rests on your shoulders.

Just so. The earth shakes and mountains move at your whim.

Surely the Emperor knows that.

Well, well, well, enough of that.

- Viscount Choe. - Overlord.

About these Guard Corps concubines.

- We talked about them before. - Yes, sir.

Time I took a peek.

Yes, sir, what the Overlord wants, the Overlord gets.

Right, Viscount?

But they are still in mourning for the late Overlord.

Now, now, the Guard Corps is his now.

Including the concubines.

Look, Viscount, the mourning is over.

I just want a peek. What do you say? Care to join me?

The Overlord addressed you.

Ugh, what good is drinking here anyway?

Let's go somewhere.

Thank you. Thank you, Missus.

Enjoy. You were quite late today.

Yes, Mother. We were beside ourselves, what with this and that.

I'm sure. The Overlord has only just taken charge.

Sir, Cha Songu reporting.

Come in.

Father is eating here. What is it?

Something has come up. The Overlord went to the Pavilion.

What? The Pavilion?

Yes, Viscount. He's already started drinking.

Unbelievable. Still in mourning and he goes off to carry on?

Why? What's the Pavilion?

It's the Emperor's pavilion of women.

The Overlord's personal ladies, his concubines.

Huh. A harem?

But he's there now?

I swear!

Oh, yeah, that's what I'm talking about.

What a bevy of beauties.

No wonder Father never went to a courtesan house.

Why go out with so many lovelies right here?

Oh! What's your name, sweetie?

Orchid.

Orchid! Orchid!

A face to make you smile, a fragrance to make you quiver.

Oh yes.

And what's your name, sweetness?

Jade.

Jade!

Oh, yes, yes!

And who is in charge of the ladies?

The head lady.

Head lady.

Good. Tell her the mourning is over and it's time for a feast.

Orchid, Jade, fancy a feast with daddy?

Overlord, I didn't realize you were here.

Lovely. It's a lovely place.

Make up a room. I sleep here tonight.

But!

But what?

Pardon my saying, but many of the ladies...

were quite fond of the late Overlord.

Please understand.

Who cares?

They belong to the Guard Corps, like furniture.

Tonight we play. You, bring some wine.

Head Lady! He sent for the Head Lady?

The Overlord is there? Carrying on already?

He's insane, crazy, truly ill.

What will you do?

This can't go on.

Your Grace! Try to calm down.

- Lord Son. - Overlord.

This is what makes power so great.

A nice cozy place to rest, oh, yes.

Orchid. Jade.

Overlord.

My dad came here a lot?

Now and then, sir.

And all you baby dolls were here for his pleasure?

Yes, but he rarely visited.

I'll change that.

Now that's great wine, oh, yes!

- Orchid, you are so... - How dare you?

Have you no shame?

Your father is barely in his grave and you're carrying on with his concubines?

Now, Mother, what's got you all worked up?

Have you lost your senses? On your feet.

- Viscount Choe. - Yes, Your Grace.

What is all this? It's beyond bizarre.

Is this how you serve the Corps?

Head Lady, take all this away.

Yes, Your Grace.

Why are you doing this?

I'm just getting acquainted with the staff is all.

Stand up.

I won't have it. You're shaming the Corps and shaming your father.

Take this away. Move.

Yes, Your Grace. You heard her?

Enough, "Mother".

I'm the Overlord. Who are you to tell me what's what?

Fine. I'll let you have your way today.

But never, ever!

interfere again.

Understood?

Then act like an overlord. You should be ashamed.

- Let's go. - Just so, sir.

Viscount Kim.

Still getting acquainted with the Corps, I see?

Ex-exactly.

Well then!

- Let's go. - Sir.

And you two.

Yes, Viscount?

You are to instruct the Overlord.

Not drink with him.

Ah, yes! Quite so. Shall we?

Yangbaek.

Look after him. Please.

Viscount, this isn't right.

You were to be in charge.

This isn't right.

Your pardon.

He had too much to drink.

It won't happen again.

The sky has fallen! on all of us!

Something bothering you, darling?

All my worst fears are coming true.

The Overlord?

A don't know what to do.

A legless mount, like a gossiping mouth, can travel 1,000 miles.

I have to go to work.

No, just last night?

Carrying on in the Pavilion?

Exactly.

"Getting acquainted" or not!

True. Drinking and such during the mourning period.

And the ladies still mourning for the late Overlord.

It's the rumors.

What goes on in the back rooms is one thing, but the problem is the timing.

What of the three bonds and five moral rules?

I can't believe it.

No, no, I thought, but it's all true.

Just days after his father's funeral.

Surely he has a reason?

Whatever it is, it's not good enough.

Funeral rites are of vital importance. Who is he to change them?

Don't you agree?

I have nothing to say.

Who am I to comment on my son-in-law's comings and goings?

The old is passing away. This is our brave new world.

I hate the sound of that.

Isn't this the problem of his two tutors?

What exactly are they teaching him?

Ugh. I told you two to deal with all this.

Council reports, sir.

You two handle it.

Yes, Overlord.

About the Pavilion. Things were just getting started.

That stepmother of mine, she's a real piece of work.

How dare she act like my mother?

What did she ever do for me?

Overlord, this report deals with the envoys to the Mongols.

They suggest sending Yi Hyon and General Kim Pojong.

Let the Council deal with it.

By next June the Mongol envoys will be housed in Sungchonbu.

Shall we send the Crown Prince in the Emperor's place to their court?

Ask Kim Jun, he'll know.

More important, Viscount Choe.

Yes, sir.

The more I stew on it, the more I realize I lost face.

I mean, my stepmother?

Chasing me out of the Pavilion.

I won't have it.

Quite right, sir. You rule all of Koryo. No one tells you what to do.

Exactly. Not Her Grace and not Kim Jun. What was he doing there?

Lay off of Kim Jun. Anyway, I made my excuses.

I was getting acquainted.

Right, Viscount Choe?

Yes, sir.

All the same, everyone knows I've always been a ladies' man.

Send for that luscious Orchid and Jade. Too tasty for words.

Viscount, you heard the Overlord.

As you command.

Now, sir?

You heard me, chop-chop.

No time like the present.

Yes, sir.

That's right, that's my Choe Yangbaek.

He follows orders, no excuses.

If only everyone was like that.

What am I doing here?

Kim Jun spoke with such feeling. "Look after him, look after him."

What's the best way to look after him? What am I meant to do?

Yes, sir?

Take a detachment to the Pavilion.

Sir? But, sir, Her Grace said?

The Overlord's orders.

Bring back Orchid and Jade.

Yes, sir.

A retainer's fate is set.

It is my duty to obey without question.

I have no choice.

I had heard rumors, but I had no idea.

He's an animal.

How could the Overlord choose him as a successor? How?

Your Grace, you should avoid getting involved. Think of the future.

What, I'm his stepmother, aren't I?

Now may not be the time, but they say he's evil, a real snake.

He always has been, all the Corps ladies know it.

No surprise there. I saw how he looked at me in the Pavilion.

Just lay low. He's dangerous.

But the Corps is my responsibility. I won't stand for this kind of thing.

I have to say something.

Your Grace, if I may?

Enter.

Your Grace, the Pavilion! Men took the ladies away.

What? Who?

On the Overlord's orders. Choe Yangbaek's men?

Unbelievable. Oh, gods! He dares?

He dares..?

What? Unheard of! Incredible!

Your mother mouthed off to the Overlord? What's she playing at?

What else have you heard?

The Overlord has ended the period of mourning.

And he's been carrying on in the pavilion of women.

That sounds like him, but it can't be stopped.

What was your mother thinking, rushing over there and all?

He deserved it.

Deserved..? Who deserved what?

At this rate she'll be lucky to be banished to a Cholla temple.

The little fool, that mother of yours will get us all in trouble.

You have to admit he's ignorant.

Chasing after skirts while he's in mourning.

And despite Her Grace telling him to stop.

What your mouth? He's the overlord.

Then why doesn't he act like one?

All the same, people might hear.

It could cost your life. And your mouth will only speed the payment.

Father!

What kind of life is that if you're scared to speak?

I'll be careful. But he's still worthless.

Tell Viscount Choe I'd like to see him. For a drink.

Yes, father.

Now this is paradise.

Wine, women, song! and more women.

And why not? Heroes have always enjoyed the ladies.

It's natural that you spend your time as you see fit.

Right. Right!

Let the Corps deal with politics.

What is there for me to do anyway?

Ah, you're Orchid, right?

Yes, Overlord.

A drink.

Yes, Overlord.

Now, then, tonight!

You and me, hm?

No answer?

Your pardon. We served the late Overlord, we didn't service him.

You didn't what?

If there are women and wine, then there's a night together.

That's how things are.

We are not courtesans.

What? Courtesans?

We are not prostitutes.

We are simple maidens chosen to serve the Guard Corps.

How is that not being a prostitute?

Your late father chose me. I'm not an animal to then serve his son.

It is not proper etiquette.

Etiquette?

Etiquette, she says.

Etiquette.

And what is "proper etiquette" for backroom tramps?

What? Not courtesans?

Courtesan!

My mother was a courtesan.

All right, "courtesan," as of now, you're a courtesan.

Strip. I command it.

Strip!

I refuse.

I told you I'm not an animal.

Surely you don't see your father's ladies as dogs or pigs?

What? Dogs? Pigs? Doggy piggies?

- Tramp! - Overlord!

- Die! - Overlord!

Let me say it once again.

I'm not a courtesan!

I may serve all day, but I am one of your father's ladies.

I refuse you.

- Viscount! - You there! Get her out of here!

- Overlord! - Overlord!

I refuse!

Get her out of here.

Overlord, Overlord.

You!

- Overlord. - Overlord.

- You. - Yes, Overlord.

- You're Jade? - Yes, Overlord.

You too good for me, too?

Or will you sleep with daddy?

Yes, yes, Overlord!

We're both busy. What is it?

First, a drink.

We're both busy, but this is more important.

Go on.

You brought Pavilion women here. Your men, that is.

Our lord's commands are inviolate.

For me, for you, for everyone.

Are they?

I think so.

A retainer is the same as a slave.

Our lord is our lord.

A true retainer will stop his lord from stepping in the mud.

I'm not that kind of retainer, not yet. I'm not you.

Yangbaek.

They're his father's ladies.

And he tried to kill one that refused him.

Are you watching him?

That just happened. And you already know?

Not watching. Serving.

Yangbaek, I need your help.

I serve the Overlord, for better or worse.

You assigned me to him.

What are you saying?

I am saying to look after him.

He's testing the limits of his power.

As I'm testing the limits of my loyalty.

This is wrong. That's not authority. That's not loyalty.

You don't have to put a knife to your throat.

You're a retainer. You look after him.

A retainer's duty is to obey.

Don't push me on this.

You do your duty!

and leave me to do mine.

Yangbaek.

Stop telling me what to do. I command the Overlord's personal guards.

I don't understand politics.

I come when told, go when told.

Kill when told.

Yangbaek.

What was so important?

Oh, this and that. Maintain vigilance, security, that sort of thing.

How so?

Things are happening faster than we thought.

Sir?

You talked about the dead woman?

You two are old comrades. Don't let this end it.

The most pressing issue is serving the Overlord.

Keep me posted on what the court is saying.

And don't stop monitoring the Three Patrols and the Overlord's personal guards.

Yes, Father.

My brothers are assigned to the Ministry of War, but hey help me, too.

But won't Choe Yangbaek be a problem?

He commands the personal guards.

I'm worried now that the two of you have disagreed.

We're comrades. It will all work out.

Incredible. Some Overlord.

And after we granted him title and position.

What they said was right, he's an animal.

What is Kim Jun doing?

I had hoped for better.

What can a viscount do?

Whatever Kim Jun's intentions, he can't stop the Overlord.

All the same.

Yi Jangyong and General Choe tell me he is the only one we can trust in the Corps.

Ending the mourning period early, carrying on with his father's women.

What a world.

The Corps will lead this country to ruin.

A mess, I'm telling you.

He's using the Guard Corps like his own playground.

And he's getting worse.

Too true. How dare he?

Tongues are wagging.

The time is ripe.

Everyone who has been waiting finally has justification.

Shall we muster the men?

We've waited too long.

Once we act, all those around him will help us.

But we're already under surveillance.

It's Kim Jun, after all. And Pak Songbi.

But waiting any longer won't do us any good.

Make sure your friends are still with us.

And wait. The time is ripe.

I told you we're under surveillance.

Shouldn't we just give up? They know too much.

Public opinion is what matters.

Everyone knows the Overlord is a joke.

Wait for it. Soon we will act.

Listen. These are called "annals"?

Yes, Overlord.

Annals of what?

Of the Spring and Autumn Period in ancient China.

It is one of the Five Classics that helps us to rule wisely today.

I don't care about that.

I'm the big man now, aren't I? What do I care about history?

Sir, even His Majesty studied the classics.

Forget history, forget politics, let's talk about reality.

I heard a lot of talk when I was preparing to be overlord.

Quite a few men wanted my position.

You heard that, too?

Ah, yes.

Prior to your appointment, the Council discussed possible successors!

Yes, Overlord.

Did they? Very interesting.

Who, exactly?

Kim Mi and Oh Seungjok were mentioned.

Who? Kim Mi and Oh Seungjok?

Kim Mi, sure, he's my nephew. But Oh Seungjok?

He was suggested by Lord Jusuk.

Jusuk?

Yes, Overlord.

Now that bears looking into.

Jusuk used to serve my father.

He pushed for Oh Seungjok, huh?

Overlord, surely it was because the boy is Her Grace's son.

Hm, I suppose. My stepmother's brat, huh?

Preying on my poor old dad. They're both shifty.

Eyeing my position and all.

Where is Kim Mi now?

I understand he went to a distant temple when you were named successor.

Kim Mi! Oh Seungjok!

They should both die, the pair of them.

It's been years now. Banished without being banished.

From what I hear, Uncle Hang is ruining the Guard Corps.

Why did Uncle Kim discourage my promotion anyway?

All the generals wanted me.

Now they're all dead.

Now the Corps is going to fall, Uncle Kim knows it, too.

He fusses at me, but he knows better.

- You, there. - Yes, Young Lord.

Take this to Kangdo without being seen.

The capital?

Yes. Take this to Kim Kyongson's house.

Be very discreet.

I understand.

General Choe Chunmyong is dead? How?

They say it was something he ate.

Chunmyong... He was a soldier's soldier, a great warrior.

Well said. The good die young!

You must be worried. About your daughter.

Oh, I am. I have no one else I can tell.

He locks her away, abuses her daily.

Be patient. Kim Jun will deal with it.

The Overlord still listens to him.

I'll mention it to him.

She's my little girl, it can't be allowed.

I know you and Kim Jun are close. Talk to him.

The Overlord is out of control. Someone has to speak out.

He's not my son-in-law, he's my enemy.

Be careful. You should keep that to yourself.

You know that, right?

My girl, my little girl!

Choe Chunmyong passed away yesterday.

He'll be missed. He held Fort Jaju against the Mongols, remember?

Oh, yes. The Emperor is in mourning.

I understand. He was a trusted counselor.

I hear you're keeping busy.

Yes.

Guyuk Khan died and his widow rules the Mongols as regent.

A new Khan will be named. We need to be ready if he attacks.

Their terms are simple.

They want the capital moved back to Kaegyeong. Is that so difficult?

We can't. It's tantamount to surrender.

We'll be enslaved.

Our people are dying.

We must endure.

They're powerful, but they can't last 100 years, much less 1,000.

We will win this.

You're very like the late Overlord.

Listen, Viscount, about the new Overlord.

Will you just stand by and do nothing?

He's still young. And he is still my lord.

All I can do is serve him. Things will get better.

Try to appease the chancellors.

You bear a heavy burden.

I suspect your burden is heavier. And exhausting.

What's that? Kim Mi said what?

He gave me a letter and told me to deliver it to Kim Kyongson in secret.

- It seemed suspicious. - How so exactly?

Kim Mi just sits and stews on the Guard Corps.

Then to suddenly send me off with this letter!

It's strange. I thought if a plot was exposed, I might be freed.

The letter?

Here.

I've heard what that that scum has been up to since he assumed command.

You may recall how the generals supported me in the past.

Muster your men. There are still many who support me.

Can you read?

No, sir. It just seemed strange so I brought it to you.

It's just a simple letter.

Really?

Yes. I'll give it to Kim Kyongson myself.

Go tell your master it was delivered.

Your concerns are noted.

Dismissed.

Sir.

What did it say?

Kim Mi is planning something.

It could hurt Kim Kyongson as well.

We need to speak with Viscount Kim.

I swear. Let's go.

Something's not right.

"Discreet," he said. That wasn't a simple letter.

Wait.

Did I do the wrong thing?

Has he lost his senses?

Sending this in times like these?

What about the messenger?

He said he's illiterate.

I sent him on his way.

You did what? He must be stopped.

He can't read, he doesn't know what it says.

If we stop him, it will make things worse.

Not so. He came here because he was suspicious.

He accused his lord, he's not to be trusted.

Who knows what he'll do next.

You're right. He said he wanted his freedom.

I doubt he's going back.

Im Yon has a point.

What are you orders?

We can't allow Kim Kyongson to be hurt.

Find the messenger. Before this gets worse.

He left hours ago.

No. Send your men. Move before this gets worse.

Well, Im Yon? Track him down.

Sir.

This is urgent. Urgent!

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