Original subtitles

[This is a work of fiction. All the characters, locales, groups, and incidents have no connection to historical facts.]

I do not care if it was an illusion.

Even if what I thought you were

all a lie.

I could not even imagine...

that I would be seeing

silvery waves like this.

Maiden Yoon.

Just like how I changed since I met you,

you must have changed, too.

You said you want to forget about the past, right?

You should forget, then.

I will do the same.

I am going to try to.

♪ Can you listen to my heart? ♪

You're braver...

♪ It's flowing toward me ♪

than anyone in this world.

♪ It's resonating so loudly ♪

Please promise...

just this one thing.

No matter what happens,

please do not leave before me.

What should we do with Yoon Hong Ju now?

We need to confirm first.

If she is truly alive,

I will cut her throat.

[Episode 14] I hate winter.

The daylight is so short.

Please leave now.

What if someone sees us?

You told me not to leave earlier.

I understand.

I will get going now.

See you tomorrow

after the long night, Lady Hong Ju.

I cannot believe it even after seeing her.

Yoon Hong Ju was alive.

Should I capture her?

We cannot let the rumor spread everywhere.

I have an idea. Just find a plot for her grave.

She is alive, but she has already died once.

We just need to put her back where she belongs.

There is a shadow warrior who protects Ok Jin only.

Was that you?

Do you tend to be careless?

What if someone hears-

Our relationship got awkward.

We cannot even talk honestly.

We were never that comfortable with each other.

We were both hiding too much to do that.

I enjoyed your jokes a lot.

But now I understand.

Your jokes were a way to hide the truth.

Do you want to hear this, too?

The watchman kills the one who threatens his master

no matter what.

So do not stand in front of the tip of my sword.

You still...

do not trust me.

Hwa Ryeong was the one who sent the assassin?

Why would she do such a thing to me?

She probably has someone else she wants to put on the throne.

What happened at the meeting place was our misstep.

It happened because I was not careful.

Should you not explain first?

About who did such a thing?

I told them off properly. That would never happen again.

Do you believe what he says?

I do not.

But someone told me once that

there is nothing a person cannot do if they are desperate.

You probably want to drive the beast out of the throne as much as I do.

I want to count on...

your earnestness.

Two would be better than one.

What are you doing?

Why are you so surprised?

Are you plotting something together or something?

Dan Oh, you...

What are you doing here so early?

What do you mean?

Will you all skip breakfast?

Oh, right, let us eat.

I told Dan Oh about everything.

About what?

That I like her a lot.

You do not have to...

tell me how you feel.

I am telling you that I did not give up on Dan Oh, too.

What did you say?

What will you do with Dan Oh if you rise to the throne after defeating the king?

- Of course, to the palace- - Do you think she would want that?

She carried all the burden of protecting Ihwawon and Maiden Hong Ju all this time.

Do you think a place where

you have to breathe carefully suits her?

She would be trapped her whole life, burdened by an enormous sense of responsibility.

Is that not too selfish?

Did you say "collaborate?"

You are still so innocent even after living a tough life.

Lee Gyeom and I are on the same page.

We will achieve our noble cause together.

You are on the same page now.

But once the King is defeated

who will be next?

Your Highness.

No one in the world gives up on the power they have.

You must be just afraid

to have your brother's blood on your hands.

Yes.

I am afraid...

that we will end up pointing our swords

at each other.

But...

I will not be wrapped up in fear.

I will overcome it and move forward.

Just wait and see...

how I start the new era.

It looked like they were having a private conversation.

Very secretively.

What did the lowest-ranking royal guard and the head eunuch

talk about so extensively?

Did you want to see me, Chief Royal Guard?

I want you to keep an eye on Kang San from now on.

I need to know everything he does outside the palace.

Yes, sir.

What brings you here?

Why else would I be at the King's Palace?

I am here to see His Majesty. Let him know.

Are you here to tell him that Head Eunuch is in collusion with Queen Dowager?

It is true, is it not?

There is something I know about, too.

Do you want to hear it?

I am talking about the Prince.

I heard he is not your child.

His Majesty already knows.

How could that be a big deal?

If all the court officials find out, never mind the Prince,

even the King would be in danger.

Would you really not take that seriously?

Must you insist on going?

If the court officials found out exorcism was performed, they would protest again.

They said my life would be in danger unless exorcism was performed.

Kang San.

You should come, too.

I will show you something fun today.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Left State Minister.

Thank you so much for finding Seol.

Thanks to you, I was able to resolve my deep sorrow.

Did you have a nice conversation with him?

Yes.

He grew up to be so proper.

Life must have been very difficult for him.

The only one who could protect him

is you, Your Highness.

As long as the King is on his throne,

the Grand Heir cannot stay alive.

In order to get him off the throne,

we need a definitive reason.

There is one.

It would turn the royal court upside down once the ministers find out.

It is regarding the legitimacy of the Prince.

I borrowed a horse again.

Just tell me where you want to go.

I am happy to go anywhere

since I will be with you.

Aigoo!

You wretch! I told you to stay away from the annex!

How dare you do this to Hong Ju-

- Ahjussi, it is not like that- - What do you mean it is not? You bastard!

You are a scholar. How could you be so violent?

- Just talk instead, please! - Talk?

He would not be here if he understood me in the first place!

This cannot be!

Out of all the scholars at Ihwawon, why him...

Aigoo!

What is wrong with him?

He is handsome and...

And...

He is handsome, at least!

- Aigoo! - Aigoo...

Why did it have to be a jobless playboy and an idiot who failed the state exam?

That is so hurtful.

I admit I am a jobless playboy, but

- idiot is kind of- - Najudaek was right!

Come here, you bastard.

Get out, you bastard. Do not come anywhere near here anymore!

Leave! I will let you live.

I do not want to be without him!

I have been hiding for several years.

As if I am a tree planted in the annex.

I finally...

I finally feel like I can breathe.

Thanks to him, who let me see sunshine.

My Lady.

Let us do this, then.

Tell me.

I would do anything as long as you approve us.

Pass the state exam.

If you pass the state exam, I will

approve your relationship.

What do you mean, pass?

Me?

Why? Do you not want to?

You have to make a living if you want to get married.

W-What do you mean, get married?

We still have not-

Rising to fame by achieving success.

I will make sure to do it.

Yes.

You will be able to do it

if you try your best.

You said you live in Ihwawon, right?

Yes.

Does Dan Oh treat you well?

I am living there comfortably.

Let us return to the palace.

It is late at night.

The shaman told me not to go home immediately to banish the evil spirit.

Coming!

Why are you so nervous?

Are you afraid I would hurt you?

I do not have a lot of drinking snacks...

since you came out of the blue.

A shaman told me...

that Lee Seol is pointing his sword at my throat and waiting for the right moment.

Do you agree with that, Dan Oh?

If you believe so,

I am sure that would happen.

What?

They say, "In Ja Bul Woo, Yong Ja Bool Goo."

"Wise men do not worry

and brave men have no fear."

How imprudent!

How dare you say that in front of His Majesty?

I am afraid of Lee Seol?

You are already shivering

when it is not even cold yet.

Pay close attention.

Lee Seol will die and disappear just as the snow melts away.

That day is not too far away.

Is someone inside?

What are you both looking at?

The thing is...

His Majesty is here.

They must have better alcohol in the palace.

Why did he come to Ihwawon...

Who are you?

What is your name?

It is His Majesty, the King. Answer politely.

I am Jung Yoo Ha, who lives at Ihwawon.

I thought it was just for show, but they do have guests at this inn.

You should rest, too.

It is getting late.

I did not expect he would suggest coming here.

You must have been very surprised.

I am okay.

I actually feel relieved.

I thought maybe...

the tagger has changed in this game.

The tagger has changed?

Because His Majesty is the one who is being chased in fear now,

not you.

I have never heard such brave encouragement.

It is not an encouragement. It is what I believe.

I believe that you will achieve the noble cause.

So, please...

rise to the throne safely.

By the way,

what will you do if you become the king?

What is wrong?

Have you not thought about it, by chance?

You will become the father of this country.

You should take time and start thinking about it.

How about you?

What are you planning to do if I become the king?

You should think about it, too.

About what you want to do.

You do not have to worry about yesterday.

It happened suddenly while we were traveling in disguise.

I know. Dan Oh told me.

What are you trying to say standing like that, then?

The thing is...

I thought maybe you would know something.

About what?

About my biological mother.

- By chance... - No.

I do not know about her, either.

It can be just a small clue, too.

Do you really not know anything-

I do know of someone.

I do not know, but he might.

Can you let me meet him?

His Majesty will go hunting in three days.

Where will he go hunting?

It is Mt. Eungbong.

Left State Minister is coming, too. Put extra care into guarding them!

Yes, sir!

Hunting.

This is my chance.

My chance to get rid of the king.

I will be by your side, Orabeoni.

What are you staring at?

It is nothing.

You...

What are you doing here?

You sent out a spy for me.

I needed to look into Mok In Hoe.

Do not get the wrong idea.

I thought you knew who your biological mother was.

You thought I knew? What do you mean?

Is that not why you had the Mok In Hoe meetings here?

By chance...

is Hwa Ryeong, the hostess of Buyounggak

my biological mother?

Did you really not know?

Hey, are you playing hooky right now?

Wow, you cannot be serious.

It is a peak hour right now.

What would you do if Hostess found out?

If you cause trouble one more time-

I will not cause trouble anymore, then.

- What? - Keep your mouth shut.

If Hostess finds out, I will know it was you guys.

Why...

Why did you nod?

Did you get scared by chance, Mae Wol?

Scared, my foot!

Ban Ya has Chief Administrator on her side.

It will not be good to provoke her!

- I think she did get scared. - Why is she yelling at me?

Excuse me.

Do you know who lives here by chance?

Looks like you are not from around here!

It is the famous Left State Minister's house!

I see.

Thank you.

I am so disappointed!

Did you lead Mok In Hoe just to back out like this?

I do not know what to tell you.

But I made the decision after much thinking for everyone.

I will visit Queen Dowager and ask for forgiveness.

Please help me to see her.

I cannot!

Left State Minister.

I need to meet with Ok Jin first.

After seeing him,

I will make a decision as well.

How did your talk go?

I was...

too harsh on you last time.

I apologize.

Not at all.

I am the one who failed to be considerate.

Do not get involved in my affairs from now on.

And stop coming here, too.

Do you...

still find me...

untrustworthy?

Although I am stepping down...

I am still Lee Gyeom.

It does not change the fact that I am an heir to the throne

who can threaten the king.

The King does not know of your existence.

- So... - So he can find out any moment!

I am saying...

it can be dangerous to be by my side.

I do not...

want to...

lose you, too, Hostess.

[Ihwawon]

Left State Minister Shin Won Ho was the one who helped Mok In Hoe?

I did not even imagine.

Left State Minister asked me if he could see the Grand Heir in person.

He will be at today's gathering as well.

I will arrange a meeting if you would like.

Why come with us when we can go by ourselves?

It'd be better to be next to you than to be in your shadow since we know everything.

Let him be.

It is probably because he still does not trust me.

Also...

three is better than two.

For what?

I'm also just as desperate.

You need to take the throne in order for Watchman to gain freedom.

Do not take it personally.

Doubting endlessly...

is my job.

We must hurry up and rise.

As the brutal winter comes on top of tyranny,

the entire country is covered with the people's wailings.

Once spring comes, we might have to live in houses built on countless graves.

The Royal Court is full of disloyal subjects.

Will the darkness fade that easily just from crowning a new king?

Are you saying we must replace the rotten government officials first?

We must first repair the three inspecting bureaus that lost their functions

of advising and correcting.

They said a king seeks wise subjects...

the more perilous a country becomes.

I ask you, gentlemen, who are deeply resolved and righteous, to become

government officials and to be the backbone.

Yoo Ha was already thinking about it.

About what?

How to build a new house on top of a demolished sand castle.

What will you do if you become the king?

You will become the father of this country.

You should take time and start thinking about it.

It did not even cross my mind.

My goal has always been...

fixated at...

taking down the King.

Breaking down the sand castle comes first.

The hunt at Mt. Eungbong.

Please focus on that for now.

If your heart is wavering...

your arrow will waver as well.

Is he not the man?

Left State Minister Shin Won Ho.

You're Ban Ya, right?

What brings you here?

Is Chief Administrator present?

All right. What is your business?

I secretly followed Hostess last night.

I saw her going into Left State Minister's house.

All right.

Notify me again if you find out anything else.

Yes.

Keep on watching closely.

Left State Minister seems to be scheming something.

Yes, Sir.

I was taken by surprise.

For you to be in the palace, Grand Heir...

I was also surprised.

Because you were the sponsor of Mok In Hoe.

The only lord I serve...

is this country, Joseon.

Please consider my daring act to steal your name as a loyal attempt to

save this country from doom.

The method was disloyal...

but your intention was loyal?

Did you want to see me to give me excuses?

I wanted to see you in person and inquire.

What is your will, Your Highness?

Do you...

intent to kill the King?

You keep doing...

what you need to do with Mok In Hoe as usual.

I will see that my will gets done.

Right. Did you know about this?

I'm older than the two of you by four years.

It is as I expected.

You cannot fake everything but your age.

Yes. I was most suspicious that we were the same age.

Well, who's the hyung between you two?

My birthday probably comes first.

Mine is in spring.

Very early spring, on top of that.

That means Kang San is the hyung, right?

We're the same age, so you're not a hyung.

We must make it clear, especially since we're brothers.

Even twins differentiate between older and younger.

You were pointing your sword at me the other day.

Now, you recognize me as your brother?

Well, I feel so grateful.

Gosh!

Why do you come out from there?

What are you doing over there?

I was cleaning the flower bed.

By the way, who are brothers with whom?

You two look nothing alike.

Does that mean...

you are also royalty, Orabeoni?

Wait, then...

that talk about pointing swords...

About that, Dan Oh...

It's because I've been leading Mok In Hoe.

I tried to take the throne, pretending to be Lee Seol.

He had no idea about my identity then.

We cleared our misunderstandings, too.

Wait.

You knew about all this, too, Shi Yeol orabeoni?

I mean, I have always...

been known to be keener than a sword.

Aigoo...

Hey, hey, hey. Gosh...

Maiden Hong Ju, come out for a moment!

What brings you here this late at night?

I must show you something. Only you.

It is impossible, if not right now.

Do you see that red star over there?

I have never seen it that close to a full moon, either.

It is a rare sight.

They are so beautiful together...

but they will be separated soon, right?

Make your wish first.

Since a rare star is in the sky, your chances would double, right?

What did you wish for?

Stop asking me and make your wish, too.

Do you not have anything you must accomplish?

As for what I need to accomplish...

pass the exam and achieve success?

My goodness, Scholar Kim.

Oh, you're coming out now?

It is your day off tomorrow, right?

Yes, I'm so glad.

I dislike hunting, but I dislike hiking even more.

Could...

you switch...

shifts with me tomorrow?

Shifts?

Does it have to be me?

Did you not hear that I disliked it just now?

It is because tomorrow is my father's memorial day.

Can you please help me out?

Gosh, even so, that's...

I can do anything else, but hiking is really-

I polished all the ritual equipment already.

Do you need any other foods?

I will buy them when I am grocery shopping.

Yes, I think what we have is enough.

Since I could not observe it last year...

- I want to make- - Geez, my goodness!

All right, then.

Instead, switch shifts with me one time, too.

Just tell me any time. I'll switch twice, no-

Even three times!

Th-Three times?

You better keep your promise.

You have my word.

There is a gathering on the 15th of this month.

Lee Seol will show himself that day.

There is still a lot of time left.

So many things could happen in that time.

Your Majesty, the soldiers are already thoroughly prepared.

Deposed Grand Heir Lee Seol will not make it

alive past this month.

If he...

makes it past this month...

will you give up your neck, Left State Minister?

Yes. Please...

take this humble one's life yourself.

I will be counting on you.

Chief Administrator seems to have caught on?

Yes, Your Excellency.

Someone saw Hwa Ryeong coming in here.

All right. You can take your leave.

You seem to be out of use now.

M-Mok In Hoe...

What did you say?

Left State Minister is the sponsor of Mok In Hoe.

If you are lying to get out of this...

His Excellency plans to use Mok In Hoe...

to make Deposed Grand Heir Lee Seol the king.

In that case...

are Head Eunuch and Hwa Ryeong...

helping him with that?

Yes.

This is a hideout I prepared separately.

To prepare for the unforeseen.

The unforeseen?

I figured you would need a place to hide.

Since you are always in danger when by my side.

Is it...

going to happen soon?

The rebellion...

is now very near, right?

In case of the unforeseen...

When you say unforeseen...

you might not be here, so you prepared all this, right?

I'll be here.

By your side, just like this.

I did not know it would be happening so soon.

The day...

Could it be tomorrow?

I thought you would worry endlessly...

if I disappeared without a word.

Please come back before the sun sets.

I must spend the night with you.

I will do that.

I will come back before the moon shines.

Right.

You asked me before.

About what I want to do.

Yeah.

Did you think about it?

Yes.

There is something I wanted to do for a while,

but have not been able to fulfill.

What is it you could not fulfill?

Going very...

very far away.

Far away?

At times,

Ihwawon felt overwhelmingly suffocating.

No...

my family did.

Was it because I struggled so much when I could not protect it well?

Shi Yeol orabeoni...

was able to make my unni smile in one try.

I realized then.

My anxiety had made Unni sick.

Living confined in hiding...

is not really living.

Thanks to your anxiety, Maiden Yoon has been safe so far

and was able to meet Shi Yeol.

You really think so?

Who took in a guy who wanted to stay and eat for free?

So where do you...

want to travel to?

Wherever.

Traveling the entire country sounds great and

going to see the oceans far away sounds great, too.

I see.

I did not know...

how you felt.

I did not know at all.

♪ I'll say I'll protect you forever ♪

And if you were by my side, I could not be happier.

But...

right here is nice, too.

♪ For some reason, it sounds awkward to me ♪

♪ Afraid that we might become distanced ♪

♪ I'm waiting for you ♪

♪ Afraid everything will disappear when I reach you ♪

♪ I couldn't tell you again today ♪

♪ Cherished in the corner of my heart, so it won't show ♪

♪ Those words, love you ♪

♪ Enough to stop my breath ♪

♪ As much as I love you ♪

♪ I'll keep you in my arms and say I'll protect you forever ♪

♪ This thorny night I'm spending without you ♪

♪ The moment you came to me ♪

♪ All of it disappears ♪

♪ Cherished in the corner of my heart ♪

♪ Those words somewhere in my heart, love you ♪

♪ Enough to stop my breath ♪

♪ As much as I love you ♪

♪ I'll keep you in my arms and say I'll protect you forever ♪

I'll be back...

safely.

[Ihwawon]

Maiden Hong Ju,

may I enter for a moment?

Yes, come in.

They said the jesters would be visiting the market today.

I am looking forward to it already.

Well, Maiden Hong Ju...

What's wrong?

An important matter suddenly came up.

Let us go watch the jesters next time.

There's no choice if it's an important matter.

Take care.

It is a huge relief, though.

If I missed this beautiful sight of you,

I would have been quite disappointed.

I am worried you might get hurt.

Lower your swords.

Chief Administrator Jang seeks to make an urgent report to His Majesty.

You can hand it to me.

It is a report regarding Lee Seol.

I intend to hand it directly to His Majesty.

I did not write it down, worried it might get leaked.

Leaked to whom?

Left State Minister Shin Won Ho...

That man is the sponsor of Mok In Hoe.

Shin Won Ho is...

attempting to put Lee Seol on the throne.

Head Eunuch and...

Queen Dowager joined his cause, too.

So we do not know how many more spies exist within the palace.

Will you be able to prove what you said?

I have a witness in custody.

You could question him when you return to the palace.

Your Majesty...

should I not also be informed if it is an urgent report on Lee Seol?

Left State Minister...

You said you would give your life up to me, right?

I said I would do so if I failed to catch Lee Seol within this month.

That is enough for me.

I must go back to the palace now.

They are trying to kill me and put Lee Seol on the throne?

Your Majesty!

- Escort His Majesty! - Yes!

Let us go.

I'll escort you to the gates.

You finally came, Lee Seol.

[The Secret Romantic Guesthouse]

It was all my fault from the beginning to the end.

Did you kill my son and play around with his betrothed?

Please do not forgive me. Blame me and hate me, please.

If you intend to stay as Ihwawon's hostess, you two will part ways.

Could you live the rest of your life without San?

Lee Seol, I will not have to stand here again if you bring down the King.

I promise you. I'll come back before the sun sets.

I will not be taken down and come to you safely.

Ripped and resynced by YoungJedi