Original subtitles

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION

CHILD ACTORS AND ANIMALS WERE FILMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAFETY GUIDELINES

Please…

My lordship! Please spare--

My lordship…

Grandfather, perhaps that is enough now.

At this rate, what if he really dies?

No, Your Highness.

That man conjures the most despicable hexes.

He kidnaps young children and starves them to death to turn them into ghosts.

And then, he uses those ghosts to swindle money from others.

He is the vilest of the vile.

He was just trying to survive as a blind man.

You should stop now.

You should head inside.

You are here for convalescence. You should not see such sights.

But…

Please return inside now.

A vengeful ghost with the most bitter grudge…

Your lordship!

Your lordship!

The royal family…

A vengeful ghost with a bitter grudge…

Hold on.

Stop.

- What did you say? - A vengeful ghost…

with a deeply bitter grudge

has latched onto the royal family.

You must flee.

Or everyone will die.

You must flee!

Did you say there was a ghost harboring a grudge

against the royal family?

Yes, my lordship.

If you just let it be,

that man earlier… No.

All the esteemed members of the royal family will perish.

My lordship, if you just spare my life,

I will do whatever it takes to stop that ghost.

That will not

be enough to spare your life.

Then…

what must this lowly creature do to earn your forgiveness?

What must I do?

I hear you are quite gifted with the starving-children hexes.

Never…

Never will I commit such a monstrous deed again.

So please, just spare my life…

Do you think

you could summon that ghost?

What?

Neop-deok?

Yes.

The wretched shaman

who overpowered the Warrior Deity after he had possessed the late king.

Yeo-ri, that brat, is of the same bloodline.

I sent someone to Yongdam Village and confirmed it beyond doubt.

Are you saying that measly brat

is the one responsible for this mess?

You can just get rid of her like you did with that old shaman wench.

I was able to do that then.

Watch over the prince with favor

Our hope grows with every word

Fire!

Back then, I was able to escort the Warrior Deity there

and help him devour her.

However, this time the situation is not as simple.

She is not alone.

Examiner Yoon Gap's body is actually possessed by an Imugi.

- Imugi? - Yes.

I cannot, for the life of me, figure out why that Imugi is helping her,

but because of him, getting close to her is no easy feat.

Are you saying

the Eight-foot-tall Ghost did that to Shaman Neop-deok?

How could I not have known?

Idiot.

Why did I not figure it out?

The fire spread from the ritual table candle.

And Grandma fell into the sea because of that fire.

Grandma!

An ember ghost was obviously responsible.

Your Majesty was already aware of this.

Earlier,

you were shocked to hear my grandmother died in the Year of the Water Rabbit.

You must have already figured it all out by then.

I was hoping that my assumption was wrong.

Neop-deok…

was the only shaman who managed to provide…

my father with momentary relief from his mania.

I will…

I will kill you all!

This bloodline will be

uprooted by my hand.

Resume!

Father!

I thought that was the end of it.

I did not believe in heretical ceremonies,

but after that day,

my father had returned to his former, virile self.

However…

Fa… Father.

I was in denial for all these years,

but now I know for certain.

That was not…

Father who stood before me.

After my father passed away,

I thought it was finally all over.

But similar symptoms manifested…

once again in my young son.

What sort of grudge does that Eight-foot-tall Ghost harbor

to commit such heinous acts?

Why did you

keep this from me until now?

The palace was in a state of turmoil

after the erratic behavior of the king who was possessed by a ghost.

There were even threats of a coup led by those who held military power.

Addressing that incident once more

would have even endangered my legitimacy.

Furthermore,

a king…

must place his trust in no one.

My grandma

fought for someone who did not even believe in her

and as a result, ended up tragically losing her life.

Yeo-ri.

I am the King of this nation.

I am responsible for all that happens on this land

and be involved in all matters.

No matter what happens,

I shall endure any hardship that comes my way

for the sake of the nation I dream of.

However,

when it comes to matters that drift between life and death…

I remain clueless.

I must seem shameless…

and it breaks my heart…

but I need your help.

Forgive me, Your Majesty.

Please excuse me.

I get it now.

The Eight-foot-tall Ghost must have devoured Grandma's spirit.

That is why she has never been able to visit me.

How could I be such an idiot? Just completely in the dark…

Talk to me.

I asked if you regret lying to that brat about killing her grandmother.

I do not.

I knew it.

I told you back then.

Pompous mortals like her need to be shown the mighty, intimidating powers

of deities like us.

My regret lies elsewhere.

Back then, I noticed early on that

Neop-deok brought the vile Eight-foot-tall Ghost with her from the capital.

I wanted to warn her then, however…

I resented that girl for refusing to open her heart to me,

so I did not.

I only regret failing

to give her that warning.

And if you had?

Would she have lauded you and accepted you as her patron deity?

At the very least,

Neop-deok could have avoided such a tragic end.

And if she had,

Yeo-ri would not be forced to confront the Eight-foot-tall Ghost now.

Gangcheori!

What are you doing here?

You should not be out alone this late.

I forgot such concern is not allowed in our arrangement.

I shall go on ahead.

Follow me if you wish.

- Or not. - Why have you kept silent?

- What are you talking about? - Why did you not tell me

that it was the Eight-foot-tall Ghost who killed my grandma and not you?

Why would you keep that from me?

You knew everything.

You were not responsible at all.

How did you find out?

After I repeatedly told him not to…

That rotten scoundrel, I shall--

How could you not speak up?

You were subject to my resentment, rage, and loathing…

Why did you never say anything?

Because it was easier for me.

What did you say?

You were just 13 years old back then.

Too young to even take care of yourself.

What would have happened if you foolishly confronted the Eight-foot-tall Ghost

to save Neop-deok's devoured soul?

You would have ended up as his prey

and I, who was looking to use you to ascend,

would come up empty-handed…

What I meant was…

Are you leaving already?

You got in really late last night.

They barely pay examiners enough.

It cannot be much different for eyeglass artisans.

Why are you up so early?

I slept enough.

But why are you whispering?

- To avoid waking Gap up? - No.

Excuse me, I have a busy day today.

You should still have some breakfast before you go.

My goodness.

You need a full belly to work.

Gap. Are you awake already?

You should have let me know if you were.

Hold on.

What the…

Sleeping with your eyes open?

I guess something happened between these two again.

I don't want to!

I'm not that brat's nanny. Why would I follow her around?

I refuse.

Yeo-ri found out.

She was already hotheaded and reckless.

Now, she knows the Eight-foot-tall Ghost devoured her grandmother.

Who knows what she will do now?

Just stay by her side and let me know if she is ever in danger.

Are you in any position to worry about her?

I confirmed it when you dealt with that drowned ghost, Bang Mak-dol.

You are not as strong as you used to be.

Really?

Were you watching me from afar?

I'm so worried about you, it's just killing me inside!

What if you never get to ascend because of her?

No, I refuse!

Hold on.

If I follow her around, it might be easier to split them up.

Does it repulse you that much?

It does…

but I am sure lugging that heavy body around

to chase after her cannot be easy for you.

What choice do I have?

The younger brother

must lend a hand to his older brother.

Thank you. Thank you so much, Bibi.

Thank you. I shall put my faith in you.

You are the best Imugi!

If you did not show this time,

I was planning to have you pay dearly for refusing a royal summons.

Your Majesty.

Have you decided?

I have been fearing

that I might become a hindrance in your noble mission.

And that fear remains even now.

I, too, am afraid.

I fear my mission

will cause all my vassals to turn their backs on me.

I fear it may only make the lives of the people harder.

I fear my supporters…

will be brought into harm's way.

Your Majesty.

However, that will not stop me.

Thus, you must help me.

What are you doing?

Are you mad at me?

What was I supposed to do?

I am nothing more than a poor water ghost who lives in a well.

Even the almighty Gangcheori

struggled against that drowned ghost.

Just imagine what would have happened if I also confronted him.

Were you there?

Well, you know…

I was a bit worried.

You made sure of that!

So, what is it now?

What?

Why aren't you at the Royal Couturier and pouting the day away here?

Geez.

Where is she?

And what is that thing?

So? You just ran out of there?

Because you were scared to face Gangcheori?

As if.

It just feels a little awkward. That is all.

I mean, for the past 13 years,

I explicitly hated him nonstop.

I was relentless.

Loathing him was like breathing.

He was the bane of my existence who ruined my life and killed my grandma.

But…

it turns out he did not kill her.

So, what do I do now?

Is it not obvious? Just stop hating him.

But still…

Is your heart wavering?

Worried you might fall for Gangcheori?

Wavering? How absurd.

Then, why are your cheeks so flush?

No, they're not.

Yes, they totally are.

No, you're wrong.

"Those who harm others for gain will harm themselves in time."

It means if you cause suffering to others for the sake of personal benefit,

you will ultimately end up blighting yourself.

Well done, Your Highness.

Your progress has been steady since you regained your health.

I hear that

Examiner Yoon Gap has been frequenting your quarters.

Perhaps, he has been aiding in your studies?

Father told me he is a great scholar who will be of great help to me.

And that eyeglass artisan as well?

Well…

She is…

That was… because I was curious about how glasses were made.

She had some corrective lenses that were wondrous and--

That is quite all right.

It seems His Majesty commanded you to not speak on this matter.

Thus, you do not need to trouble yourself.

There is nothing I detest more than to see Your Highness distressed.

So, the Yapper was right.

Your Highness, Eunuch Song from the Grand Hall seeks an audience.

Let him in.

What is a eunuch from the Grand Hall doing here?

Did Father send you?

Yes, Your Highness.

He asked me to escort the Chief State Councillor back.

Your Majesty wishes to appoint Lord Choi Won-u as the Left State Councillor?

Yes, I plan to do so.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

I believe you also once mentioned that Lord Choi Won-u was far too gifted

to be wasting his years as a hermit scholar.

Yes, I did indeed say that.

However, your vassals will understand his appointment

as a sign of Your Majesty actively pursuing slavery reform.

We have yet to capture the heinous individual responsible

for the egregious act committed against the Queen.

Thus, if Your Majesty once again summons Lord Choi Won-u to your side,

the opposing parties will only grow more beastly in their hearts.

I am prepared for as much.

You must be aware of it as well.

The late king departed in such a manner to protect me.

On that rare day when his mania subsided,

he became aware of the stirrings of a rebellion…

and he…

was felled by his own hand for my sake.

Your Majesty.

In his heart, the late king also desired to bring forth slavery reform.

On behalf of the late king as well,

I plan to properly carry out my sovereign duties.

Please help me do so.

Your Majesty.

If that truly is your desire,

this elderly subject will wholeheartedly carry out your command.

Your Majesty, Examiner Yoon Gap seeks an audience.

Yes! Let him in.

You may be dismissed now.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Hold on. What are you doing?

She is not alone.

Examiner Yoon Gap's body is actually possessed

by an Imugi.

What are you doing?

- Let me go. - Look here.

I said, let go of me, Grilled Abalone!

Stop calling me Grilled Abalone!

I told you to keep your mouth shut.

Why would you tell Yeo-ri that?

I did not tell her that.

What?

I never knew that Neop-deok fell victim to the Eight-foot-tall Ghost.

However, it appears you did.

That…

is because I am a deity with almighty power beyond mortal reach.

However, you must have hid that fact from Yeo-ri

to keep her safe.

It appears you were worried about her.

I did so

because I need that girl to ascend.

So, you hold her dear in your heart.

Even the omnipotent Imugi

knows to blush when speaking of the maiden he harbors affection for.

Do not laugh.

Affection? Nonsense.

Getting a grasp of her emotions is impossible.

When I think about her a searing rage surges from deep within.

Not even the slightest clue as to what she is thinking.

Fine.

I understand she is upset

upon learning her grandmother died because of the Eight-foot-tall Ghost.

However, if she cries such sorrowful, heartrending tears,

what am I to do?

There is nothing scarier in this world than a maiden's tears.

That is quite true.

I also used to become very flustered when the Queen cried.

However, I most certainly know better now.

I know what a man must do in those situations.

And what…

could that be?

What is it?

You just need to offer a warm embrace

and listen to her with an open heart.

Offer a warm embrace and listen to her with an open heart?

How could I when she will not even lock eyes with me?

Goodness me, they are still at it.

I wonder what terrible thing Gap did to make Yeo-ri act like that.

Gangcheori did nothing wrong.

Yeo-ri just has a nasty temper.

No way.

And here I thought I could get him married off this year. Guess not.

Right?

I concur.

The yearning heart of a mortal has long been

mere fleeting lust necessary for the continuation of the species.

The mortal heart is fickle and flips easier than a hand.

No.

Fickle human hearts may flip easier than hands,

but one cannot flip feelings that are not there.

What the…

Can this mortal hear me?

I am certain they like each other.

Geez…

You are clearly distracted.

Are you all right?

What are you scheming?

Why do you keep following me around?

Do you think I want to be doing this?

I could share this if you would like.

Why Gangcheori lied and told you that he killed Neop-deok.

You see, Gangcheori has always considered mortals to be lowly since the olden days,

and never felt the need to be honest with them.

Are you not curious about how many lies he has weaved

throughout your history?

For example,

when he claimed he would defeat the Eight-foot-tall Ghost for you…

Why are you telling me this?

What?

Well…

because…

I just feel bad for you falling…

for such tricks.

Don't you dislike me?

Should you be sharing Gangcheori's secrets with me like this?

Does he know about this?

You

are doing this to separate us, are you not?

Leave already.

How despicable! I just loathe them.

Mortals make my skin crawl. I just hate them.

And clever ones like that one, I despise even more and then some!

I just need to ascend as soon as possible and get away from these damn mortals.

And right on cue is my next feast.

I believe it has been quite a while since we've met like this, my lord.

What sort of urgent matter

led you to summon me like this when you value your privacy so?

The King wishes to appoint Lord Choi Won-u as Left State Councillor.

In the end,

does the king wish to pursue this slavery reform business?

How could you have just let things proceed this far?

During the rebellion we led 13 years ago,

we should have taken care of the crown prince as well.

My lord, your temperament is far too fiery.

You were also too rash when you tried to kill Examiner Yoon Gap.

How do you know--

The haphazard execution of your reckless pursuits

will end up hindering us.

You should abandon such pursuits as soon as possible.

However,

he is no longer the Yoon Gap of the past.

His behavior has been strange, almost inhuman at times.

Where there is a will, there is a way.

From what I hear,

he is a son quite devoted to his filial duties.

How was that fellow's fortune?

He appeared to be in peril like a candle against the wind.

I do not believe the Minister of War will stand a chance against that Imugi,

no matter what he does.

That was not what I was hoping for.

If we can just briefly hold that Imugi captive,

we can easily take care of that Yeo-ri.

It will be no trouble at all.

You focus on the Queen Dowager and get her to act.

We must…

first stop Choi Won-u.

The King is bringing someone new into the court?

Who is it?

I do not know.

However, Your Grace will soon find out.

You must stop it.

Once he enters the palace,

His Majesty's power will only grow stronger

and you will forever lose your chance

to get vengeance for Prince Yeongin's death.

It appears you have had a change of heart.

I am certain you told me last time

that you had no intention of becoming a supporter of the King.

I, too, wish to stay in the countryside

and spend the rest of my days teaching the next generation of scholars.

However…

I wish to provide His Majesty with what little help I can

as he embarks on his lone battle.

- Your Grace-- - I was born

to a noble family suffering abject destitution.

I sometimes sought out aid from a distant uncle on my mother's side.

I was embarrassed about asking for his help

and I used to stall for no reason by wandering around that big house.

Once, I ended up in the study

and discovered a very amusing book.

I believe it was called The Anthology of Light and Darkness.

Was it not?

The book written by Lord Choi Gil-sang, my uncle's great-great-grandfather,

as he safeguarded the king in the royal procession during the war a century ago.

What are you trying to say?

I…

have nothing else to lose now.

My unwavering desire to destroy the King

is all I have.

That is to say I am not the least bit afraid

of the contents of that book being released into the world.

However, you have a lot to lose, do you not, Uncle?

If you wish to avoid that,

go back to Yongdam Village.

That is where you are meant to be, my lord.

- Are these all the books? - Yes.

- Hurry it up. - Yes, sir.

Hello, my lady.

Did something happen?

Why is everyone packing up?

His Excellency said we are to head back to Yongdam Village.

What?

Do not just stand there. Pack up her lady's belongings.

My lady…

Your Majesty.

This letter from Lord Choi Won-u just arrived.

Did you say Lord Choi Won-u?

My fidelity to the sovereign and sense of duty toward him

remain fervent in my heart.

However, I am unqualified to answer Your Majesty's summons

and meet the lofty expectations laid upon me.

Send a messenger to escort Lord Choi Won-u back this instant.

Yes, Your Majesty.

No.

I shall go myself.

She should be back now. Where could she be?

Lady Choi In-seon?

What brings you here, my lady?

Have you been staying here this whole time?

- A talisman? - Yes.

Every nobleman over 60 in the capital had the same talisman with them.

What sort of talisman?

A Haeilbu talisman.

Haeilbu?

As in a pig talisman?

Seriously?

What sort of lunatic is trying to ward us off

as if we are serpents?

That measly talisman

stopped the almighty Bibi from gobbling up a nobleman?

I told you it was not some measly talisman.

I never saw anything like it.

It possessed indomitable spiritual energy.

Hey. You have a guest.

A guest?

My lord.

It has been a while.

My lady is here today because it would be reprehensible

to forgo a gesture of gratitude to the savior who saved her life twice.

Hence, we stand before you now.

"Saved your life"?

I saved your life?

Remember? Back in Yongdam Village,

you saved her once when she collapsed in the silk store.

And last time, there was that collision where she was about to fall on her behind…

I mean, she was about to fall

when you reached out to save her, just in time.

So, that makes two.

That is the argument.

Not mine, but Her lady's.

That is right.

Not to mention,

you also gifted me that lovely potted plant last time.

Potted plant? The one that Venerable Gaseop gave us?

Are you familiar with it?

I am not sure. It could be the same one

or that lord over there could have picked one up from the street.

Go on, Mak-geum.

Yes, my lady.

I purchased them all from the most renown confectionery in the capital.

A small gesture of my thanks.

Please try this one as well.

But

how did that girl come to stay here?

"That girl"?

You must have taken her in out of pity.

Did you not say she was like a sister to you,

who grew up in the same village?

Well, you could say that.

We grew up in the same village together as if we were siblings.

That is the extent of our relationship.

You are ever so compassionate, my lord.

Well, you never know with people.

I have seen friendly acquaintances become newlyweds once or twice before.

Hey!

How noisy.

You there.

Perhaps, if that task is not so urgent,

you could give us some privacy?

There is something I wish to discuss privately with His Lord.

Sure. I was actually about to go out to look for the lady of the house

who should have been home by now.

I see.

Then you should get going.

Try this, too.

What was that about?

What is that esteemed daughter of a nobleman doing here anyway?

He saved her life twice?

It looked like they were close.

When did that start?

Did it start with Lord Yoon Gap?

Or after Gangcheori's possession?

Are you Eyeglass Artisan Yeo-ri?

Yes, I am.

His Lord, Chief State Councillor Kim Bong-in, wishes to meet you.

He wishes to have some glasses made by you.

I just need to grab something really quick.

Why am I making excuses for myself?

Well.

I am leaving for real now.

Please feel free to do whatever you wish.

All right. Go on.

This one is tasty as well.

No, thanks.

All these sweets are making me thirsty.

I have your mother.

If you wish to save her,

come to the abandoned house next to the slaughterhouse near Seosomun.

Yoon Gap's mother was kidnapped?

What does it say?

It is nothing.

Yes, this is nothing.

That woman is just Yoon Gap's mother.

She was useful for her above-average cooking skills,

but that was all. Nothing more.

But, why do I have this nagging feeling?

Right.

These sweets pale in comparison

to that woman's garlic chive pancakes.

Where are you going?

I have an urgent matter to attend to.

Just a moment, my lord.

I will be leaving the capital to return to Yongdam Village today.

Before I do,

there is something I must tell you.

No need.

But you do not even know what I am about to say.

You come off scatterbrained, but you are actually quite clever.

You must also be well aware of what the future holds for you.

You will marry the man your parents choose and give birth to his children.

As your mother and sisters have done before you,

you shall quietly live out your days

as a nobleman's wife within the confines of your walled-off home.

I am sure thinking about that only left you frustrated beyond belief.

It must have made you want to rebel.

However, I am not the sort of man you seek.

Nor do I have any desire to fulfill your wishes.

My lord, I just--

Furthermore…

if you wish to order Yeo-ri around like some handmaiden,

you are not welcome in my presence.

My lord.

Where is Lord Choi Won-u?

Yes. His Lord took everyone and left about one hour ago.

Was he headed to Yongdam Village?

Yes, he was.

He could not have gone far if he is traveling with his whole household.

Are you sure this is the way to Lord Kim Bong-in's residence?

Yes, of course.

I told you His Lord is waiting for you right now.

I heard Lord Kim Bong-in

was the King's maternal grandfather and the Chief State Councillor.

Why would he reside in such a secluded area?

What is the meaning of this?

It appears you foolishly misplaced your sense of fear.

Shall I send you flying with another whirlwind?

Try it if you can.

However, it appears your mother's blood will stain the floor before you do.

Will you be okay with that?

I guess even a ghastly scoundrel like you grows fearful before your flesh and blood.

I just could not make any sense of it.

I most certainly stabbed you in the abdomen.

I even confirmed you were dead beyond doubt.

Who are you?

Did you create this mess to find that out?

If you were so curious, you should have just asked.

I would have gladly provided an answer.

I am…

You ghastly scoundrel.

Behind you!

Gap…

I told you it was not some measly talisman.

I never saw anything like it.

It possessed indomitable spiritual energy.

Damn it. How annoying.

What are you doing? Run before they wake up.

Right.

Why, you damn wench.

I cannot summon the wind?

Bibi.

My lord!

Save me, Gangcheori. Please.

Stop!

Your Majesty.

What do you think you are doing?

Yeo-ri. Are you all right?

Whom do you serve?

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, are you all right?

Your Majesty was injured because of me.

It is nothing serious. Just a scratch.

Who do you think instigated them?

They displayed exceptional swordsmanship.

It seems someone found out about her true identity.

We must return to the palace.

Your Majesty.

What shall we do about Lord Choi Won-u?

If her true identity has been exposed,

I cannot leave the palace vacant for long.

Escort Yeo-ri back. They may try to attack her once more.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Will His Majesty be all right?

He lost a lot of blood.

His Majesty will be fine.

More importantly,

it appears someone is targeting you and Examiner Yoon Gap.

You must be even more careful now.

Yes, I shall.

Where is everyone?

Ma'am?

Gangcheori?

Gangcheori!

What in the world happened?

How did she end up like this?

Should we not call for a physician?

It was nothing serious.

She is just sleeping.

There were no serious injuries.

It looks serious to me.

Just what happened?

And what happened to you?

I am fine.

I ran into some trouble,

but His Majesty saved me.

And he got injured in the process.

The King got hurt while trying to save you?

Where were you in the middle of the…

Did you leave to retrieve this?

This late?

- Let me. - It is fine. I can do it.

Just stay still.

Don't…

Stay still, I say.

You could barely wipe it due to the pain.

Gosh.

Just stop it!

Do you know what the most infuriating thing is?

My grandma must be suffering right now within the Eight-foot-tall Ghost.

Her futile death still breaks my heart.

Yet…

deep in my heart…

I am relieved.

So relieved that you were not the one

who did that to my grandma.

That was the first thought I had.

I was relieved to find out

that I no longer have to feel guilty about being attracted to you.

That thought was all…

- You-- - How can I be like this?

How can someone be so wretched?

SPECIAL THANKS TO SONG JAE-HEE

She saw me for the first time.

That is what I will be focusing on for now.

What could you possibly expect from a mortal?

Could I take you returning here today

to mean you will continue helping me with my undertaking?

He is unusually quiet.

Yoon Gap, you scoundrel, what are you scheming?

Do not tell Yeo-ri.

You knew about this from the start, did you not?

Eyeglass Artisan Yeo-ri was not at the Royal Couturier.

Someone dragged Yeo-ri out of the palace.

Yeo-ri!

Subtitle translation by: Justin S. Kim