Original subtitles

(The First Night with the Duke)

(The following program contains violence and language...)

(that are not suitable for viewers under 15.)

(Viewer discretion is advised.)

(We deeply regret damaging a national heritage site...)

(while filming at Byeongsan Confucian Academy.)

(All footage from that shoot has been discarded.)

(KBS now has internal guidelines to protect national heritage.)

(We will follow them and film more carefully in the future.)

On January 5 of the Year of the Blue Horse,

the moment a girl was born,

she became an orphan.

(Abandoned by her parents, abandoned in a clustered village, )

(a newborn baby girl, left in the middle of winter, )

(a cruel fate, January 5 of the Year of the Blue Horse)

(Twists and turns)

To poor Eun Ae, who was enduring all kinds of mistreatment,

the deity finally sent a saviour.

From now on, this place is your home.

She was even blessed with a lifelong soulmate.

Hooray!

(A timely fate)

Good grief. She scares me.

How dare a mere orphan set eyes on Lord Lee?

He is mine!

(A villainess appears)

(A time of ordeals)

Young lady. Are you all right?

You can totally ask.

Talk, will you?

- How frustrating. - Oh, dear. My sweet potato!

Gosh.

It is frustrating.

Yes, indeed.

Yes, this is what I'm talking about.

This is pure relief.

I can finally breathe.

The groom and the bride are to bow to each other.

- What a handsome groom. - Goodness.

- How pretty. - Oh, gosh.

He sure is good-looking!

After overcoming countless hardships,

the handsome man and beautiful woman...

are finally about to pledge their love when...

Wait. What's this?

This entire time, you never spoke a single line,

and your reactions were muted.

Who are you?

(Episode 1)

(Reading a Book Is Inviting Another's Life Into Yours)

(Delivery)

("Lord Tyrant’s Obsessive Love")

("Lord Tyrant’s Obsessive Love")

(And forgotten by everyone.)

(At that moment, a strange sound came from the bushes.)

(Payment Declined)

(Student Loan Payment Overdue Notice)

(Duemi Coffee Shop Owner Hong)

(Greetings from Daehan Group's HR Team.)

(Sung Ha University)

(Your leave of absence application has been received.)

(Greetings from Daehan Group's HR Team.)

(Duemi Coffee Shop Owner Hong)

(If you won't answer my calls...)

(Student Loan Payment Overdue Notice)

(Payment Declined)

(Hee Su's wedding)

(To think you're getting married. Congratulations to the May bride.)

(Took a photo booth strip after ages.)

(How's a sudden trip to Sokcho?)

(1 Follower)

(0 Followers)

(Settings and Activity)

(Do you want to delete your account?)

(Request Sent)

(Notice of Publication Hiatus: "Lord Tyrant’s Obsessive Love")

A publication hiatus?

Right now, out of nowhere?

Seriously.

Do you know how much I spent in advance for the upcoming stories?

Are you mad?

How can you stop right now, of all places?

Hey, writer. Do you even know what you've done to me?

You took away my only joy in life!

Seriously, I could write better with my left toe than this!

It hurts.

(Are you mad?)

(How can you stop right now, of all places?)

(Hey, writer. Do you even know what you've done to me?)

(You took away my only joy in life!)

(Seriously, I could write better with my left toe than this!)

("Lord Tyrant’s Obsessive Love")

(Comment by K)

(Comment by Attention Seeker)

If you do better, be my guest.

(Comment by Attention Seeker: If you do better, be my guest.)

Good grief.

My lady!

It is already broad daylight. Please wake up.

Lady Sun Chaek. It is time to wake up.

"Lady?"

What's this?

Am I still dreaming?

Why does it feel so real?

Who the heck is this "lady?"

My lady!

My gosh. What's happening?

Wait.

What?

Who are you?

My lady.

Why do you keep calling me "my lady?"

What else am I supposed to call you?

You had been in a daze for days.

You were out of it.

What's this?

Will you get out of bed and get ready?

Breakfast is ready and everyone is waiting.

Hey.

It's me.

What happened?

What actually happened?

It's a dream.

Wash your face...

instead of slapping your cheeks.

Did you eat a crazy steamed cicada larva last night?

Something really isn't right.

- What... - My gosh.

No, wait, please.

I must ask you something.

You are scaring me now, my lady.

You never spoke to me so politely.

Who am I?

Not again. You had a weird dream that disoriented you.

You are the youngest daughter of Chief State Councillor Cha Ho Yul...

that he bore later in life.

You are Lady Cha Sun Chaek.

The only daughter.

What? Cha Sun Chaek...

Who's that?

(Cha Sun Chaek)

I heard that name somewhere.

(Chief State Councillor, youngest daughter)

(The Chief State Councillor's daughter...)

(Cha Sun Chaek was passing by.)

The Chief State Councillor's daughter...

Cha Sun Chaek was passing by, and through her word of mouth,

talk of Hwa Sun's poor conduct spread.

Over there, Hwa Sun is acting up...

Is that true?

No, that's impossible.

Your father will be really angry if you are any later.

No, wait. Are you sure this isn't a folk village?

- To be honest... - Let's get your eye boogers out.

Watch the threshold. Watch your step.

You were like this last time.

What got into you now?

If you are late again,

Lord Cha will really tell you off.

"I woke up and found myself in a fairy tale."

I thought that phrase only made sense in books.

What on earth is this really?

What is wrong with you today?

Come with me.

But... Wait.

That is, until it happened to me.

Your father, mother, and brothers are waiting for you.

Come on.

Here.

Hello, my dear Sun Chaek.

(Sun Chaek's father Cha Ho Yul, AKA Chief State Councillor)

(Sun Chaek's mother Yoon Duk Jung)

Why are you standing here...

when your father called you in?

Well...

Darling Sun Chaek. Eat as much as you want.

Okay, mister.

I mean Dad.

Father?

I see you are not yet fully awake.

Do you want me to feed you?

What? No. I can eat on my own.

Here you go.

Your favourite side dish is meat.

- Your tooth... - My tooth?

(Eldest son Jang Ho)

What is it?

Eat up.

- Goodness. - Sun Chaek.

Are you unwell?

What are you doing?

(Middle son Doo Ho)

Your pupils move fast and your lips are chapped.

Your pulse tells me your liver and gallbladder are feverish.

You suffer from...

The typical symptoms of a hangover.

- A hangover? - Yes.

Sun Chaek, you are...

drinking alcohol?

Father.

Nowadays, it is good even for women to be able to drink a little.

What...

Still,

be sure to put your health first when you drink.

Sure.

By the way.

Sun Chaek spoke to us overly politely.

Do you not find that strange?

Tell me. Who are you?

(Third son Se Ho)

Se Ho is into creepy stories these days.

Let us eat.

- Yes. - Yes.

Let us eat.

Okay.

A Korean brunch that would break a table in two.

I ate cup noodles every single day.

I can't believe I'm getting this for breakfast.

There is tilefish too.

Sent to the King from Tamra Island.

You always struggled with your appetite.

You ate everything today.

I shouldn't waste such expensive food.

I mean...

All the food on my table,

I owe to the blood, sweat, and tears of farmers and fishermen.

It would be wrong to leave leftovers.

My Sun Chaek finally learned to value our people.

You are fully grown now.

I guess you are old enough to get married.

Father.

Sun Chaek is an adult now.

She must find a spouse.

You should find spouses first.

All three of you...

are still single and unwed.

Oh, I heard you can meet someone at the Scarlet Court.

The Scarlet Court?

The gathering for young noblewomen.

I see...

I think I read about it in the novel.

(Lord Tyrant’s Obsessive Love)

(A social gathering for young noblewomen...)

The gathering that happens on the 15th of each month?

There is a gathering this very evening.

My lady. You must start preparations right away.

Preparations for what?

You do not remember?

You told me many times to be well-prepared this time.

We must go to the fabric store.

We must move fast.

My dear Sun Chaek.

You represent the Munjeol Branch of the Yeonan Cha Clan.

You must be the best-dressed in all of Hanyang.

Do not scrimp.

Spend every last coin.

That is your father's command.

If that is your command, Father,

then I must obey.

Good.

I just have to sit still and they make me look pretty.

They dress me.

This one.

They make me sparkle.

This is the life of an extra?

No way.

I'm in the world the novel was set in.

What happens to me if I can't get back?

Then I'd just say "thank you."

Why would I want to go back?

The sweet smell of money.

On top of that,

I'm in my favourite novel.

This beats winning any lottery.

Congratulations to me on becoming a character in a novel!

Please stop by and take a look.

- Over here. - Please come take a look.

- Here. - No, thank you.

Unbelievable.

I have a dad who scolds me for not spending enough money.

It sure is nice to be the daughter of a lord.

So what if this is someone else's life?

If it's a dream, let's not wake up from it.

The Scarlet Court under the year's first full moon.

That's at the beginning of the novel.

It's when the male and female leads' fates entwine.

My lady.

This way.

Sure.

My gosh.

Lady Sun Chaek, what a pleasure.

Greetings, my lady.

Right.

My lady!

Such stunning colours.

The dress must have been made for angels.

Between the two, which is better?

I think they are both pretty.

I am already wearing a silk dress.

You prefer clothes made with raw silk.

Raw silk?

Yes, the kind made from silkworm cocoons.

You wished for one every single day,

and it took three months to ship them from China.

Did I?

Then, maybe I will go with that one.

Right.

You only wear the finest clothes,

and your taste is extraordinary as always.

My lady, Lord Cha gave you more than enough money.

Maybe you could take both.

Should I?

Who else but you could buy these, my lady?

Not so fast.

That dress.

I have no doubt that dress will flatter me too.

Perhaps I could have it this time.

Lady Hwa Sun, greetings.

Hwa Sun?

As in Do Hwa Sun?

- Goodness gracious. - My goodness.

Do Hwa Sun.

Right State Councillor's third daughter.

True to her name, the witch ignites every conflict...

and trouble alike.

Just recently,

someone ordered summer clothes in raw silk.

Yes, it was Lord Lee.

Then, this dress should be mine to wear.

In matching outfits,

we will be the stunning couple we are meant to be.

Still, this was ordered by Lady Sun Chaek...

Are you all right?

How dare a lowly merchant interrupt our conversation?

I... I apologize, my lady.

Lady Sun Chaek.

Be nice to lowly subjects, and they will step all over you.

Make them know their place.

Even more so in person,

she really makes my blood boil.

Is there something you want to say to me?

My lady...

Look here.

That dress.

- Ms. Hwa Sun... - What was that?

Lady Hwa Sun,

go ahead and take it.

You are the daughter of the Chief State Councillor.

Make her know her place.

She specializes in arson and kidnapping,

poisons her victims,

and arranges assassinations, just for fun.

Making an enemy of the wicked witch...

would only make my life exhausting.

Do you mean that?

- Of course. - My lady?

Well, call me surprised.

It is not like you...

to let me have the finest silk dress from Chang'an.

I am worried you might have another motive...

for letting me have the dress.

You terrify me more.

Just take that dress and get out of here.

With a dress that complements Lord Lee's clothes,

you will undoubtedly be the most stunning couple...

in the capital.

Of course, I should let you have it.

If you say so,

I shall not decline.

Then, I will get going.

Wait.

What else do you want?

Since you let me have the dress,

I would like to treat you to tea.

Surely, you will not turn down my offer of generosity.

Me, turn it down?

Let us go.

Send the dress to my house.

Yes, my lady.

Shall we?

She is stunning.

How could she be this beautiful?

She is an absolute beauty.

- Can you believe it? - Goodness me.

- I am in awe. - What a surprise.

My lady,

thank you for allowing our tea house...

to host the Scarlet Court this evening.

I do not have time for this.

Right.

That pathetic cow.

I am no longer in the mood, so we will have tea some other time.

Who is she anyway?

Is she someone you dislike?

Yes, I dislike her. Actually, I hate her.

How dare a pathetic orphan like her...

want to join the Scarlet Court?

Even her name is pretentious.

Cho Eun Ae, was it?

Cho Eun Ae?

Born an orphan...

and taken in by Joseon's greatest merchant,

she and Lord Lee became star-crossed lovers...

after fate brought them together.

I never thought I'd get to meet my favourite character from a book.

Let us join forces...

- and teach her a lesson... - Have you been well?

- so that the lowly cow... - I hope you have been well.

never eyes our world again.

This evening.

This evening?

The tea house owned...

by her father, Cho Byung Moo,

will provide refreshments for the Scarlet Court today.

How dare she try to buy her way into noble society?

I am planning to teach her a lesson today.

You are with me on this, are you not, Lady Sun Chaek?

Well...

- Goodness. - My gosh. We can eat now.

Have your siblings been well?

Thank you so much.

- I hope that is enough. - Absolutely!

Thank you so much.

Seeing her in person tells me why...

she was written as the leading lady.

From birth, she endured endless hardships,

but each setback transformed into an opportunity...

as though destined by fate.

On top of that, she is missing something...

that everyone she meets wants to help fill.

As the female protagonist, she has it all.

Compared to her, Cha Sun Chaek is...

the perfect bride, filthy rich,

and has a happy family.

A privileged observer lacking nothing,

with nothing to lose.

In other words,

I only have to watch this juicy story unfold.

This is totally awesome.

What's...

with this aura?

It is Lord Lee.

I knew it. It's Lord Lee Bun.

He's a lot more handsome than I imagined.

Be careful.

Oh, dear. Move.

As for Lord Lee Bun.

He's a monster who willingly became the royal family's hunting dog.

Cold-blooded,

he's the male protagonist of this world.

Why can I not lift my head up?

If your eyes meet Lord Lee’s,

something unimaginably dreadful might happen to you.

During a royal banquet,

a hair was found in the food.

Have mercy and kill me!

- Have mercy and kill me! - Have mercy and kill me!

He cut off the hair of all the cooks and the caterers.

The court lady who accidentally scratched...

the hand of the princess while dressing her...

Lord Lee. Please spare my life.

had all her fingernails and toenails pulled out.

Anyone caught chatting...

during the ritual for rain...

was said to have all their teeth pulled out.

Goodness.

There is more.

Every single woman he slept with...

became a Buddhist nun overnight.

They say it was against their will.

You do not have to be so scared.

Here.

It is best to believe...

what you see with your eyes rather than the rumours.

And you are?

The supporting male protagonist...

and lecturer at the Office of Special Advisors,

Junh Soo Kyum.

Sweet, clean-cut, and intelligent,

he's the quintessential top supporting male protagonist...

and Lord Lee Bun's sole friend.

Come now, Bunny. Wait for me.

Who in the world is he?

Bunny.

Did you find out who they were?

Judging by your face, you have yet to catch them.

I can tell just by looking into your eyes.

I clearly told you not to call me like that.

Come on, Bunny. My dear Bunny.

Are we not close friends?

It seems my...

Oh, no.

Lord Lee!

Seeing it in person like this,

the four-sided relationship feels even more intense.

If tonight is the first full moon,

it means the fateful meeting...

between Eun Ae and Lee Bun has yet to happen.

Does that mean I simply need to wait for tonight's epic scene?

Do they have popcorn here?

Heads up!

Look!

Goodness.

This is the perfect spot to watch the show.

A real classic is still fun, even when you know the ending.

Gosh. Let us sit over there.

- Yes, I would love to. - Even your daughter is pretty.

- Of course, she is a beauty. - Is that so?

This way.

- Make way. - Passing through.

- Make way. - Make way.

- Make way. - Make way.

- Passing through. - Make way.

- Make way. - Make way.

To think I'd attend the Scarlet Court.

I'm super excited.

No.

Even if I'm excited and nervous,

don't go overboard.

In such a genre,

there's a common cliche where a minor character...

stepping in at the wrong time messes up the whole story.

For everyone's sake,

know your place.

Yes. Know your place.

Boil it thoroughly.

Yes, my lady.

Everything must be perfect.

Put in several times more effort than usual.

- Yes, my lady. - Yes, my lady.

Yes, my lady.

- My gosh, I cannot believe it. - I am not lying.

Look at Lady Hwa Sun's long fingers.

It reminds me of your eyes.

- It is gorgeous. - Please drink.

Lady Hwa Sun.

I cannot look at you today.

Why?

You are absolutely glowing today.

- Oh, dear. - Really.

She is right.

Hanyang's most beautiful woman...

is indeed Lady Hwa Sun.

It is true.

Am I not right?

Oh, yes. You are right.

You look like a dragonfly...

No, a fairy from Paradise.

- A fairy! - A fairy!

- A fairy! - Absolutely.

As always, lifeless agreement is the job of a minor character.

Ladies.

The refreshments are ready.

- These look gorgeous. - I cannot agree more.

- It looks good. - I am reminded of a piece of art.

- My goodness. - Just beautiful.

They are indeed stunning.

We can each have a plate!

Lady Hwa Sun. Have a cup of tea.

Here.

Pour me some, will you?

Of course, my lady.

Was my hand slippery?

Are you all right, my lady?

I am so sorry.

The floor is dirty.

I will clean it up.

Will you clean it up fast?

I cannot stand the sight.

Yes, of course.

I will be right back.

Excuse me.

Use this.

Thank you.

Eun Ae. Stay strong.

You win in the end,

and you'll soon meet the male protagonist and live happily.

You're the female lead.

Good luck.

You gave your handkerchief to a low-born girl.

Is there a friendship I am unaware of?

The sight of blood disgusts me.

My father shielded me from everything as I grew up...

so I did not have to see such things.

Oh, I am sure you heard about him.

My father is the Chief State Councillor,

and his full name is Lord Cha Ho Yul.

- Yes. - Yes.

She made a big fuss about a small cut.

I see she has become a spoiled brat...

who makes a big deal of nothing.

Actually,

she was adopted,

but there is talk that she sleeps in the master bedroom.

- My gosh. Is that true? - In the master bedroom?

She is a coy vixen. Looks can be deceiving.

They say the quiet ones cause the biggest problems.

- Yes. - Goodness.

I can't stand the level of gossip.

Should I take a stand?

No. Do not get involved.

The moment I do, life will get way too hard.

She looks demure, but she is a scary one.

Unlike her pretty face, she is truly disgusting.

- Yes. - You are so right.

I received a tip that they hid in this alley.

From what I heard, they gather here...

at regular intervals.

They met in the open instead of in hiding.

As if they have multiple lives.

They have some guts.

Could they have a powerful backer?

Once we get this group, will it be the end...

of the Black Gang?

What?

It is not like that, my lady.

I wished to ignore the gossip,

but you are as sly as they say.

If I scold you,

people will say I bully you for no good reason.

They will not. You are mistaken.

I am mistaken? I am glad you said that.

How about we discuss that misunderstanding?

- What? - There is talk that you...

and your father Cho Byung Moo get up to no good.

- What? - My gosh.

You enter the master bedroom...

and even entertain him at night.

You can't go after her family.

She really is a nutcase.

You can insult me all you want.

But do not insult my father.

My father...

took me in when I had nowhere to go.

What did I say?

- Nothing. - Zero.

All I would like to know is if...

Cho Byung Moo is your father or husband.

No. Hold back.

Stay out of it. Keep quiet.

Keep quiet!

Are you in pain?

Stop!

I will not go lightly on you, Lord Lee.

Darn it.

Who is your backer?

Wait.

Spare me.

Wait. Spare me.

Let me live...

and I can make you King.

Do you...

want to spend the rest of your life as the royal hound?

I do not care for the throne.

Come on. Let us go inside.

So you can spend more money?

Oh, my goodness.

Come along.

Do not stay too long.

I hope you enjoy yourselves.

Here you go. Your order is here.

Come on. Stay a little while longer.

Shall I, then?

Have a good time.

- Fill me up! - Have a drink!

Give me some more of that.

I have something to say.

What do you wish to say?

What I want to say is...

The full moon shines so bright.

How about you all join me for a drink?

A drink?

That is right. But I do not mean tea.

I mean, liquor.

That is out of the blue.

Honestly, why would we have tea this late in the evening?

It would chase our sleep away.

Guildmaster Cho's daughter did not have common sense...

I mean, she did not know better.

The evening calls for a glass of liquor.

Would it not be romantic to enjoy liquor...

under the year's first full moon?

On an evening like this,

we should have met at a tavern, not a tea house.

I noticed this the last time I saw you at the linen shop,

but you...

We think alike.

Right?

Absolutely.

Of course. Liquor, it should be.

- Absolutely. - Of course.

How splendid.

Especially in the evening.

Rumour has it that Guildmaster Cho...

has a hidden collection of liquor...

so rare that even the King cannot acquire it.

Serve the best you have.

Of course.

Of course. Liquor, it should be.

How many do they have?

- Unbelievable. - They have been served, my lady.

Then,

you will now pour me a drink.

What is the meaning of this?

Let me introduce you to a new kind of liquor.

A new kind of liquor?

Let me see.

I see you don't have any beer.

What are you mumbling?

Oh, it is nothing.

Ladies,

have you heard of a cocktail bomb?

- A cocktail bomb? - A cocktail bomb?

Unbelievable!

This is bok-geol wine.

I mixed bokbunja wine with makgeolli.

This is actually my first time...

making a cocktail with bokbunja wine.

Goodness me.

It slips down your throat, with a citrusy tang.

I have not had a drink like this before.

We should not lie just because...

she is the daughter of the Chief State Councillor.

Next, I call this Full Moon.

I mixed this just for you, Lady Hwa Sun.

Full Moon?

Drink the full moon in it,

and you will experience an unforgettable sensation.

Here is looking at you,

my lady.

How do you even make drinks like these?

I will have another.

Since I am in a good mood tonight,

I will reveal my secret recipes.

Everyone, please form a line.

But I am the daughter of the Right State Councillor.

And my father is the Chief State Councillor.

Get in line.

My lady.

- Back of the line, please. - Have some bok-geol wine.

Have some bok-geol wine.

This is the Full Moon.

Thank you.

Bok-geol wine for you.

Thank you.

Everyone, are you enjoying your drinks?

- Yes! - Yes!

Shall we party, then?

- Yes! - Yes!

Is something going on here today?

Well, you see,

the ladies have gathered here to drink,

and the drinks are said to be delightful.

What are they drinking?

What was it again?

Cocktail bombs?

- Cocktail bombs? - Yes.

- Let us go. - Sure.

Cocktail bombs?

Cocktail bombs?

The soup is cold.

Are you kidding me?

Cocktail bombs?

Cocktail bombs?

- Cocktail bombs... - Cocktail bombs!

- Cock... - Tail...

Bombs.

- What? - Cocktail bombs!

- Where are you all going? - Hurry.

Where are you going without paying for your meal?

- Really? - Have you heard?

It is a new type of drink.

- That is what I heard. - What?

- Did you hear the news? - I see.

Where are you all going?

Cocktail bombs?

(Cocktail Bombs)

- Really? - Is that for real?

They require a lot of liquor, so hurry.

- Yes, my lady. - Yes, my lady.

My gosh.

- Mix! - Swirl!

Why?

Give me that.

- Drink! - All right.

Here!

- What is going on? - How much are they drinking?

- Are they really drinking? - What is everyone doing here?

Let us try the cocktail bombs!

I would like a glass as well.

If all these people are gathered here...

Then, how can I not showcase this technique?

All right.

Here is the Construction!

The Construction?

- What is that? - This...

is kaoliang liquor from China.

- Kaoliang liquor. - Kaoliang liquor!

And this...

- This! - This!

This is sake from Japan.

- Sake! - What was that?

Lastly,

this...

- This! - This!

This is one of Joseon's premier three liquors.

Leegangju.

- Leegangju. - Leegangju.

Joseon, China, and Japan came together right here.

All right, everyone.

Let us all enjoy our drinks!

- Cheers! - Cheers!

Let us have some!

Please let us have some.

Self-destructive mode.

I cannot believe this.

By mixing cocktail bombs,

I turned the rich girl's life upside down.

Oh, no.

Let us drink!

Cheers!

How lovely!

The alcohol tastes sweet!

It is too good.

What in the world happened?

Who are you?

Lord Lee Bun?

What are you staring at?

What did you do to me?

You are the one who did something to me.

What did I do?

You bothered me all night yesterday.

As if you needed to ask.

What the heck?

It's not a dream.

Just what happened?

(The First Night with the Duke)

If you claim you do not remember,

does that mean it never happened?

A marriage proposal letter has just arrived for you, my lady.

- I cannot get married. - Oh, no.

The crime of seducing a royal family member...

and taking his virginity.

It is a challenge to the royal authority.

In other words, it could be considered treason.

The kind of woman whom men hate.

Goodness. Oh, dear.

Hurry up and throw me aside.

I'm prepared for it.

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