Original subtitles

I guess they would have started by now.

Started with what?

The hunting game.

Who are you?

Reveal yourself. Who are you?

All right. Shall we start the game?

They are coming.

What are these?

Illusions, like I said.

But they can still hurt you.

Watch yourself.

Now, will you continue?

Continue what?

The story behind Kang-chi's bracelet.

What happened?

What happened?

Lower your weapon.

This is insane.

They just keep coming.

It's only one man.

One?

It's true. They're all just one man.

We have to find him.

RESONANCE HALL

Don't move.

Don't look away.

What do we do?

I think it's going to bite me.

Don't worry. I will protect you.

Don't look away!

Choi Kang-chi.

I got you.

Don't worry. It's nothing.

Don't worry. It's nothing.

-What was that for? -Do you have an extra life?

You're supposed to avoid swords.

What kind of idiot uses his arm as a shield?

Hey.

Suppose it was your throat.

If it was a little higher, you'd be dead, you know that?

Hey, if you're grateful, just say thank you.

"Thanks for blocking the sword for me.

You saved my life.

I owe you one."

Did I ask you to save my life?

I did it anyway.

I am your savior.

That hurts!

I didn't need you to save me.

I'm not that weak.

Don't be so full of yourself.

I can take care of myself.

It's all right. We won't hurt you.

What do we do?

What do we do?

Quiet. The noise will scare him even more.

It's all right. Don't be scared.

See?

It's all right.

Now, go home.

Are you okay?

Don't worry. It's nothing.

Hey!

What's wrong?

Hey!

Don't cry. What's wrong?

Does it not hurt?

This is nothing.

It doesn't hurt at all. Do you want to see?

It hurts!

Doesn't it?

I said it's okay.

By the way, where do you live?

I haven't seen you around here.

I'm staying at the Century House right now.

Oh, you're our guest.

Do you live there?

Yes. Well, I always play in the woods, though.

In the woods?

Alone? Are you not scared?

You know, nothing that lives in the woods is scary.

My dad told me that humans are the scary ones.

But I'm not that scared of humans either.

So in the end,

I'm not scared of anything.

Hey! What are you doing?

It's a spider. So what?

You said you're not scared of anything.

I'm not!

I'm not scared of it.

-No? -No!

There's a giant spider!

Where?

You're scared of lots of things.

Don't tell anyone.

Don't you dare. Or else.

Or else what?

Or I'll make you marry me.

Damn it.

Damn it!

What are you doing?

Nothing.

What happened?

Why are you hurt? Who did this?

There was an assassin at the Century House.

He was sent by Bi-jo, I think.

He was using illusions.

I had only heard about it,

but I had never encountered one before.

That's why I got wounded a little. Don't worry.

Actually, Gon...

I was saved by him.

Choi Kang-chi,

I mean...

What? Kang-chi? Why?

How badly was he hurt?

I can't say for certain.

But someone broke in.

They caught him. Then he disappeared.

It hurts, Father!

Quiet.

You should have called for help,

You shouldn't have taken them on by yourself, you fool.

It wasn't really like that.

So you had to fight them alone?

I wasn't alone, Father.

Then who else was there?

You know, that...

Wait.

I don't even know his name.

Who?

You know, the guy who's staying in the room at the end.

-Officer Dam. -Right, Officer Dam.

What are you doing here?

Here's a salve for you from Officer Dam.

It will help heal your wound.

He acted like he didn't care, but he's still probably concerned.

What's with the girly packaging?

Never mind, then.

Hey, hands off, pal.

You gave it to me. No take-backs.

Tell him I said thanks.

Wait. Tell him

I appreciate it very much.

Hey, Gon. Did you give it to him?

Oh, I did.

It has to be applied in the morning and at night. Did you tell him that?

I'm sure he'll do it.

See you.

Hey.

Did you tell him I said thanks?

Yes. Kind of.

Tell him I appreciate it very much.

You miserable piece of garbage.

So, what did he say?

What did he say when you told him I was grateful?

Hey, do you have a death wish?

I wish you had died.

What? Hey, say that again!

Come back here at the count of three. One, two...

You son of a bitch! Damn it!

Damn it!

I asked you a question.

What did he say?

Well, nothing really.

Nothing? After I said thank you?

Well, not really.

Good night.

What's wrong with him?

I sent him the salve and everything.

What an ungrateful jerk.

What happened?

I'm afraid that he got away.

But Kang-chi managed to catch one.

Kang-chi did?

Who sent him?

Answer me!

Who sent you?

I know who did.

Right? You work for Cho Gwan-ung.

Pluck out that bastard's tongue.

You're one of the three who got a taste of what I can do,

aren't you?

Cho Gwan-ung's men?

They even practice illusions?

Yes, so it appears.

It can't be allowed.

Hand over the assassin to the magistrate.

We need to bring Cho Gwan-ung's crimes to light.

We can't just look the other way.

By the way,

an old monk actually came to see you at that time.

-Who are you? -My name is So-jeong.

It's very late and I got a little lost.

You must go to Master Park right away.

So-jeong? Did you just say his name is So-jeong?

Yes.

Thanks to him, I was able to be here in time to save you.

Do you know him by any chance?

Ten days to his 20th birthday.

It's approaching fast, Kang-chi.

Cheong-jo.

So you heard?

I'm fine. It's nothing.

Cheong-jo.

Your wound is deep.

You need to see a doctor.

My dad put some resin on it.

It will heal soon.

Why are you so carefree?

I know you're not fine at all.

I know you're hurting inside.

Just say it hurts. Don't hide it.

-Cheong-jo. -At least when you're with me,

don't pretend you're fine.

You fool. I'm not pretending.

I really am fine. I'm telling you.

Just looking at you cured me.

You are better than any other medicine in the world.

Will I be able to live without you?

Can I live without you in my life?

Kang-chi.

AN ILLUSORY ASSASSIN ATTACKED THE CENTURY HOUSE

An assassin that practices illusions.

What are you saying?

My man is being held at the Century House?

I'm talking about the assassin you sent there last night.

Is that supposed to mean something to me?

An assassin? Why would I send an assassin there?

Good question.

We wondered the same thing.

That's why I'm here. So you can come and explain yourself.

What? Explain myself?

You insolent bastard.

How dare you talk that way to me?

My father's life was threatened.

If I could, I would go to the authorities

and investigate this right away.

But my father won't allow it

since you were once a respected minister.

I have no choice but to show respect.

Go to the Century House and offer your apologies right now.

And then explain this little practical joke of yours.

Make it nice and clean.

-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

What a beautiful day.

My lady, you have to try these pancakes.

They're really good, chewy, and sweet.

I don't want any.

Why not?

Oh, you're feeling excited and anxious

now that the day has finally arrived, right?

I need air.

Do you have indigestion?

Should I go and get some water for you?

Would you just...

I just want to be alone.

Can you leave me?

Yes, my lady.

I wish the earth would swallow us up.

If that's impossible,

I would want to turn into dust and get blown away without a trace.

What should I do?

I will do whatever you say.

If you want the earth to swallow us, I'll let it.

If you want to turn into dust and disappear, I'll join you.

So just tell me.

What should I do? What should I do for you?

Could you betray my father?

Could you betray him and my brother

despite everything they've done for you?

Are you sure you could do that just for me?

No, you couldn't.

You could never betray my father or our family.

Just like how I couldn't do it.

-Cheong-jo. -Let's stop it here.

They say that

women often feel confused when their wedding date is near.

So just forget what I said.

That's a very loud sigh.

Your sigh might just blow the house away.

Who are you?

I'm a guest.

I heard so many good things about the food here at the Century House,

so I stopped by for a meal.

Do you work here?

Well, yes.

I see.

Well, see you.

I think there are about ten days left.

It will be 20 years since you came here.

Only ten days now?

Eleven, to be exact.

Ten days to go?

Eleven days, to be precise.

But how did you know?

Do you know me?

Do not stay here at the house tonight.

I'm sorry?

These sorts of things are bound to fall apart at the end.

Today, I feel the same energy

that I felt around 20 years ago.

As if everything is about to fall apart

and create chaos.

What on earth are you talking about?

Get out of the Century House before sunset.

And don't come back before dawn.

Do you understand?

Look here, sir...

Please...

do as I say, Kang-chi.

What is it? Father is looking for me?

You have visitors, sir.

Visitors?

It's been too long.

Yeo-ul.

What brings you here?

Actually, we've been staying here for a while now.

Why didn't you tell me?

We had some business to attend to.

I see.

Is your father well?

Of course. He's with your father.

Well, it's great to see you.

Cho Gwan-ung's man still hasn't spoken a word?

No.

We've had him in captivity for a few days now.

But we still don't know what he was up to.

I heard they use illusions.

One used some powder that causes hallucinations

and the other that's in captivity can apparently project illusions.

I didn't know such people existed in this country.

They're practiced by ninjas.

Ninjas?

I was on a mission to Japan a few years ago.

They could do this sort of thing.

So Bi-jo is working with the Japanese?

Actually, it seems very likely, considering the nature

of the recent provincial murders.

-Then... -If Bi-jo is working

with the Japanese,

it would explain how the murders were committed

and how the assassins used illusions.

The new commander is also investigating this.

However, despite all the facts,

the commander's reports are ignored by the authorities.

He thinks Japan is planning an invasion?

He does.

Which is why...

I hope you can help him.

Me?

What can I do?

You'll have to ask him yourself.

Sir, the commander is here.

Send him in.

Have you been well?

Yes, sir.

Say hello.

He's the new commander of Left Jeolla Province.

Pleased to meet you.

I'm Yi Sun-shin.

-Eok-man. -Kang-chi!

I told you to stay in bed.

What are you doing here?

Did you see that monk who was just here?

A monk?

-No. -Think for once in your life.

Are you sure? Really?

I said I haven't!

What's got you so worked up?

I think he knows something about me.

What?

Never mind. Get back to work.

Kang-chi, I haven't seen any monk,

but there's a guest here for Master Park.

He has guests all the time.

What's the big deal?

But this time, it's a big deal.

He's a commander.

A commander?

Why is a commander here?

Is it that you need funding?

Exactly. We need funding for our men.

To do what exactly?

Mu-sol.

I come from a long line of merchants.

Merchants expect a return from their investment.

Can you tell me how the funds will be used?

If Japan invades us,

we need ships to protect our waters.

Prior to my appointment,

our defenses were so crude

that they were almost non-existent.

We're working on fortifying

the defenses at the ports now,

but ships are another matter entirely.

I know. They cost money.

If the Japanese are planning an invasion from the sea,

they probably have hundreds of warships ready by now.

Since we are outnumbered,

we will need a strategy they wouldn't expect

and powerful ships to implement it.

That's what I think.

What kind of ships are you talking about?

Mu-sol, watch your words.

That would be a military secret.

Is it something I shouldn't know?

You can...

really build these ships?

That is why

I came to see you.

A budget was submitted to the court,

but it was rejected.

They won't spend anything

on ships to protect our waters.

You asked what the funds are for.

They're for Joseon

and...

the ships to defend her shores.

That's my answer.

Tae-seo, are you there?

Did you summon me?

Seal the room.

Yes.

What's that about?

Hey. What are you guys up to?

Do you have business with the master?

Are you here to see him?

If so, what's it about?

Tell him it's none of his business, Gon.

You hear that? Go away.

Look, Officer Dam. Maybe you're not aware,

but anything that happens here is my business.

I couldn't ignore it even if I tried.

See?

So noisy.

Tell him to shut up, Gon.

Hear that? Shut your mouth.

Look, Dam.

Hands off. Or I'll cut them off.

What? Cut them off?

Before you could cut mine off, you'd lose yours first.

Do you want to try me?

Do I?

You've been annoying the heck out of me, anyway.

Don't cry when you end up losing your hands.

You're the one that shouldn't cry.

I hate sore losers.

You two. What are you doing? Stop it.

I can't allow you to act like this in front of the master's quarters.

-Han-no! -If you don't stop now,

I'll have you both hanging

upside down from a tree for four days.

Please come with me.

Everything in this room

is yours to use as you see fit.

Master Park.

Please accept them.

Use this to protect our people

and to build the ships that will guard our shores.

What?

The commander had a private meeting with Park Mu-sol?

Our informants tell us that he has been

upgrading troops and weapons

since his appointment.

Is that so?

I think it's my turn to get involved.

My lord. What brings you here?

One of my men has disappeared.

Oh, he disappeared?

It's not that simple.

I think it has to do with treason.

Pardon?

Surely you recall the insurrection that Jung Yeo-rip started two years ago.

Of course. We were all up in arms.

How could I forget?

Then you must know that the leaders

of the rebellion are still in the area.

-Pardon? -I sent one of my men

to look into it quietly.

I haven't heard from him for the past few days now.

Where did you send him?

The Century House.

They're coming!

They're coming!

They're coming!

The betrothal party just passed the outskirts of the village.

Really? I'll let them know.

Where is the master?

Steward Choi, can you ask him to join us?

Yes, my lady.

You should bring Gop-dan with you

and welcome the betrothal party.

Make sure you give them a warm welcome. Okay?

Of course, my lady.

Have a safe journey.

RESONANCE HALL

Don't just stand there.

Pay your respects.

Sir? Yes, sir.

It's an honor to meet you, Commander.

Who is this? Is he your son?

Yes, sir.

I adopted him as a baby, he's like a son to me.

He's persistent, responsible,

and above all, guileless.

If the occasion allows,

I hope you will take him under your wing.

With your guidance, we can expect great things from him.

Is that so?

Never.

-Kang-chi. -I won't leave you, Master.

You are the only master I will serve.

I will never serve anyone else.

You should make your way in the world.

The only world I care about is you and the Century House.

I'll help Tae-seo run the house. I'm not interested in anything else.

So don't get your hopes up.

Pardon me.

Watch your manners.

I see. What is your name?

I'm Choi Kang-chi, the son of Steward Choi.

Choi Kang-chi?

You have many fine men around you.

I beg your pardon.

Sir, the betrothal party is here.

Could you please greet them?

It seems you have an occasion to celebrate.

Yes. My daughter is to be wed.

Oh, congratulations.

I wish you and your house

only the best.

Thank you, sir.

What's he like?

Who?

The kid named Choi Kang-chi.

Choi Kang-chi?

He's an idiot who's full of himself.

But he's not a bad guy.

I think he cares about justice and has passion.

Are you friends with him?

Sorry?

No. We're not.

Never.

If I could, I would avoid him.

I mean it, Father.

Why do you ask?

No reason. Just something about him bothers me.

You two stay here and maintain surveillance.

Never forget to always be on the lookout and be safe.

Okay, Father.

Good.

What was I thinking?

Why did I say "passion"?

Great job, Yeo-ul.

Gon.

Yes, sir.

Keep an eye on this Choi Kang-chi.

If anything about him seems out of the ordinary,

let me know.

Yes, sir.

CENTURY HOUSE

Make way! The betrothal party!

Make way! The betrothal party!

The betrothal party!

The betrothal party!

The betrothal party!

Welcome.

We'll accept the silk.

Search everywhere.

The main house and all the rooms

at the Century House

that a person may be hidden in.

Keep an eye out

for any evidence of treason.

-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

What's going on?

How could you barge in on this auspicious day?

-We received a report. -Pardon?

One of Master Cho's men has disappeared.

He thinks you had something to do with it.

What? Master Cho said that?

I don't want to believe it.

He hasn't simply disappeared.

It has something to do with treason.

Darling, what's going on?

Look here, Governor Jung. I need to tell you something.

Sir!

We found him.

He's really here?

What do you mean, Father? The authorities?

I don't know. I don't understand what's going on.

Instead of a betrothal party, the house is filled with yapping dogs.

Kang-chi.

Do not stay here at the house tonight.

Get out of the Century House before sunset.

Kang-chi, what are you doing? Come on!

Kang-chi!

CENTURY HOUSE

Kang-chi, get out of there.

Hurry.

Sir, is this the man?

It is him.

I sent him here

to root out any rebels.

That's absurd.

You sent him to assassinate my father.

An assassin?

My lord, what is he saying?

I'll ask you something. If he was an assassin,

why didn't you turn him in in the first place?

-What? -You were hiding something.

That's why you had him hidden in the house.

-Look here! -Tae-seo.

Enough.

What are you trying to get at?

I'm merely doing my duty as a patriot

in rooting out the rebels.

I'm asking what you're doing

working with ninjas and those who practice illusions.

Sir!

Sir!

BI-JO TO RETIRE TO THE COUNTRY

"Bi-jo"?

Bi-jo...

That's what the rebels call me to make fun of me.

And this arrow symbol is used when writing

important messages to communicate with each other.

Father.

You really are with the rebels.

Seize this traitor.

Now!

Pardon?

But...

Or perhaps you're in it with him?

Why are you just standing around?

Seize him right away!

Father!

-Stop! -Don't, Han-no.

Father!

Father.

Cheong-jo.

Don't worry about your daughter.

I'll sell her to a courtesan house

and I'll make sure to call on her occasionally.

Says who?

Stand down or die.

-Kang-chi. -I'll keep this short.

You have until the count of three.

One.

-Two. -Kang-chi!

This isn't your place to intervene!

This has to do with treason.

Treason?

Please.

If earning a living, paying taxes,

and feeding the hungry are considered treason,

what does that make you, then?

You stuff yourselves with tax money,

laze around in your fancy houses all day long,

and bully innocent merchants as a pastime.

Is your fun considered a crime?

Get him, Officer Seo!

How cute.

You use your sword because you don't know what to say?

I think I already showed you that this doesn't work on me.

No!

Master...

Master!

Master!

Master!

Master!

Master!

Master!

Are you all right?

Master.

Don't forget.

You're like...

a son to me.

Please...

Look after

Tae-seo...

and Cheong-jo.

Master.

Master.

Father.

Father!

My lady.

No, Master.

Wake up!

Please come back.

Master!

CENTURY HOUSE

I will kill you.

There is no way that Choi Kang-chi is the murderer.

Why do you care about him so much?

There's nothing you can do now.

Going back won't change a thing.

Kang-chi?

What happened to Kang-chi?

I will risk my life for them.

I will protect Tae-seo and Cheong-jo

no matter what.

Choi Kang-chi will be here tonight.

Please...

Just wait a bit more.

I will come to you.

Subtitle translation by Jin-young Song