Original subtitles

THE REMARRIED EMPRESS

I heard that you were injured.

I trust you've been treated?

I was supposed to see the physician,

but he was summoned by you, Your Majesty.

Ah.

It was for my shoulder.

He examined it.

Isn't it strange?

This table feels longer today.

Very strange.

How is questioning the assassin progressing?

It's very serious,

but you've been reticent.

It's still ongoing.

And the runaway slave?

How did you hear of that?

Walls have ears...

more so with all the walls in this palace.

I don't know what you've heard about it,

but I was just aiding her,

because she was gravely hurt.

That's as I suspected.

Because you have always been a compassionate ruler.

She might have had her ankle broken by that trap without us.

Poor little thing.

Since you sent the Imperial Physician, she'll be well soon.

Send that girl to my palace.

I will care for her until her wounds are better,

then she'll be sent back.

Enough about that.

It's our time to dine together on our own.

Let's talk of other things.

Women can enter the royal palaces...

if I grant consent.

As you know, this law stands for all women.

A serving girl,

a courtier...

a mistress.

A serving girl...

a courtier...

a mistress.

Yes.

We cannot break our traditions.

If a mistress needs your consent...

then listen...

that is what I ask you for.

I forbid it.

Everybody, leave us.

That hunting trophy Your Majesty brought back

is a slave.

She's not a trophy, she is a person.

She's not a slave, she's Rashta.

She has a name, you know.

You say that Rashta's her name.

No surname, I take it?

Do you even know what house she's from?

If you take in a girl like that, there'll be no end to the gossiping.

Do not go any further.

You must expel her now.

It really doesn't matter what her surname is.

Thanks to meeting that poor young girl,

I felt my heart flutter at last.

"At last"?

How could you tell me such a thing?

I never thought a feeling like this could take hold of me either.

We should not be bickering about this.

It will only make things worse for us.

There will be nothing that changes between you and me.

No matter what happens,

you are my only wife.

That image of "you and me" will be a facade.

Our laws must be upheld and respected by all.

The presence of slaves is strictly forbidden in the palace.

If you want to make a mistress of her,

then emancipation must be sought.

Without evidence, I will not approve it.

If you won't grant approval...

then I'll just create a new law.

Your Majesty, perhaps you should reconsider

the matter of Ms. Rashta.

Being a slave means that she or one of her ancestors

committed a crime grave enough to warrant a life sentence.

And what's more, since she's a runaway,

she couldn't possibly be eligible to be reviewed and granted emancipation.

If that is the case, I'll change that law as well.

We don't know if she was kidnapped by slave traders,

or she may well even be the daughter of an aristocrat,

or a child who lost her way.

Why would you be so blind

as to think she was enslaved for committing a crime?

You saw her face, Marquess Lante.

I ask you,

could a slave have such beauty?

Thanks to meeting that poor young girl,

I felt my heart flutter at last.

Your Majesty,

you'll catch a cold like that.

Leave it.

I don't feel cold. I'm fine.

Your Majesty, I'm here!

His Majesty commands your presence.

Did your master do this?

You said you'd ensure

I was never put through suffering again, Your Majesty.

Did you mean it?

You slave brat. How dare you?

Damn it!

I'm a shit, am I? Huh?

Take that! Son of a bitch!

Wait a minute. - What's that?

What? - Master, I think he's dead.

Ah, you... you should've told me sooner.

I've been beating a sodding dead man.

Ugh...

Let's do the rest tomorrow. - Yes, sir.

Take this arsehole and string him up in the square.

He'll be a lesson for the runaway bastards.

God's sake!

Be quiet, or I'll give you something to cry about!

And why haven't the men caught that bloody girl?

They should have come back.

I'm sure they'll get her back, sir.

So you say. - Quiet!

I think the bounty hunters are coming!

Oh, good!

Ah, they're here at last!

Oh, it's the Emperor's men.

What's this?

Whose men?

Are you Viscount Lotteshu?

Yes, I am.

Sir! I'm sure this is a misunder--

The men you sent entered the palace hunting grounds

and attempted to assassinate the Emperor.

It can't be. My men weren't there.

They confessed that they were paid by you!

This must be a hideous mistake.

I just sent the men after a runaway slave

to capture her and to bring the woman back.

You bastard! - Stop there.

You know who's addressing you?

Your... Majesty.

Please! It must be just a... all a kind of awful mix-up.

I know of your kind.

Your father, his father, and his father as well.

Your lot has bought and sold people for generations.

And while my army and I shed our blood in the war,

you vile creatures grew fat,

chasing after the scraps of death.

Did you not take children

and then trade them as slaves with outlawed pirates?

Ah! Oh no, my lord, not ever, my lord!

I... I just wanted to catch the girl.

I'd already signed a contract.

It was with a tavern in the port city,

but because that ungrateful bitch ran away, I lost...

Open your eyes.

Do you know what this is?

A slave contract, my lord.

No, it isn't that at all.

It is evidence in fact.

Every one of your crimes is written on it.

I could punish you for any one of these offenses, could I not?

Yes. Every crime I've committed is on that page.

What should we do with him?

I think you should decide.

Do not be afraid.

I'm right here with you.

Now I think this bastard should be punished.

I could make him into a slave,

or I could have his arms and legs torn off his body one by one.

I gladly accept any punishment.

Even if you tear off my arms and legs,

it won't erase my crimes, Your Majesty.

But... But...

if I have one wish...

my Rashta...

No, no, not mine. I mean, Lady Rashta!

I want to ask for her forgiveness.

Rashta.

Never let that name pass your lips ever again.

Disobey me, and I will have your entire family erased.

Yes, I understand.

It will never pass my lips again.

Mark him in some way to remind him of this always.

I trust you slept well?

Where is this?

What is this?

This chamber is the Rose Room,

which will now be yours.

It's lovely.

Do you really mean this room is all for me?

If you need anything, or if you're not comfortable,

just tell these maids-in-waiting.

It's our honor to serve you, my lady.

Go and tell His Majesty she's awake.

Yes, sir.

Now?

Oh. Now!

I really love it, Your Majesty.

You're better now you've rested?

You can leave us.

I brought you a gift.

You've been so... so generous.

It's a dream already just being by your side, Your Majesty.

It's true.

Thank you.

What is this?

A slave certificate.

The one signed for you.

VISCOUNT LOTTESHU RIMWELL

SLAVE NAME RASHTA

Your... Majesty.

You are no longer

a slave to anyone.

Let this erase the past.

It's all gone now.

Lady Laura! Viscountess Verdi!

Did you hear? - What?

Apparently, His Majesty entered the Rose Room

but he has not come out since Monday.

Once any man's mind is lost to a lover... - Huh?

...he's beyond help then.

Laura!

I didn't say who I meant, did I?

Mmm. Just observing.

Well, there's that story

that the Rose Room has been cursed, isn't there?

Did you know? - It's cursed?

They say it was cursed by the old Late Dowager Empress.

Knowing what a womanizer the late emperor was,

the rumors were always certain to go around the whole court.

Yes, but, out of all those girls,

I'm sure the Rose Room's never had to house a runaway slave.

Ah! - You behave!

Lady Laura, you be careful.

Do you want trouble?

His Majesty has proclaimed we'll be punished for saying those words.

We mustn't be caught saying "runaway slave."

You... babies.

Runaway slave! Runaway slave!

Honestly...

what am I supposed to call a runaway slave,

if not a runaway slave?

She's not a slave, she's a commoner.

From what I hear, His Majesty summoned the girl's master

and had him beaten to a bloody pulp.

Shh!

The rumors that she was a runaway slave are not just idle talk.

Rashta's not bound as a slave.

His Majesty has said she's not, and it must therefore be true.

Yes. - Yes.

This is the list of guests Your Majesty will be receiving.

Please pay special attention to my guests from the Southern Kingdom.

Yes.

That's the Western Kingdom.

Why is the Emperor not welcoming their king?

We have made adjustments,

as Prince Heinrey, the king's younger brother,

will be attending in his stead.

But no need to feel burdened by that.

Rumor has it he is far from capable of discussing affairs of state.

Yes, I've heard reports.

He's been famous for quite a lot of exploits, sir.

Yet, the power and wealth the Western Kingdom holds

is in no way inferior to our own.

We must not forget its importance.

Yes, Your Majesty.

So will we finally see

this prince we've heard about?

The rumors can't all be true.

His dreamy eyes can draw you in just like magic.

I heard he's a real ladies' man, and a total narcissist,

and they say that he hangs around with some pirates as well.

The stories I know about Prince Heinrey are rather different.

Would you tell us what you know of him, please.

Of course. Thanks to Sir Kosair,

in the West, there were just a few Springwater Bandits

and they entered the Western Kingdom's lands.

They raided a border village in the Western Kingdom.

Get over here.

Trample them!

Ah!

But then,

Prince Heinrey and a single attendant,

who were just about to cross the border,

happened to encounter them.

Who are you?

Me?

I'm Heinrey of the Western Kingdom.

Well then...

What would you like to drink, sir? It's on me.

Oh, no alcohol, please.

One glass of milk, thank you.

So he took down 30 men?

Prince Heinrey did? All by himself?

Plus one other.

His attendant.

He's even good at fighting, too!

Oh!

Oh! Is that a bird? Where's it going?

Oh! What's it doing here?

Oh! Goodness me!

Oh my! - Oh!

What's this bird doing here?

I know this bird. We've made friends.

Right?

What kind of bird is this?

At the hunting grounds I swear I saw a similar bird.

It has to be quite rare.

How fascinating.

It looks like it's used to human hands.

Its feathers are well cared for, too.

He's friendly.

Hi, little one.

Oh!

So, the bird just prefers Your Majesty, then.

You came with another letter today.

Who has been sending letters?

It's a mystery.

We're so curious.

Please, would you read it to us as well?

"I am a guest on my way to the Eastern Empire

"to attend the New Year's Celebration.

"I chanced upon a field of beautiful purple flowers on my journey

"and decided to rest there for a day.

"Now my 'fate' is safely making its way toward its objective,

"so please be reassured.

"Lastly,

"do you know the name of this flower?"

Wisteria, I'm certain!

There's a field of Wisteria near Mons Harbor!

Your Majesty's family is from Mons Harbor, isn't it?

Hello.

Did you come all the way to give me this?

You've come quite a distance.

Look at it gulping down that water.

Its journey must have been difficult.

What country do you think this guest is from?

Is it that good? - Hmm.

Everything in the palace tastes so wonderful.

The fruit,

the chocolate,

the vegetable soup,

the meat and the cookies...

Even the water's perfect. It's so delicious! It's so fresh!

What do you do with yourself while I am away?

Hmm. Mostly, I think of you.

Hmm...

And the view is lovely.

I've been enjoying watching people from the window.

I wonder what they've said when I see them all laughing.

Those elegant ladies...

They make such pretty expressions.

Do they all learn about expressions, too?

Of course.

You mean it?

Rashta wants to learn as well.

No chance.

Why no?

You don't need to learn anything.

You're already lovable

just as you are.

Is the Empress nice?

Is she always smiling?

"The letter brought by the bird

"carried the fragrance of my childhood.

"The flower is called wisteria.

"It needs a certain soil and climate, so it cannot be grown in other regions.

"To the accidental 'fate' that sent me such a beautiful memory...

"my endless gratitude."

If a noble young lady is like that,

how elegant Her Highness' expressions must be.

Is she always smiling?

I imagine her being so beautiful and so refined.

If you get a bit bored,

why don't you go outside and play in the garden?

Can I do that?

Yes, of course.

Lante said to me, "Make sure you don't roam around outside."

Oh, did he?

Mmm.

"P.S.

"Come to think of it, the bird's eyes are the same purple as the flower petals.

"What is the bird's name?"

Is the Emperor going to spend the night with that woman?

And you let his staff know

that it is my cycle's fertile window?

Yes.

Well, never mind.

If you'd like to get changed,

the maids-in-waiting can help you.

A little later.

Please, allow me, Your Majesty.

My daughters still ask me to brush their hair

when they pay a visit

since my hands attend to Your Majesty.

They may be older now,

but they are still very precious and sacred hands.

This is so soothing.

Tell me...

You've been with your husband a while. Are you still in love?

Hmm...

We do still love each other.

I've never felt this before.

I've found myself wondering...

is the Emperor who I truly love?

I had never felt...

certain about his love for me,

though he gave me no reason to question it.

And yet...

my heart's been aching.

An unexplored passion can make fire...

then it burns out all the more rapidly.

Besides, she cannot even be accepted into the Imperial Palace.

Your Majesty, think of it as though it is just a fleeting cloud.

Isn't that just great, Mother?

Oh, dear! They say she was all excited,

spruced up and waiting for her husband,

who had gone to...

...crawl into another bed with a different girl!

Oh, good heavens! That haughty bitch is about to share her husband,

not even with a commoner, no, it's even better, she's just a slave girl!

So...

what's the mood like in the palace?

Inside, she's furious.

And, Mother, there's not a thing she can do.

With her sense of pride, would she grab the Emperor by the hair?

Or would she scratch his face?

And that would be quite a sight to see!

It looks like His Highness has been enchanted by her.

Mmm-hmm.

Our plan to get one of our girls in there,

we should put that on hold.

You believe he won't just enjoy her for a while,

then dispose of her?

I heard that the truth is he's desperate to formally make her his mistress

so he's trying to change the law.

My word!

Her Highness said no person without an identity

could be allowed to stay.

And that's still the opinion of the High Justices.

Totally opposed.

Since she's a slave, she could be moved on without a family?

Mmm-hmm.

But perhaps it might not need to change.

Huh?

All I'm saying is we should scratch an itch on His Highness' back.

You scratch mine...

Yes. I told her to avoid going out

and coming into contact with people as much as possible, sire.

Why's that?

She's new and maybe hasn't learned our rules by now.

If she made a mistake and became the subject of gossip, then...

the palace could find itself in a tough position.

There are no rules or any etiquette to teach a slave-born nobody, then?

I should say, you still have some visitors and appointments, sire.

Are you ready?

Your Majesty, Lady Albani has requested an audience.

What business has she here?

Bothering His Majesty with her grievances again?

Please enter.

Yes, of course.

A messenger came from the East Palace.

His Highness hopes Rashta will get a registration as his mistress quite soon.

What on earth has happened?

We all thought she could never be registered as a mistress.

REQUEST TO REGISTER RASHTA OF HOUSE BOTULIN AS IMPERIAL MISTRESS

They've requested a review,

now they've met the conditions.

A family has decided to adopt Rashta, it says.

MISS RASHTA OF THE BOTULIN FAMILY

It's Lady Albani's family.

This will mean that she will now be legitimate.

Good heavens!

They would do this to make that slave...

Say that I'll sign it.

Your Majesty!

If she is in the Botulin family,

there's no grounds for me to oppose it.

But it's so...

Let's not let this upset us.

Focus on the party instead.

We will be celebrating

the Eastern Empire's 100 years of greatness.

We don't want to make any mistakes.

Yes, Majesty. - Yes, Majesty.

Draft the contract clauses.

I will discuss it with the Marquess.

This is absurd!

What is His Majesty thinking?

Does he really want to reconcile with his uncle's family

to give that girl status?

Lower your voice, His Majesty will hear you.

Their intentions are perfectly clear.

They will try to milk their association with Rashta for all it's worth.

They've got their eye on the throne.

They're a threat to the royal family.

They prostrated themselves

and swore they would never again challenge His Majesty the Emperor's authority.

Do you even believe what you're saying?

His Majesty's authority is so strong

that nobody would ever dare to challenge him at all.

And that's what I truly believe.

Please, sit down.

Albani is ruthless and you have given her free rein.

It will be interesting to witness what kind of wickedness she will inflict...

and it's your responsibility.

THE EASTERN EMPIRE'S CODE OF LAW

So shall we begin?

Ah.

Go ahead.

Lady Rashta, you must slow down!

You should walk slowly!

Ah!

If only that bird would come.

She needs something to lift her spirits.

I know what you mean.

Look here,

isn't the weather so lovely today?

Yes, it is.

Let's do something fun.

We could have a walk and a picnic on the lawn.

That sounds wonderful! - Let's go out. Please?

Ah! I just love this sunshine, don't you?

Oh, careful. Please take care!

Oh! Oh, careful, careful! - Don't tear it!

Mind your dress. Please!

Wow! The weather's really beautiful today!

I'm so glad we came out, aren't you? - My goodness!

But that's the Empress.

I asked the chef to pack one of your favorites!

Will you let me have a clue, or are you just teasing me?

The Empress? - It is!

Ah, you'll have to wait and see!

Oh! - Oh! Lady Rashta!

Rashta, Your Majesty.

Rashta?

She's that sla--

How dare she talk to us?

I was supposed to find His Majesty in the garden,

now I think I've lost my way.

We've not been introduced.

I'm the one His Majesty has favored and now I stay here in this big palace.

I see.

I know who you are now.

Oh, you do?

I'm so glad.

Actually, I have been wondering when I should come and pay my respects.

What's that?

I did ask His Majesty,

although he just kept telling me I shouldn't worry.

What a blessing!

Since we'll be seeing each other often, I can greet you now.

After all, Your Majesty and I...

we'll be joined together in this family.

Like sisters.

What did you just say?

Like sisters.

We're sharing a husband, so that connects us.

So could I please call you older sister?

You can't.

You're saying you don't like Rashta?

This is not a matter of me liking you.

In truth,

you became His Majesty's woman,

not my sister, isn't that so?

In any case, you're still...

That'll do.

No, I didn't. Wait, just a moment.

Don't go!

Your Majesty!

Lady Rashta! - Goodness. Why, you!

How insolent.

How dare you lay your hands on her?

How filthy!

You call a person filthy?

What's the meaning of this?

Now, now, don't cry.

Let's go.

It's time we left.

Wait there.

Leave your lady behind.

Why, what is the matter?

Just leave her here.

What for, Your Majesty?

She's my lady-in-waiting, so you need to tell me why first.

Perhaps she is your lady-in-waiting. She's my subject, however.

She'll be reminded that people like her shouldn't talk so cruelly.

She'll be locked up for three days with only hard bread and water.

Majesty, that is far too much.

That girl tugged upon my dress.

These ladies merely stopped her pulling.

Empress, you call her "that girl" when she's here.

And what of it if she pulled your dress a little?

Do you think that your dress is worth more than a person's hand?

In that case, sire,

my maid could easily come and give your cloak's hem a tug.

Perhaps retaliation would be a more just penalty.

I trust that you agree?

You're so stubborn that you don't give an inch.

How would that be in any way equivalent to this?

It's similar.

No, it's not. - Why not?

Rashta is not a serving girl, is she?

Lady Laura is a daughter of nobility.

She can't go to prison for this!

Five days.

Your lady-in-waiting will serve five now.

I'll go.

I accept the punishment, Your Majesty.

You may go.

His Majesty was so incredibly wonderful.

I thought my heart would burst back there.

Oh, yes, me too!

His Majesty must truly love Lady Rashta very much.

That is enough now, you two.

I'm blushing.

Well, honestly, how could any man not be in love

with someone who's as kind and as beautiful and as pure as you?

His Highness and you remind us of two lovers in a fairytale.

Mmm.

That's right.

Rashta is just extremely happy!

Every day, I ask if it's all really true.

It's real. It's all true.

This is a miracle!

And it could only happen because you're the great Lady Rashta!

Did you not see it while we were in the garden before?

Uh-huh. - The admiring looks in people's eyes

as they turned around to look, struck by Lady Rashta's beauty.

Ah, really. - Yes, I mean it!

Everyone was turning round to look.

They couldn't stop staring at you.

And girls, earlier on, did you spot this?

Her Majesty was shaking terribly with anger.

Yes, I did.

Although...

this is just for your ears, so keep this quiet,

Her Majesty wasn't as impressive as she thinks she is.

Ooh!

Mmm.

That's bad for her.

You always find a way to track me down.

"The bird's name. Is such a thing necessary?

"If you think it is, I would like you to decide."

Why am I crying, you wonder?

Could it be you understood that?

You're so sweet.

This is like

my own private little hideaway.

I cannot cry anywhere else,

but when I'm here, I can embrace my sorrow alone.

You know, this place is my personal secret.

So you are the only one who is privy to my tears.

You are very kind.

Now your name.

What would suit you?

The bird's name...

shall be Queen.

Your name is decided.

As long as...

it's agreeable to your master.

That's right.

I am the Empress.

My role that I shall fulfill

is devotion to my people and their welfare.

And I know that my purpose

was never to conquer the heart of the Emperor.

I will not be shaken.

Nor will I be swept away.

THE BIRD'S NAME SHALL BE QUEEN

THE REMARRIED EMPRESS