Original subtitles

THE REMARRIED EMPRESS

"I will name the bird 'Queen,' but remember, he is male."

You're a male bird?

Wonderful.

I heard that you would eat fish, yet you haven't touched it.

So perhaps you'd prefer some sort of insect?

How about we try...

caterpillars or flies?

Thank goodness.

I'm quite afraid of insects.

OFFICIAL DOCUMENT OF THE IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD MISTRESS CONTRACT

Ah!

I heard that a lot of birds like their feathers patted.

Do you like that, too?

You're adorable.

How can you name a male "Queen"?

What are you talking about?

Weren't you out scouting like you were supposed to?

Did you wander off somewhere else again?

No. I was out scouting.

Scouting...

into another woman's heart again?

No, no, just the Imperial Palace.

You shouldn't say that.

Sire, please,

I really need you to be more careful with how you act!

You can't ever forget the fact that you are the first in line

to the throne of the Western Kingdom.

"I wish I could be like Queen and fly the skies.

"I wonder how the world would look from so high up.

"Even majestic mountains and the boundless sea

"would seem small from such heights.

"How trivial and insignificant human worries and sorrows would become

"when you're soaring through the clouds."

OFFICIAL DOCUMENT OF THE IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD MISTRESS CONTRACT

EMPRESS NAVIER ELLIE TROVI

Her Majesty, sire.

She's signed the contract that approves Ms. Rashta as your mistress.

EMPEROR SOVIESHU TROVI VICTOR EMPRESS NAVIER ELLIE TROVI

We'd usually hold a banquet to celebrate the registration.

However, it coincides with the New Year's Ceremony.

I'll meet the Empress soon.

I'll talk with her.

Proceed. - Yes.

Ah, and what shall we do about the request from Lady Albani?

Are you saying His Majesty took the side of his mistress so blatantly?

Yes, right in front of Her Majesty

and with all the ladies-in-waiting.

Oh my. That puts the Empress in a very awkward position.

It wasn't just awkward. It was humiliating.

You look even more beautiful today, Your Majesty.

I'll do that.

She told me she called you "sister."

It was only later I realized

how disconcerting that must have been for you.

She only called you that

as she thought I would feel more at ease if she got along with you like family.

Isn't she innocent?

Let us begin.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Lady Albani had demands, I presume?

Did she want recompense for sponsoring Ms. Rashta?

Nothing is ever free in this world.

Tell me...

Did you grant a pardon for the Grand Duke, Your Majesty?

Out of the question.

I returned their family crest and estate in Lucevan, which I had seized.

As for Rashta's banquet, we shall do as you wish.

Then we shall abstain, Your Majesty.

With so many important guests in attendance,

the ceremony will not be eclipsed by scandal.

I agree with you.

It is the grandest festival of the Imperial Palace,

and also a day for us.

Please smile, Your Majesties.

"A mistress cannot be entered into the imperial family register,

"the same for any child born to her."

"They cannot obtain the rights of imperial royalty."

What does that mean though?

It's saying that if you had any children,

they cannot have the title "prince" or "princess," I'm afraid.

Even if the child is royal? - Yes.

Even if you give birth to a child who looks identical to the Emperor,

Eastern Empire laws require the descendants of a mistress

to be managed in a separate genealogy.

You may receive an allowance.

But only whilst you're under contract.

Therefore, once the contract ends,

if it isn't renewed, you must leave the Imperial Palace.

Are you saying the contract can end?

Typically, the contract is renewed every two years.

Uh... Here.

Would you excuse us? - Yes.

Here.

MISTRESS CONTRACT

Now, just here,

beside Her Majesty's signature is your name.

You cannot... You're...

You're illiterate.

RASHTA ISHKA BOTULIN

This is how your name is written.

Rashta.

Ish... ka.

Boo...

tuh...

RASHTA ISHKA BOTULIN

...lin.

You are all done.

I'm sorry...

Can you give Ms. Rashta and I some time alone, please?

She'll have questions about life in the Imperial Palace

and may have concerns

that she can only confide to another woman.

This is different from what I hoped.

I heard I won't have a celebratory banquet due to the New Year's Ceremony.

I thought His Majesty would at least be here

and celebrate with me and show his gratitude.

With the New Year's Ceremony so close, His Majesty is indisposed.

Also, look at the contract.

He can keep me around for two years, then throw me out once he grows tired.

Rashta, now see here!

Don't you understand

that from now, you're a daughter of Botulin House?

Being thrown out, now that you're one of us, will never happen.

I say so.

These are black diamonds. Aren't they lovely?

They are only for the women of Botulin House.

Here.

Congratulations on becoming His Majesty's woman.

I will set a suitable date for a banquet in your honor, Ms. Rashta.

Keep your chin tucked in,

lift your chest, keep your back straight,

and your gaze forward.

I will turn you into a noble lady,

who is suited to His Majesty and his way of life.

2,000 fireworks,

5,000 packs of cigarettes,

300 casks of whiskey, 400 boxes of caviar,

200 horses and 50 carriages.

As for meat... beef, mutton, and chicken.

And finally, we have 5,000 kegs of beer.

Thank you.

See that it's well prepared for our subjects to enjoy,

as well as our guests.

Yes.

It is today that Laura's punishment ends, is it not?

Yes. - Yes.

Our other engagement, the dress fitting, you can postpone it.

I will prepare to fetch Lady Laura.

Sister!

Good day, Your Majesty.

I was just on my way to see you, my lady.

I have something to share with Your Majesty.

My adoptive mother gave me caramels.

They're so delicious I thought you'd like to try a piece.

Your Majesty...

why do you have such a scary look on your face?

I do not want you to bring me things.

And also...

refrain from visiting me.

It's not as though we are on such terms that we enjoy seeing each other.

Then we can try and get on good terms. I...

I'd like to become close friends with Your Majesty.

There's no need to act this way.

When the next mistress arrives,

you can become close with her instead of me.

"The next mistress"?

But of course.

There will be others once he's done with you.

If you just wait a little,

you will make plenty of friends.

The previous emperor had eight mistresses.

With that many, you can play the ball game that's popular among the citizen class.

Wouldn't you enjoy that?

Your Majesty!

Your... Your Majesty.

You stayed strong.

You did so well, Laura.

I'll be okay.

I'm here as you requested.

What is it?

Your lady-in-waiting...

the one who was punished...

Daughter of a Marquess.

And her name is Laura Tallital.

I heard you went

and took her...

My lady-in-waiting...

suffered for five whole days.

Did you really have to do that?

How does it make me look

if you go out of your way to care for someone I punished?

Instead of going to the prison to fetch her...

you should have cast her out of the Imperial Palace.

She was only punished for my sake, Your Majesty.

It would not be right if she were banished.

Besides, her actions made sense.

She merely defended her Empress.

So you will take her side to the very end?

Those ladies are under my authority.

They should only have to answer to me.

How dare you defend the person that humiliated Rashta?

And you said such spiteful things to that poor girl who knows nothing.

Why have you changed so much?

I was spiteful?

I heard you told Rashta that I would take another mistress.

Historically, the emperor never takes one.

He takes as many as he pleases.

Have you forgotten your promise...

that you would never take one yourself?

You said that you would not embarrass your empress as the previous was

and let me suffer.

You say Lady Laura humiliated Rashta.

Was it not the same humiliation to condemn her to prison?

She is my lady-in-waiting.

Your Majesty only chose to punish Laura

to flaunt your command in front of your mistress.

Anything to please her.

You'll even send the daughter of a noble house to prison.

It was performative power.

Enough! - I'm now laughingstock.

You say I've changed?

Lady Laura has borne the brunt of your harsh actions...

and it has brought disgrace on her family.

Your Majesty, it isn't me...

but you who's been changed.

You've returned.

Where's Lady Laura?

We are taking care of her as you asked, Your Majesty.

So please, do not worry.

In your chamber, there's a gift for you.

It arrived today, from Duchess Trovi.

From Mother?

"To Her Majesty the Empress.

"I had very much wished to attend this New Year's Ceremony and see you.

"However, I decided that I must be patient for a little longer.

"I found myself recalling the very first time

"I made clothes for you before you were born.

"Back then, even the smallest piece of fabric

"was enough to wrap around you."

Little one...

Your mother will make sure you look lovely.

"It was true before you came into this world,

"and remains so now.

"You are my most darling treasure.

"I hope this dress will bring Your Majesty great comfort and bravery.

"The Duke also sends his regards.

"Whenever he misses you, he gazes upon the olive tree you planted."

"That tree now casts quite a big shadow.

"My beloved Majesty.

"Please take courage!"

"To my beloved younger sister, Her Majesty the Empress.

"We fought another small battle today.

"We are clearing out the remnant forces,

"so we may be able to move up the peace talks.

"If these talks make progress,

"the greatest threat to the Eastern Empire may disappear.

"Your Majesty, I heard the news about the Emperor's mistress.

"Our parents were deeply shocked as well, but they seemed concerned only for you.

"I believe in you, Your Majesty.

"I know how strong you are.

"If only I were near you,

"I would have beaten that rascal until he was black and blue!

"I will come to see you soon, Your Majesty.

"Until then, please stay well."

Oh!

Wow!

Ooh!

Look there!

Careful, don't damage the flowers.

Hurry now!

Why would he walk backwards like that?

It's dangerous.

We've allocated 110,000 krang for the foreign delegation banquet

and 50,000 krang to enhance the military band

for the commemorative parade.

That sounds perfect.

Thank you for your work.

Your Majesty, we've received a request for you to welcome a delegation.

It's the Western Kingdom.

The Western Kingdom?

Yes, it's Prince Heinrey.

COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING

OF THE EMPIRE NEW YEAR'S CEREMONY ADDITIONAL BUDGET DOCUMENT

It is my honor to meet you,

my queen.

I'm also honored to make your acquaintance, Prince Heinrey.

You must be tired after your long journey.

You should rest here in the palace until the New Year's Ceremony begins.

The Eastern Empire's Imperial Palace is renowned...

for its great beauty.

I'm certain you will like it.

I'm already...

enamored by it.

Why are you staring so intently, Your Highness?

Please avert your gaze.

I'd like to welcome Princess Circe of the Southern Kingdom

and Grand Duke Kaufman of the Kingdom of Luipt.

What has you so preoccupied, Your Highness?

Whoa!

This... Hmm.

Whoa!

Whoa!

This palace is just...

so huge and lavish!

Wow!

This... this is from that place!

Wow, the Eastern Empire really is a bunch of thieves

taking the spoils from the war and putting them on display

as if they had always belonged to them.

Isn't that too much?

Wow!

Don't you think so?

Uh... Your Highness?

Your Highness!

Are you going off somewhere again?

I'll return soon.

Where are you going?

There are too many eyes!

Your Highness!

Where are you going?

Where are you... Ugh, seriously?

You're coming back from meeting the delegation

of the Western Kingdom, aren't you?

Please, do tell them.

Is he really as beautiful as they say?

I heard one of the maids in the South Palace

was so overwhelmed by his beauty that she fainted.

Oh, she fainted?

Oh!

Is he that beautiful?

He was the most beautiful person

that I've ever met.

Such chiseled features!

His appearance made me question if he was even human.

Did it really?

Uh... what's his voice like?

Yes?

Out of everyone I've spoken to...

his voice was the most lovely.

A man like that...

I'm not at all surprised that rumors surround him.

Even if he just stands quietly and keeps to himself.

Oh, he has a beautiful voice, too?

That's too much!

I think we should be wary of Prince Heinrey.

He's very dangerous.

I mean, one maid fainted.

And you must have heard what happened to that other maid.

Queen!

If he's responded so quickly,

then surely your master is almost here.

"I have arrived at the Imperial Palace. Can you guess who I am?"

Wait, he's with you?

Where's your master?

Is he among those guests?

I do not know who you are.

But tell me, do you know who I am?

Come on, hurry up. - Yes, sir.

Yes, over there.

Please, it is so very late.

Go to bed, Your Majesty.

I hope the rain ceases before the morning.

Come now.

You are the one who must shine the brightest in this palace,

so you cannot stay up late.

Is the South Palace comfortable for the guests?

They are all in high spirits

and seem to have no intention of calling it a night.

They're still drinking, my lady.

They are? - What I've heard

is the ladies are pining so ardently over Prince Heinrey.

They say they have formed ranks.

Those who have exchanged words,

those who have made eye contact,

and those he has smiled at.

I think what the ladies really want to know is

who the prince will dance with first.

So which lady do you think is most likely?

There are talks of Duchess Tuania, others say Princess Circe.

There are divided opinions.

Although I'm sure they're all thinking the same thing.

They all wish he'll walk over to them,

take their hand and dance the night away.

What a dream!

Good night, Your Majesty.

Oh, my goodness!

Oh, good heavens!

It's raining so hard.

Did your master really make you fly here?

How long have you been waiting?

Are you all right?

"Shall we make a bet? Whoever finds the other first wins!"

"If it is a bet, what will you wager?"

I cannot do this.

I'm not sending you outside in this weather.

Why don't you stay here tonight?

You will return to your master when it stops raining.

I find myself wondering what your master's like.

Is he sweet and clever, like you?

Come to think of it, Prince Heinrey...

He has eyes as purple as yours.

I'm already enamored by it.

You are so pretty, Queen.

Good night.

Begin.

Good!

Very good so far.

Slowly. That's it.

Keep your balance.

Oh!

Very good.

Now we'll try without the book.

There. Bup-bup-bup-bup-bup.

You need to walk slower.

Like this?

That's right.

You should always be mindful of the maids' strides

following behind you.

Slowly, so the maids can follow...

What are you doing?

No, don't match your stride to theirs.

If you aren't quick enough,

then those lowly creatures will step on your dress.

Then how exactly should I walk?

They should match what I do.

You should walk in a way

that never lets those following you relax at all.

That way, they never forget that you are their mistress.

This is hard!

Well, yes, it should be hard.

How are the writing lessons?

Reading is a little easier,

the writing is... - Hmm.

Well then, it looks like you will continue your lessons

during the New Year's Ceremony.

I'll be tired after all the parties I'll attend.

Listen.

Relax your eyebrows. Shoulders straight.

Chest up, too.

Chin.

Corners of your mouth.

Next. Yes, your gaze.

Mmm.

Well done.

Beautiful!

Now, ladies, a busy day of preparation is ahead. Understood?

Of course. We've begun the preparations already, Countess.

Ta-da! - Ta-da!

Countess?

Do you think Rashta will also be at the ceremony?

I suppose she will attend.

As the girl is now...

a daughter of the Botulin House.

His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress.

As you know, I played a part in the war of a Hundred Years.

I loyally followed my predecessor.

It was so cold that even the strongest liquor froze.

The horses turned to ice in death.

The frost...

rendered the bread impossible to chew.

The cold armor clung to our skin so tightly

that we could not even prize it off.

The cold armor clung to our skin so tightly

that we could not even prize it off,

and only the hot blood of our enemies could melt away the biting cold.

And only the hot blood of our enemies

could melt away the biting cold.

When the Hundred Years' War ended,

peace fell upon us all.

And yet,

our swords and our shields, they have not rusted at all.

This peace eternal

can only be protected by readied armor and a blade that shines.

A blade that is ready to be drawn at any moment.

And I...

will preserve and defend our empire.

and we shall see that this strength and peace lasts

for 10,000 years.

I share this glory with you.

Join me!

Long live His Majesty the Emperor!

The Emperor!

Long live Her Majesty the Empress! The Empress!

It has been a long time, Lady Albani.

Lady Albani! - Good to see you.

Nice to meet you.

I was hoping I could dance with Rashta first.

After all, our only rehearsal was to this piece.

I'll see you later.

Your Majesty.

What do we do?

She seems to be following what she was taught well.

What a clever little thing.

Majesty.

It's all right.

Like this.

Mmm.

McKenna.

What's with the flower?

There are many eyes watching here.

My goodness!

For the Empress?

Are you a good dancer, Your Majesty?

THE REMARRIED EMPRESS