Original subtitles

THE REMARRIED EMPRESS

Are you a good dancer, Your Majesty?

I'd say so.

Can you hold your own?

I will glide along with you.

Wait...

If you step on my foot,

I'll pretend not to notice.

That won't happen, Your Highness.

Do not worry.

I'm very tight-lipped, Your Majesty.

Dancing with you

is truly my honor.

The honor is mine.

Ladies have lost sleep, I'm certain...

wondering with whom you would share your first dance.

Are you saying Your Majesty was not looking forward to dancing with me?

Ah! Are you married by chance?

What a shame.

He's so dashing. Just look at him!

Well done.

Why?

Just keep on looking at me like that.

May I have the next dance?

What is she doing?

Why is Ms. Rashta going over there?

Don't do it.

So, I was thinking...

Rashta and Prince Heinrey can share the next dance together.

Forgive me.

I want to cherish the dance I shared with Her Majesty as my last for today.

What does she think she's doing?

Goodness! Ugh!

Earlier...

what were you discussing with the Prince of the Western Kingdom?

A few pleasantries, nothing more.

Have you never heard the rumors that circulate about him?

How could you have an ordinary conversation with a man like that?

He is an amusing character.

Being a notorious womanizer,

I would imagine he is.

I know some womanizers who are not.

Well, I suppose I cannot forbid you

to take a lover of your own since I have taken a mistress myself.

Still...

I wouldn't recommend Heinrey as your choice.

Would you please speak more plainly?

If you carry on like this,

I dare say you would not be calling him your lover,

but rather, it is yourself who will be a mistress to this man.

You know, you are the Empress of--

I'm not certain I understand your meaning.

However, nothing of that sort will happen.

How wise of you.

For the Empress to become the object of reckless flirtation

with a man who toys with every woman he sees

is not dignified.

Rashta.

Rashta.

Your Majesty.

What is it?

Never leave Rashta behind again.

Oh, it's all right.

Look at this. What do you think is going on?

Yes, what is it?

Someone said she had the nerve to spread a rumor about poor Rashta.

Saying she was a runaway slave.

Ah, well, even so!

Who would have thought the dignified Empress would do that?

What did I tell you? - That is so scary.

Her Majesty is jealous! - That's so scary.

They say Her Majesty has actually been

showering that woman with all kinds of gifts.

You're saying behind the scenes, she's scheming?

Oh! How embarrassing.

I guess it shows what she's really like. - Oh!

Oh! Oh, oh. - What is this?

Are you all right?

Oh, Your... Your Highness.

I'm fine.

Yeah.

Why'd you push?

It was a mistake.

Sorry, Your Majesty.

Oh, honestly, that made me startled.

So sorry.

Just look at those two over there.

Why is she walking around as though she's the host?

This New Year's Ceremony is something Her Majesty prepared

with everything she had.

Queen!

Will you join?

Your Highness.

What are you doing here?

Go away!

What's wrong?

Let me hold you, Queen.

Mmm.

You're warm, Queen.

Thank you...

for being here.

I have strength because of you.

You're very human-like.

You'll return home soon.

Once the Ceremony ends, you'll go back with your master.

What will I do without you?

Hmm?

"Let's wager Queen."

Queen...

the note says to wager you.

"P.S. You did attend the Ceremony, did you not?

Perhaps you were among the...

ladies that I danced with."

Are you a good dancer, Your Majesty?

It couldn't be...

Prince Heinrey?

I don't believe it.

No, surely not.

"I did attend the New Year's Ceremony,

"but regrettably, I am a man."

This way, I'm hidden.

What do you think?

Now he won't discover my identity.

Your master's intriguing.

I'd like to know him more.

And I wish dearly

that I could win this bet so you were mine.

However, my position will not allow such freedom.

"A fate that had lost its way found me, and now I send it back."

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

"flower petals."

No wonder...

The look in your eyes while you were dancing was rather intense.

It turns out you were out searching for your "fate,"

when I thought you were just out scouting.

Sort your clothes out, will you?

Don't speak of my "fate" looking like that.

Is it true?

Don't tell me that you...

You...

have feelings for her?

Empress Navier?

You honestly have to tell me the truth immediately.

Now, if I'm honest about how I feel,

I worry that you would cry.

Uh, cry?

What exactly are you saying to me right now?

What?

Your Highness,

if you want a romance which is serious, I am all for it.

However, if that woman is her...

If you've fallen in love with the Empress, then that is another problem altogether.

She's the empress of a powerful empire!

Even if it was a tiny little empire, it's still an issue.

How could you do this to me? I am mortified!

Surely you wouldn't want to become entangled

in a scandal of passion with the Eastern Empire?

Oh, wouldn't I?

It looks as though the Emperor has fallen for another.

Now then...

the Empress surely wouldn't embrace and forgive this.

And that is because she could leave him for me instead...

Even if the Emperor has fallen for another,

she is only the man's mistress.

Do you think the Empress, who possesses this great empire,

would divorce her husband over a single mistress?

And the Emperor, too.

Do you think he would cast aside an Empress

praised by all the other kingdoms?

Will he raise a runaway slave to the heights of Empress?

Well, the fact that another woman could catch his eye at all,

even though Navier is amazing, it proves he's insane.

Uh, no. Out of everyone...

Out of all the great people of this Empire

and all the guests who attended the New Year's Ceremony,

the craziest of all, Prince Heinrey, it's you.

Oh, what is this?

It was a joke.

I was just teasing, so you would cry.

Ugh, you were?

Mmm-hmm. - You were!

Ah, you, you scared me!

Let's prepare the talks. - Yes, Your Highness.

EASTERN EMPIRE IMPERIAL GAZETTE PRINCE HEINREY, NEW YEAR'S SENSATION

TAKING HIGH SOCIETY BY STORM! MISTRESS RASHTA BOTULIN

To me, Her Majesty the Empress is the most impressive.

Someone described her as noble ice, and that is exactly right!

Exactly!

When I saw her, I froze like ice!

Her aura was so overwhelming.

I know what you mean!

Okay.

Ah! Did you see it? - Please don't touch that.

It's lovely. - Look with your eyes only.

Rashta... this girl...

Who is she?

What "girl"?

She's the mistress.

His Majesty the Emperor just acquired her.

Rashta Ishka Botulin.

A mistress?

Really?

Ah!

Here's the item you ordered.

You've got this!

The Grand Duchess Albani has arrived.

Look at you, child!

You grow more radiant by the day.

Fortunately, with all these events, I can practice what I've learnt.

That is fortunate.

So, keep enjoying yourself. Ha!

Anyone would think she belongs in high society.

Keep quiet, girl.

Goodness, all the grime washed right off.

That expression...

Isn't she imitating the Empress?

Sometimes, Ms. Rashta is rather disconcerting.

It's almost as though her innocence is all an act to bewitch people.

What do you think?

The Empress, do I look like her?

Oh, you are far more beautiful! - Much more!

Oh my! Oh, my goodness!

It's so incredibly beautiful!

Grand Duke Krom sent me a present. How kind.

Oh, did he?

You really are building close relationships

with the foreign guests lately.

You heard right.

Rashta is just adored by all foreigners. - Mmm.

A lady said to me that she heard some of the guests say this.

"He who moves the world is the Emperor of the Eastern Empire,

"and Rashta...

"Rashta is the woman who can move that Emperor."

Shh!

You mustn't say such things out loud so carelessly.

I only said it as a joke.

It is not a joke in the slightest.

There would be serious trouble if the court heard.

Oh. I'll remember those words.

Oh, well...

I suppose as long as it has no direct connection to the Emperor,

then it is a very good thing.

People should talk about you.

Oh, I see now.

Today, at last,

the invitations to your banquet are ready!

"We invite you to the banquet of Rashta Ishka Botulin."

Oh!

Do you think people will go?

Oh, my goodness! I'm so nervous!

The noble ladies are gasping for attention

from the guests at the West Palace.

Poor little Rashta, she's so excited,

but this banquet won't amount to much.

The noble ladies...

they won't dare attend.

It would be the ultimate betrayal.

And the Empress still has their loyalty.

Abandoning her because they were swayed by some fleeting rumor?

Honestly... They won't do that.

Then why did you say you would hold a banquet for Ms. Rashta?

If the company is lacking,

the Botulin House will suffer a blow as well.

We are finally regaining entry into high society

after being barred for 15 years.

The pieces are all set for us.

Finally, we can join the game.

You know what our goal is.

It is not to elevate Rashta.

It is Navier's complete torment.

To destroy that woman's soul and her glowing reputation with it.

We will isolate her entirely.

Oh!

Queen!

He's so funny.

He flew over that way,

and when he saw you were changing, Your Majesty...

he got so startled and scrambled hurriedly to turn his back!

I saw it, too.

He looked ashamed, almost. But that's silly, isn't it?

Yes, I know!

You can look now, I'm decent.

Oh, did that make you shy?

"Are you even searching for me?"

"I'm searching hard.

"And you?

"Are you looking for me?"

I'M SEARCHING HARD. AND YOU? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ME?

Wow!

These Eastern Empire rascals did a great job with the place.

Have you visited the pond out there yet?

The landscaping, ah, stunning!

And my goodness, out front! Is it a lake?

Is it the sea, perhaps?

It's massive either way.

McKenna!

Yes?

Who here cannot keep a secret?

What was that?

A secret?

I need something circulating.

It needs to be powerful and quick.

The ministers of each nation are moving forward

with full-scale trade agreements.

Our merchants are the most active,

and the number of concluded agreements is overwhelmingly high.

Which nation has the second-highest trade?

The Western Kingdom, Sire.

Heinrey...

Why did the king send the Prince and not himself?

It seems the rumors concerning

King Walton III's grave illness are true.

He swore he would punish us one day...

because of all the humiliation he suffered at our hand.

Since he has no heirs with Queen Krista,

it appears Prince Heinrey will succeed to the throne as first in line.

Huh. Wasn't there also a matter of negotiation?

Ah, there is a request for talks on the port issue.

We still have more of the New Year's Ceremony to attend to.

It would be burdensome

to discuss with every nation watching.

I concur.

Let us conclude.

I would like to have a discussion with the empress alone.

It's about Rashta.

I hear the Botulin House is holding a banquet in her honor.

I heard, Your Majesty.

What if you were able to attend it?

Would you consider it?

Even if the noble ladies wish to accept Rashta,

they are reluctant because they are wary of your reaction.

I have no plans to attend the banquet.

If that is all you wish to say to me,

I will take my leave.

Were you always such a jealous person?

If this is not jealousy,

then what is it?

You have strength and power as the Empress

far beyond anything Rashta could ever hope to match.

And yet, you are treating this powerless child

as if she were your rival in love.

Won't you open your heart to her?

Oh, no.

Your Majesty's mistress

is no rival of mine.

You may deem her precious.

Do you expect me to share that sentiment?

She is just a stranger to me, sire.

And will remain as such.

Do not involve me in this.

These concerns will remain yours.

My line is now drawn.

I will hear no more.

His Majesty is thirsty.

Ah--

Lante!

Yes! Yes, Your Majesty.

Here, cold water! Cold water is here.

Your Majesty.

Thank you for coming, Your Majesty.

I've brought something for the bazaar.

I hope this will suffice.

How kind of you.

I know the farmers are grateful.

The support for the drought is appreciated.

As expected, Princess Circe, your party is quite the popular one.

Well, Your Majesty is here...

and Prince Heinrey has graced us as well.

That guarantees success.

How fascinating!

Wherever the prince goes, a cloud of people always follow.

He was already popular,

but since the public notice he released, well...

now he's even more so.

A public notice?

Have you not heard?

It's very exciting.

There's someone in the Eastern Empire

who's been exchanging anonymous letters with Prince Heinrey.

The South Palace has been ablaze with talk of it since this morning.

He's desperate to find that person no matter what,

even publicly if he must,

and has asked people to spread the word.

Are you quite well?

Princess Circe!

One moment.

You're here!

Your Majesty, don't you think the master of that messenger bird

might be Prince Heinrey?

I had exactly the same idea.

He's talking about you, Your Majesty.

You should speak to him right away.

Prince Heinrey will be delighted

to find out that you were his correspondent, Your Majesty.

And after all, he did ask you for a dance.

It's prudent for me to stay an anonymous friend.

But then...

He is surrounded by many scandals involving women,

so remaining cautious is wise.

The people on the other side are already inventing groundless rumors.

If it comes to light that Her Majesty has been privately exchanging letters

with the prince...

Ah. I suppose it would be like a pack of wolves tearing into their prey.

But it's just...

it's just such a pity.

Please do enjoy yourselves.

I'll be searching for a present for my mother.

Yes.

This is so upsetting.

And so infuriating as well.

It's not fair.

Ah, I'm sorry, but...

it's His Majesty having an affair, it's not Her Majesty's fault at all.

And yet malicious rumors surround her instead.

Those people, they do whatever they please,

but Her Majesty has to be careful.

She's innocent. It's that Rashta woman's fault.

I just... hate her so much.

No! Is it really?

Yes, I'm telling you! - No way!

I know.

It's not certain, so keep it to yourself.

All right? Shh! - All right.

Heinrey the Prince and Her Majesty...

All right.

Yes, all right.

Oh! You're back! - You're back!

This is hard.

Did you enjoy yourself?

How was the banquet?

The men talked about war, so it was a bit boring.

I heard people saying today's banquet was more enjoyable

because Prince Heinrey brought an amusing story with him.

Was that not true?

Well, if it was a party Prince Heinrey had been to, it would have.

That would have been fun.

With loads more guests, too.

I only hope people will come to Rashta's party as well.

I'm worried.

What if it's empty like Duke Ristore's and becomes a total failure?

So then...

these amusing things.

You must tell me everything that was said.

Here is what I've heard.

There's someone in the Eastern Empire

with whom he has been exchanging secret letters.

Ooh! Romantic!

But he's been searching for the person he exchanged letters with,

and no one has come forward yet,

and he's terribly anxious about it all.

Is that so?

A lady...

whose face, name, and status he doesn't know.

They say the person he's writing to

could even be Her Majesty the Empress herself!

We were just talking about it.

Hey!

What?

It might not be true.

What are you both saying?

Well...

I heard it, too.

It's just I have this cousin...

He works at the Western Palace, and apparently...

a bird flew to Her Majesty with a letter tied to its ankle.

Uh-huh...

Please can you find out what was written on all of the letters?

MARCHIONESS HELENA DE MONTCLAIR CIRCE ILONA LIAN

Are you enjoying your stay?

Yes, I am, thank you.

It's lovely, thanks to you, Your Majesty.

That's wonderful.

I heard there's someone you're searching for.

Yes.

I very much wish to find them.

Why is their discovery so important?

You have many friends.

They dote on you.

You're always surrounded by people.

You can still feel lonely...

even if you're surrounded.

You already know that, Your Majesty.

If you are sharing your thoughts through these letters...

why meet at all?

They are too special.

I must meet that person.

I pray they feel the same.

I've never before revealed my true feelings without pretense.

It was also nice to let my guard down and share jokes.

I've never...

felt my heart flutter like that.

These letters...

they are precious, and so is their author.

I have to meet them.

Ah!

Your tea is getting cold. Will you come and drink it?

I'm not letting mine go cold.

Yes, come in.

There is someone waiting for Prince Heinrey in the lobby.

Who is it?

"A fate that was lost," Majesty.

Oh?

Wha...

Your Highness? What? - Where did it go? McKenna!

What's that? What are you looking for?

Why-- - McKenna, where is it?

Whoa, whoa, whoa. - You know the jacket.

The gold jacket? - Oh!

Yes, you know the one that's... And that's...

The one that's a lot? - Right!

The gappy one, ah! - Yes.

At the end, on the right.

Go and get it.

Argh! - Let's go.

It's a wonder you can even wash your own face, honestly.

Come out!

Prince Heinrey's letter friend is here!

Prince Heinrey's letter friend has appeared!

Prince Heinrey's letter friend has come.

Everyone, come on out!

Don't you think Prince Heinrey is so dashing?

Look at that jacket!

Your Highness, I heard that you have searched ardently.

I am the secret pen pal you've been writing to.

Your "lost fate", and you found me now.

THE REMARRIED EMPRESS