Original subtitles

[♪ opening theme music playing]

[bird screeching]

THE REMARRIED EMPRESS

[noble 1] Don't you think Prince Heinrey is so dashing?

[exhales]

[♪ bright music playing]

[Rashta] Your Highness, I heard that you've searched ardently.

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

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

[crowd clapping]

[♪ music fades]

So, you say…

you're my correspondent?

[chuckles softly] Yes.

Prove it to me.

You're suspicious, aren't you?

Yes, with good reason too.

This is someone who is very precious to me.

If you really are that person, I would be happy.

But if you are not that person,

there would be consequences for disappointing me.

What exactly might you do?

Who can say?

Do not think about that.

That will never occur with us in any case.

Since I shall prove to you that I was indeed

behind those letters.

Only we know the bird is our messenger.

That is a secret.

It is only me

and you, the prince,

who know the bird has a name.

[noble 2] What is the bird's name?

It is Queen.

That bird's noble feathers appealed to me,

so Rashta was the one who personally named it.

Queen.

The name is correct.

Queen.

[crowd cheering and clapping]

[Rashta] Where is Queen now?

[chuckles] I'm sure he's near you.

Queen!

Queen! Where are you?

Come out and see us!

[in singsong] Rashta is here!

-[laughs] -Come on out here!

Queen!

Where are you?

Come out and see me!

[scoffs softly]

I did not wish to offend. I had to confirm it was you.

You were seeking someone who's very dear to you.

It took much courage for Rashta, who is the Emperor's woman,

to seek you out while everyone is watching.

I've waited for this.

I wanted very much for us to meet.

[crowd clapping and cheering]

That sly fox. She has no shame, does she?

It's that Rashta again.

She's claiming that she's the one

who is exchanging secret letters with Prince Heinrey.

Oh goodness.

Your Majesty, only you can put this right.

You should expose her lies and humiliate her so thoroughly

that she won't be able to show her face again.

[door closes]

There's more to this.

The content of those letters was private and personal.

So how could Rashta know it?

[gasps]

My apologies.

I will bring the source to light

and punish the spy.

I shall restore discipline, my lady.

Ah! [giggling]

-[Cherini] This way! -Where are you?

-Where? -I'm here!

-[Rashta] Here? -[Cherini] Here, over here!

-Go on, yes! -[Rashta] Where are you?

[Cherini] Aw! He moved!

-[Kisia] Quick, she's coming for us! -Where are you? Here?

[Rashta grunts]

Oh! Oh.

Oh.

Are you hurt?

Your hand.

There! I beat you!

-[Rashta giggles] -Get up.

-[Kisia and Cherini clapping] -Here, I'll help you.

[laughs] I beat you!

I caught you.

[Heinrey and Rashta laughing]

[sighs frustratedly]

-[Kisia] Where are you going? -[Cherini] Come over here!

[Kisia] Come around it! Come this way!

-[Rashta laughing] -Careful!

[laughs mockingly, imitates Rashta] "I beat you."

-[Kisia] This way! -[Cherini] Here we are!

[Kisia] Go on, get her!

[sighs]

How's this?

[Kisia] You'd look so beautiful, as always.

-[door opens] -[Cherini] Ms. Rashta!

[chuckling]

Just look how many invitations people have sent you!

I think everyone is talking about you today.

They are all saying that there's no competition,

and there's no one as dazzling as you this New Year!

[squeals]

Our banquet needs a larger venue. Don't you think?

Absolutely.

More than 100 people will come.

Well, I must tell Lady Albani, then.

Throw these away.

They're just petty gatherings.

I'll be far too busy with all the important parties.

Of course. [gasps]

Ah.

Can you please tell us about Prince Heinrey?

-He seems lovely. -You two look so wonderful together.

-It's true! [chuckles] -Really?

Given what's happened…

I think you should take him as a lover.

Can the Emperor's lady make a conquest of her own?

More to the point, who would know?

[giggles]

[Cherini and Kisia giggling]

What should we do with the present that came with the invitation?

A present, you say?

-[Kisia] Ta-da! -[Cherini] It's a beautiful carpet!

[chuckles]

But where are the jewels?

It looks expensive.

And a real high-quality item for sure. [chuckles]

-You have it. -Mmm. Me?

I would say you deserve a reward for all your hard work with the letters.

Oh! [chuckles]

Thank you, Ms. Rashta, truly!

In return,

you must find out even more now.

I want to know everything that's written.

Also, bring any information on the Empress' life.

But stay discreet.

Kisia, the same goes for you.

Hear this.

Stay faithful to me.

I'll be even more generous if you stay loyal.

Yes, I will, Ms. Rashta.

[door opens]

[gasps] Majesty!

[giggling]

Mmm. I missed you so much.

-You have something to say? -[door closes]

You've been listening to the rumors, then? Have you?

[sighs]

I tried to tell you about it first, Your Majesty.

-[groans softly] -I did go to your palace yesterday.

And again this morning.

[scoffs]

Everyone in the palace prefers talking to Her Majesty the Empress.

Rashta was feeling lonely.

Nobody wants anything to do with Rashta.

I just wanted a friend.

It was nice even just by letter.

With a foreign royal?

But I would have preferred it much, much more

to spend time with you.

[scoffs]

Well, then,

did those blasted letters bring you some comfort

in your lonely palace life?

You're all I need.

My comfort is you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty is my sunshine

and my big joy…

and salvation.

-[clicks tongue] -Oh!

[chuckles softly]

Cute.

Cute as can be.

You're even more cute when you're sulking.

Cute when you're being jealous.

-The cutest man. -[both chuckle]

Rashta has one request.

I have heard there's another banquet arranged.

Rashta would like you to bring her, please.

Since this one is special,

and all the most important people will be there.

If you know all of that,

then you should also know that you're not allowed to attend.

If you take me,

I won't be forced to ask Prince Heinrey to take me instead.

[sucks teeth]

[exclaims] Aw!

Please take me with you. Mm.

They are calling it "The rediscovery of Ms. Rashta."

Her commoner-like cheerfulness.

And, of course, the praise for her looks goes without saying!

What else did they say?

"She's as innocent as a baby and a total angel."

Ha! What a joke.

[exhales]

So, why on earth are you letting her fool you?

What is it?

Why are you doing this?

Her blatant lies haven't pushed you over the edge?

It's party to party with her on your arm.

Why are you escorting her around and raising her value like that?

-Her happiness, that's why. -What?

I'll indulge her and let her prance around to her heart's content.

Then my next move, when she is perfectly at ease…

You are such a sly, devious person.

Are you aware of that?

I very clearly warned that woman.

Enough is enough.

I told her if she lied, my anger would be severe.

She has to pay the price.

The price

for exploiting a prince to grow her status.

The price…

for daring to act the "Queen".

What is the order of entrance?

Grand Duke Kaufman of Luipt,

Princess Circe, Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom,

then Grand Prince Sirim of Bohemia.

The Grand Duke will be in blue-green,

Prince Heinrey will be dressed in white,

and Emperor Sovieshu in black.

Shall we prepare black for you as well, to match His Majesty?

Could I select something for you to wear?

Simple and elegant.

[♪ light music playing]

[guard] Her Majesty the Empress, Navier Ellie Trovi, is entering.

[Rashta] The bird was just so lovely, and that's why I named it Queen.

-[Heinrey] Really? -[both chuckling]

Sist…

Ah.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, you've come at last.

[sighs frustratedly] "Sister"?

Uh…

You know what I really think?

She's far too old to be my big sister.

[both laughing]

It's an honor to be seated next to you, Your Majesty.

Were you surprised?

Actually, I'm impressed.

I had thought I would be the most stylish…

and then I saw you, Princess Circe.

I'm afraid Grand Duke Kaufman won't even meet my eyes

because of what I'm wearing.

In Luipt, it is considered extremely rude for a lady to wear trousers.

It's seen to be an act of great disrespect.

I wear trousers when hunting.

They're comfortable.

Customs vary between kingdoms.

[Rashta] What on earth is wisteria?

-[snorts] -[both laughing]

In my country, if a man's lover ever approached his wife,

she would be executed immediately.

[chuckles softly]

[chuckles]

[footsteps approaching]

Ms. Rashta's new necklace is perfectly beautiful.

I heard it was a gift from you, Your Majesty.

Really?

Yes. Ms. Rashta told us so.

That you sent it as a gift to mark her entering the palace.

That Your Majesty cares for and cherishes her like family.

She's mistaken.

I did not send her anything.

-Ms. Rashta is confused. -Ah…

This is surely a misunderstanding.

[Heinrey] Are you sure you are my pen pal?

-I hope you are not lying to me. -Yes, a misunderstanding.

[Rashta] What do you mean, lying?

Prince Heinrey, why such rudeness?

I don't believe I'm rude.

It is Rashta who has been rude.

I told you to be careful with your words.

Your mistress should be equally careful with hers.

Mistress?

[both] Mistress?

Rashta did plainly tell you she was a little lost.

Might she not have just forgotten a trivial letter?

Heinrey explained it to her plainly.

One could forget a letter's contents,

but one cannot forget the very town they were born in.

[dinging]

Everyone!

Ms. Rashta claimed she was the one who exchanged letters with me,

and I believed it was true.

After all, a woman who is loved by His Majesty

surely possesses a character worthy of that love.

I believed she was trustworthy.

Today, I wanted to speak to her about their contents,

so we discussed them.

And my letters were not written by her.

A fake.

That's enough now.

Stop, Prince Heinrey.

Ah…

I would have settled this quietly.

Your Majesty chose not to keep it private.

Is it not considered chivalrous to defend your woman,

more so when she's defenseless?

If the chivalry of the Western Kingdom

means treating a young woman so harshly over some letters

that don't even matter…

I wouldn't say any more on this.

I, too, want to defend a young lady who has been unfairly misused.

Although, of course, the one being impersonated may not be a woman,

I might even be a man.

How can you be so cruel? Rashta has never been a fake.

What would be the reason for me to lie?

It's Heinrey who won't leave it alone.

He's trying to twist things so I look like a liar.

Well, I think I've worked out why you're doing this.

I think it's…

because Rashta's not a highborn lady.

Not refined, like you wanted.

So you're deliberately distancing yourself. [sobs]

Was the friendship that you showed Rashta until this point all a lie?

Is that true?

[exhales]

Ms. Rashta…

out of the countless people I have come across,

you're by far the most brazen.

I ask you, for the sake of our friendship,

don't say such things, please.

They hurt Rashta! [sobbing loudly]

[Rashta continues sobbing]

I planned to remain silent.

Misunderstandings have arisen.

So I believe I must set them right.

Your Majesty…

I happen to know who wrote Prince Heinrey those letters.

I know with whom he corresponds.

Rashta is not that person.

[sighs heavily]

None of this is your concern.

Just because you dislike Rashta,

you don't need to support the prince or become involved.

The truth must always be respected.

[Heinrey] It seems that Ms. Rashta can only speak the truth

according to His Majesty the Emperor.

[♪ tense music playing]

It must be maddening, Your Majesty.

What a pity.

[♪ music intensifies]

[chair thuds loudly]

[♪ music fades]

You've pushed this too far.

[♪ suspenseful music playing]

[grunts softly]

So, Heinrey…

for tainting my lady's reputation…

I challenge you to a duel.

[both] A duel?

[door opens]

Ma… Majesty!

Get out! Get out, quickly! Move it! Get out of here!

Shoo! Get out, now!

I said get out!

[exhales]

If I did manage to kill you,

would I get out of here alive?

[clinks]

[♪ suspenseful music continues playing]

If I would walk free, then I accept.

Too much talk.

[both grunting]

[groans]

Oh no!

[grunting]

[objects clattering]

[chuckles softly]

[both grunting]

-[swords clashing] -[Heinrey and Sovieshu grunting]

[grunting]

[straining]

[grunts fiercely]

[swords clashing]

[grunting]

[Heinrey groans]

[Heinrey and Sovieshu grunting]

[grunting]

[♪ dramatic music playing]

You're just like children.

It's absurd!

Do you think this behavior is justified?

[exhales]

A duel?

Oh, how foolish you must be.

If either of you were to be killed,

a great war would begin.

Imagine… the pain and suffering it would cause.

Thousands of your subjects' lives

hang in the balance between men and their swordplay.

Is your pride worth so much?

Please do not forget yourself.

I know your correspondent would not approve.

For the sake of that friendship…

stop this.

It has been a memorable evening.

[chuckles softly]

I hope there's time tomorrow for us to speak again.

So do I. I'll find a good time for us to meet.

The most joyous aspect of this year,

aside from the celebrations,

is finding you, Princess.

I agree. It looks as though we think alike.

Here's to friendship, then.

[Rashta] Do come back and have fun with Rashta again tomorrow.

I will just wait here so I can return with His Majesty.

Rashta.

Yes?

Why have you fabricated stories

claiming that I sent gifts to you?

What is your motivation?

They're not fabricated.

You know that it's true.

Did you really think that I would play along with this?

Rashta didn't lie about the necklace, though.

Perhaps you have forgotten, you sent it to me as a welcome present

for becoming mistress.

[Sovieshu] What's all this?

[Rashta] Your Majesty.

I'm only asking about the rumors I've heard.

In this instance, a pearl necklace that was not a gift from me.

Did you ask Rashta personally?

Who else should I ask, Your Majesty?

It would be easier to merely let it pass.

No, I'm not willing to let it pass.

My name is being misused.

Majesty, it wasn't me.

I… I didn't lie.

Do not question Rashta further.

It is my doing.

I was the one who sent the gift to Rashta in your name.

Your Majesty… you sent it?

[Navier] If this really is your doing,

may I ask Your Majesty's intentions then?

Even if you are an emperor,

you must not use another person's name falsely as you please.

Is that not so?

Your Majesty?

Do you really have to ask these questions now?

Yes.

I must hold you to account

because you have confessed.

I'd like you to apologize now.

You'd like what?

I have been used quite unjustly.

Is that so hard?

[scoffs]

I apologize, then.

What you said made Rashta start spreading rumors.

Your Majesty is accountable too.

You should correct this false information.

Are you serious?

Are you worried that it could hurt your dignity?

No matter the damage you've caused to me.

If a necklace of pearls leaves your dignity damaged,

then it must be as brittle as a foundation of ice.

That could be.

Even if that is so, it does not acquit you,

because correcting this should be just as trivial.

I'm asking you. Please do this with no more delay.

This was something you should have done, Navier.

Is making a gesture with your name so distasteful?

-Yes. -[gasps softly]

How very narrow-minded.

You have changed.

Now you have heard my case.

Give me my due respect…

Sovieshu.

[chuckles]

Majesty, I'm all right, so there's nothing to worry about now.

Let's go.

I'm feeling tired.

You go on your own.

[footsteps receding]

[whistles]

[Heinrey] Hmm?

Let's go.

What has just happened?

It sounded like a real ruckus in there earlier.

You didn't cause any trouble, did you, Your Highness?

No, not me. Sovieshu.

-Sovieshu? -Sovieshu.

-Sovieshu. -Tsk, tsk, tsk.

[breathes deeply]

Ah!

[Albani] I was so busy preparing for your party

that I was unable to visit the palace this week.

Good heavens!

So you went and caused trouble?

Why on earth did you do it?

[groans] But it was for my party.

I was scared no one would come and it would all be ruined.

[gasps]

If it hadn't been for that Prince Heinrey…

Should we still hold our event?

Cancel it.

Donate the food and gifts we bought for it in Rashta's name

to the new home for orphans.

And Ms. Rashta,

the party's over for you this time.

Banquets, outings, and games are all paused.

You will stay in seclusion!

Oh no!

Not that!

[Albani groans frustratedly]

If anyone here is allowed to be upset, it should be me and not you, girl!

[grunts frustratedly]

You will not survive in high society if you're known for lying to people.

Luckily for you,

I will start the hard work needed to renew your image,

with the aid of our allies.

Meanwhile, hold onto His Majesty's heart…

since it must not slip away.

Do you know who the most fickle person here is

in this kingdom?

It's Sovieshu.

That family's been fickle for generations.

Their bloodline is all the same.

Changeable as a weathervane blown about by the breeze.

And insatiable too.

All those heads…

parted so easily from their bodies under the old king.

So many died.

But why were they killed?

Were they guilty?

Listen to me.

Just one person can save you from all this.

I'm that person.

RASHTA ISHKA BOTULIN BANQUET NOTICE

CANCELLED

[chattering indistinctly]

RASHTA ISHKA BOTULIN

TREASURE HUNT EVENT

FIND THE WAY AND CLAIM THE TREASURE!

Maid Annie was the perpetrator, Your Majesty.

A pity.

I expect she gave in because of her father's debts.

You already suspected?

[Annie] At the start,

I only shared it because it was an amusing story.

But when they gave me money for it…

that's when I started to think

that what I had done was bad.

[sobbing]

[coins jingle]

[Eliza] Her Majesty is giving you this for you to move away.

You cannot be here.

Hide from your father.

Take your son and live quietly.

[Annie sobbing]

[Sirim] The treasure lies where fire and water meet,

and there stands a lighthouse.

Find and bring back the two eyes

that shine upon the world from that lighthouse.

[♪ majestic orchestral music playing]

[Lady Sirim] Those of you who picked the same animal,

please pair up together.

[chattering indistinctly]

[Laura gasps] It's a dragon.

Uh, who's got a dragon?

Dragon over here!

-Who could it be? -[Verdi] Maybe no one else has one.

I heard you have the dragon?

You too?

[both laugh softly]

[Sirim] If everyone has found their partner,

I declare the treasure hunt…

[both] Open!

[horn blowing]

I think Circe's a wonderful person.

I'm afraid she has a difficult journey ahead.

She will be inheriting her country's throne.

Your Majesty, you know everything that's going on in the world.

Shall we gallop as well?

Hyah!

[♪ pleasant music playing]

My scarf blew off in the wind.

Use this to secure it.

It's one of Queen's feathers.

It has so many uses.

It works for sewing too.

But also as a weapon.

And a quill for letters.

When you heard I was writing to you,

I hope you weren't disappointed.

I was overjoyed.

Your Majesty, I'm so glad it was you.

I really mean it.

How did you know…

How did you know I was the one?

Now we shall be friends outside of the letters.

So please, do not be a stranger, since I… [clicks tongue]

…found you at last.

[softly] Hmm.

You speak of friendship outside the letters.

That would not be easy.

I fear troublesome eyes would soon follow.

It's a secret between us two.

For how long have you known…

that I was the one writing to you?

[Heinrey] Hmm…

From when I first met you.

From that moment?

You mean when I welcomed you?

For that long?

When I spotted your smiling face…

I just knew it.

[Heinrey] Were you hungry?

Was that nice?

[shushing playfully]

It's all right.

[♪ gentle music playing]

[chuckles softly]

[Navier] Come to think of it, Prince Heinrey…

He has eyes as purple as yours.

I'm already enamored by it.

[♪ music continues playing]

[♪ music fades]

If you don't stop looking at me,

I think my heart will burst.

Uh…

[chuckles softly]

[chuckles]

You know, you resemble Queen.

[chuckles] He is handsome. It's only natural.

He's so intelligent.

Very perceptive too.

It's like we've always known each other.

He truly understands…

almost as though we're one.

I never knew a bird could have all those expressions.

It sounds as though you might be falling for him.

If we were the same species…

Hmm, we would be quite good together.

Ah, tell me…

Whenever I stroke his derriere,

he wiggles and he lifts his bottom up like this.

That must have some meaning?

Ah…

[inhales sharply] Mmm…

It means "thank you," I'm certain.

He's, uh, expressing his gratitude to you.

Ah, is that so?

I must do it as often as I can.

[laughing]

We're nearly there, I believe.

Will the treasure be here?

Maybe at the end of this path?

[♪ pleasant music playing]

[gasps softly]

You said you wished to fly the skies.

You once wrote that you wanted to soar through the clouds like a bird.

Now you can fly just like the bird you're in love with.

And this was the true reason that I had to find you.

I'll show you the world as Queen perceives it.

Are you ready?

-[♪ captivating music playing] -[McKenna grunting]

-Hello. -[McKenna] Now?

[whispering] Ready. Do it now. The sky.

[sighs]

Welcome aboard.

We are about to leave.

Please mind the raised edge.

And you, Your Highness,

you mind yourself as well.

[huffing]

Let's give it a go, huh? Let's do it.

So long, then.

Yes, yes, yes. Ah, hold on!

Wait there!

Wait! [straining]

-Your picnic! Your lunch! -No, it's fine.

Don't you want… [grunting]

[straining]

Go on, go on. Now.

[chuckles softly]

[grunts angrily]

[bird chirping]

[♪ music swells]

May I look yet?

Just wait another minute.

-[basket creaks] -[exclaims]

[laughs softly]

Now, when your eyes open,

all those matters which are tormenting you

will feel utterly trivial and insignificant.

Would you like to look?

Yes.

[♪ music stops]

[♪ enthralling music playing]

[gasps in awe]

What do you think?

You may shout if you want to.

Nobody can hear you up here.

[exhales]

[shouting]

[laughing]

Now louder.

[shouting loudly]

[laughing]

You should know…

your messages brought such comfort.

I was so thrilled that it was you.

I'm so grateful.

[♪ lively music playing]

[Marquess Lante] The closing declaration of the New Year's Ceremony

will now be made.

Thank you for allowing me this honor.

I'm proud to speak.

How marvelous our festivities were.

What did you enjoy the most this year?

[noble] I liked Her Majesty Empress Navier the most!

-[guests chuckling] -How very kind.

[cheering and whooping]

And what did I enjoy the most about the ceremony this New Year?

The smiles and happy faces I saw everywhere.

We were once enemies.

But today,

we are holding one another's hands, and we are joyous.

We danced together and sang together as well.

Did we not?

[all] Hear, hear.

The war has ended, but…

its aftereffects linger over our people.

So the time has come for us to take up a new sacred fight.

To feed the hungry,

to clothe the poor and in need,

and to teach our children to do better.

I have faith in us.

And I need you to remember this.

That when we sheath our weapons, we are empowered.

Our hands become free to reach out and help others.

Let's make that our pledge…

together.

And may that light shine on.

I declare, my dear friends…

the ceremony closed.

THE REMARRIED EMPRESS

[♪ closing theme music playing]