Original subtitles

You will be assigned to the Guard Corps.

Before that, the victor may claim one more reward.

We may grant any request within the laws of Koryo.

What is your request?

Speak!

Gold? Silver? Or silk perhaps?

You were ordered to speak.

Sir.

I have only one request.

This slave's request…

This slave's wish…

Send the Guard Corps slave Wola to stay in Heungwang Temple with Abbot Subop.

Send the slave Wola to Abbot Subop.

Her name is Wola.

What are you asking me?

What is your request?

He asked you a question. What is your request?

Say it again.

Send the slave Wola from Chungyong to Abbot Subop in Heungwang Temple.

Who is this Wola?

We were taken together at Chungyong Temple.

- Is he serious? - Now there's a man! That's a man!

And that's your wish? To transfer a slave?

How extraordinary!

It's absurd.

He lived, he killed, all for a girl, is that it?

Why not? “That's all I want,” he says.

Well, then.

A slave's a slave, it's of no consequence.

Granted. Dismissed.

Thank you… Thank you.

Hear me. Today is a day of joy.

Disperse and let the festivities begin.

All honor to the Emperor.

Abbot, Musang had Wola sent to you, just as we thought.

His request was granted.

All's well that ends well.

Wola will be under your protection again.

And Musang's future is assured.

He's still a slave, but one with rank.

I hear it's not so bad.

Not so bad.

Can Wola and I have a nice, comfortable life…

knowing what he did for us?

He's given up.

I knew it when he first entered the arena.

So, what will you two do now?

What can we do?

Wander a bit, see the world.

I see.

The capital is a mess.

Buddha is found in the simple things.

Let's drink to it.

I'm glad to have Wola…

but I have mixed emotions.

[Heungwang Temple]

The Tripitaka Koryo contains all the teachings of Buddha.

The complete canon is housed here.

Yes, Head Abbot.

It's a shame everyone can't read it yet.

As the Overlord said, Buddhism in Koryo…

is too centered on the nobles, on the Royal House.

Which is why the common people haven't had the chance…

to learn the deeper meanings of the scriptures.

Quite so, Venerable.

But the task is so huge, so vast…

it gives me the sweats.

Which is why reverence comes first.

If you fail to devote yourself completely to Buddha…

you can't communicate the vastness of his words.

Yes, Venerable.

Each day I bathe at dawn and say my prayers prior to working here.

Quite so, quite so.

It may well be that your service in preparing this…

You will be rewarded in the next life.

A toast.

A toast.

It's a shame about the tournament.

The Blue was winning, but once our weakness was exposed…

Well, we collapsed.

Not unlike war, in a way.

History shows that once a weakness is exposed,

the ranks fail, then the garrison…

and ultimately the country.

Well said, Sire.

Sire, a drink with you.

We hope you'll visit the Guard Corps as you once did.

You and your ministers, Sire.

Ah, well, since you put it that way, of course.

Lord Choe is quite right.

Frequent visits from the King is good for the court and the whole country.

The Overlord as Prime Minister has always served the Royal House.

Yes, I know.

How could I not?

Would I be alive today if not for Prime Minister Choe?

Oh, yes, and not just me.

All the emperors of Koryo owe the Guard Corps.

Without them, there would be no imperial line.

Oh, yes.

Just so, Sire.

In truth, without the Overlord…

how could the Royal House have survived in these troubled times?

Am I right?

I won't hear any more.

I won't stand for that kind of talk.

This is a first, even for a lowly soldier like me.

All that is just and good comes from the Royal House.

How dare you blather like an old fool?

Oh, listen to you!

The Emperor is here.

You're the one that's blathering.

Talking like that here of all places.

Now, now, what is all this?

Don't fight on my account.

The general is right.

Why dispute it?

Enough, enough.

You're Yi Jangyong, aren't you?

You have a point.

We must all serve the Royal House.

True, true.

Enough already. It's just not so.

I'll say it again.

The Royal House wouldn't last a day without the Guard Corps.

I ask you, what good is a king anyway?

Koryo has been effectively run for some 50 years,

the last 20 under Choe Chungheong.

All thanks to the Guard Corps.

Sire, pardon my impertinence.

There is only one sun in the sky.

And only one true ruler of Koryo.

It's just not so.

Whew… I've had too much. It's gone to my head.

Listen, Lord Choe.

Yes, Sire.

I've had too much to drink.

It's time I retired.

Time to go.

You men. Escort His Majesty.

And you, see he reaches the palace safely.

Yes, sir. I will see to it personally.

Yes. See to it.

General Choe, escort His Majesty.

Yes, sir.

Goodnight and sleep well, Sire.

Goodnight and sleep well, Sire.

I'd just as soon go to the Guard Corps.

Who says I have to be stuck in that drafty old palace?

It's more like a prison.

I can't leave when I want, can't do what I want.

But here… here it smells of life.

Just so, Sire.

I'm forever grateful to the Guard Corps.

Oh yes, grateful. So much so it makes me cry.

Let them know I said that.

Sire, not at all.

The Koryo Empire is yours.

What else is there to say?

If you want the Guard Corps gone, disband it.

If you are displeased with someone, banish him.

Troublemaker…

What kind of talk is that?

Why would I disband or banish anyone?

Listen to you… Troublemaker.

Right, General Kim?

Oh, General. Where is your brother, Kim Yokson?

Sire, he serves the Overlord in Anheung.

Ah, right, right.

I used to see him now and then.

From what I saw, he seems a good man, a noble man.

Tell him to come have a drink with me.

Ask him to the Imperial Palace.

Yes, Sire, I'll tell him.

Thank you.

“Imperial Palace.”

That's a good one.

Kojong, one of the king's posthumous titles.

As a child he was known as Jin, or perhaps Jil.

His father was Ganjong, who reigned just two years.

Like his predecessors, he had no real power, held in the grip of the Choe clan.

To keep his throne, Kojong had no choice but to follow his father's example.

For over forty years, Kojong ruled a nation beset by wars and civil unrest.

His adversities continued...

even after he was forced to move the capital to Ganghwa.

His tomb rests there to this day.

Now, now, now. We've had our awkward moment.

Let's talk about the tournament.

That slave. Kim Jun, I think his name is?

Ah, so I'm told.

He didn't help the Blue, but I have to say he was something.

If not for Songi, he'd have been beheaded…

and be fighting in Valhalla by now.

Listen, I'm glad to hear you say that.

We found a man of talent to fight for Koryo, wouldn't you say?

Yes, I would.

Perfect for your private little army, wouldn't you say?

“Private?” That's one way to put it.

But my personal forces belong to Koryo.

Yes, that's another way to put it.

Anyway, you wiped the arena with the Blue today.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

A drink.

Well? Go on, drink.

More singing.

Bring out the dancers!

Choe U.

What is it?

Remember, back in the day.

The pine grove behind my house. It was quite peaceful.

I remember.

You haven't seen it for a while, things being how they are with us.

I built a little cottage in the grove. I'm thinking of setting a plaque.

You should. What will you name it?

I was hoping you would. Come by for some wine-basted cones.

Sounds good.

I could hardly refuse such a generous invitation.

Considering its location, we might name it, “Loyalty Grove.”

It's been a while.

Our relationship has been strained far too long.

All right. We'll do it.

Good, Chae U.

Oh, and bring that slave, Kim Jun, with you.

He's the reason we lost, but still, I'd like to have a drink with him.

With a slave?

All right. Why not? Tomorrow night then.

Perfect. I'll be waiting for you.

[Anheungni - The Overlord's Residence]

Overlord.

You're here already?

Because I must.

I can't stand being away from you even for a second.

I came as soon as the games ended.

Oh? Who won?

Ah, well… It would seem the Blue gave the Red a victory.

Oh? The Red is my eldest's team.

Just so. Choe U's team.

It was incredible.

Remember that slave on the day you attended?

He was the last man standing. All the Blues went down.

Amazing.

Only the second time in the games' history.

Just one man left standing, that is.

Oh?

How interesting.

Quite a shock for Choe Hyang, huh?

I suppose.

Right, Yakson?

Your move.

You take too long. It's boring.

Go on.

Sir, I've already moved.

The chariot, sir.

Oh?

My eyes aren't what they used to be.

I guess that's why I banished old Yi Kyubo, huh, Dokmyong?

Choe U must be ecstatic.

Winning the tournament and all.

He must be celebrating.

Yes, sir. The King is there as well.

Oh?

My move.

Cannons front, cannons front…

I think I'm done here.

There won't be another tournament for a year.

Well, then. Your wounds are deep, but not lethal.

- Now you. - Sir.

Barely a scratch. You'll keep.

Let's see the sword.

A fine blade. A gift from the King himself.

Any warrior would be proud to have it.

But only two of us have them. Me and you.

How's that?

A Sword of Honor is ready for each tournament.

But only you and I have been the last man standing.

Only then does the King award his sword.

We'll have to have a bout.

You're good enough.

I've yet to meet my equal.

Sometime soon, hm?

Thank you for lending me your horse, Commander.

You'll be a commander soon yourself.

That's one of your rewards.

So, now I know about this Kim Jun.

He certainly made a name for himself.

But I wasn't the only one that was surprised.

Risking his life over and over for you.

You were together at the temple?

Yes, Your Grace.

I see. His one request was to send you away, so what can we do?

Lord Choe already gave his word.

We'll send you to Heungwang Temple. To be with Abbot Subop.

No, please, Your Grace. I don't want to. I can't.

Can't?

Yes, Your Grace. I can't.

Please let me stay.

I won't go. I can't.

Oh, dear.

Don't send me away. I can't go, please.

Um, Miss…

I'm listening.

Aren't you going to do anything?

About what?

That Kim Jun character.

He was out of line, any way you look at it.

Why?

Think about it.

He wanted to fight for you, he said so himself.

And what does he want for his one wish?

That's how he repays your kindness to him?

Yes, I see.

When he named his wish…

I was a little surprised.

After all I did for him.

And he didn't bat an eye.

So.

So that Kim Jun--

Enough.

The tournament is over.

And I helped him to win.

He won because of me.

Well? Shall I go see him?

By the way, I'm curious.

About your request.

Was it about Wola from the start?

I'm right, aren't I.

The man that hates the arena…

chooses it for a girl.

Not that it's a bad thing.

Most slaves choose something simple.

A house somewhere, to work where he wants.

Maybe even a wife.

I wanted a horse.

The steed you rode in the arena. That was my request.

You've seen to their wounds?

Yes, all tended, Miss.

Thanks to you, he had only the best medicine for the fight.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

Thank you.

Will you excuse us?

Miss.

- You, too. - Miss.

How are you? Nothing serious, I trust?

Yes, Miss. I'll survive.

I'm glad.

I see my talisman had its effect.

Thank you. I can never repay your kindness.

Kindness?

You dare mention kindness to me?

I thought you were a real man.

But a real man wouldn't lie about his true intentions.

Am I wrong?

Lie, Miss..?

Women…

We're different from men in one respect.

Once we give our trust, we're easy to fool.

We're blind and deaf to anything else.

You said you'd fight for me, to please me, didn't you?

Of course, Miss.

Lies!

It wasn't for me, it was for that Chungnyong Temple girl.

You fought for her.

Miss.

Despite that, I thought it was praiseworthy, how you took care of her.

But then it hit me.

From the start, you entered the games for her.

That's why you needed my help.

Am I wrong?

Miss.

In other words, she was your goal.

And I was just a means to an end.

No answer?

Is it true…or not?

Nothing to say, Kim Jun?

Too dumbfounded to speak?

Miss…

You have every right to be upset.

It's true, I chose the arena for Wola.

She grew up in the mountains.

Without a thought of slavery or servitude.

So I wanted to send her away. That's all.

Yes, you would say that, being a man.

You must be very happy.

But I'm not, not at all.

You had me running around like a fool.

Am I wrong?

It's not true.

You saved me.

You helped this worthless slave in the games and saved me.

I'll never forget your kindness.

Silence. You're just making more excuses.

They treated me like a beast. How can I forget that you treated me like a man?

Part of me fought for Wola. Part of me risked my life for you,

...the woman that saved me.

That's the truth.

Part of you fought for her.

And part of you fought for me?

Yes. I see you mean it.

I'm glad I rate at least half.

If that's what you say, I'll trust you.

Thank you, Miss.

You are like brother and sister, after all.

I suppose I can't help but understand.

Actually, I didn't come here to fuss at you.

I wanted to tell you how pleased I am that things went your way.

Thank you again.

I'll never forget your kindness to me.

Now you'll be in the Guard Corps.

Slave or not, your future is assured.

You'll never be treated like a beast again.

I chose my property well. I'm pleased with that much.

Let's talk again sometime.

- Chunsim. - Yes, Miss.

Miss.

Yes?

I'm not worthy of this.

Thank you again for your great kindness.

Please, take it.

Did you think you had to return it?

Unworthy? Fate and a man's deeds decide that.

Your fate is set now. And it's far from me.

Keep it. My gift to you.

- Miss. - It's too valuable…

My mother would be furious, but there it is.

You've seen how effective it is.

Guard it with your life. It's very precious.

Miss.

- Let's go. - Miss.

Thank you. Thank you.

I knew it.

Knew what?

Kim Jun. I knew he wouldn't have some lame excuse.

Wola is a lucky girl.

Having a brother who risks his life for others.

But, Your Grace, what are you saying?

Wola doesn't want to go to Heungwang Temple?

So she said.

She rejected it out of hand.

From what I can tell, they're very close.

Not as siblings. As a man and a woman.

Is that so?

Yes. Think about it.

Kim Jun risked his life to send her to a safe place.

And she refuses to go.

Isn't it obvious?

Wola can't stand to be parted from him.

What will you do?

I'll have to take care of things.

They should be together.

Perhaps a change of residence.

Assigning her to another household?

She's not of age just yet.

The tournament winners live together.

Why not, after all?

See to the preparations.

Yes, I will, Your Grace.

Wola, I've been watching you.

You've gotten prettier since you came here.

Wola, what do you say to you and me?

I have to take this medicine in.

Now, now, you know how long I've been looking out for you?

Come on, you and me. I'm not playing.

The first time I saw you, I knew.

Please don't. I need to go.

I'm serious. Just for a bit. We can talk and...

What's going on here?

I told you to be careful.

I'm sorry.

I mean it, Wola. Someday you'll see.

Watch out for him.

Go get some more medicine.

Yes, ma'am.

Manjong, what are you doing here?

You're asking for it, you know that.

Manjun, I know I've had my share chasing skirts, but not this time.

I want Wola for my wife.

You what?

Our mother's a commoner anyway.

Everyone points at us. “Look, the courtesan's brats.”

Why shouldn't I marry Wola?

Let's go.

She's going to Heungwang Temple.

Forget it. Let's go.

We can't let Father find out.

I don't understand.

Why walk into such a dangerous situation?

He's right.

Going to Choe Hyang's grounds is like fanning a flame.

At least take an escort.

It must be a trap.

He's hated you for years. You can't go.

My brother's home is a dangerous place.

And knowing that, you agreed to go?

It's irrelevant. There's much we need to discuss.

Isn't that so, Pak Songbi?

But, my lord, the time for that has passed.

Not yet.

He wants to have his final say, that much I know.

So I'm going.

I have a few words for him, as well.

But you're in no position to do that now.

You have to move carefully.

They control the military and the court.

I know.

That's why we need to remind them I'm still here.

If I don't accept, I'll be laughed at as a coward.

But what others think doesn't matter. The real issue is the danger.

They've been waiting for their chance.

It's dangerous. Perfect for an ambush.

I know. Choe Hyang…

If I decline, he'll be that much worse.

I have to show him I'm no coward.

I'll be that much better off in the next life.

He laid his plans carefully.

He invites his brother, the head of the Royal Secretariat, to visit.

I can't help but play into his hands.

This fight will go to the man that doesn't lose his nerve.

My father still trusts me.

He named me as the next General of the Guard Corps.

Never forget.

I'm the general, I'm the heir.

Yes, sir.

I'll be dining with my brother.

Inform Kim Jun he's coming with me.

Yes, sir.

My medicine is so much trouble.

Not at all, Your Grace.

Have you seen your brother?

Not yet.

The tournament only just ended.

There hasn't been time.

Of course.

You can go.

Go see about Kim Jun. I can see you're curious.

Really your Grace?

Off with you.

Well? Off you go.

Yes, ma'am.

Is it all right?

You heard Her Grace.

Scoot. Take a little break.

Yes, ma'am.

Your Grace…

Oh, yes. She's a lovely girl.

Wola. Is it really you?

Hello, Kannan. You're just getting in?

Yes, from the market.

Were you with Her Grace?

Yes.

Oh, look at you.

To think she was living with us.

All grown up and look how she's bloomed.

And the clothes.

Absolutely gorgeous.

Well? How is it here?

Is Her Grace good to you?

Lucky girl. So lucky.

You're so right. Talk about lucky.

Put in a good word for us with the Head Lady.

You saw for yourself, no one runs the kitchen like me.

Right?

Of course.

Come see me when you can.

You know I miss you something fierce, huh?

I know, Kannan. I'll come by.

- Well… - Oh, right.

- Go on. - Goodbye.

She's changed so much.

But look at where she is. A million miles from the kitchens.

Her Grace is here and, well, the Head Lady, too.

I may be Head Lady myself one day.

Right, Kannan?

We should go. Enough dreaming.

What? Dreaming? You think I'm dreaming?

What dream exactly?

Hey, Kannan, what, then? You think I'm being foolish, is that it?

You little, you want a beating?

Oh, look, it's the Head Lady!

Uh-oh..!

Oh, no..!

Here you will get your uniforms.

And your rank in the guards.

Each year after the games the new men are inducted.

Explain.

Kim Jun, as of today you are a commander in the guards.

We report to General Yi Kongju here.

Kim Jun, you no longer need to address me as your senior.

We hold the same position and are close in age.

Now we're brothers in arms.

Thanks for that.

And for everything.

Forget it.

But you two, you've got to know your place.

Without order, the chain of command collapses.

Understood?

Yes, Commander.

Explain the Guard Corps to them.

Yes, sir.

Kim Jun.

The Guard Corps serves Lord Choe U.

500 in all.

200 of which are former slaves.

Only one thing is required of you. Unconditional loyalty.

Our lord is the state, our lord is Koryo.

The state and the nation.

Ah, Wola.

You're here for Kim Jun.

Yes.

Move out.

You go over there.

Yes, sir. I'll just go over there.

- Here. - Thank you.

What is it?

Her Grace gave me a little time.

So here I am.

I'm glad.

Is something going on?

Tomorrow is our induction.

After the tournament, we join the ranks.

I see.

And you have to get ready to go to the temple.

You should. You've always lived in temples, after all.

Why don't you answer?

The abbot will be waiting.

This is a blessing from Buddha.

I kept praying in the games.

Praying for you to return to the abbot.

I can't believe you.

You want me gone so bad?

What are you saying? Gone?

Wola, it wasn't easy to get this for you.

You know how hard it was?

I already told you.

I won't go without you.

You think I could be happy, leaving you here?

You think so little of me?

So frustrating.

You're really something.

Wola, this place…

The people here aren't human.

You know what it's like.

It's like they're born evil.

I don't know anything.

Only that I want to be with you. I don't want anything else.

Wola.

I know how hard this is for you.

You have to go. Go and live like a human.

Listen to me, please.

I can't go. I won't go.

It's not hard, not if I'm with you.

Don't you see? I'm not going.

I don't want to send you away.

I don't want to be without you, but--

Musang.

But you have to go.

To live. Do you see? So you can live.

You can't stay here.

I won't do it.

I'll obey you in all things.

But not that. Never that.

You can't be here alone. You can't.

Wola.

Wola…

Good.

My lord, I know he promised at the tournament feast…

but will Choe U really come?

Good question.

My brother keeps his word.

If he does come,

...isn't this our chance?

Why wait any longer?

We can end this.

Lord, Kim Dongmyong.

The Head of the Royal Secretariat is on his way here with his guards.

What? Choe U is really coming?

Oh, yes. I sent men ahead to keep me informed.

Choe U and his entourage are almost here.

We didn't see this coming.

I expected him to come up with some excuse.

And here he marches in like a fool.

How's that?

Walking in without a trace of fear.

He's either a fool,

...or a very brave man.

Then this is the end?

Exactly. The perfect opportunity.

I agree.

Once and for all.

We must. We'll never have a better chance.

In fact, I've already set an ambush.

Well done. Very well done.

Tonight our troubles will be over. Don't you agree, my lord?

Stay on your guard. Protect our lord.

- Sir. - Form ranks.

- Form ranks. - Sir.

Why so nervous? Slowly, slowly.

I'm just going for a drink, don't get excited.

He's walking right into your hands. Now's the time.

We can end this, my lord.

Choe U's visit is a heaven-sent opportunity.

Kill him now. Then all our troubles will be over.

Well? Send word to the ambush.

Yes, sir.