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[Resemblance to any historical figures or incidents is fictitious.]
[Episode 17]
This is her lair! Search every nook and cranny!
- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!
Do not leave anything unsearched!
The criminal has not fulfilled her duties as the Chief Shamaness of Sungsuchung
and she used black magic to bring misfortune to the royal family.
She also orchestrated the murders committed by the Red Gentleman's Robe.
She's committed the crime of killing innocent citizens.
Did you want to live that badly?
You came at me so fearlessly that I thought you had a great hiding place...
but you've already been caught. How pitiful, really.
Say something. Why are you so silent?
Are you, perchance, reflecting on your wicked acts?
Yes, Your Highness. I am.
You are, eh? But the weight of your sins is too great.
I don't think that I'll be able to forgive you.
I'll burn you at the stake.
I'll burn you, who used black magic to put the royal family in danger and
used the Red Gentleman's Robe to wreak chaos, at the stake, for all to see!
I will reclaim the honor of the royal family, which you've thoroughly sullied.
Thank you for letting me die in such a spectacular way. Your Highness.
Do you think that Father will be okay?
I'm sure that he'd want you to only worry about yourself right now.
Yeon Hui.
There's not much time before Polaris disappears.
Big trouble, Yeon Hui!
Hong Joo is being sentenced to death by being burned at the stake.
Isn't it a good thing that she's been sentenced to death?
Hong Joo can't die.
When Yeon Hui lights all the candles and breaks the curse
the curse will return to Hong Joo, as she's the one who cast it.
She needs to be the one who has the curse when she dies
for Yeon Hui to truly escape the curse.
- You mustn't do this! - What are you doing?
Please, leave!
You must be crazy to barge in here like that.
Have you forgotten all proper decorum toward me?
I apologize, Your Highness! However, I have something to tell you!
What is it?
Please withdraw your sentence on Hong Joo. You mustn't kill her!
What? But she treated me with scorn, and schemed behind my back!
She deserves to have her head chopped off this very minute!
But you're asking me not to burn her at the stake?
Why are you asking me to do that?
If Hong Joo dies, the Princess...
We will no longer be able to break the curse on the Princess!
What do you mean by that?
You must only burn Hong Joo at the stake
when the Princess's curse has transferred over to her.
If there is no vessel for the curse when it leaves the Princess, she'll die!
So you're saying that I cannot kill her even though I've captured her?
How am I supposed to make her atone for her sins, then?
Your Highness, I'll make sure that Hong Joo pays for her sins.
I also cured your own cursed affliction for you, did I not?
I will definitely cure the Princess of her curse, as well.
But please, do not burn her at the stake just yet, Your Highness!
Child. Child.
The baby is in danger, child.
The baby will soon be in danger, child.
Are you all right?
What is it? Does it hurt anywhere?
Tell me. What's going on?
To tell you the truth, I don't have much time left.
What... do you mean by that?
The day when Polaris will disappear is drawing near.
There are only about ten days left.
But if I can't break the curse by then...
No. I can't lose you to a curse that you were born with because of me.
Please, allow me to be with Joon for the time that I have left.
I'll light the candles with him, and break the curse.
All right.
You must break the curse.
Joon.
Joon!
Wake up. Okay?
You're not going to wake up?
Joon! Joon!
You having fun?
Geez!
Hey, what kind of dream did you have that you were smiling so much?
What the hell? You should've woken me up!
You silly guy.
I tried to wake you, but you were just smiling like a fool.
What, are you disappointed that I'm not who you hoped I'd be?
Who were you hoping it'd be? Seo Ri?
- Hey. - All right. Yeon Hui, then?
Okay, then, Persimmon? No, no, I know. The Princess.
Sheesh!
I knew it. Well, hurry and get up. Let's get ready to go.
Go where?
Queen Shim is looking for you.
I'm quite thankful to you for all the things you've done for us.
Despite that, please forgive any biting remarks that I make.
Yeon Hui says that she wishes to be with you
but I do not want her to be by your side.
I apologize, Your Highness, but we still have work left to do.
Only I know the way for her to light all of the candles.
I will help the Princess break her curse.
What are you planning to do after she breaks her curse, then?
When the Princess lights all of the candles and breaks the curse
I'll assume that you'll leave the Princess's side then.
You refused me when I asked you to take that position.
Did you regret not taking up my offer before, or something?
Hong Joo may have lost her black magic powers, but she won't give up easily.
It's so that I can protect the royal family with what little power I have.
Are you really doing this for the sake of the royal family?
I agreed to allow you to be the leader of the Imperial Taoist Branch
because of our long friendship.
However, just promise me this one thing.
I know what Hong Joo's plans were
so you must stop her from attacking the royal family at all costs.
You must not betray me again.
What lovely news, Queen Park!
You're pregnant! There could not possibly be more joyous news than this!
Thank you, Dowager Queen.
I haven't been smiling much lately due to the things weighing on my mind
but I feel as if some good energy is entering the palace, thanks to this.
You are young, so you must be quite careful.
Yes, Your Highness.
Dowager Queen. The Princess is here.
- Send her in. - Yes, Your Highness.
We'll be going now.
Did something good happen?
The Queen is pregnant!
Really? That's great...
Child... child... the baby is in danger.
What's the matter?
Oh... it's nothing.
When the Princess lights all of the candles and breaks the curse...
I'll assume that you'll leave the Princess's side then.
The baby is in danger.
Princess.
- Hey, Persimmon! - Joon!
What are you thinking so deeply about?
It's nothing, really.
Wow, I feel like things have become happier around here.
Yeah. The king is cured of his ailment and the Queen is pregnant, too.
I guess that's helping to ease everyone's worries.
All we have to do now is light all of your candles.
Shall we start our search somewhere that's near here?
A wish?
For me, it'd be to become the richest person in Joseon, and play all day.
Yep, that'd be the life.
Sheesh. Are you serious?
Hey, I'm seriously going to hit you, Mister!
See, I told you that this was hopeless!
What? What's going on?
Never mind. Just enjoy your food and play all day.
Just go and do that for the rest of your life.
Sheesh.
Sir Monk. Do you not have any wishes?
- Me? - Yes.
- A wish? - Yes.
Well, mine is for everything to end well
and that everyone will be able to go back to their former lives happily.
There's nothing else I really want besides that.
Snort at me again, and I'll take that nose of yours right off!
All right, here's the Hanwoo grilled beef!
- Wow! - Thank you!
I'm the one who ordered it.
I'm feeling a bit weak as of late, and this is great to get your energy back up!
Hey, you have to pay, first!
Oh...
Wow!
Eat up, Miss!
Hanwoo grilled beef! Let's eat up!
Oh, look! Over there!
Thanks. I'll enjoy this.
Hey, why the hell are you eating this by yourself?
- I want a taste! - No!
- We should eat it together! - I'm the one who ordered it, though!
Wow, it's delicious.
Stop it, right now!
What brings you all the way here?
I'm sure you're not here because you missed seeing me.
What are you trying to do by using Father?
What could I possibly do, when I've lost my black magic and am caged up?
Father tried to harm the Queen.
You're the one who set him up to it!
How could I possibly have done that?
It seems that you wish to kill me. Go ahead and do that, then.
You're acting up because we can't kill you yet, aren't you?
One does not merely kill someone by stabbing them, or strangling them.
Just you watch.
I will break this curse and make you suffer a fate worse than death itself.
Go ahead and try.
We'll see who'll be the one to die with the curse in them.
On the day that the skies lost their light, and dark clouds rolled in
a cursed princess was born to the royal family.
A demon with tremendous power entered the Princess's body
and that's the reason there is a plague overtaking the land.
It's because of the princess that this country's misfortune sees no end
and so, a tragedy will soon occur because of her.
- Did you hear the rumors? - Huh?
There are flyers that have been posted all over town!
- Flyers? - What flyers?
It says that a plague is going around because the princess is cursed
And that Joseon is doomed because of the Princess!
I... actually saw her last night.
What happened?
The Princess's eyes changed color
and she sent someone flying without touching them--
What do you mean, a rumor?
They say that the cause of the plague that's tormenting our country
is the princess's curse!
This rumor is spreading quickly among the people!
What?
That's utter nonsense!
We mustn't allow the royal family's name to be sullied by believing such things!
Please, quell these rumors. You must put the hearts of the people at ease!
How can I quell these rumors?
I'm sorry, Your Highness, but the posters are everywhere
and the rumors have spread too much for us to be able to control it
so it'll be quite difficult to quell them.
As long as unfortunate plagues run rampant in this land
we will not be able to avoid having people point fingers at the Princess.
But all this is irrelevant to the Princess's curse!
This matter involves the royal family, as well!
So please, help us, King!
I've warned you about this since you brought the princess back here!
Just look. There hasn't been a quiet day here since she came!
And now, she's got us all embroiled in some malicious rumors.
All she is doing is bringing harm to the royal family!
- King! - Queen Dowager!
It's best to leave rumors alone until they quiet down on their own.
But if you still insist on trying to do something...
go ahead and try.
I won't stop you.
However, you'll have to take full responsibility for any repercussions.
What brings you all the way here?
I came to ask you a favor.
Go ahead, Your Highness.
I'd like it if you could make an offering
for the sake of ridding the plague on our land, for the princess.
So, you want me to make an offering to the gods of the mountains and rivers?
There are so many citizens dying due to the plague
and I fear that they will direct their misery toward the princess.
If you'd make this offering, as the head of the Imperial Taoist Branch
I was thinking of having the princess participate in it, as well.
I want to show the citizens a glimpse of the princess
praying for the well-being of this land.
Wouldn't this be the best way
to quell the negative sentiments toward the princess?
- However, I'm still-- - Please.
The only one who can protect the royal family and the princess right now is you.
I understand. I'll try doing so.
Thank you. I'll leave it to you, then.
Older Brother.
Are you all right?
I came because I thought you'd be depressed
with an ugly expression on your face
but you have an even uglier expression on your face than I'd imagined.
Do not worry. Your Older Brother will definitely protect you.
Older Brother! Are you all right?
Are you in a lot of pain?
Let me see your injury.
I'm fine.
You need treatment for those injuries. Please, show me your wounds.
Stop being so demanding.
It's getting better, bit by bit.
I'll definitely overcome this.
I regret doing this to you.
I never should've taken you out that day.
I'm sorry.
I told you I'd protect you, but I couldn't.
The happiest day of my life was when I left the shack
and saw the world for the first time, with you.
I was overtaken by terrible emotions, and almost ended up killing you.
I knew that one couldn't win someone's feelings over with magic
but I tried to, regardless of that.
Hurry and break the curse, and show me how foolish I was being.
Then I'm sure I'll be able to let go of you some day.
Older Brother. I...
Don't tell me to let go of you immediately.
I've loved you for as long as I can remember.
So, if I have to let go of you, grant me that much time, at the very least.
Are you feeling all right?
Did you come to watch over me, in case I became evil again?
What will you do when Yeon Hui breaks the curse?
Will you continue to stay by her side?
If... if you're really planning to stay by her side
both you and Yeon Hui will get hurt.
Sir. I pray that you will recover soon.
I will be doing a special sacrificial offering with Yeon Hui tomorrow.
I'm sure that she'll be nervous and scared by herself
so please, stay by her side.
Everything is finished now.
Did you think I'd crumble just because I lost my black magic?
If people weren't such disgusting beings, black magic wouldn't even work.
It's just that nobody wants to acknowledge their own faults
so they blame black magic.
I wonder what they'll blame now that they can't blame black magic anymore?
Just take a look, with your own two eyes.
Excuse me, please!
- Oh, you're here? - Yeah. What's going on.
Why is everyone gathered around here, like this?
They say that the spiritual offerings that they're doing today
in front of the palace today will be carried out by Princess Yeon Hui.
Yeon Hui? Princess?
You know, the one that is rumored to have white hair, and such!
Princess, eh? I bet a ton of people will go to watch, then.
I smell money! Yeah, I do!
Heed my words carefully.
You must not act in any sort of unsavory manner in front of the people.
Head to the palace!
All rise!
Hey, they said that the princess has white hair! But she looks normal to me!
Exactly! White hair, my foot! She only has beautiful black hair!
- Were the rumors just nonsense? - I told you!
Oh, shush!
What's that guy doing over there?
I'm begging you!
- We're begging you! Please! - Please, heal us!
- Please, save us! - Please!
Please bestow your blessing upon this land
and lend us the power of the heavens and the earth.
Please restore the balance between Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang...
What's going on?
Step aside!
No, Yeon Hui!
If you take one more step, this place will become a sea of blood!
- Oh my gosh! - Please, save us!
- Father! - Sir Choi!
Do not worry. I'm here to see Heo Joon today.
Just leave them be.
Leave them be. Don't hold me back!
- But-- - No!
Shoot!
- She's a witch! - A witch!
Catch that witch!
- So the rumors were true! - The cursed princess!
- Kill her! - Get her!
Yeon Hui.
Leave.
Don't follow me.
Yeon Hui.
- Give us the princess! - Give us the princess!
We never should've let you live. We should've killed you.
Go ahead and do it. Just see what happens to the Princess, then.
What have you done to Father?
He's doing great things, while risking his very own life.
Just think about what it is that you can do for the royal family.
I have no intention of falling for your lies.
So don't even dream of it.
Why are you risking your life for them?
The royal family will only cast you aside
when you're no longer useful to them, with no remorse!
You've experienced that once already, haven't you?
So don't risk your life fighting for those types of people.
You'll just meet a pitiful end if you do.
You'll just end up doing what I want you to do in the end, anyway.
- Give us the princess! - Give us the princess!
- She is the cause of the plague! - She is the cause of the plague!
Just what the hell are you planning?
I have nothing left to lose anymore.
I'm quite different than you, who has much to lose.
What troubles you so, that you came to see me?
All you have to do is act as you've always acted.
Isn't it the way of the royal family
to discard those who are no longer of use to them?
And if you no longer need the princess, just cast her aside.
And be at ease once more.
Is this all a part of your plan?
Didn't you want to become a good king?
Don't you hear the cries of your people outside?
You must also consider your child, who will be born soon.
You hussy.
The people just need someone to point fingers at, curse at, and blame.
You know how that feels better than anyone else, don't you?
All you have to do is act ignorant and hand the princess over.
I'm the only one who can kill the princess.
I'll take care of everything.
What do you think the citizens would do
if they became aware of everything that's happened in the palace?
All you have to do is blame everything on the princess.
Give it careful consideration.
Will you give up the princess, or will you give up the throne?
I'm sure that Yeon Hui is quite shaken up. I'm quite worried about her.
Please find out where Heo Joon and Yeon Hui went.
Yes, Young Master.
King. Please...
All of the royal students are also revolting against the princess!
You can't, King! Just send me away, instead! Please!
Please, do not cast the Princess aside, Your Highness!
You can't, Your Highness!
I don't want to lose anything.
Your Highness!
Capture the Princess... and kill her.
As you wish, Your Highness.
Mr. Heo!
How is Yeon Hui doing?
Mr. Heo. The royal family has disowned Yeon Hui.
I want to run away.
To a place where I can be alone.
I want to hide in a place where nobody can find me.
Yeon Hui.
Let's run away.
Run away with me. To a place that's far, far away.
She's not here.
King, please lend me your soldiers.
The Princess has fled with Heo Joon.
What help would my soldiers be, when you couldn't find her?
You ordered me to kill her.
I'm sure you don't want me to lose her, so I'll use your soldiers to catch her.
Do you think I trust you, and am ceding to your will?
The citizens' malice will be directed toward you, if not toward the princess.
I know very well that's why you teamed up with me in the first place.
You didn't become a king through being born with the right
and didn't manage to leave a proper legacy behind.
Therefore, your citizens are the ones suffering for it.
On top of that, we're suffering from a drought
so the entire country is engulfed in an intense heat wave.
And seeing as how there's also a plague going around
it's clear to see that the heavens have cast you aside--
Shut that mouth of yours!
That's what the citizens have been saying, up until the princess appeared.
But now, nobody is pointing fingers at you anymore.
They're up in arms, saying that they'll kill the cursed princess themselves!
Why are you hesitating, when everything has already been blamed on the Princess?
If you just get rid of her, who is the cause of all this strife
they'll praise you as a champion.
Nobody will be able to stand in your way any longer.
I'll give you my soldiers, so you must capture her, no matter what.
And when I do, please command Choi Poong Yeon
of the Imperial Taoist Branch to execute her.
I heard that you can use holy fire.
Please, Your Highness. Do not command me to do that.
I'm sure you'll grow to despise me.
No... you'll definitely hate me until I die.
Regardless of that... there's nothing I can do.
Please help me, just this once.
I finally found a way out of this suffering!
This is a chance for me to gain recognition as a king!
Can you really become the ruler you wish to be
by putting all the blame onto the Princess?
Yes. That's right.
If Hong Joo captures her, I will command you to execute her.
Your Highness!
You must follow my command, no matter what.
If you disobey me this time as well...
I'll kill you with my own hands.
I know that this isn't the end.
I'm talking about the Grimoire of Curses.
What is it that you were trying to keep hidden?
You cannot fight back against me any longer.
I, too, no longer wish to turn my back on you any longer.
Tell me what you want.
I want the last page of the Grimoire of Curses.
Bring that last page, which you hid from me.
----
I must retrieve what I left with you.
- Please, come back to your senses! - Can you cut me down?
You must follow my command.
I'm sure you'll want to hold onto our time together forever.
Just like we are now.
- How could I cut you down? - Then die again.
The last page of the Grimoire of Curses.
You must ignore those evil whispers!
Why are you risking your life to try and break this curse?
Even the person who you helped has now cast you aside.
I really can't do anything for Yeon Hui.
Joon!
Are you scared of me?
All you must do is return this curse to the royals, who put it on you.
Why should I have to sacrifice myself for the sake of your greed?
You people are the sinners, so you all should die!
Why is it that all of the people that I love must die?