He lives in the king's palace.
He feeds on human blood.
Humans aren't as weak as you think.
For 200 years, Gwi's secret was protected.
Our plan to destroy Gwi is in my journal.
I'll destroy you and everyone here.
You'll inherit my powers
as the one to face Gwi.
Forbidden Quest's writings reveal the plot to kill Prince Sado.
The prince was turned into a prisoner by a power-hungry king.
This also happened 120 years ago.
Prince Jung-Hyun's pen-name was Forbidden Quest.
And accounts in 'Temptations of Father and Son'
are those of Prince Jung-Hyun.
The bookseller left these.
[Forbidden Quest]
Crown Prince Jung-Hyun wrote this to tell the world
about the vampire in his palace.
They were all meant to be destroyed 120 years ago.
EPISODE 03
Sir...
Who are you?
Are you not human?
Vampire...
Now she's your prey, you won't stop till you drain her.
That's our vampire nature.
How did you get Prince Jung-Hyun's "Vampire Story"?
Who are you?
He can't enjoy a tasty meal alone.
He's following the blood trail.
What? You already fed on her?
Kim Sung-Yeol!
Hold on, a bit longer.
Father, Dam-yi...
I feel suffocated.
I can't breathe.
This isn't good.
I can't die leaving Dam-yi and Father alone.
But I think I'm about to die.
Sure.
I expected this.
After 120 years, I'd be disappointed if it was so easy.
Don't die.
I need to know how you managed to get the prince's manuscript.
Please, please.
Why'd you use the hawthorn dagger?
The cut mightn't heal...
Find her a change of clothes.
What's going on here?
If you faint at blood, get out. I'll handle it.
[ Temptations of Father and Son]
Kim Sung-Yeol.
Are you after this banned book?
Is this man in possession of Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal?
[ 10 years ago ]
Please give me water.
Sang-Sun...
Is anyone there?
Drink.
It's your last chance to live.
Tell me where you hid Prince Jung-hyun's Journal?
Then I'll spare your life.
I won't beg a monster like you for my life.
I destroyed that Journal when I killed Prince Jung-Hyun.
Nothing can destroy me.
No... there is.
I found the secret plan.
But you'll never discover it.
Even if you kill me.
Are you sure Prince Sado found the secret plan?
I'm not sure.
The only way to find out is to recover the Journal.
Gwi knows her scent now; so he'll find you soon.
We must get rid of this child.
No.
Until we find out how Jo Yang-Sun acquired the prince's manuscript,
she mustn't be harmed or killed.
It's been two hours.
I don't think Yang-Sun is coming.
Let's wait a bit longer.
The best obscene book in Joseon won't be created easily.
You think that boy is Jin?
That boy can't be Jin.
I'm aware of that.
But Yang-Sun most resembles my Jin.
If you're awake, come outside for a moment.
You were unconscious for a day.
How are you feeling?
I ache all over but am uninjured.
Um, did you save me last night?
Did you see that young woman?
Young woman?
I found you in the mountains, unconscious and rain-soaked.
Was it really a dream?
Why's it so vivid?
I didn't want to leave you there, so I brought you here.
But why were you alone there at night?
I was on my way to see you...
to ask why you seek Forbidden Quest.
I saw posters all over town.
He exposed Sado's details
so everyone's out to get him.
But I don't want to.
I can't profit off his misfortune.
I can't do it.
You have the ability but refuse?
That's not it...
Why'd you bring me his manuscript
about the vampire?
This author isn't the same Forbidden Quest.
The handwriting differs; the vampire novel is old.
I can't find Forbidden Quest, but I had to repay you.
So I gave you my prized book.
Understood. I'm no official; I don't care for politics.
I'm simply looking for a trace of Forbidden Quest.
Can you tell me how you got the vampire manuscript?
Of course.
I'm interested in vampire stories
and I found it in a bookstore of my associate last year.
Tell my colleagues that bookstore location.
Are you seeking Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal?
I already put out word.
But since we sell banned books,
he won't sell to outsiders.
I can take you to him.
We leave at daybreak, so try to rest.
How's the plot of my third novel?
Like the works under your pen-name, Forbidden Quest,
moderate success is likely.
Your Majesty, it's a conspiracy.
The posters sympathise
with Prince Sado who died for treason.
Please issue an arrest order.
And you want me to depose my grandson, Sado's son?
Your Majesty.
Forgive me for saying this, but I do not believe
that the son of a traitor deserves to take the throne.
Are you defying me?
- However... - I won't hear it!
You're all useless.
It's five years since I started building my new palace
and all I hear are excuses from all of you.
And you call yourselves advisors to the throne?
Your Majesty.
We depleted the taxes to build your new palace.
Then empty the coffers of all these corrupt officials!
If you don't complete the palace in a year,
I'll have all your heads.
Here's my proclamation.
Allow my grandson back into the palace,
and I'll attend evening class.
We understand, Your Majesty.
The king is being defiant.
I'm sure he knows that capturing Forbidden Quest was your order.
He doesn't care about his people
and is only concerned with building a palace for his heir.
What happened to the king who conquered
the entire coast 10 years ago?
He must be mourning his son.
He deserved to die.
He betrayed you and stole the manuscript from you.
I know you destroyed the secret plan
but it makes me wonder what he did with that book.
If I find this person, might I find Kim Sung-Yeol too?
Since he's appeared, we could distribute posters...
Leave it be.
Now I know what he's up to, I'm sure we'll meet again.
How was your trip to Hwasung Fortress?
I have people searching for the son of the dead paper maker.
He may have seen Forbidden Quests face.
It will take 4 hours to search the Do-sung bookstore.
And the sun is shining.
I can't allow it, Naeuri.
Let me go instead.
Tonight people will arrive from Jeongju.
Help Soo-Hyang prepare the books.
The smell of old books...
What valuable books are locked behind these doors?
Are you ready to leave?
The black garb looks great on you.
You seem like a hero in a novel...
Scholar, please wait for me.
I wondered why you wanted to walk through the woods
but it's wonderful.
We save an hour this way.
It's eerie how it's dark in the middle of the day.
And it's great shade for a hot summer day.
Um, Scholar.
Thank you.
You saved me twice now.
I'm embarrassed, and unsure if I was dreaming in the woods.
But you helped me avoid trouble.
When did you start dressing as a man?
I always lived this way.
I never lived as a girl.
After a big accident,
I lost all memories from before I was 10.
I survived, but was very ill.
Then a passing monk said a male has a long life
and miraculously I got better after wearing male attire.
It's my fate to live as a man.
Isn't it hard for you?
It's not hard at all.
I gained so much instead.
I can make money selling books
and read to my heart's desire.
I love being a book merchant.
When books I provide bring courage, hope and ideas to clients,
I find nothing more satisfying.
I feel satisfaction in my work.
Why do you look at me like that?
Because you're beautiful.
I mean your heart's beautiful.
Scholar Hak-Young and Prince Yoon
You hate hunting; why'd you come against your grandfather's orders?
Oh my.
I expected you to understand me.
You've wasted your life.
I'm here to find proof...
of those disloyal to the crown.
Hey, pretty, pretty...
Joseon goods...genuine.
Genuine, hey, hello, hello.
We've arrived. That's him.
Mister.
Wait a moment.
Oh my!
Yang-Sun!
What brings you here?
I came to buy something from you, Mr. Wang.
I brought a special guest.
Be careful.
If it isn't here, it doesn't exist in this country.
- Mister. - Mm?
Did you find Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal yet?
I looked everywhere, but I couldn't find it.
But who's Prince Jung-Hyun?
Was he Qing Dynasty?
If I don't know about it, it probably doesn't exist.
But you can look for it. I don't know.
What's this guy all about?
You should get going.
No, it's okay.
I'll help you look for Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal.
There are so many books here,
you'll have a hard time searching by yourself.
Don't pay any attention to me.
You helped me twice
so I want to help you too.
If it isn't here, I'll search the entire country for you.
I've never failed to fulfil an order for a book.
Thanks.
But I want to be alone now, so go ahead.
When will you read all these by yourself?
I'm going then.
Maybe I should've stayed with him.
It's going to rain.
It seemed closer coming here with Scholar.
No. It can't be a vampire.
That was a dream!
It's okay now.
Someone was chasing me.
Wait here for a moment.
What are you going to do?
I'm going to check something.
Scholar, it's too dangerous.
Please don't go.
Talk.
Who sent you?
Lord, spare me.
I was following Lady Soo-Hyang's orders.
What?
Why are you so fearless?
You don't know who he is, or what he's capable of!
Why?
Did you think a vampire was chasing you?
No.
Not really, but...
But the woods are unsafe.
It's a hawthorn incense case.
Wild beasts detest the smell.
This will keep away beasts and also vampires.
It was a man's footsteps I heard.
But did you read all the books?
Why are you back already?
I have other matters today.
Looks like it will rain.
~in the thick darkness, moonlight grows~
~the moon I long for rises in my heart, seeking you~
~even if tears fall at the end of destiny's road~
~I'll wait for you, my only heaven~
~when you pass me by, take time to stop~
~before the moon shining on us disappears~
~hold my hand so we can fly through the night~
~like a butterfly flying in your breath~
What's that scar on your left shoulder?
How do you know about that?
I saw you changing in the gibang.
I told you I was injured as a child.
A wild dog bit me
and my father cauterised the wound.
You have many encounters with beasts?
You're right.
But now you gave me this pendant,
I won't see any more.
Scholar, come and drink.
I'm dreaming.
Why would we, in the water...?
My first kiss at 21.
And in my dreams.
Yeah.
It was probably my hidden desire or something.
Oh no, no!
Get out of my head, naughty thoughts!
Scholar, wait for me.
How many was that?
Forty-nine.
This is the final arrow.
Prince, please stop this.
You mustn't torture people with your archery.
It's not the first time.
I heard the late Prince Sado enjoyed this as well.
His Majesty arrives!
You want to follow in his footsteps?
Tell me what became of Prince Sado?
He starved to death in a well.
Prince.
Why are you imitating Prince Sado
and complicating things for His Majesty?
I was shocked to hear about this.
He must revere Prince Sado.
Do you want to share his fate?
Your Majesty, I stand here today
to prevent that happening again.
He's been tailing me the last three months.
He's been recording your every move
and his orders were given by someone standing here today.
You can't condemn him by accusations alone.
Did he admit this to you?
You'll die either way.
If you tell the truth, they'll kill you.
And if you don't, I won't let you live.
I took your family to a safe place.
Your master would kill your family.
But not me.
I will protect your family.
I give you my word.
The Prime Minister gave me the order!
Your Majesty, it's not true.
I'm being framed!
I kept all correspondence
with the Prime Minister under my floor boards!
Your Majesty.
Please apprehend his cohorts and punish them for treachery!
I order the arrest of Prime Minister and his followers!
Yes, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty! Please reconsider!
I'm being set up!
It's all lies, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Why'd you have someone tail her?
Why'd you try to kill Jo Yang-Sun without my permission?
I couldn't watch her put you in more danger.
Gwi is said to have captured her scent.
I gave her the incense case to disguise her trail.
She is the most knowledgeable book merchant I ever met.
I'll keep her around until we find Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal.
Do you have feelings for that child?
You're not the person I've always known.
Your actions at the gibang, and last night...
Enough!
Do you really think I'd dwell on useless emotions?
How long will you try to become my woman?
Don't you know how I feel about you?
I'd lay down my life for you, Naeuri. For you...
I made it clear that finding the prince's Journal
is more important than all that!
It's the only way to destroy Gwi.
I don't want to feed on people;
this will end my cursed life!
Jo Yang-Sun, you, and Ho-Jin are all helping me reach that goal.
If you expect anything more, you can leave now.
Why, you!
Hey, Mak-Son.
Apologize this instant!
Apologize for beating my father and harassing my sister!
Then what?
I need to sell your crippled sister to get my money from you.
And why are you using your fists instead of talking to me?
That was an accomplishment.
Judging from the king's actions,
he'll allow you back in the palace soon.
But I prefer this bustling life.
Go away!
Get away!
Why didn't I think of it earlier?
You're kind of pretty, with soft skin...
You'll fetch a pretty penny.
Am I right, Mak-Son?
You're right, Boss.
Lords, you seem important, so you should be on your way.
We're rather uncivil; no telling what we'll do.
Scholar, don't deal with these men.
Please leave.
I can't leave my friend behind, can I?
If you're so important, why don't you pay her debt?
He's about to be sold for the 200 yangs he owes me.
It's 200 yangs.
Take this and don't bother that child again.
Or you'll be taken to the capital Hanseoungbu for your crimes.
Are you threatening me?
My companion is the grandson of Lord Jwa-Son, Lord Hong,
and the best friend of the future king.
Now you know, you should get going.
Lady!
Sir, wake up!
Are you badly hurt?
Right.
This child can't be Jin.
Thank you.
If that's how you thank me, I'm disappointed.
Why look so surprised?
We've met more than 5 times.
Am only I being a friend?
No, but...
I can't allow my friend to get hurt, can I?
I'm unfit for studying
so I might as well work on my racy illustrations.
Call the prince back to the palace.
And tell him to capture this Forbidden Quest.
'Temptations of Father and Son' isn't true
so the boy is not your concern.
What makes you think you can defy me?
What if I fed on you now?
The moment I die,
the nation will discover the vampire in my palace.
I've made preparations.
And what will that do?
I can find out what Prince Sado discovered.
Before he died, he told me he stole Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal
and recorded a secret plan to destroy you.
There's no such thing.
Then why not kill me now?
If you fail to capture Forbidden Quest,
I'll kill you and your precious grandson.
I'll find out where you hid the manuscript.
I'll destroy everything around you.
Kim Sung-Yeol!
Look here. Hold on.
I'm Kim Sung-Yeol; I served Prince Jung-Hyun.
I read your name in his journal.
Please help.
Talk to me.
What's the way to destroy Gwi?
The secret...
is humans.
Look here, look here!
What do you mean, humans?
Wait a bit longer.
I'll find out the secret and I'll face you again.
Scholar, Scholar!
Scholar, the Journal!
I found someone who knows about it.
What did you say?
Did you find Forbidden Quest?
Forbidden Quest?
Doesn't Forbidden Quest know about the journal?
Forbidden Quest was the prince's pen-name...
Ho-Jin!
Apologies, my lord.
I was so ecstatic.
Prepare the horses.
They haven't properly rested.
At once!
Scholar, please head back.
I'll wait for Mr. Wang.
It's fine.
I'll wait with you.
Myung-Hee.
You were alive all along?
I wanted to call out to you for so long.
Myung-Hee!
It's me, Jo Yang-Sun.
I'm not that woman.
There's a secret way to destroy Gwi?
Now I need you to intervene.
I need you to search for the Journal.
I was worried about you, Scholar.
Do I have a right to my feelings?