~it felt like spring would never come~
~but when it came, my cold days had frozen~
~you're like that, like the wind~
~the more I try to catch you, the more you slip away~
Don't ever look for me again.
~I think of reasons I can't let you go~
~my stubborn heart won't let you go~
Mean scholar. Bad man.
~I can't leave you or erase you~
~now I just have these easy tears~
Mean scholar.
Bad man.
Look at this!
A vampire lives in the palace.
The poster! Where'd it go?
What's going on?
Before my father died,
he handed me this manuscript and told me about Gwi.
It was difficult to believe
the king was serving a vampire.
Don't you worry.
I found a way to destroy him.
Father...
Yoon.
If something happens to me,
seek Lord Seo Jung-do
and ask him for Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal.
Remember, trust only my teacher.
Three days later, my father was executed for treason.
I needed to see for myself
the death of my father.
Father!
He lay there like victims described in vampire novels,
with my teacher and your father.
Father...
If you anger the Elder again,
it's the end for you and your entire court.
Enough.
He sacrificed his own son to prevent that happening.
We must find Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal stolen by your son.
An envoy was sent to recover the Journal from Lord Seo Jung-do
but it was missing.
Judging from Lord Choi's crackdown on banned books,
Gwi also seeks the journal.
Choi may know about the journal.
Or else the book disappeared with Jin.
Prince.
Kim Ik-kun was killed by a guard's arrow
and Choi Kwang is missing.
This man protected Forbidden Quest.
Why's he branded as a slave?
This means...
It's Sado's title.
This man was his bodyguard.
All the prince's followers were executed 10 years ago.
Check the prince's former followers.
Their living ancestors
could lead us to Forbidden Quest.
Did you find One-arm?
Other than a few customers, he only interacts with Qing merchants.
Send more people to find him.
Yes.
Now the village got the posters, Gwi will pursue the journal.
We have little time.
I must find it first.
Advise my servants of your progress. Don't contact me.
You don't want me to contact you?
Then why'd you do this for me?
Poster!
Where's the poster?
My poster copy is gone.
Brothers, guards took your posters
but mine disappeared from the basement.
Did guards search basements?
Then would Yang-Sun be here now?
Where's this kingdom headed?
We had a fake Forbidden Quest and fake guards.
And now posters say a vampire lives in the palace.
When Yang-Sun first spoke of the Night Scholar,
I thought it was rot.
But a hunter claimed to have seen the Night Scholar
and there was the dead boy.
I wonder if vampires do exist.
A vampire who rules the king?
Then a vampire rules this kingdom!
Is that possible?
Father?
Big brother!
Stop talking about this!
I've never seen Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal
but I know it's perilous.
In my 7 years as a scribe for Prince Sado,
the prince searched tirelessly for that book.
Then the king suddenly began to imprison everyone
involved with the text.
They were after me too; I've been hiding for years.
Are you still hiding?
No.
The only ones who knew I was a scribe to the prince
were Prince Sado and One-Arm.
When I found out you were seeking that book,
I was shocked; I didn't mean to slap you.
Forgive me.
As a father, I've never done anything for you.
It hurt you more than me.
But where'd Mr. One-Arm go?
He hasn't returned in 5 days.
He's probably waiting on Qing Dynasty shipments.
He commonly leaves for extended periods.
Don't fulfil more orders for that scholar, okay?
If anyone finds out I was involved with Prince Sado,
it's the end of our family.
Understand me?
Yes...
We prepared the best for you; please enjoy your stay.
Alright.
Have you been doing well?
Yes, thank you.
He was known as a corrupt official in Cheolla Province.
Even now, he exploits innocents to become wealthier.
It's a token of my appreciation.
I know your time is valuable.
You're known as successful.
I see rumours are true.
I hear you need this slave registry to avenge your family.
But because of Forbidden Quest, if you get caught...
I appreciate your concern.
I prepared you a farewell gift.
It's an honour to help you realize your great task
with my resources.
Of course, of course!
A man must pursue his dreams at any cost.
Don't hesitate to contact me with troubles you may have.
It's 200 yangs..
Find Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal for me.
Don't fulfil more orders for that scholar, okay?
Since Father's against it, I can't carry it out.
See you again soon.
What brings you here?
I have something to tell the scholar.
Tell me instead.
That's what my lord instructed.
I can't undertake the order
so I'm returning his money.
Tell him I regret I couldn't help him.
Keep the money.
If we need more books, we'll contact you again.
This advance amount is too big.
You accept that from Naeuri
but refuse it from me?
Of course not.
To be honest, I can use the money.
If I'm to account for its worth,
I'll be working for you for years.
Any word from the streets?
You discarded the posters in the village
but villagers are spreading rumours of Gwi's existence.
Gwi will find out about the posters soon.
We need to find them
to protect Forbidden Quest and the journal.
Yang-Sun told me she can't fulfil your order.
It seems she needs money
so I don't get her reasoning.
Boss!
I think that scholar alerted the Crown Prince about us.
They threw our gang in prison!
After everything we've done for First Counselor?
He'll put an end to this.
Yes, Boss.
What is it?
What do you think?
Why else?
I'm here to repay you.
Boss, what's he saying?
I have your 200 yangs, so let's settle it now.
Have you lost your mind?
Hey, Mak-Son.
She's protected by Lord Jwa-Son's grandson and the Crown Prince.
Want to dig your own grave?
What are you talking about?
Though the posters have gone,
villagers are discussing the existence of Gwi.
The people must know of this.
They need to know the king serves a vampire.
Public sentiment can fuel a revolt.
Why's he here?
I'll try to satisfy your curiosity.
The king will attend your evening class, so...
You're resourceful enough to buy me time.
Am I wrong?
It's nice to see you smile again.
Hurry back.
So hot!
Scholar!
I didn't know you startle so easily.
I know...
You surprised me today in more ways than one.
This is for the 200 yangs you gave my debt collectors.
And this is a crowded street!
Are you okay, Scholar?
You were a woman all along?
Please accept this.
What if I refuse?
That's unacceptable.
I can't accept a large amount from you...
Your clear, dark eyes show integrity.
And the high bridge on your nose represents your high pride.
You're unreasonable.
Thanks to a certain scholar,
I now have the backing of Lord Jwa-Son's grandson and the Crown Prince
so I can't complain.
I don't know how I'll ever repay you.
Thank you, Scholar.
If you're thankful, address me differently.
Scholar seems so formal.
It creates distance between us.
Call me Hyungnim (big brother).
Go on, try it.
Then I'll accept the money.
I won't dare call you...
Hyungnim.
Still...
Hyung - nim.
Hyungnim....
Alright, Little Bro!
Now we can speak freely.
But will you give me interest?
Interest?
I have new shoes. Brand new.
Please look.
These are new.
Do you have a smaller size?
A size 9 may do.
Why, of course.
One moment.
That hat looks good on you.
People often say that.
How'd you get that scar on your face?
I had a close call.
Forbidden Quest was releasing a new book.
I almost died trying to get a copy.
The book was fake, and the guards were fake.
They dragged everyone away; I guess I was rescued.
It must've been an ordeal.
Where was everyone taken?
It's a house near the cliff.
When I went back, the place had burned down.
But since we and Forbidden Quest got away,
that's all that matters.
That's a relief.
Why do you stand up for a wanted rebel?
No, it's not like that...
Actually, it is.
In my opinion, he made significant achievements.
How so?
Many learned to read in order to read his books.
Learning to read allows access to more books.
Then you can learn from books,
and think how to improve the world.
Humans are the hope.
That's his kind of world.
He's done something important.
That's true but...
I'm having trouble believing what's on the posters.
A vampire lives in the palace...
If you admire him so much, why don't you believe him?
I'd like to believe it
but it's too fantastic.
I'll surprise my Little Bro one more time.
What's this all about?
I get into a lot of trouble,
so I always have my bodyguards with me.
Wait here a moment.
Be careful.
Lock this man up!
Yes, sir.
Wait. I wasn't following you, my lord.
I was tailing that book boy.
It's true!
I'll ask again.
Why'd you have him tail me?
My apologies, Lady.
Don't show up here again.
Satisfied?
Stop there!
You didn't answer my question!
That man did nothing wrong.
The person who gave him the order is to blame!
Are you picking a bone with me?
You, of all people?
Why don't I question you?
What's a girl doing...?
I'm the one who ordered it.
I'll explain. You go inside.
I'm the one who had you tailed.
For what reason?
The One-arm you spoke of hasn't appeared for 5 days.
That's...
I suspect you know why he denies knowledge of the Journal.
You seem to be hiding it from me.
When you told us you couldn't fulfil the order,
it fueled my suspicions.
So I had you followed
to find out what you knew.
Don't cause more fuss here. Go home.
I really wanted to find it for you.
I was determined to get it for you.
I accepted 200 yangs from you
but accomplished nothing.
I understand why you don't trust me.
I should pay you back the money.
It was right here...
I was going to repay the debt collectors earlier...
You let me hold it for you, Little Bro.
How's the Crown Prince know this child?
Hurry up and pay him. I want a drink.
Thank you for that.
Seems that scholar has fallen for him too.
What do you mean by that?
On the day that boy came to see you,
he stumbled into that scholar's room first.
They were discussing obscene pictures that he was drawing.
I guess they'll work together after all.
That Scholar always gives me the cold shoulder.
I don't smell that bad
but he covered his nose and sent me away.
That's not all.
He never answers questions.
Not even simple yes or no questions; drives me crazy.
And he looks at me like that!
He must've offended you.
There's more.
He walks too fast for me to keep up with him.
How unforgivable!
Want me to teach him a thing or two?
No...
I'll have my bodyguards teach him a lesson!
There's no need!
No, I'll go after him now!
Please don't, Hyungnim!
He saved my life on three occasions.
I owe him my life.
It's awkward when you talk about another man while hugging me.
Feel better now?
You're mischievous.
Thanks to you, I'm not angry at him anymore.
You met him the day you met me
yet you have a history with him.
I'm getting jealous.
You're staring at me again.
Do I really resemble your friend?
No.
The more I see you, the less the resemblance.
Jin's a male.
I see.
Um, the 200 yangs...
I expect it back.
Once we make a lot of money from our racy book, pay me then.
I'll paint a masterpiece that goes down in Joseon history.
Cheers!
When I drink with my colleagues, I'm the last one standing.
I used to hate it when people thought I was weak
so I built up my tolerance.
No matter how drunk I become, others hardly realize.
I don't slur my speech or stumble when I'm drunk.
You have high tolerance.
But I doubt you can match me.
I've yet to meet a man who can drink me under the table.
I've met a worthy adversary.
But we must do this another time.
I'll leave after I finish my drink, so go ahead.
Hyungnim.
I was getting bored. I'm glad to see you.
You probably have no idea.
Your scent is irresistible.
I'm having a hard time protecting you.
You need to see this.
Your story was plastered all over the kingdom.
I've had too much.
I must stop now.
When did you start dressing like a man?
Isn't it difficult?
I'm starting to hear things.
Of course it's difficult.
It's difficult how nothing changes,
no matter how hard I try.
I need to take care of Father and treat Dam-yi's condition.
My debts only increase.
I'm afraid one day I'll give up
and let go of everything.
~it felt like spring would never come~
~but after it came, my cold days stayed frozen~
~you're like that~
I'm seeing things again.
It must be another dream.
This is getting serious.
I'm starting to see and hear you everywhere, Scholar.
Why do you suppose that is?
I'm disappointed and angry with you
but I can't stop worrying about you.
Why do I feel this way?
Maybe I have feelings for you, Scholar?
I wonder if she got home safely.
Naeuri.
This afternoon, I...
Forget it.
She won't work for us again, so don't have her followed.
Send her somewhere far from Gwi's clutches
and keep looking after her.
Naeuri!
Something ominous is happening at the palace.
Your Majesty!
Why don't you kill me instead?
I can't harm the ruler of this kingdom.
And I need you to capture Forbidden Quest.
I need to know how this Forbidden Quest
found out about me.
Why didn't you tell our lord about the posters?
This threatens my throne as well.
Would I do such a foolish thing
after sacrificing my son to you?
Trust isn't established through mere words.
From now on,
let your Chief Counselor look for Forbidden Quest.
If your beloved grandson captures him...
I'll consider what to do with the throne you've protected.
Gwi is starting to murder the king's people.
Until the king finds Forbidden Quest, the murders will continue.
When did I get home?
What are these...?
It can't be.
These shoes...
Look at this!
At least you smile in my dreams.
Can you walk by yourself?
I like this dream much better.
You bought me new shoes.
And you put them on for me.
You're not getting angry with me, or telling me to leave.
I can kiss you too, like this.
~in the thick darkness, moonlight grows~
~the moon I long for rises in my heart seeking you~
It's only a dream but I'm still nervous.
~even if tears fall at the end of destiny's road~
~I'll wait for you, my only heaven~
~when you pass me by, please take time to stop~
~before the moon shining on us disappears~
~hold my hand so we can fly through the night~
Both our hearts are beating.
~like a butterfly flying in your breath~
This feels like more than a dream.
It's so vivid.
This is a dream.
When you wake up, you'll completely forget...
Kim Sung-Yeol.
What is it you want to see?
What is it you want?
Don't you forget.
You're a vampire in the form of a man.
You're not human, you can't face sunlight, that's what you are!
It looks a bit swollen.
What's wrong with your lips?
Right?
Is there something wrong with them?
What are these?
Leather shoes.
Right?
They look like leather shoes to you too?
These are leather shoes.
That's what they are.
While asking around Hwasung,
I came across another caricature of One-Arm.
Bounty hunters listed his name as Choi Do-kap.
Um, Scholar.
The fact Mr. One-arm knows about Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal...
I hope you can keep that to yourself.
I'm sure he has reasons for hiding it.
Were you aware he was a scribe to Prince Sado?
After Prince Sado was convicted of treason,
there were rumours he died, or went to the mainland.
I'm sure One-arm was behind it.
He's been gone 6 days.
Find out if he was captured by slave traders.
Yes, Naeuri.
Sleep easily; eat without fear.
I didn't find you to take your life.
If you remember anything about the Journal,
let me know.
I remember having dinner with you and my father,
and I never tasted a better mugwort soup than yours.
I have physical evidence, so it wasn't a dream.
I'll ask him.
Did we meet yesterday? Did you give me these shoes?
And did you kiss me?
What the...?
Isn't he here to see you, Naeuri?
I don't get that guy.
Awkward, really.
Hey, look here, merchant boy!
Leave him be.
Naeuri.
Jo Yang-Sun.
What's the matter with you?
He won't look at you, so why'd he...?
I've decided to leave.
It's for Yang-Sun's sake, so I won't accept this.
I insist you take this.
I trust you'll keep your promise to take care of the family
and provide the child with medical care.
You don't have to worry.
Preparations have been made.
I didn't tell you we chose Tamna.
Her sister can be treated by a doctor on Tamna Island.
Good work.
Since Gwi has Yang-Sun's scent,
the farther she is, the safer.
Did you discover anything about the bodyguards' disappearance?
Five years ago, they went into Jwa Island military service.
The Prime Minister is bringing the Jwa Island governor
to meet you; ask him yourself.
I understand.
Naeuri!
Naeuri.
What is it?
It's an emergency.
Royal Guards are arresting book sellers and their clients.
Forget that one; read this.
These are bedtime stories from gisaengs of 8 Joseon provinces.
What are you doing?
What's the meaning of this?
They're capturing everyone.
You promise to study hard?
Yes.
When I return in three years, I want each of you reading.
Yes!
Brother, will you keep your promise?
Will you come back to see us?
Of course.
Even if you don't want to see me, I'll come back.
You'll be all grown up next time I see you.
Who goes there!
Run. Don't let them catch you.
Why are we being held here?
Oh, my aching back...
Most who were captured were released.
The book dealers are still being detained.
Why is no-one standing guard?
Are they going to kill us?
I doubt they'll kill us for that.
What...?
Does this sack belong to you?
No.
It isn't you.
Who's the source of this irresistible scent?
Is the owner of this sack here right now?
I'll find her and feed on her!
You were so pretty.
You reminded me of happy times I had in the past.
Another like Gwi must exist.
Thank you very much.
We had a short time together but I'll never forget it.
I wanted you to die.
I want you to die.
Take care; and stay safe.
Eat well, and sleep well.
I'll shred you to pieces!