Episode 18
Are you planning on killing me, the former king?
Attack!
Your Majesty.
Aren't you one of the Queen's people?
There was an order from The Queen.
Everyone stop!
Who is it that you worship? This country's King,
or is it the vampire who lives in the palace?
Now that I am not king, I cannot tell you what to do.
However,
because you have to save this country's people,
you cannot kill one another.
So anybody who is afraid of returning to Gwi empty handed,
run away like this.
But those who want to fight together with me,
use the spear and sword in you hands righteously!
Your Majesty, please kill me!
I've committed a huge sin against you because I was afraid of the Prime Minister's threat.
I am not in a position to ask your fault.
I, too,
have also committed an unforgivable sin towards our country.
I will fight for my forgiveness.
From now on,
I am the King!
W-What?
Forgive me, but-
Why?
Is my being the King a bit much?
Then...
I guess an Emperor would be better.
What do you think?
You can not say this! The king's throne...
is not for anyone!
What is your thought?
Pardon me.
We have rules in this country.
Did you forget?
That I was the one who made those rules with Tae Jo?
Of course, that's true. But because of the series of events,
the people's opinion is harsh.
That's why I chased away the vampire living in the palace,
and dethroned the King who served him.
Isn't that so, My Queen?
If by any chance "the vampire who lived in the palace" returns,
you would not be able to hold your necks stiff like you are now.
So, what should we do from now on?
What is it a king does?
He manages the country's finance,
and he uses them for the people--
I don't think that's what you should be saying.
Forget it.
Open your storage room door and bring me the silver.
The Left Chief position happens to be vacant now.
I will assign that position to whoever brings me the most silver.
W-What...
Wait. What kind of nonsense is he talking about?
What does he know about government business suddenly appearing like a night ghost?
Don't know where he learned those bad acts but selling positions openly like that?
And why is that man keeping the Queen next to him?
Are you going to just let this happen?
Oh my... Oh my...
I guess Jo's blood is really strong.
Goodness.
Oh, but how come he has not woken up yet?
Let him rest for a bit.
But My Lord is still...
Ah...
Right. I-I have something to take care of...
Look after him well.
Father...
Mother...
Where did you go?
Father!
Mother!
Crown Prince...
Your Highness! Your Highness!
Oraboni!
Myeong Hee...!
I am a beast. I can never be by a human's side.
100 years... no, 200 years.
It has to be like that.
My Lord!
Ah... My Lord...
I can't keep up with your strides.
Ho Jin. -Yes, My Lord?
W-What, are you not feeling well?
No.
Then...
Um, My Lord...
When you are walking with me, can't you walk a little slower?
That... You are even old, too...
At any rate, since Soo Hyang already made an arrangement,
the bookseller should have arrived by now.
The bookseller?
Welcome, My Lord.
Soo Hyang...
I found the bookseller who sells this book.
Order anything, and I will find it.
Good books, antique books or racy books...
Of course, I will find the the Crown Prince Junghyun's Memorandum, too.
Yang Sun.
Scholar.
No, Yang Sun. There's no need for that anymore.
Let's go.
No!
Yang Sun...
My blood...
please take it.
Are you okay, Scholar?
Do you...recognize me?
What happened?
Why am I here?
Are you not harmed?
How did you escape Gwi?
Perhaps...do you not remember?
I remember running into the underground palace to save you.
But after that...
That vampire was over there and then... BOO!
He almost ate me!
I wonder where he is looking for his prey...
But who in the world kicked him out of the palace?
I don't know!
I heard the King who sold the country to a vampire is exiled.
Oh, but then, did we get a new king?
Well, there is that story.
But anyway, as long as he got rid of the vampire,
it wouldn't matter who the King is to us lowly people.
He's right...about the king...
Exactly, what did you tell him?
That is not what I wanted. -Then?
He is a monster who has lived a few hundred years and controlled many kings.
With your measly 10-years of being a cabinet member, did you think your wit would be his match?
Then do you think Gwi who is full of suspicion would accept you that easily?
As long as I can save the King, I don't care about what happens to me.
You really must think that Gwi is letting him go on his exile.
I know more about Gwi, so it's not that I don't have a plan.
Concerned about the King's safety to that extent...
Do you love him?
You were coveting the throne that can't be yours and even sacrificed your own daughter to show your loyalty for the past 10-years.
But ultimately the only thing you have gained is a position running his errands.
You just watch.
Soon he will realize it himself that the dark underground palace is his place.
The petitions are to be read and not to be stepped on.
What nonsense.
The cabinet members seem to be unhappy so they are meeting with the Prime Minister.
They are worried about their pockets because I told them to bring silver to me.
If these people defy you as a group, the government won't be running.
If that happens, the people will definitely riot over this.
You are speaking as if you know about the government business.
Don't underestimate the humans.
They may not be able to choose who to serve.
But once they make up their minds that they won't serve anymore, nothing will stop them.
Are you worrying about me, or is it your heart that is like that?
You are right. I don't think much of humans.
But you will realize it soon as well.
A human's heart, how weak and cunning it is.
I will leave for a little while.
Who is it?!
I am the King of this country.
Did you not know about me?
Is it alright to leave Jo like that?
Even if the Lord wakes up, he might not come back to normal-
He will be fine...
He seems to have passed out from the effects of the blood he consumed wearing off.
But...
Did he really become that strong?
If Yang Sun survived and had not run away, I think he would have taken Gwi down on the spot.
But that probably won't be the end.
He may have become like Gwi because the vampire's instinct is much stronger.
So the mother's relation was like that...
Has His Lordship woken up?
Is he perhaps still in a scary state?
He is back to normal.
However, it seems like he can't remember anything from the transformation.
So please let's not talk about that matter.
Yes, right. That will be better, right?
There are many people who saw him as a vampire in the capital.
At sometime, the Lord will get to know about that day regardless.
Even if it's just for a little while.
If he gets to know about that, I'm worried he will blame himself severely.
What's the matter?
Soo Hyang, you, too, escaped from-
Scholar, you came and escorted us safely back.
Is that true?
Yes.
Gwi could not come out of his underground palace because it was during the day.
By any chance, do you know where Teacher Baek is?
I'll go look at the situation.
No... that's not it...
I-I will look into it.
You still have not recovered properly.
You should rest some more Scholar, okay?
So you all wanted to see me?
It is commendable that you got rid of the weak king.
However, the King's place--
How do you think the people will react to that?
There is no place for a monster for this country and royal family!
I already told you that I made this country and the royal family.
Running the government is not that simple.
What do you mean get the silver?
What are you thinking about?
This will drive the people's lives into hardship.
A war, of course.
War? How..
Since the vampire escaped from the palace, who knows where the vampires might be popping up?
Of course, we'd have to get ready to remedy it. Don't you think so?
Melt all the silver coins collected so far and make them into bullets.
What are you talking about?
Are you planning to scare the people so they will follow you?
How about putting a human up for a front
and just live comfortably in the palace?
Your Majesty!
What's the matter?
There are vampires at the outskirts of the capital!
Seriously...?!
Get the troops ready! I will lead them myself.
Mom!
Mom...
Cremate all the the corpses that were bitten by vampires.
I, the King of this country, will get rid of all the vampires myself.
Not only are my wounds healed up,
but my body feels so much lighter than any other time.
Is your body feeling alright?
I don't know what is going on, but it is like a lie that my body had been weak in recent times.
Even so, you have been overworking your body, so you should rest a little.
But why were you so reckless?
Scholar...
Never leave my side again without telling me. Do you understand?
Yang Sun, this wound...
Scholar...
Can't you smell that child's blood? Go and devour it.
And keep this world under your feet.
Are you alright?!
How did you get this wound?
There was nothing special.
There is something I need to verify.
Scholar, wait a minute! Wait a-
My Lord..!
Where do you plan on going?
You cannot go with that weak body.
Where is my black cloak?
About that...
I am in the process of repairing it.
Because it is so old and and ripped in many places.
I think it will take some time to sew it up.
Bring me the cloak.
You cannot, Scholar. Please listen to us.
Hurry!
It's-It's the vampire!
Run!
Are they running because of my warrant?
It's the vampire!
Listen.. -Pl-Please spare me!
I-I don't want to become a vampire!
How do you know of my identity?
What did I-?
T-Two nights ago, the vampires outside of the capital...
Isn't it your doing?
P-Please spare me!
The King will come to get rid of you soon!
Did I... Did I really lose my reasoning and harm people?
And made them into vampires?
Did I transform into a monster consuming Yang Sun's blood?
So you've come, Kim Sung Yeol?
How is it a bastard like you is sitting in that seat?
Gwi, you bastard!
Mind your manners as this country's subject.
Do you not know I can end your life easily now if I want to?
So, did you take the rest of that child's blood?
It does not seem like it.
You can not be the king.
So don't bother the people, and step down from that throne.
Then why don't you drag me down yourself?
It is not impossible if you just eat that child, am I wrong?
Then what do you think will happen to this throne?
Another Gwi who is more scary and vicious than me will be sitting on it, right?
Aren't you here because you covet this seat as well?
Shut up!
I established this country with Tae Jo,
and thought while watching ugly behaviors of his royal descendants.
Why does a being like me exist in this world?
Just to help the fights over the throne for those measly beings?
No. Everybody in the world wishes your death.
You, of course, and I, too, are the beings that should not be here.
No. We are predators.
We were born to hunt humans.
If you deny that and give up eternal life,
that would be as unnatural as a human choosing a suicide.
Then, vampire ruling over humans,
is that supposed to be natural?!
Humans also take control over other animals.
If they refuse, I wouldn't force them.
But look.
Even though they are all afraid of me, they follow me.
Don't speak nonsense!
Do you think there is even one person who is following you earnestly?
You can talk nonsense all you want.
But you will anyway...
be killed by my own hands.
Why?
Is it a personal reason because I killed your lover?
Or is it because I kill a lot of humans?
Do you think you are innocent?
Can you live without human's blood?!
Right now, the people are more afraid of you than me.
So, why are you trying to waste strength because of them?
Just go somewhere no one knows who you are
and live with Yang Sun protecting her until her natural life ends.
And if you still miss being in people's business, then come back.
If I get tired of playing the King at that time,
you can take the throne.
Stop.
Stop!
Kim Sung Yeol visited me.
He seems to have lost his will to fight me.
He does not look like he will give up that easily.
It is because he has a lot to protect.
You are like that, too.
Loving someone ultimately becomes a weakness.
That also becomes a strength to humans.
I heard the King ran away on his way to exile.
Before that happened, unidentified people
tried to kill him, I heard.
Nevertheless he is still alive, isn't he?
Your weakness still remains the same as well.
If the Lord finds out about that day,
what would he do?
He will probably be horrified.
He tried so hard not to lose a human's heart for so long.
I guess he would have to be like Gwi in order to kill him.
My Lord!
Where is Baek In Ho?
Um.. That...
He tried to save Yang Sun at the checkpoint gate,
and died in the process.
Did I...
Did I kill him?
N-Never!
The military guard...
Tell me the truth!
What Ho Jin says is true.
He died trying to save me.
It is not your fault, Scholar.
Here...
The Teacher was wearing this...
I had the strength to save him,
but I probably didn't even recognize him.
Instead, I tried to take your blood
and almost harmed you.
It's not your fault.
Now... I will destroy the secret plan.
I heard that Gwi had crowned himself as king.
In the beginning, not only the people
but the subjects, as well, were much against it.
With the appearance of the vampires in various places,
the situation has changed.
What? Vampires?
Gwi, who is calling himself a king, was leading the troop himself,
and killed the vampires.
There are more and more people who are following him.
How come vampires suddenly...
According to the rumors, the vampire who lived in the palace was running away,
and there were many eyewitnesses apparently.
And that is not Gwi, but Kim Sung Yeol?
Hence many people believe that it is Kim Sung Yeol.
Does that mean Kim Sung Yeol bit those people?
Although he did look like someone else,
but it can't be him.
There are many eye witnesses saying that was him.
Get my horse ready. I need to see him quickly.
How many days has it been?
I guess he decided to live there hiding.
He is probably in shock.
This won't do.
I will force the Lord--
You go in and look into it.
♫ My heart is telling it ♫
Scholar.
♫ These two eyes are telling it ♫
♫ I lied to you again ♫
♬ thinking I’d be left with my tears only ♬
1.. 2.. 3.. 4.. 5. ♬ Thinking that you might hurt more ♬
Those are the times I can remember.
What are you talking about?
I am talking about the times you have saved me.
But not just me. Haven't you saved a lot of people?
♬ I want to be this rain and fall next to you ♬
But if I even once
harmed innocent people,
what meaning does it have?
When I can't control myself,
I don't know how many people I harmed.
I am a beast that can harm humans anytime.
That is me.
You won't do anything like that.
Never.
♬ Hearing you as if I wasn’t interested ♬
Look.
Right now, you are the Scholar I know.
Just back then, to save me from Gwi,
you pulled too much strength.
♬ As far as I can’t see you ♬
♬ As far as I can’t hear you ♬
♬ To the fading backside of you ♬
My Lord-
♬ I kiss you sadly ♬
I am sorry to interrupt...
H-H-His Majesty is...
I heard you met some trouble on your way to exile.
The Queen saved me.
Didn't the Queen go back to Gwi?
That was to save me.
She was once Gwi's person but now she's mine.
The person I have to protect.
So the secret plan is...
If I drink Yang Sun's blood, I can fight Gwi but if that happens-
There will be another Gwi?
Let's forget the secret plan for now. People are dying because of what Gwi had started.
Let's save them first. The vampires are running rampant in various places now.
Are you positive that Gwi had done that?
Then... are you saying you did it?
I can't even clearly remember what happened.
If-
The Kim Sung Yeol I know wouldn't harm anyone that's innocent.
You're different from Gwi.
I don't know how I'm different from Gwi.
Believe in yourself.
If it was done by you, then why would there be vampires running rampant in various places?
Gwi had done this for sure.
And also killing those vampires is Gwi himself.
Are you saying this is his self-fabricated scenario?
There are people following him already.
Are you going to sit back and watch Gwi killing, saving and ruling over people?
People are not ignorant.
Gwi is only using their fear of the vampires.
Once they know the truth, they'll regain will to fight again.
I am going to fight with the Black Robes for the people who are being terrorized by the vampires.
Even if I can't turn the tables around while fighting with Gwi.
If it can save at least one person,
I would do that.
Jin, I don't know how to apologize to you.
I also have hated you for a while.
But... not anymore.
To save this country, I need you and Kim Sung Yeol's help.
But I don't want to choose that method if you are going to get hurt.
The Scholar is afraid of himself becoming like Gwi now.
For me, I will do it if I can get rid of Gwi by sacrificing myself.
I am only afraid that I might be the cause of the Scholar's crumbled will that he has held onto for so long and hard.
The person who has something to protect is strong.
I learned that through you and Kim Sung Yeol.
Scholar.
I came to read some books to sort out my thoughts.
But what were you writing?
Didn't you say you were waiting for my second book?
The reason people misunderstand the Night Scholar and following Gwi,
is because they can't see the truth due to their fear.
I want to help them to face the truth, even though the story may lack talent,
I want to write it again to let the world know.
Okay.
The Night Scholar consumed his lover's blood and lost his reasoning ability for a short while.
He soon woke up and continued the fight with Gwi.
People first thought the Night Scholar who came to save them
was another vampire like Gwi and was scared.
But they soon realized what he was fighting for.
I wish the things will be like your story.
What a waste to be using the silver like this.
Even so, the reward is great every time we catch one.
Enough with that, and where is it today?
I heard it is Yangju and tomorrow is Icheon.
I don't know how he'd know where the vampires would show up beforehand. He must be good.
Don't they say that the hero is born at a bad time?
It is that way. Let's go.
Thank you. -Gwi and his troops will be here soon.
Let's retreat for now.
I'm a little late today.
Are there any survivors here?
Aigoo, why did you come so late?
Who took care of these here?
Men in black cloaks and a scholar came.
I was about to die and they saved me!
Is that so?
Did anyone see it?
Are you the only one?
Yes, I saw-
Gwi,
I can never forgive him.
Today for some reason...
it happened near us so we can block it, but
where will it happen again?
I heard it will be Icheon tomorrow.
Scholar.
Is he not here?
Did he read what I wrote?
What to do..?!
What's wrong?
His Lordship isn't here.
Don't make a ruckus.
What if something happened to him in the middle of the night?
He's not that weak.
He probably thought he had to do somethilng after meeting the King.
Even if Master suffers, nobody notices.
They'll only praise Gwi.
But turning your blind eye while the people are dying is playing right into Gwi's hand.
Master is probably the one suffering the most.
At least he's doing what he wants to do.
Let's do that, too.
What is that?
This is the Night Scholar chronicle the people have been waiting for.
Are those what you wrote all night these days?
I'm so proud of you.
It is not much, but
I want to at least help the Scholar like this.
But those bookseller hyungnims are all gone.
What do we do?
Don't worry! We have enough money.
We can make many copies and spread it on the streets.
Who would refuse these interesting books even when they're free?
Anyone here?
Is there no one here?
Isn't this deceased bookseller Kong's place?
Yes, it is.
I will compensate you plenty...so quickly...
This..
Can you? Is it possible?
No, I can't.
I understand.
[Night Scholar Chronicle]
I can't accept the money.
Pardon?
This book is written by the Lustful Student's daughter, right?
I know he helped out when my father passed away.
I know all the people who my father used to work with.
Just let me do the work.
[Night Scholar Chronicle]
Try reading this once.
Thank you.
Rather than that weak king who used to serve Gwi,
the strong king right now is way better.
No matter how scary the vampire was,
is it okay to make a stranger a king?!
When did we ever obey the King knowing who it is?
They just had everything to themselves.
But there's another story.
What is it?
The present king is actually the vampire that used to live inside the palace.
Hey! What kind of crap...!
That's what I'm saying!
On top of that, the vampires running rampant these days
are actually from that guy...Ahng!
Aye, who in the world says that?!
Aish, you guys are frustrating..
There is a group of men who are actually saving the people.
Even now every night
where the vampires show up, these men are showing up as well.
Aren't you His Majesty?
Who are you...?
I..
used to work in the justice department
and my name is Jin Yeol.
After Your Majesty got dethroned, I, too...
The one who lead the Black Robes is the dethroned,
His Majesty.
I am now...
not the king.
How could you say that?
Putting my people into danger like this,
how could I call myself a king?
That's not true.
You saved us like this.
There's nothing that I did.
The person who saved you all,
fought hard fights with Gwi for over a 100 years.
That is him.
And the mysterious scholar's identity who killed so many vampires,
is none other than...
Oh my God!
The people are praising Your Majesty's great performance everyday.
This will be written in the records for our future generations.
I could relay that to them directly but leaving it like that
isn't bad either.
However,
there is a novel portraying Your Majesty wrongly being distributed on the street
and mudding the people's opinion.
The useless imagination can make you forget the heavy reality.
Burn all of them when you see them. And also the people who are reading them or distributing them...
kill them.
There are some among the students
who are showing group movements, so they must be dealt with severely.
Obviously they don't know the fear of a vampire yet.
Your Majesty!
What's the problem?
I am sorry to report this but the vampires showed up in Kanghwa again.
Vampires showed up again?
Vampires.
I will see to it.
I am sorry but a group of unidentified men wearing black robes appeared at that time
and killed them all already.
What?!
V.. vampire..
What to do..?
Kid! It is dangerous!
By the way, are you the Night Scholar?
This is the Night Scholar.
Night Scholar?