01x03 - Episode 3

[bunniefuu]

[♪ pop music playing]

PERFECT CROWN

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION

CHILD ACTORS AND ANIMALS
WERE FILMED SAFELY

[reporter] Your Royal Highness, is your
scandal with CEO Seong Huiju true?

[reporter 1]
Why was a doctor called to the hotel?

Would you care to respond?

Are you officially confirming it?

[muffled] Are the rumors true?

-Is it true?
-Do you acknowledge it?

[reporter 2] Oh. It's Seong Huiju!

[♪ dreamy music playing]

[camera shutters clicking]

Prepare yourself to become
the Grand Prince's wife.

You will be up against…

[chuckles]

…the whole nation.

[exhales sharply]

[chuckles]

Before all that,

shall we see what you can do?

[♪ music ends]

[scoffs]

Well then,

how about a generous donation
to the Crown?

Sway public opinion first.

The palace will remain silent.

Hmm.

You had me worried for a second.

[♪ pop music playing]

[chuckles]

-[landlines ringing]
-[indistinct chatter]

Move faster already.

GRAND PRINCE I-AN ENTERS PALACE
WITH CEO SEONG HUIJU

Today, I'm going to show you the trending
"Seong Huiju makeup" tutorial,

the look that stole Prince I-AN's heart.

[clamoring]

"COMMONER" SEONG HUIJU ENTERS PALACE
WHAT'S NEXT?

[reporters clamoring]

[♪ pop music continues playing]

PERFECT CROWN

[♪ music ends]

EPISODE 3

Welcome, Your Royal Highness.

Her Majesty is looking for you.

-I will pay her a visit tomorrow.
-Your Royal Highness.

Her Majesty has even postponed
her meal and is waiting.

The matter seems rather urgent.

Perhaps you can see her now.

Wait for me. I shall be back.

[chuckles]

By myself?

[♪ dreamy music playing]

Are you afraid?

No.

Take a nap if you are tired.

Okay.

[chuckles]

[squeals softly]

[crickets chirping]

[chuckles]

He's even a good actor.

[chuckles, inhales deeply]

[exhales deeply]

[♪ music ends]

NOT PRIVY TO CEO'S PRIVATE LIFE,
A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION IF TRUE

[attendant] Your Majesty.

Grand Prince I-AN has arrived.

[♪ pensive music playing]

Is such a delay necessary?

-I did not know you were looking for me.
-Not that.

I ask whether such a delay is necessary

before you offer an apology
for causing such a scandal.

I see.

[Yun]
I hear you brought that maiden with you.

I understand the need to align stories,

but did you have to bring her
all the way to the palace?

Have you any intention

of denying it?

It appears I do not.

I plan to confirm

both the tryst at the hotel
and the possibility of marriage.

[scoffs]

Are you throwing a tantrum?

Premarital pregnancy…

You can rest assured

that no such tantrum will be thrown.

Your Royal Highness,
Public Affairs has reached out.

What are you doing here?

-Pardon?
-You should be guarding Anhwadang Hall.

To keep an eye on Seong Huiju.

But… [sighs]

My apologies.

Seong Huiju.

Oh. You're here.

Uncle.

[sucks teeth]

See, I told you it'd be spicy.

-[sighs]
-[Huiju] Have some water.

[King] I am fine.

[exhales sharply] Your Majesty,
what are you doing here at this late hour?

He said he was having trouble sleeping--

I did not ask you.

[King] I was having trouble sleeping.
[sucks teeth]

[exhales deeply]

So I came by.

What does having trouble sleeping

have to do with this?

She said a full belly
would help me fall asleep.

Come in, Court Lady Jung.

Your Majesty.

Shall I escort you
to Queen Mother's quarters?

You couldn't just let him
finish it in peace?

[sighs]

I mean, come on.

A bowl of ramyeon
wouldn't have taken that long to finish.

And if he suffers indigestion?

You would be wholly to blame.

-And if Queen Mother is angered?
-[scoffs]

All that over a measly bowl of ramyeon?

The Queen Mother…

denied the request.

Well…

we expected as much.

But you know, it still doesn't feel great.

Like I'm being bullied by my in-laws.

Wait! Hold on a second.

What will you do
if my in-laws really bully me?

I mean, just look at
how things are unfolding already.

Let's say the Queen Mother
and I got into a fight.

Would you take my side?

[sighs]

[scoffs] Why aren't you answering?

Will you take their side and not mine

because they're your family?

[scoffs]

[chuckles]

I will take your side.

I must appear

insanely infatuated with you…

[♪ romantic music playing]

…for people to believe

this absurd marriage is genuine.

No, Your Royal Highness.

You cannot let her sleep
in Anhwadang Hall.

We have no choice
with the palace gates shut.

We have the quarters
of the palace attendants.

But she is not a palace attendant.

I shall look for other vacant quarters--

No need.

Get her a change of clothes as well.

Clothes?

-Huh?
-[chuckles]

Can I get something that's 100% cotton?

My skin's a little sensitive.

[chuckles]

[exhales deeply]

[I-AN]
Will you not even consider the sofa?

No. This is perfectly fine.

The sofa would be perfectly fine too.

Then you should go. That'd be perfect.

[♪ whimsical music playing]

[grunts]

-[grunts]
-[grunts]

[sighs]

[grunts]

[grunts]

-[grunts]
-[strains]

[screams]

Stop!

[Huiju, I-AN grunting, straining]

My goodness.

[both continue grunting, straining]

[Huiju screams]

-Oh, my.
-[Huiju] Your Royal Highness.

-Your Royal Highness!
-[shudders]

-[I-AN] Stay still!
-[exclaims]

[Hyeon] Your Royal Highness.

-[shouts] Your Royal Highness!
-What? Stay still…

My goodness.

[Hyeon]
Do you know what time it is right now?

It's unlike you to sleep in like this.

[gasps]

[smacks lips]
Ms. Seong is already on her way to work.

With a pep in her step, at that.

[clears throat]

[♪ upbeat music playing]

-[sighs]
-You didn't change?

No. Something wrong?

Are you trying to show off
that you spent the night out?

Did you not have time to change?

I did have the time, but had no desire to.

I wanted people to know

I didn't go home last night.

Oh.

[Lord INPYEONG] Are you quite pleased?

Yes, I much prefer this over yakgwa.

[laughs]

Did you sleep well last night?

Did you dream about the late king again?

Hmm.

I am afraid.

Do not worry,
Your Highness the Crown Prince.

-You will have me by your side--
-[I-AN] You cannot, Your Royal Highness.

[door opens]

Your Royal Highness.

-The wedding rites are about to commence.
-So?

You should take your place out there.

[scoffs]

Should His Majesty learn of this…

you will be punished
for dishonoring the Crown Prince.

Are you prepared for that?

Your Royal Highness!

I clearly gave you a chance.

Whatever happens from here on…

you will have to…

deal with it yourself.

[King] I am scared.

Ah. Do not worry, Your Majesty.

You will always have
your grandfather by your side.

[laughs]

Go on.

FAMILY APPRECIATION
MONTH EVENT REPORT

A ROYAL SCANDAL?
SEONG HUIJU HIT THE JACKPOT…

[gasps]

"A royal child out of wedlock?
That's insane."

That's right. It's totally insane.

"Prince I-AN and Seong Huiju
make a terrible couple."

No, we totally make the hottest couple.

Can you stop reading the comments?

Why? I need to monitor
the situation closely.

"Guys, maybe she has something on him?

Why else would he date a commoner?"

Why do you think, loser?

Because I'm worth dating. That's why.

-You little…
-Here.

The top five trending keywords
are all about you.

Your hotel outfit is already sold out.

Really?

Call the PR team.

[stutters] The PR team? Why?

Why else?

It's time to take back
the number-one spot in sales.

How can you even
think about that right now?

It's marriage, not retirement.

[knock on door]

Oh. Jeongwoo?

[Hyejeong] Hello, sir.

-[coworker] Isn't he so handsome?
-Super handsome!

This is my first time seeing
Prime Minister Min in person.

[squeals] He looks like a total celebrity.

Right. But what's he doing here?

Maybe because of the scandal?

-Oh! That must be--
-Why is no one working?

You're really going to marry him?

-Yeah.
-His Royal Highness?

Yeah.

I thought you two had just met.

Can't you just stick to dating?

But I want to be with him all the time.

-[chuckles] Huiju…
-I want to wake up next to him

every day.

I hear the royal family

wants to marry him off to someone else.

-[sighs]
-That's why I have to marry him right now.

While you're the Prime Minister.

I need you to get

my marriage approved.

We're planning to invite
the top 300 patrons in the country.

-[I-AN] What are the criteria?
-Your Royal Highness.

[clears throat]

The Queen Mother has taken to her sickbed.

All of a sudden?

Perhaps it's a ploy
to prevent an official statement.

The palace cannot speak of celebrations
while a royal elder lies ill.

[chuckles]

[phone buzzing]

JUNIOR ALUM

Understood. You may leave.

[Huiju] Your Royal Highness!

I hear you fine. Lower your voice.

Did you read the article?

Right before it was pulled.

It was taken down at lightning speed.

The Queen Mother has been very busy.

I guess even nobles can move quickly

when they want to.

[groans]

-[gasps]
-[students laughing]

[I-AN] Seong Huiju?

Oh?

You sly fox!

You dare try to seduce His Royal Highness!

-"Fox"?
-Yeah, you fox!

-Oh, my gosh!
-Stay away from His Royal Highness!

-Get lost!
-Hey, good job.

Seong Huiju?

Should we? Should we not?

Come here, you brats.

-We could throw them all.
-"Come here, you brats!"

Get over here now!

Your Royal Highness.

What is all that?

Is it not obvious? These are your duties.

-All of it?
-All of it.

-That cannot be true.
-It most certainly is.

These are the duties you are
to carry out on His Majesty's behalf.

These are the Queen Mother's… Goodness.
This stack is quite heavy.

These are the Queen Mother's duties
you are to carry out

in her absence.

And these are your duties
that accumulated while you were away.

-You got this.
-Get out.

Yes, sir.

Let's go. Off we go.

You little brats should be in school
with your noses in books.

Eyes down!

Does Prince I-AN put food on your table?

He may not feed us, but he gives us money.

-Right.
-We're royal scholarship students.

That money was for your studies.

Do you think he wanted you to spend
that money buying eggs to throw?

And you, Hyerin.

Why did you assume I seduced him?

Isn't it obvious?

Why, you little…

So young and already full of prejudice.

If I had it my way,

I'd give you hell and take legal action
for pulling something like this…

Come here.

But right now,

your big sis here has
a major undertaking ahead of her.

So I'll let it slide just this once.

Got it?

-Answer me!
-Yes, ma'am!

Off you go.

Almighty God.

Please have mercy on us,

forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen.

Amen.

You said you couldn't come for a while.

I heard my friend is getting married,
so I came to pray.

That friend is very lucky to have you
praying for her happiness.

I'm not so sure.

I prayed for something sinful.

[stutters] Something sinful?

I do not feel inclined

to congratulate her.

[♪ soft music playing]

[object clatters]

[Jeongwoo]
But I don't want to stop her either.

Even if I don't think it's right…

Damn it.

Where did that punk hide it?

[Jeongwoo] If that's what she wants…

-Ma'am.
-[teacher] Hey, Jeongwoo.

Are you running an errand?

[chuckles] Yes.

Principal Kim was looking for you earlier.

Did you see him?

[Jeongwoo] …I have to let her.

Found it.

Got it.

[door opens, closes]

[chuckles]

I mean, how did those brats
even get past security?

You have to hand it
to the high schoolers in this country.

Father?

[stammers] Can I get you anything?

Don't bother. Sit.

About that scandal…

No need to explain.

-You're not curious?
-There's nothing to be curious about.

I'm sure

it's just a cheap stunt
you pulled for attention.

Then why are you here?

It's nearly…

Taeju's mother's death anniversary.

I was wondering if you even remembered.

Ma'am.

She's been standing
outside the house for hours,

but she refuses to talk.

Then you should've reported her
to the police, not brought her inside.

Send her away.

How can we just send away a child
in the middle of the night?

Little one, are you lost?

What's your name?

You don't want to say?

I am

Lee Jooyeon's daughter.

You're my dad…

aren't you?

[sobs]

-Honey! Honey!
-Mom!

-Ma'am! Wake up, ma'am!
-Honey!

-Honey!
-Ma'am!

-Ma'am! Oh, dear goodness!
-Mom, wake up!

[Hyeonguk]
Since the day your mother abandoned you…

-[muffled] Ma'am.
-Mommy!

[Hyeonguk] …our lives fell into despair.

CERTIFICATE OF AWARD

Buy me a bike too.

The same one as Taeju.

[Hyeonguk] You dared to be greedy…

REPORT CARD

I want a building too.

One that's taller than Taeju's.

[Hyeonguk] So greedy…

STOCK PRICE ANALYSIS

Amend your will, Father.

In my favor.

[Hyeonguk] Your greed was relentless!

Keep your hands off the company.

And if I don't?

I'll have no choice but to act.

[scoffs]

-What? Are you going to disown me?
-Why not?

Listen, Mr. Seong Hyeonguk.

You dare call your father by his name?

You just said you'd disown me.

Then you wouldn't be my dad anyway.

So, Mr. Seong Hyeonguk, to summarize,

I shouldn't bother acting out

because it'll all be
Taeju's in the end, right?

Seong Taeju will be the ultimate winner.

Taeju is so awesome!

That's the gist.

Right?

I should just k*ll Taeju
and secure my spot in hell.

Seong Huiju!

Anyone who ever tried to pick a fight
with me was exactly like you.

They'd stack the deck
so they couldn't help but win,

and put me in a spot
where I was bound to lose.

I guess they weren't confident

they could win on equal terms.

[sighs deeply]

But you know what?

It's fine.

I'm used to going up against

people like that.

You just won't quit.

I wish you…

all the best.

Though I'm sure you'll lose anyway.

PRINCE

[clears throat]

Sorry for hanging up on you earlier--

[I-AN] Are you okay?

Are you all right?

Seong Huiju, can you not hear me?

Can I call you back tomorrow?

What?

I'm a little busy right now.

I'll call you tomorrow.

[♪ sad music playing]

JUNIOR ALUM

[exhales deeply]

CERTIFICATE OF AWARD

[exhales sharply]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAEJU

HOPE YOU GROW UP
STRONG AND HEALTHY

[sighs]

Buy me a bike too.

The same one as Taeju.

REPORT CARD

I want a building too.

One that's taller than Taeju's.

Amend your will, Father.

In my favor.

[doorbell rings]

Who is it?

[knock on door]

Someone lost their damn mind.

Who the hell is it at this hour…

Damn it.

[♪ dreamy music playing]

♪ Teatime for His Royal Highness! ♪

Your Royal Highness?

Wait, are we playing hide and seek?

What are you doing here?

Wait, are you allowed to be here?

Hold on. Did anyone see you?

Where's Aide Choi?

You play baseball at home?

I have one too many enemies, you see.

Oh.

Wait.

How did you even get here?

Wait, did you come here alone?

[I-AN] Yeah.

[Huiju] You can't just…

Let me get this straight.

You picked these up yourself?

THE SEONG HUIJU COMBO

I will have this one.

Yes, Your Royal Highness.

[I-AN]
"Seduce the Prince" Seong Huiju Combo.

It seemed popular.

[chuckles]

[laughing]

[chuckles]

[♪ regal music plays]

[grunts]

[panting]

Seriously?

[shouting] Couldn't you have left
after you finished your work?

-[grunts]
-[paper rustling]

[humming]

[sighs]

-What is it?
-Just a bit amazed.

By what?

I came because you sounded so down.

But seeing you eat,
you seem perfectly fine.

[scoffs]

[chuckles]

I was a little down.

I was dragged
through the mud all day, you see.

I was barraged
with hate comments on social media.

My father suddenly threatened
to disown me.

Oh, that's right.

I even got egged by your fans today.

I totally forgot to ask
if those eggs were antibiotic-free.

You got "egged"?

Yeah. Two eggs, no less.

Those little pip-squeaks were
so damn strong for no reason.

-It still hurts.
-Here?

Yeah. Just downstairs.

-[Huiju sucks teeth]
-Are you hurt?

Are you hurt anywhere?

[♪ gentle music plays]

[♪ ominous music plays]

[phone chimes, rings]

An investigation is required.

[♪ tense music plays]

They're coming right now?

That's what I said. Now, move it!

She will be staying here
for the time being.

She has been receiving
a troublesome amount of attention.

I was concerned.

So you were…

concerned.

And my instructions?

[stutters]
Everything is ready, Your Royal Highness.

[I-AN clears throat]

Oh!

[♪ upbeat music plays]

Maybe that's a bit too close?

[steward panting]

Please make yourself at home.

What should I call you?

-Pardon?
-How should I address you?

[inhales] Uh…

I am Yeongmun of the Kim Family,
the steward of this residence.

Feel free to call me Steward Kim.

Steward? [chuckles] Hmm.

Yes, ma'am.

[laughing] Steward.

[laughs]

It's late, so I will leave you to rest.

I will give you a proper tour
of the property tomorrow.

All right.

Just a second.

How shall I address you?

Ah. [chuckles]

I prefer Ms. Seong or Executive Director,
but you can call me by my name.

You're not my employee, after all.

[chuckles]

Then, I shall

address you as Your Ladyship.

"Your Ladyship"?

Well then.

[chuckles]

[sighs]

[scoffs]

I was at the palace yesterday,

and today, the prince's private residence.

[phone buzzing]

[clears throat]

Yes, Your Royal Highness.

Do you like your room?

I mean, it's nice.

It feels like I'm on
a historical drama set.

[chuckles softly]

Why aren't you sleeping?

I have some work to do.

Do you want me to help?

[♪ tense music plays]

[door creaks]

[cat meows]

[gasps]

[mews]

[breathes heavily]

[♪ gentle music plays]

[sighs]

So am I really going to live here now?

Well, it's just that

I'm quite an independent woman.

I find this bustling environment…

a bit bothersome, shall I say?

It's so far from work too.

Shouldn't you be more "bothered"

if I were to leave you in harm's way
when I'm supposedly infatuated with you?

Commute aside.

[smacks lips] Okay.

[Huiju sighs]

By the way…

You wanted to help.

Is this you helping?

I don't know anything
about the royal ancestral rites.

I've never even attended
any of my family's.

[sighs]

What do you want to know?

Why are you marrying me?

[scoffs]

Isn't it a bit late to be asking that?

We only made the decision yesterday.

Why can't I be a little curious today?

You have a lot of money.

The richest in the country, no less.

Is that your reason?

The most important reason.

It would help the royal family,
always under fire

for squandering taxpayers' money.

[scoffs]

And what a noble reason it is.

-[sucks teeth]
-Second.

[sighs]

Beauty.

"Beauty"?

Oh, I guess that finally broke through.

-Third.
-What? What now?

Because my family doesn't overstep?

If I say I wish to ascend the throne,

all would condemn me and hurl insults.

But I believe

you would understand me.

The Inner Court Banquet
is still some time away.

Yet I am already being pressed
to make a decision.

It appears they are quite anxious,

as they need to finalize
the guest list soon.

Does Your Majesty have any criteria
in mind for the guest list?

I'm not sure.

Those with exemplary character,
admirable talents,

and innate nobility?

Would that suffice?

[chuckles]

[buzzes]

I must cancel today's itinerary.

Pardon?

But they already--

Surely there should be no issue.

I am indisposed, after all.

[♪ suspenseful music plays]

[exclaims]

[Yeongmun whispering]
Your Ladyship, please wake up.

Your Ladyship, wake up.

Wait, hold on.

How dare you storm in here! Hey, you!

Youngseon!

Why that little prick…

What in the world?

What's this about?

Cooperate with the Junghwajeon Hall
fire investigation, please.

"Cooperate"?

At the Royal Birthday Banquet,

you entered a restricted area
of the palace, didn't you?

I did get lost at one point.

But what about it?

Are you suggesting
I started the fire or something?

Nothing has been ruled out yet.

[scoffs]

You'll need to give a detailed account
of what you did and who you met there.

What exactly am I supposed to explain?

[expl*si*n]

[Huiju] What was that?

You stay here.

You've publicly stated,
"The royal family is a money pit.

Someone should abolish the Crown.
Let's bring out the guillotine."

Is that correct?

[clears throat]

Do you have a warrant?

[scoffs]

Under the Royalty
and Specialist Protection Law,

suspects of royal threats
may be investigated prior to a warrant.

Get started.

Hold on. Take your shoes off.

No, you can't take that!

What do you think you're doing?

-Hold on a second.
-You can't take this!

-[employee 1] What are you doing?
-Move!

-[employee 2] Is this really necessary?
-[agent] Please step aside.

[employee 3] What are you doing?

-This is insane.
-[employee 1] Why are you doing this?

[sighs]

Damn it. What now?

Gosh, you're working so hard.

Have you eaten yet?

-You need to eat something.
-I'm fine.

Let's fill that belly first.

This is His Royal Highness's favorite,
so let's have a taste.

Come on. Take a seat.

Sit down. Let's have a bite while we chat.

Go on. Just try one.

[phone chimes, rings]

Your Ladyship,
you need to eat something too.

Can't be questioned on an empty stomach.

-Go on. It's still warm.
-No thanks.

-Come on!
-Stop it.

I'm calling His Royal Highness.

Why isn't he picking up?

He probably won't answer.

What?

Cell phones are not allowed
during the ritual.

Ritual?

As in ancestral rites?

[Huiju] Ms. Do. You're running, right?

Yes, I'm running.

What a hell of a way to spend the weekend.

What choice do I have?
You're the only one I can trust.

Forget all that.

Prepare to give me a hefty bonus.

Hang up now.

I got this.

She won't get in.

Why not?

She's a civilian.

Civilians may enter Jongmyo Shrine
only on special days.

[scoffs]

Come on.

Oh. Oh!

Huh?

ROYAL PROTECTION BRANCH

[♪ anthemic music plays]

Shall we?

[sighs]

-[agent] Hurry up, ma'am.
-Hold on…

[employee] My goodness.

Wait. I can't believe this.

-Please let me in this once.
-No, you can't.

I'm from Castle Beauty.

I need to see His Royal Highness.

We already told you no.

Just leave already!

How can I when I know he's in there?

[♪ upbeat music plays]

-[Yeongmun] Ms. Do!
-[gasps]

[Yeongmun] Ms. Do!

Ms. Do! Oh, Ms. Do!

Ms. Do…

We come by order of the Grand Prince.

GRAND PRINCE I-AN

Good heavens!

That…

Isn't that the Grand Prince's hopae?

Why was that precious thing in the toilet?

-Steward Kim.
-Yes?

Please take it to Jongmyo.

-Pardon?
-Just in case.

I'm counting on you.

You got this!

Good luck!

Good? Step aside.

I knew it!
You could've just let me pass earlier!

Where are you going? It's this way.

That bonus better be a generous one.

I'm so exhausted.

[drumbeat]

[groans]

Oh, dear. He can't step out
while the ritual is underway.

[Hyejeong panting] It's already started.

Oh.

-If he can't leave…
-Yes?

…we can go in instead.

What?

Huh?

-[whispering] We need to go.
-What?

-We need to go.
-Pardon?

We need to go.

-How did you even get in here?
-Quiet…

We need to go.

We need to go right now.

So…

You're going to question me at the palace?

Seong Huiju!

[gasps]

Mr. Jung.

Your Royal Highness.

I heard the Royal Ancestral Rite
was being held at Jongmyo Shrine today.

-What brings you by?
-His Majesty is presiding over it.

But what business have you here?

Without authorization
from either His Majesty or me.

[Yun] I gave the authorization.

As I heard the prime suspect
in the arson case had been identified.

And since she is…

considered a flight risk
and may destroy evidence.

But I did not know that you would be here.

Is there actually any evidence?

As if insulting the Crown
with such insolent attire

and threatening others
within the palace were not enough,

I hear she was absent

at the time of the incident.

Does that constitute evidence?

[Yun] Perhaps not.

But it should be enough to tarnish…

her reputation

or her company's reputation.

Wait, my company?

Then have me questioned too.

Every circumstance
that casts suspicion on her

applies to me as well.

Will your confidence hold?

I wonder

if yours will hold.

-[screams]
-Ms. Seong!

Oh, Your Royal Highness!

-Summon a physician.
-I-AN.

[grunts]

Feel free to come to Anhwadang Hall
for the questioning.

Summon a physician!

[Hyejeong] Hurry.

[Hyeon] Are you all right, Ms. Seong?

[sighs]

[Huiju grunts]

Open your eyes.

[gasps] Wow.

Wow, we totally slayed!

Slayed, my foot.

[exhales]

How could you agree to come here?

That Mr. Jung or whatever
practically dragged me out.

How could I resist?

[clears throat]

So…

will I be going to prison?

Does that scare you?

[scoffs]

Me?

I'm Seong Huiju of Castle Group.

Prosecutor investigations
and search-and-seizure raids…

Stuff like that

is practically an annual event.

I was just wondering which law firm
I should hire this time.

-Is that something to be proud of?
-[chuckling] I mean,

it's nothing to brag about, but--

She won't be able to act for now.

She knows pursuing you would implicate me,

which would only escalate matters.

[sucks teeth]

[chuckles]

But wouldn't you say
that was quite a display?

What was?

Everyone saw it.

The Queen Mother talked about tarnishing
my reputation or whatever.

And you taking my side.

[scoffs]

[laughs]

Wake up.

Palace staff do not divulge
palace affairs.

[laughs]

Do you really believe that?

They say the mouth is
the gateway to disaster,

and the tongue is
a blade that cuts the body.

Do you know how many mouths were there?

And you think not a single mouth there
has loose lips?

[Huiju chuckles]

They probably whipped up
an entire soap opera out of it by now.

[♪ pop music plays]

[tailor] I can't believe it.

And still in his ceremonial robe?

I mean, it makes sense.

I heard from an attendant
of the Queen Mother…

I thought it was just a passing scandal,

but as soon as she fainted,
he swept her up in his arms.

It caused quite a stir.

It must be true love!

[staff member] I know, right?

[guard] Hmm.

Plenty of people weren't there.

That doesn't make someone a suspect.

She must've been
so shocked that she fainted.

[court lady]
Your Majesty, are you all right?

Please stay there. I will clean this up.

Court Lady Im.

Is anyone out there?

Court Lady Im!

What are your thoughts?

Pardon?

[stammers] About what, Your Majesty?

The Grand Prince and that maiden.

Did they seem

genuine in your eyes as well?

-You're not coming with me?
-I have to work.

But it's the weekend.

If I clock out,

someone will k*ll me.

Who?

Him.

Oh. [chuckles softly]

Try not to stay up too late, though.

I shall try.

You can call me
if you have trouble sleeping.

[chuckles] I shall.

The more mouths, the better, right?

[♪ upbeat music plays]

[meows]

[chuckles]

[screaming] Your Ladyship!

[Youngseon shrieking]

Are you all right?

What about His Royal Highness?
Is he all right?

Well…

Our dear Steward Kim played a huge role.

I am quite a biker, you see.

Thank you.

Ha!

Applause please.

[cheering]

[Yeongmun] Well done!

[person] All right!

I'm exhausted.

[sighs]

[chuckles]

[laughs]

[phone buzzing]

[clears throat]

Still alive?

-[I-AN] For now.
-[chuckles softly]

I haven't been able to eat,
so I'm starving.

Why not? Is the food not to your liking?

No, I'm just trying to lose weight.

Why?

Looking gaunt will make me
seem more like a victim.

[chuckles]

You'll have the Royal Guard
starting tomorrow.

Really?

Is that allowed
when we're not married yet?

It isn't.

I see.

"Another crazy stunt pulled
by the infatuated Grand Prince"?

I guess you can put it like that.

[laughs]

Should I pull one too?

[♪ gentle music plays]

[car engine starts]

[sighs]

[phone chimes, rings]

[ringtone playing]

[straining]

[laughs]

Never thought I'd be doing this.

[laughs]

[Huiju sighs]

[Huiju straining]

[sighs]

This is the least we can do
to make them think we're madly in love.

Oh, right.

Here.

This is the tea I drink
when I have trouble sleeping.

It's really expensive, so don't waste it.

One more thing…

This is the magnesium supplement
I take when I really can't asleep.

The side effect is nightmares,
but it's better than not sleeping at all.

-When did I ever ask--
-Stop that.

You didn't see a doctor
after what happened, did you?

[scoffs]

Don't you think I'd be
quite the supportive wife?

Hmm.

[chuckles softly]

[♪ gentle music plays]

What are you doing?

Stay still.

[♪ romantic music plays]

PERFECT CROWN

[Huiju] Why would I blush

and get all fluttery over a measly kiss?

[court lady]
You should have maintained decorum.

[I-AN] Then what? Should we make it
a shotgun wedding?

Can I take you somewhere?
Let's speed things up a bit.

The quicker we get married,
the quicker we get divorced.

Smile!

[Huiju] Do you have that much time
to waste?I don't.

[Lord INPYEONG] That maiden
should move out of your private residence.

-[laughs]
-Do you have a plan?

Seong Huiju, what's wrong?

Jeongwoo! The brakes aren't working!

[horn honking]

Why aren't you answering?

Will you take their side and not mine

because they're your family?

[scoffs]

[scoffs]

I will take your side.

I must appear

insanely infatuated with you…

[♪ acoustic pop song plays]

…for people to believe

this absurd marriage is genuine.

-What's that?
-It's my hopae.

What about it?

Use it when you need a title behind you

or when you are afraid.

Does it summon a dragon
if I swing it around or something?

It'll summon me.



PERFECT CROWN