Skip to playerSkip to main content
Short Ai drama
#shortdrama
#short
#lovestory

Category

🎈
Fun
Transcript
00:02Julia, you work that abacus way faster than I expected.
00:06You catch on to these things so quickly.
00:08You taught me well, Eleanor.
00:10I can't bring shame to the Lucas family.
00:17I picked this up from Cinnamon House.
00:19On my way.
00:21On your way?
00:21Cinnamon House is in the south side.
00:23But your camp is up north.
00:25That is quite a detour for being on your way.
00:28I am getting tired from all this calculating.
00:30I am going back to check on the children.
00:31Julia, you stay here and chat with Richard.
00:36You understand this?
00:38Underestimating me, my dad always says.
00:40Supplies before soldiers.
00:41Running a home and an army share the same logic.
00:43Well, set.
00:51Are you done?
00:52Yeah.
00:53Julia, I missed you so much.
00:56This jerk is busy all day long.
00:58Yet he still counts the days.
00:59He's never serious.
01:05Richard, I am a little scared.
01:08Be good, Julia.
01:09I am not going to eat you.
01:13I have to get up.
01:14I still have the ladders to check.
01:15No rush.
01:16I've already told them to postpone everything today.
01:18Postpone until when?
01:19Until you get your strength back.
01:26I am too embarrassed to face anyone now.
01:29Why hide?
01:30In this room, besides me, who else is going to see you like this?
01:36You are such a liar.
01:38What did I lie about?
01:39Richard, you broke your promise last night.
01:42You were just completely unreasonable.
01:46Richard, stop messing around.
01:48I didn't sleep well last night.
01:49My body is falling apart.
01:50Just let me rest a bit.
01:51Okay.
01:51I won't touch you.
01:53Whatever.
01:54We'll have plenty of chances later.
02:01General, these past few days, did you get some great news?
02:04Your spearmanship really shows it.
02:05Cut off the crap.
02:06Tell the boys training is over for today.
02:08Drinks are on me.
02:10Yeah, all right.
02:13Thanks for the tip, General.
02:14May you be blessed and have a son soon.
02:16All right.
02:17Thanks for the blessing.
02:21So weird.
02:23Why does it feel so awkward thinking about it?
02:28That is Richard Hawthorne.
02:30The jerk I grew up fighting with.
02:32How did it suddenly?
02:37Oh, Julia is here.
02:39Look at that glow.
02:40You look so radiant.
02:42Greetings, Mother.
02:43Eleanor, auntie, dear child.
02:45Rich seems to have finally figured things out.
02:46He actually comes home on time.
02:48Even his father praised him.
02:49He is much more steady with the troops.
02:50It is all thanks to you.
02:51Exactly.
02:52Right now, Rich is completely devoted to Julia.
02:55When it comes to taming a husband, our Julia is definitely number one.
03:01Well, Richard just matured on his own.
03:04Look at the sweet young couple.
03:06We old folks can finally rest easy.
03:09Help!
03:10Somebody save me!
03:11Is there a hole I can crawl into?
03:17What is happening?
03:19Things change way too fast.
03:20I can't handle this.
03:22No, I have to run.
03:23I'll hide in my parents for a bit.
03:25These past three days have been absolute bliss.
03:28No one nagging in my ear.
03:29No one constantly clinging to me.
03:31Even the air feels so much more peaceful.
03:36Did you miss me?
03:38Wife?
03:39Richard Hawthorne!
03:40You didn't...
03:41You said you'd be back in two days!
03:43I wanted to see you early,
03:45so I stayed up two whole nights
03:46and rode back as fast as I could.
03:48Well, are you touched?
03:50Stop!
03:51Right there!
03:52You are covered in mud!
03:53Go wash up!
03:54Don't come near me!
03:55Hey!
03:56Careful now!
04:01You're so dead, Julia.
04:05I didn't mean it!
04:07You suddenly lunged at me!
04:11That is quite a unique way to welcome me, wife.
04:14Did you think I was too gentle before
04:15and want to spice things up?
04:17Richard Hawthorne!
04:18You put a box!
04:19Drop dead!
04:24That slab was dead.
04:26Master Richard,
04:26I heard a noise
04:27and saw Lady Julia storming off.
04:29Are you all right, sir?
04:30Who let you in here?
04:31Get out.
04:31I flushed some ice.
04:32And some ointment for the swelling.
04:33It is cold.
04:34Let me apply it for you.
04:34Didn't you hear me say?
04:35Get out!
04:40My lady,
04:41Master Richard said the other day
04:42that the poria jelly
04:43from Lady Hawthorne was sweet.
04:44He rarely eats two dollars worth.
04:45Isn't poria jelly
04:46just flour
04:47and yam mixed together?
04:49Let's go to the kitchen.
04:50If I, Julia,
04:51can wield a spear?
04:52Can't I need some dough?
04:55My lady,
04:56the heat.
04:57Hush!
04:57I know what I am doing.
04:59This day-to-day
05:00yam cake
05:00is all about
05:01rich flavor.
05:06Here,
05:07try this.
05:07I made it
05:08with my own hands.
05:09Wow,
05:10a change of pace.
05:16Julia,
05:16whose secret recipe
05:17is this?
05:18The look of this pastry.
05:19Well,
05:19it really has the essence
05:20of a solid rock.
05:21What did you say?
05:22As for the taste,
05:22it actually reminds me
05:23of when I was young.
05:24Gnawing on dry rations
05:24in the army
05:25really hurts my teeth.
05:26Wife,
05:26are you planning to use
05:27these pastries
05:27as hidden weapons?
05:30Richard,
05:30you heartless jerk!
05:31If you don't like it,
05:32don't eat it!
05:32Who begged you
05:33to eat it anyway?
05:33Hey,
05:33I was just joking.
05:35Joking?
05:35I worked for half a day.
05:36Do you take me for a fool?
05:37Go spend the rest of your life
05:38with your dry rations.
05:39I am going back
05:39to my family home
05:39for a few days.
05:40Leave me alone!
05:43What is the matter this time?
05:44You've barely been back
05:45for a few days
05:45and you've run back
05:46here in a huff again.
05:47I just missed you, Mom.
05:48He who can stand
05:49that terrible temper of his.
05:50Missed me?
05:51Or do you want him
05:52to come pick you up?
05:52Who wants him to pick me up?
05:53It is best if he never
05:54comes for the rest of his life.
05:55Stubborn Richard.
05:56Smelly Ironhead.
05:57Is he really not
05:57coming to look for me?
05:58Forget it!
05:59I am going back
06:00to check the account books.
06:01Right!
06:02And there is a fabric
06:02Mom said to be cut.
06:03The matter can't run without me.
06:14Lady Julia,
06:15have mercy!
06:17It is not what you think.
06:19Don't call me that.
06:20It is disgusting!
06:21Master Richard
06:22was so drunk last night.
06:24He wouldn't let go
06:25of my hand.
06:25I couldn't break free.
06:26I tried my best to refuse.
06:28My Master Richard!
06:31Julia,
06:31what did you get back?
06:33Listen to me.
06:34Let me explain.
06:34It is not what it looks like.
06:37Richard,
06:37I thought you were
06:38just sloppy.
06:39I didn't know
06:40you were this filthy.
06:42Julia,
06:42look at me!
06:43I didn't do it!
06:44I swear!
06:44I didn't!
06:45Master Richard,
06:46since you did it,
06:46why make me face
06:47Lady Julia's wrath?
06:52You disgrace!
06:53You utter disgrace!
06:55Mother...
06:55You've brought shame
06:56to Hawthorne House!
06:57Get out!
06:58Go kneel
06:59in the ancestral hall
07:00right now.
07:00Without my permission,
07:01no one is allowed
07:02to let him out.
07:03Guards,
07:03seize this wretched maid
07:05who seduced her master
07:06and shamed our family.
07:07Mercy!
07:08Lady Hawthorne!
07:09Master Richard,
07:09force me!
07:10Lady Julia,
07:11please save me!
07:11Slandering your master
07:12at death's door?
07:13Slap her face!
07:14Drag her out
07:15and beat her to death!
07:18My dear child,
07:19I know you've been
07:20deeply wronged.
07:21This marriage
07:22was decreed by the Sovereign.
07:23Our Hawthorne family
07:24would never tolerate
07:24such a filthy act.
07:26Rest assured,
07:27Julia,
07:27I will make things
07:28right for you.
07:36Cops!
07:36Julia!
07:37Please!
07:37Just look at me!
07:38Hit me!
07:38Yell at me!
07:39I don't care!
07:39Just don't shut me out!
07:40I was blackout drunk last night!
07:42I don't remember a thing!
07:43I swear!
07:44I didn't touch her!
07:45You have to believe me!
07:48Julia,
07:48my dear child,
07:49after the absurd things
07:50this brat did,
07:51I will give you
07:52a proper explanation.
07:53That wretched maid
07:53is already locked up.
07:54She'll never be
07:55an eyesore to you again.
07:56Mother explanation.
07:57How do you explain
07:58the mess on that bed?
08:01Master!
08:02How dare you cry innocence!
08:04You've completely
08:04disgraced our ancestors!
08:06The Hawthorns are honorable!
08:07How did we end up
08:08with a drunken beast like you?
08:11I don't break
08:12your reckless legs today!
08:14Someday you'll drink yourself
08:15to an early grave!
08:15Father!
08:16Wait!
08:17If you want to hit someone,
08:18hit me first!
08:19Julia!
08:19Move aside!
08:20You might get hurt!
08:21Julia!
08:21What are you doing?
08:23Father!
08:24Mother!
08:25Please calm down!
08:27I believe him!
08:29I believe Richard!
08:32He said he was
08:33dead drunk
08:34and knew nothing!
08:35I believe he lacked
08:35the guts
08:36and the intention!
08:37Despite how it looked!
08:38Father!
08:38Richard is highly favored
08:39by the king now!
08:40If a messy scandal like this
08:41causes a public uproar
08:42and ruins his career,
08:43wouldn't it just
08:43delight our enemies?
08:48You, you little brat!
08:50I don't know
08:51what good deeds
08:51you did in your past lives
08:52to marry someone like Julia!
08:53So understanding and sensible!
08:55Good child!
08:55Get up quickly!
08:56The stone floor is cold!
08:57Don't freeze yourself!
08:58Mother!
08:59I am fine!
09:00It is all because
09:00this bastard lost his mind!
09:02He didn't protect you well!
09:05How can I show my face
09:06to Mr. Lucas
09:06from now on?
09:07I didn't do it!
09:08Shut up!
09:09How could you mess around
09:10with a maid?
09:11Are you trying to anger me
09:12to death?
09:13I swear to heaven!
09:14I would never do anything
09:15to betray Julia!
09:16Someone set me up!
09:17Please, investigate this, father!
09:20Richard, let me ask you.
09:21You usually hold
09:22your liquor well.
09:23Why is it that last night
09:23you passed out drunk?
09:24It was Marcus Quinn.
09:25He invited me
09:26to a farewell dinner yesterday.
09:27They took turns toasting me.
09:28I did drink a bit much,
09:29but the wine was unusually strong.
09:30It must have been drugged.
09:31Even if you were drugged,
09:32why did no one notify me?
09:33Why was no one serving you,
09:34leaving you passed out alone
09:35in the main room?
09:35What about Miles?
09:36He is your valet.
09:37Where was he last night?
09:38Miles.
09:39He said his mother
09:40fell ill suddenly,
09:41so he asked for time off.
09:42Father, mother,
09:43what happened last night
09:44is truly full of
09:44suspicious details.
09:46This doesn't seem
09:46like a drunken mistake,
09:47but rather like someone
09:48timed it perfectly
09:49to frame Richard
09:49and ruin the reputation
09:50of Hawthorne House.
09:51Even though he-he
09:52can be infuriating,
09:53he is absolutely not
09:54so reckless
09:54or foolish enough
09:55to ruin his own future.
09:58Let me ask you this.
09:59What is the maid's name?
10:01I really don't know.
10:03Father, he doesn't even
10:03know her name.
10:04How could they be
10:04having an affair?
10:05Give the order.
10:06Seal the manor.
10:07Every guard and footman
10:08on duty last night.
10:09Don't miss a single one.
10:10Interrogate them
10:10one by one.
10:10Father, please,
10:12let me investigate
10:12this myself.
10:13I brought shame to Julia.
10:14If I can't find the mastermind
10:15and skin them alive,
10:16I will accept
10:17military punishment.
10:18Cheryl, go back to your room
10:20and rest.
10:20I'll handle this.
10:21We'll get to the bottom
10:22of this.
10:23I won't let you be wronged.
10:25Tell the kitchen
10:26to make the best bird's nest,
10:27soup,
10:28and send it to Lady Julia's room.
10:29Lady Hawthorne,
10:30catch your breath.
10:31I was scared to death
10:32just now.
10:32I really thought for a second
10:33that Russell had lost his mind
10:35and done such a shameless thing.
10:36This marriage,
10:37I moved heaven and earth
10:38to make it happen.
10:39Yes, Master Richard
10:40may have a thick skin,
10:40but if he broke
10:41Lady Julia's heart,
10:42it would shake
10:42the foundation of the manor.
10:43But weathering this storm
10:44might not be a bad thing.
10:45Did you see how Julia
10:46protected him just now?
10:48It really looked like
10:49they were in this together.
10:50You have a sharp eye,
10:51Lady Hawthorne.
10:52I sure do.
10:53Back then,
10:54to beg the Queen Consort
10:54to casually mention it
10:55at the royal banquet,
10:56I wore out countless
10:57pairs of shoes.
10:57I know my own son
10:58better than anyone.
10:59He used to run
11:00to Luca's house every day,
11:01finding excuses
11:02to tease Julia.
11:03But when they met,
11:04they'd just bicker
11:05and make her cry.
11:06Exactly.
11:07Master Richard
11:08always came back
11:08with a dark face,
11:09as if someone owed him
11:10a fortune.
11:11Lady Julia,
11:11the bedding has all
11:12been replaced,
11:13and the bed has been wiped
11:13three times with wine.
11:14Get out.
11:16It is clean.
11:18How could this kind of thing
11:20ever be clean?
11:21It has always been common
11:22for men to have concubines.
11:23As long as he doesn't
11:24wander around me,
11:25I can accept it.
11:26If you want a dozen of them,
11:27fine.
11:28As long as you leave me alone,
11:29turns out,
11:30before catching feelings,
11:31anyone can pretend
11:32to be generous.
11:34Richard Hawthorne,
11:35you think you can just
11:36sweep this under the rug?
11:38It won't be that easy.
11:40I, Julia,
11:41won't just let this go.
11:44It is getting late.
11:45Try to get some sleep.
11:46Staying up like this
11:47will ruin your health.
11:48Move the brasier closer.
11:49It is so cold.
11:52That whip must hurt so much.
11:53Mother-in-law
11:54clearly showed no mercy.
11:55She couldn't bear
11:56to say a harsh word
11:56to him before.
11:57He is a young general,
11:59after all.
11:59His old scars
12:00haven't even healed yet,
12:01and now he gets new ones.
12:03I am mad
12:03he was so careless.
12:04But if he really
12:05freezes out there...
12:11Master Richard!
12:12Spare me!
12:13Master Richard!
12:14I really don't know anything!
12:16I don't have much patience.
12:18Who opened the door last night?
12:20Who brought me to the bedroom?
12:22I'll talk!
12:22I'll talk!
12:23It was young Lord Quinn's men
12:24who brought Master Richard back!
12:25They said Master Richard
12:25was very drunk
12:26and sent him straight to the bedroom!
12:27They said not to disturb madam...
12:28Lord Quinn's men
12:28went straight into my wife's bedroom?
12:30Yes!
12:30They also ordered us
12:31saying you didn't need any servants
12:33so they wouldn't disturb your rest!
12:34I took the silver!
12:36I thought they meant well!
12:37Marcus Quinn,
12:38you will pay.
12:41Drag him away.
12:42Keep him alive.
12:43I want him to watch
12:44how the mastermind dies.
12:46Yes, sir.
12:47Question the rest separately.
12:50Come.
12:50Master Richard has been
12:51waiting inside for a while.
12:56Come here.
12:58Before my ancestors,
12:59I, Richard Hawthorne,
13:01swear here today.
13:02In this life,
13:03I will only take Julia
13:04as my wife.
13:05I'll never remarry.
13:06Take no concubines
13:07and have no bendments.
13:08Whether she is young
13:09or old or grave,
13:10whether she is well
13:11or falls ill,
13:12I will never betray her
13:13or abandon her.
13:14Heaven and earth be my witness.
13:15If I break this vow,
13:16may I be forsaken by all,
13:17die in battle
13:18and return in a shroud.
13:19Stop!
13:20Why make such a deadly vow?
13:22Even if you didn't say it,
13:23I would have understood.
13:25Julia,
13:26give me some time.
13:29How many days has it been
13:30since Master Richard
13:30came to bed?
13:31They said he was at the camp
13:32the first two days.
13:33Yesterday he came back
13:34but slept in the study
13:35and he left again
13:35right before dawn.
13:36Are a lot of servants
13:37missing from the manor?
13:42The steward was dismissed.
13:44The nannies are gone too.
13:45Richard,
13:46would you rather wrong
13:47the innocent
13:48than let a single one slip?
13:49My lady,
13:50has it been peaceful
13:50here lately?
13:51Her ladyship heard some rumors.
13:53That Master Richard's
13:53been terrifyingly ruthless lately.
13:55You worry too much, Auntie.
13:56Richard is just putting
13:57the house in order,
13:57getting rid of some
13:58light-fingered servants.
13:59That is why he took
14:00care of it personally.
14:01He has his reasons
14:02for what he does.
14:02Julia,
14:03eat while it is hot.
14:05Don't know what has
14:05gotten into them lately.
14:06Big Brother and Ed
14:07are nowhere to be seen
14:08all day.
14:09They head straight
14:09to the study
14:10after coming back
14:10and lock the door tight.
14:11My husband is exactly the same.
14:12He glares at asking
14:12too many questions.
14:13See, it is military secrets.
14:14Bah!
14:14He usually avoids
14:15the drill grounds
14:16but now he is
14:16suddenly so diligent.
14:17Mine is exactly the same.
14:18Coming home late at night
14:19with mud splattered
14:21on his hem.
14:21He looked completely grim.
14:23I heard from my
14:23sister-in-law yesterday
14:24that the house of Quinn
14:25is in massive trouble
14:27and that Marcus Quinn
14:28who always acts
14:29like he owns the place.
14:30I heard he was at a brothel
14:31fighting out of jealousy
14:32and actually beat someone to death.
14:35Julia,
14:36what is wrong?
14:37Are you scared?
14:38No.
14:38I just think
14:39the Quinn family
14:40fell way too fast.
14:46Marcus Quinn,
14:47this punch is for Julia.
14:49Keep him breathing for now.
14:50Wait until the crown
14:51issues the decree
14:52stripping his title.
14:53Once he is completely ruined,
14:54then we can deal
14:54with him slowly.
14:57Lady Julia,
14:58Master Richard
14:59is waiting in the side yard.
15:00Hasn't that place
15:00been abandoned for ages?
15:02Master Richard said.
15:04There is something
15:04he cleaned up
15:05he wants you to see.
15:09Richard.
15:14This mate
15:15is still in the manor.
15:17Where is he?
15:18Master Richard.
15:19Where is the lady Julia?
15:20It was the Quinn family.
15:21They threatened me
15:22with my mother's life.
15:23If I didn't obey,
15:24they said they would
15:25sell my mother to a brothel.
15:26I am worse than a pig
15:27or a dog.
15:28But please show mercy,
15:29Lady Julia.
15:30That night,
15:30that night,
15:31Master Richard,
15:32nothing happened at all.
15:33Master Richard was
15:34completely drunk.
15:34As soon as I got close,
15:35he pushed me away
15:36and he can't stop repeating
15:38only your name,
15:39Lady Julia.
15:40I lost my mind.
15:41Please spare my life,
15:42Lady Julia, please.
15:45That is enough, Richard.
15:47Let's just go back now,
15:48all right?
15:49Richard,
15:50won't you listen to me?
15:52It is freezing out here.
15:53I am freezing to death.
15:55Come back and rest with me,
15:56please.
16:00It has all been replaced.
16:03We can't keep that maid.
16:05She framed me like that
16:06and almost made us.
16:07And you didn't even deal with her.
16:09Julia, after everything,
16:11do you still doubt my innocence?
16:12Who said,
16:13I don't believe you,
16:14my Richard,
16:14is the purest man
16:15in this world.
16:17Oh,
16:17look at our young general.
16:19Your cheeks are puffed up
16:20like a swollen blowfish.
16:22Who are you so mad at yourself?
16:23Or me?
16:24I am innocent.
16:25Of course,
16:25that maid confess everything.
16:26The queens put her up to it.
16:27Why didn't you let me
16:28deal with her right there,
16:29keeping her around
16:29with that miserable face?
16:30It makes me sick.
16:32Julia,
16:32if you don't kill her,
16:33do you still think deep down
16:34that something really
16:34happened between us?
16:35Who was it that used to tell me
16:37that his martial skills
16:38were for defending the country
16:39and that he'd never
16:40hurt a weak woman?
16:41Is that even the same?
16:42Is she a weak woman?
16:43She's a viper.
16:45Richard,
16:46I know you are innocent
16:48from the very beginning.
16:49I was on your side.
16:51If I didn't trust you,
16:52I wouldn't have defended you
16:54in the hall.
16:54And when Mother was testing us,
16:56I wouldn't have tried
16:57so hard to cover for you.
16:58Father hit so hard
16:58with the rod.
16:59I have thick skin.
17:00It is fine.
17:01But if you had been hurt,
17:02I could never forgive myself.
17:04Does your back still hurt?
17:05Did you feel wrong
17:05when Mother hit you?
17:07No.
17:07I was a jerk.
17:08I failed to protect our family
17:09and made you suffer so much,
17:10breaking your heart.
17:11You haven't been eating well
17:12these days, have you?
17:13Look,
17:13your face has thinned out.
17:15You don't look like
17:15the old Iron Head anymore.
17:16Julia,
17:17if you don't blame me,
17:18it makes me feel even worse.
17:20I know you are not
17:20that kind of person.
17:21We grew up together.
17:22Your character and virtues,
17:23how could I not know them?
17:24Even though you bicker with me
17:26every day and make me mad,
17:27I know you only have me
17:28in your heart.
17:29Those dirty words out there,
17:30you'd rather bear the blame
17:31of killing to wipe out the quins
17:32than let me hear
17:33a single word of it.
17:34I heard about the quins.
17:36Our young general
17:36has always been so smart
17:38and formidable since childhood.
17:39You'd always find a way
17:39to win beautifully.
17:40Am I right?
17:45Eleanor,
17:45I thought our manor's
17:47new year list was full enough.
17:48Who knew these gift exchange records
17:50would be messier
17:51than my sword forms?
17:52You used to just get
17:52red envelopes and feast.
17:54Now that you are married,
17:55the hassle of running the house
17:56is something you have
17:56to do yourself.
17:58My ladies,
17:59someone from the palace is here.
18:00They bring a decree
18:01from the queen consort.
18:02They ask Lady Julia
18:02to receive it out front.
18:03A palace official?
18:05Let's go.
18:06The new year is close.
18:07Her Majesty calling for you now
18:08means she must miss
18:09your loop playing.
18:11Lady Julia,
18:12queen consort is hosting
18:13a winter banquet.
18:14The princesses and duchesses
18:15are eager to hear you play.
18:16You are invited to the palace.
18:17I accept the decree.
18:19Thank Her Majesty
18:19for Her Grace.
18:20Thank you for making this trip.
18:21Hawthorne Manor
18:22will have a carriage ready.
18:23Take a few reliable
18:23servants with you.
18:25Your skills are top-notch,
18:26wife.
18:27You'll probably amaze
18:27the capital city again.
18:28Julia,
18:28the palace rules are strict.
18:29You are a Hawthorne
18:30doctor-in-law now.
18:31You represent our family's honor.
18:32Don't worry, Mother.
18:33When you play,
18:33don't be as casual
18:34as you were at home.
18:35Choose a dignified
18:36and steady peace.
18:37And be modest when appropriate.
18:38You absolutely must not
18:39outshine the princesses
18:39or the duchesses.
18:40Do you understand?
18:41Yes, Mother.
18:42I'll remember.
18:43Grand Dame!
18:43Master Richard!
18:44News from the frontier!
18:45Sir Charles will arrive
18:46in the capital soon!
18:46He is coming back
18:47for the new year!
18:48My husband
18:49is coming back!
18:50Good!
18:51Good!
18:51Good!
18:52I am just glad
18:53he is back!
18:54Big Brother is like a father.
18:56He has earned great glory
18:57at the frontier.
18:58If he comes back now
18:58and sees me so caught up
19:00in romance,
19:00he'll think I've neglected
19:01my training.
19:03His Big Brother's
19:04return date set.
19:05Yes!
19:05Master Richard!
19:06It'll be in a day or two!
19:10Miss,
19:10you haven't played
19:11for half a year.
19:11You might be a bit rusty.
19:12As for Her Majesty...
19:14Julia!
19:15Can you play properly?
19:16Practice in the yard
19:17if it is too loud!
19:18Yesterday's letter
19:18from home said
19:19Ed performed before the king
19:20and received praise.
19:22The Locust children
19:23can all play
19:24with the might of an army.
19:25But I am stuck
19:26playing this lifeless,
19:28subdued tune.
19:29If Big Brother
19:30asks about my achievements
19:31this year,
19:31should I just tell him
19:32I spend all day
19:32bickering with Julia?
19:33He left his family
19:33to guard the frontier
19:34while I just enjoy
19:35myself in the capital.
19:36If my playing
19:36at the winter banquet
19:37is lifeless,
19:37Father will be so disappointed.
19:39But if I play too freely,
19:40I'll shame the Hawthorne family.
19:41What do I do?
19:47Look!
19:47Isn't that the darling
19:48of Lucas' house?
19:49They say it was a grand wedding,
19:50but for today's winter banquet,
19:51the Hawthorns
19:51didn't even send an escort.
19:52I heard this fiery
19:53Lucas girl
19:53isn't well liked
19:54at Hawthorne man.
19:55General Richard
19:55hides in the camp
19:56every day.
19:56He'd probably rather
19:57face wooden dummies
19:58than go home
19:58to his precious Julia.
19:59Let them talk.
20:01As long as I keep
20:02my composure,
20:02the Hawthorns
20:03won't lose face.
20:04Ironhead Richard,
20:06you'd better actually
20:07be training at the camp
20:07instead of just
20:08hiding from me.
20:25Sister Julia,
20:25your song was so beautiful.
20:26It felt so alive.
20:28Sister Julia,
20:28you said last time
20:29that your brother
20:29can make a wooden horse
20:30that runs by itself
20:31and he can take you
20:31to the camp
20:32to see the soldiers train.
20:32Is it true?
20:33Tell me more about it.
20:34Do all the young masters
20:34from your families
20:35have a lot of interesting
20:35skills like this?
20:36You're just,
20:37your highness.
20:38That was just
20:38my brother being playful,
20:39coming up with silly tricks.
20:40It is nothing refined
20:41and hardly worth
20:41your attention.
20:42The Lucas children
20:43are raised very well.
20:44Julia's elegant demeanor,
20:45she is perfectly well-mannered,
20:46yet has the candor
20:47of a warrior house.
20:48How rare.
20:48Indeed.
20:49You have a good eye,
20:50your majesty.
20:50If you ask me,
20:51the Lucas brothers
20:52are quite exceptional too.
20:53Everyone in the capital
20:54praises them now.
20:54Yes.
20:55Come visit the palace
20:56more often.
20:56If your brothers are free,
20:58they can come with you
20:58to the palace
20:59to spar with a princess.
21:00Yes.
21:00Big brother is already
21:01married and settled.
21:02The only one who can
21:02come spar is my unmarried.
21:03Second brother,
21:04right?
21:04Could her majesty
21:04be planning to pick
21:05a royal consort
21:05for Princess Amelia?
21:06I thank your majesty
21:07for the banquet today.
21:08Your majesty
21:08and your highnesses
21:09favored me,
21:09sharing music,
21:10poetry,
21:10and art.
21:10I am deeply grateful
21:11for this profound grace.
21:12It is my utmost honor.
21:13Please rise.
21:13What a bright child.
21:14It is no wonder
21:15Lady Hawthorne
21:16specifically asked for you.
21:17When you have free time,
21:18come visit the palace
21:18more often.
21:18I will follow your decree,
21:19your majesty.
21:20Mother-in-law
21:20specifically asked for me.
21:21Wasn't it a royal decree?
21:23Have I been caught
21:23in her web
21:23right from the very beginning?
21:29Hey.
21:30Aren't you going to ask me
21:31how things went
21:31to the palace today?
21:33We already talked
21:33about it with Mother.
21:34Everything went well.
21:35Her majesty even praised you.
21:36We're naturally
21:36all happy for you.
21:37Are you really happy for me?
21:39Or just worried
21:39about Big Brother
21:40coming back?
21:45Good!
21:45It is good!
21:46You are back!
21:49The usual troublemaker
21:50in front of Big Brother
21:51has turned into
21:52such a coward.
21:53Charles,
21:53you've worked hard
21:54at the frontier this year.
21:55Now Richard is married too.
21:57Established in his career
21:58and married such a smart
21:59and capable wife like Julia.
22:00Seeing the two of them
22:01living their lives
22:01so properly,
22:02my heart can finally
22:03be at ease.
22:05Rich,
22:06the recent matters
22:06at the military camp.
22:07How are you handling them?
22:09To answer you,
22:10Big Brother,
22:10everything in the camp
22:11is in order.
22:11The meteor drills
22:12and weapon inventory.
22:12I've just finished
22:13sorting them out.
22:13I wouldn't dare slack off.
22:14Charles,
22:14you just got back.
22:15You must be exhausted.
22:17Let your work wait for now.
22:18Spend some time
22:19with father and mother
22:19that miss you
22:20every single day.
22:21Eleanor is completely
22:22devoted to him,
22:23yet he shows her
22:23no appreciation.
22:24Not only is he harsh
22:25to Eleanor,
22:25just look at how
22:26he glared at me.
22:27I heard about the
22:27Quinns at the frontier.
22:29Your methods
22:30were far too ruthless.
22:31A single move
22:31affects everything.
22:32The Quinns have
22:33deep roots in the court.
22:34By uprooting them entirely,
22:35do you realize
22:36how much is at stake?
22:36Acting like this
22:37makes too many enemies.
22:38It hurts the Hawthorns
22:39in the long run.
22:40Are you blaming me,
22:41brother?
22:42Marcus Quinns' hands
22:42had already reached
22:43my very pillow.
22:44Just to frame me,
22:45he planted so many
22:45spies in our manor.
22:46If you were in the capital,
22:47would you tolerate
22:48getting stabbed in the back
22:49and still greet them
22:49with a smile?
22:50Let's put that aside.
22:51Let me ask you this.
22:53Now that you are married,
22:54you should reflect on yourself,
22:55not indulge in domestic life,
22:56and neglect your duties.
22:58Brother,
22:59since you are back
23:00in the capital
23:00and the realm
23:01is at peace for now,
23:01why not spend more time
23:02with mother?
23:02Their health has been
23:03declining this past year.
23:04And Eleanor,
23:05do you know how
23:06she survived this year?
23:07Did you even bother to ask?
23:09Rich,
23:09are you lecturing me now?
23:11How I treat your
23:12sis-in-law
23:12is my business.
23:13It is not your place
23:14to point fingers.
23:15Then when did my family affairs
23:16and my wife
23:17need your judgment
23:18on whether I am too absorbed?
23:19The achievements I've made
23:20this year,
23:20have you noticed
23:21even a fraction of them?
23:22Even father recently praised me
23:23for growing up.
23:23Yet the moment you return
23:24all you have is total denial.
23:26Big Brother guards
23:27the harsh frontier
23:27all year round.
23:28He carries all the burdens alone.
23:29He just got back
23:30and I am angering him like this.
23:32Big Brother,
23:33I misspoke.
23:34I shouldn't have said
23:35that about you and Eleanor.
23:36You just got back.
23:37I shouldn't argue with you.
23:38This reckless kid,
23:39if it were the past,
23:41he'd have thrown a fit
23:42and stormed off.
23:42Now he has actually
23:43learned to yield.
23:45Humph,
23:46never mind.
23:47If you are tired,
23:48go back and rest.
23:52Sis-in-law,
23:53let me help you.
23:56Sis-in-law,
23:56have a seat.
23:57Bring some tea and rest.
23:58Thank you, Julia.
23:59My legs are indeed a bit sore.
24:01Sis-in-law,
24:01looking at you,
24:02I really admire Big Brother.
24:03Has his temper all these years
24:04always been this cold and hard?
24:06Him.
24:07Ever since Master handed him
24:08the heavy responsibility,
24:09he has been like this
24:10from that day on.
24:11The burden on his shoulders
24:11is too heavy
24:12and his mind is full
24:13of military affairs.
24:14He has long forgotten
24:14how to relax
24:15and he can't spare much thought
24:16for the household.
24:17I've gotten used to it over time
24:18as long as he is safe
24:19and this family is stable.
24:21I'll be content.
24:22No wonder Richard
24:23gets so nervous
24:23around his brother.
24:28You've been restless
24:29for days,
24:30missing home.
24:31I didn't say that.
24:32The gifts are all prepared.
24:33The carriage is waiting
24:33at the gate.
24:34I'll go with you
24:34to Luca's house
24:35for an early new year.
24:38Sis-in-law,
24:39why is your morning sickness
24:40so severe?
24:40The doctor isn't sure either.
24:41He just said the baby
24:42is quite tough.
24:43Maybe my body
24:43isn't well rested.
24:44Hey,
24:44if it is a little girl
24:45this time,
24:46Big Brother will have
24:46a son and a daughter.
24:47That would be just perfect.
24:48Seeing Big Brother
24:48so happy I panicked
24:49is really a rare sight.
24:50Are you getting anxious?
24:52Don't worry.
24:52You two are newlyweds.
24:53You are still young.
24:54It'll happen.
24:55Sis-in-law,
24:56you always tease me.
24:56You don't stand properly
24:57and you don't sit properly.
24:59You are a married woman now.
24:59How can you still be so frivolous?
25:00Father,
25:01I just haven't been home
25:02in a while.
25:02Don't you know
25:03I missed you and mother?
25:04I should be able
25:04to relax in my own home.
25:05It is only because
25:06your mother-in-law
25:06is forgiving
25:07and old Henry and I
25:07have a bond forged
25:07in life and death.
25:08That is why
25:09they tolerate your recklessness.
25:09That is not true.
25:10My parents-in-law
25:11treat me very well.
25:12Go ask them
25:12if you don't believe me.
25:13They really treat me
25:14like their own daughter.
25:14Really?
25:15That Hawthorne boy
25:16hasn't mistreated you?
25:17No, not at all.
25:18He wouldn't dare
25:19and mother-in-law
25:19wouldn't allow it.
25:20Sigh.
25:20As long as you are doing well
25:21I can rest easy.
25:23Father,
25:24did you catch a cold?
25:25Have some hot tea
25:25to soothe it?
25:26It is fine.
25:27Just an old winter cough.
25:31Wow,
25:31look at our brother act.
25:32Coming of age
25:32really changes a man.
25:33He's even learned
25:33to act all deep.
25:34Sure,
25:35go bother your husband.
25:35Let me guess.
25:36Could it be that you heard
25:37Princess Amelia
25:38just had her coming of age banquet
25:39and someone is getting
25:40a little anxious?
25:40Julia,
25:41what nonsense is that?
25:43Richard,
25:44are you really going
25:44to let her bully me?
25:45Are you totally
25:46whipped by this witch?
25:46Well,
25:47I went to the palace
25:47the other day.
25:48I heard the queen consort
25:49is looking for a match
25:50for Amelia.
25:50And on the list
25:51for royal consort
25:51I saw Chancellor Carter's son.
25:53Him?
25:53He can't even ride
25:54a horse properly.
25:55As for you,
25:56Ed Mother picked
25:57three or four girls.
25:58If you are free,
25:58go take a look.
25:59I could even put in
26:00a good word for you.
26:01Richard,
26:01get her out of here.
26:02If she stays any longer,
26:03who knows what else you'll make up.
26:04Well,
26:05I actually agree.
26:06Chancellor Carter's son
26:07isn't a bad choice.
26:08Richard,
26:08I thought we were bros.
26:09Do you love being
26:09my brother-in-law that much?
26:15How are you
26:15and big brother
26:16doing these days?
26:18Don't want to talk about him.
26:19Okay,
26:19we won't talk about him.
26:20Did father give you
26:21a hard time just now?
26:22When I saw him
26:22talking to you,
26:23he looked so serious.
26:24If Sir Lucas really
26:25gave me a hard time,
26:25he would be well deserved.
26:26After all,
26:27I married his precious daughter.
26:28Come to think of it,
26:29just now when I was
26:29talking to father,
26:30he coughed a few times.
26:31He didn't look
26:32as healthy as usual.
26:33Maybe he caught a cold recently.
26:34At his age,
26:35he is naturally
26:35not as strong as before.
26:36My dad always complains
26:37about his joints too.
26:38My mother also said
26:39it is an old issue.
26:40No,
26:41Richard.
26:41I just feel like father
26:42has lost so much weight
26:43since last time.
26:44Maybe he is busy
26:44with court affairs
26:44or his old injuries
26:45are acting up.
26:45In a couple of days,
26:46I'll find an excuse
26:46to gather the brothers
26:47and brothers-in-law
26:47and take Sir Lucas
26:48to a country estate
26:48to relax.
26:49I'll also get a royal doctor
26:50to check his pulse.
26:50How does that sound?
26:55Eleanor!
26:56It is the new year.
26:57What is going on here?
26:58Eleanor is always so gentle.
26:59Why is she so upset today?
27:00I'll go take a look.
27:01Don't go over.
27:02And add to the chaos.
27:05Eleanor,
27:06I am here.
27:07Have a seat.
27:07I am fine.
27:08Must be sand in my eye.
27:09No need to pretend with me.
27:11Go ahead and cry it out.
27:12I am here with you.
27:14Laurie is only seven.
27:14Your brother's barely
27:15been back two days
27:15and he made him kneel
27:16in the cold ancestral hall
27:17just because he was playful
27:18and skipped some calligraphy.
27:18He is his own flesh and blood.
27:19How could he do that?
27:20I understand your pain a bit.
27:21My mother came from
27:22a southern scholar family
27:22when she married
27:23into our Lucas family of warriors.
27:24Her frostbite didn't heal
27:25for the first year.
27:25My father thought women
27:26were just fragile back then,
27:27never offering a gentle word
27:28until she fell gravely ill once.
27:29He panicked
27:30and rode through the night.
27:31A hundred miles to fetch a doctor.
27:32Only later did he realize
27:33she had left her home and family
27:34to brave this unfamiliar world alone.
27:35Eleanor, you came from
27:36a scholar's home
27:37to this martial manor.
27:37How could anyone else
27:38understand your struggles?
27:39I just want him
27:40to spend more time with him.
27:41Big brother cares about Laurie.
27:42His methods are harsh
27:42but his heart is in the right place.
27:44The Hawthorne men
27:44are like blocks of wood.
27:45They may feel a lot
27:46but they can't express
27:46a single word.
27:47Eleanor, if you don't tell him,
27:48his dense brain
27:49will never guess
27:49why you are upset.
27:52When I brought Miss Quinn
27:53into the family,
27:53father was never this easy going.
27:55All the rules
27:56were strictly enforced
27:57and the hardships
27:58were never spared.
27:59So why is it that with Julia
28:00he treats her
28:01like a precious gem?
28:04Father, mother,
28:05rumor has it Richard
28:06and his wife are at odds
28:06but what I see
28:07is quite the opposite.
28:08The Lucas and Hawthorne families
28:08both hold great military power
28:09with his majesty granting this marriage
28:11and then being so affectionate
28:11if this union wasn't a misunderstanding.
28:12I may be slow
28:13but I am truly terrified.
28:15Sit down.
28:16Since you've brought this up,
28:18as a family,
28:19it is time we make things clear.
28:21Big brother,
28:22you've lived in peace
28:23for too long.
28:24Your bones may be tough
28:25but you need to loosen up.
28:26I think staying in the capital
28:27has made you soft.
28:28If I were soft
28:29in yesterday's drill,
28:31how did your men lose to mine?
28:33Yesterday I saw Laurie
28:34crying behind a pillar.
28:35As his uncle,
28:36I feel bad for him
28:36and for you.
28:37When I was his age
28:38I was climbing trees
28:38for bird nests every day.
28:39Whenever father caught and beat me,
28:41didn't you always plead for me?
28:42When I was eight,
28:43you were fifteen or sixteen.
28:44You could already hit the bullseye
28:45from afar
28:45but I couldn't even draw a bow.
28:46You never scolded or rushed me.
28:47You just stood right behind me,
28:48supported my arm
28:49and told me to breathe.
28:50I missed a whole basket of arrows.
28:51You picked them up one by one,
28:52wiped them clean
28:52and handed them to me.
28:53The army at twelve,
28:54you took off your breastplate
28:55and gave it to me.
28:56Big brother,
28:57guarding the frontier,
28:58you never complained.
28:58I saw it all.
28:59I train every day,
29:00not for glory
29:01but to share your burden.
29:03Why?
29:03Say this now.
29:04Expressing myself
29:05isn't that hard after all.
29:06Julia's right.
29:07Respect kept hidden
29:08is no different
29:09from none at all.
29:16Are the kids asleep?
29:17Yeah,
29:18they're sound asleep.
29:18Have something hot.
29:19I kept it warm for you.
29:22And Laurie,
29:23is he feeling better?
29:25His fever broke.
29:25Before he fell asleep,
29:26he was mumbling
29:27that dad promised
29:28to teach him archery
29:28and can't back out.
29:30I've been too hard on him.
29:32Nina,
29:33thank you for everything
29:34all these years.
29:34Don't be silly.
29:35It has been so long.
29:36I was wrong the other day.
29:38I am used to
29:38the military's strict orders.
29:40Facing the foreign tribes,
29:41I forgot that you are.
29:41I was a bit harsh on you.
29:43Don't blame you.
29:44But when you left last year,
29:45my heart,
29:46I know you do it
29:46for this family.
29:47But seeing your old scars
29:48and you won't tell me about them.
29:50Then seeing Rich and Julia
29:50so sweet together.
29:51Charlie,
29:52I just missed you so much.
29:54I petitioned his majesty
29:55to leave the frontier.
29:55The frontier is safe.
29:56So he transferred me
29:57to the central province.
29:57Nina,
29:58we won't ever be apart again.
30:00You can just let the servants
30:01do the embroidery.
30:01Why do it yourself?
30:02If the manner is short on money,
30:04just tell me.
30:04Who says we're short on money?
30:06I am embroidering
30:07a peace pattern
30:07for a little girl.
30:08Feel it.
30:10Incited.
30:11Our girl looks just like you,
30:12so fair.
30:13Good thing she didn't inherit
30:14my dark complexion.
30:17Look at Eleanor and Charles.
30:18They finally made up.
30:20Eleanor thanked me
30:21privately a few times.
30:22But all I did
30:23was speak from the heart.
30:24Auntie,
30:25tell me about
30:26the northern sandstorm
30:26and how you rode
30:27the big horses.
30:28All right.
30:29Which one do you want to hear?
30:30Seeing these little monkeys
30:31really brings joy to my heart.
30:33Julia,
30:33seeing you two so in love
30:34makes Grandma
30:35so incredibly happy.
30:36Lori and the kids are cute.
30:38But deep down,
30:38Grandma really hopes
30:39to hold a baby
30:40from our rich and Julia.
30:41They'll definitely be
30:42smart and pretty.
30:44Grandma,
30:44Julia and I know
30:45you mean well
30:45and care for us.
30:47But Julia is still
30:48very young.
30:48She just married
30:49into our family
30:49and there is a lot
30:50she's not used to.
30:51Besides,
30:51the doctor came for a checkup
30:52the other day
30:52and said young women
30:53need time to build up
30:54their health.
30:54So I was thinking
30:55we should just let Julia
30:55focus on getting her body
30:56strong and healthy first.
30:57Look how protective you are.
30:58Never mind.
30:59You young folks
31:00know what you are doing.
31:02Don't take what
31:03Grandma said to heart.
31:04What?
31:05Does General Hawthorne
31:05really not want kids?
31:06You just want to be carefree?
31:07Of course I do.
31:09If we had a little girl
31:09like you
31:10with bright sparkling eyes
31:11and a completely wild laugh
31:12that sounds pretty nice.
31:13The math.
31:14My period this month
31:15came right on time again.
31:16Even Lady Anna
31:16is on her second child.
31:17Why is nothing
31:18happening with me?
31:19Nonsense.
31:19That birth control potion
31:20is extremely harmful.
31:20It ruins a woman's body.
31:21You absolutely shouldn't
31:22drink it at your age.
31:22I was scared
31:23of getting pregnant then.
31:24Now that there is nothing
31:24I am worried to death.
31:25What is worrying you?
31:26Do you think
31:27we'll ever have kids?
31:28But I am not ready yet.
31:29But nothing's happening.
31:31You can't go without an heir.
31:32What is the rush?
31:32Let nature take its course.
31:33Big brother already has three.
31:34The task of growing
31:35the family lie.
31:36He has done it beautifully.
31:36We can just enjoy our freedom
31:37for a couple more years.
31:38Or could it be
31:38my wife saw how cute
31:39Lori and the kids are
31:40and now she wants one too.
31:41You.
31:42Well, look at you two.
31:43Who was it that said
31:44they'd never step foot
31:45in each other's house?
31:46Look at my brother-in-law
31:46waiting on her hand and foot
31:47being so attentive.
31:48E.D., if you are that bored
31:50I'll ask mother
31:50to set you up with some girls.
31:52Waiting on my own wife.
31:52I do it gladly.
31:53I heard you two
31:54had quite a history
31:55in your youth.
31:55Now that we're married
31:56our youthful spirit
31:57I hope we haven't
31:58made fools of ourselves.
32:01Tired.
32:02Yeah, dealing with
32:04swords all day.
32:05Those little monkeys
32:06pestering you all day
32:07really annoy me to death.
32:08Oh, it tickles.
32:09You are their uncle.
32:10How can you be jealous
32:10of children?
32:11My days off are coming up
32:11and I just want my sweet
32:12beauty all to myself.
32:13No one is taking you away.
32:15Why is this little
32:15rabbit lantern here?
32:16I remember losing it
32:17when I was a kid.
32:17I looked for it for so long.
32:18Last time at your father's estate
32:19when you weren't looking
32:20I grabbed it from a corner
32:21of the store.
32:21Here.
32:22And these two.
32:23You did.
32:24You moved my whole bedroom here.
32:26I know my wife misses home
32:27so I got this all ready for you.
32:28Your zither can go right here.
32:29I ordered a new
32:30comedia pattern.
32:30Stand for it.
32:34How did you know?
32:35I was just missing them.
32:37My sweet Julia.
32:38You made me look so good
32:39at the palace.
32:39I am so thrilled.
32:40Are you upset?
32:41I haven't rewarded you.
32:42Stop it.
32:42No, I am not.
32:43I didn't do it just for you.
32:45I just couldn't tarnish
32:46the name of the Hawthorne
32:46and Lucas' families.
32:48Doctor, please take a look.
32:49Is there something
32:51wrong with my health?
32:52You are a little too thin
32:53and slightly lacking in vitality.
32:55Do you feel unwell
32:55on normal days?
32:57Um, I get dizzy sometimes.
32:59Are your daily routines regular?
33:00Yes, they are.
33:01I don't see any major issues.
33:02I will prescribe some medicine
33:03to boost your vitality.
33:04Eat more red dates
33:05and longings.
33:06Just rest and take good care.
33:07Doctor, I've been married
33:08for a while now,
33:09but I still haven't
33:10gotten pregnant.
33:11Why is that?
33:12From your pulse,
33:13I don't see any obvious
33:14signs of infertility.
33:15What about your husband?
33:16How is his health?
33:18He trains in martial arts
33:19year-round,
33:20so he is exceptionally fit.
33:21How is your marital life?
33:22My husband has no concubines,
33:24and he has boundless energy.
33:26You are that close.
33:27No wonder you are so exhausted.
33:28Go back and tell that boy
33:29of yours to stop fooling
33:30around so much.
33:31It is draining your vitality
33:31and taking a huge toll
33:32on your body.
33:32Then why haven't I conceived?
33:35My lady,
33:36conception depends
33:37on many factors.
33:37If your body is indeed fine,
33:39then we must ask your husband
33:40to come for a checkup as well.
33:41Em,
33:41men can have this problem too,
33:42but my husband is a martial artist,
33:44so strong and fit.
33:45Of course they can.
33:46Having children
33:46takes two people.
33:47It has nothing to do
33:47with physical strength.
33:50He sweats bullets
33:51on the training ground.
33:52He doesn't look like
33:52he has any problems.
33:54But if it is true,
33:55do I have to tell him directly,
33:56with Ironhead's temper?
33:57He'll probably feel
33:58so humiliated.
33:59He'll tear the roof off.
34:00Julia,
34:01you have no idea.
34:02Lately,
34:02Charles has been acting
34:03like a completely different person.
34:04He actually knows
34:05how to be Karen now.
34:06That is great.
34:07I am so happy for you,
34:09Sis-in-Law.
34:10Julia,
34:10what is wrong?
34:11You don't look so well.
34:12Did you not sleep well last night?
34:13Sis-in-Law,
34:14how did you get pregnant
34:15with your kids?
34:17Oh my,
34:17my dear Julia,
34:18is Grand Dane
34:18pressuring you again?
34:19You can't rush these things.
34:21You and Richard
34:21are still so young.
34:22Don't worry about having kids.
34:23But I have to know
34:24the reason why.
34:28Brian,
34:29you promised to bring me last time.
34:30Where is that wooden puppet?
34:31I still remember it.
34:33Your Highness,
34:33please,
34:34just call me Captain Ed.
34:35Your Highness,
34:36there are too many eyes here.
34:37We shouldn't start any gossip.
34:38Do you not want me
34:39to call you that anymore?
34:40No,
34:41I didn't mean that at all.
34:41It is just that you are royalty.
34:43I dare not cross the line.
34:44But you let me call you that.
34:45when we were kids.
34:47Please,
34:47please don't cry.
34:48Eve,
34:48if we act like we did back then,
34:50it'll only cause trouble.
34:52Since Captain Ed loves rules so much,
34:53I won't bother you anymore.
34:54I'll just go ask my father
34:55to find me a better writing master.
34:56No,
34:56please don't.
34:57Eve,
34:58you can call me that in private.
34:59Okay.
35:00It is a promise.
35:01Then,
35:01Ryan and my wooden puppet,
35:02don't forget it next time.
35:05Don't freeze your hands.
35:08Ryan,
35:09my hands are cold.
35:10I have no strength left.
35:11You put it on for me.
35:12This,
35:13this is improper.
35:15Princess.
35:17Just put it on quickly.
35:18Please.
35:21Princess.
35:22You,
35:22are you trying to get me killed?
35:26E.D.,
35:26in broad daylight,
35:27which girl stole your heart?
35:29Why are you zoning out at that thing?
35:30Screw you.
35:31I just got an earful.
35:31I am in a terrible mood.
35:33No time for your jokes.
35:33Got an earful?
35:34How rare.
35:35Did you mess up at work?
35:35Or did you upset Lucas?
35:37Few days ago,
35:37the palace assigned me
35:38to teach the princess to ride.
35:39I thought I should avoid any rumors.
35:40So I tried to decline.
35:41Oh boy,
35:42my father found out when I got home.
35:43He scolded me for not knowing my place.
35:44He said being the princess's writing instructor
35:45is a huge blessing.
35:46I was just trying to avoid rumors.
35:47How did I end up being the bad guy?
35:49Oh,
35:49avoiding rumors.
35:50I think Master E.D.
35:51just has a guilty conscience.
35:52Afraid you won't be able to resist.
35:53Get lost.
35:54Stop spouting nonsense.
35:56Humphah.
35:56Father-in-law was right.
35:57You can't refuse a royal favor.
35:58You should just do your job properly.
36:00Ask for the rest.
36:00Better safe than sorry,
36:02Captain E.
36:07If your health is truly fine,
36:09then we will need to have your husband
36:10come in for an exam.
36:12Husband?
36:12He is so vigorous on the field.
36:14Could he really have some
36:15unmentionable problem?
36:16Broad shoulders,
36:17narrow waist,
36:18a healthy glow,
36:19physically.
36:19He looks perfectly fine,
36:21right?
36:21Two,
36:22four,
36:22six,
36:23eight.
36:24Where exactly is the problem?
36:26Do I really need to ask my mother-in-law
36:28if he was ever sick as a kid?
36:33Lady Hawthorne,
36:34getting all handsy poking and prodding,
36:36are you doubting your husband's abilities?
36:37I was just using the good lighting
36:39to take a closer look at my husband's
36:41incredibly handsome face.
36:42Oh,
36:43then please,
36:44admire it carefully.
36:45Look to your heart's content.
36:46It is,
36:47it is just all right,
36:48I guess.
36:49Nothing too special.
36:53I wondered why you
36:54were acting so cold lately.
36:56Turns out you thought I was too polite,
36:57too gentle.
36:59Richard Hawthorne,
36:59you...
37:00Since my wife doubts me,
37:01I'll just have to prove it.
37:03My dear husband,
37:05I was wrong.
37:06Okay.
37:08Then take your punishment.
37:10That is for doubting your husband.
37:12You jerk!
37:13The spring day is perfect.
37:14Let's not waste it.
37:15Forget the usual rules today.
37:17Let these young warriors
37:17have a real match.
37:19Let His Majesty and I
37:20see the young heroes
37:21of our Grand Dominion
37:21and what they're made of.
37:22These young men must be
37:23itching to go,
37:24ready to show off
37:25before the throne.
37:27Look!
37:27Young General Hawthorne
37:28and Captain Ed
37:29are on the field!
37:30Eleanor, look.
37:31Richard's outfit today
37:32makes him look a bit more mature.
37:33I just wonder
37:34if his skills have gotten rusty.
37:35You are so proud of him
37:36deep down,
37:36but you just have to make
37:37a sarcastic remark.
37:40Richard, here!
37:48Richard, what are you playing at?
37:50Your little act of holding back
37:51might fool others,
37:52but not me.
37:52Duh.
37:53I don't need a wife anymore.
37:54You are different.
37:55Let's make this quick.
37:56The ladies in the stands
37:57have their eyes all on you.
38:03Reward, Brian!
38:05Lucas, handsomely!
38:08In public like this,
38:09have you no shame?
38:10Look how happy our brother is.
38:12Bri is drawing
38:12too much attention today.
38:13Mother, why do you look pale?
38:14Are you worried about something?
38:16Bri wears his heart on his sleeve.
38:17The tallest tree in the forest
38:18catches the most wind.
38:18I just can't help but worry.
38:19You are overthinking it.
38:20Young men are full of vigor.
38:21Bringing honor to the family
38:22is a good thing.
38:22Our Lucas family acts honorably.
38:24There's no need to worry so much.
38:26Mother, I'd like to go sit with my mom
38:28to congratulate Ed in person.
38:30Would that be all right?
38:31You, child.
38:31Your heart is already over there.
38:33Go on.
38:33Send my regards to your mother.
38:35No need to rush back.
38:37Mother, Ed took first place today.
38:39He brought so much honor to our family.
38:40Why do you look so worried?
38:41Child, why did you run over here?
38:43Your in-laws might overthink it.
38:44My mother-in-law allowed it.
38:45I missed you, mother.
38:46I wanted to hear you praise Ed
38:47and ask for a lucky reward myself.
38:49My child, why do you think
38:50the Queen Consort
38:50threw this big spring tournament?
38:52Princess Amelia is of age
38:53and still unmarried.
38:55This is no simple competition.
38:56She is clearly using this event
38:57to pick her future royal consort.
39:00So that is the real reason.
39:02Mother, if Ed really gets chosen
39:03as the royal consort,
39:04that would be a great royal favor.
39:05It is an honor many people
39:06could only dream of.
39:07Your brother Ed is simple and honest.
39:08He has no guile.
39:09How could he possibly navigate
39:10the rules of the crown
39:10and act flawlessly?
39:11The royal palace looks like
39:12endless riches.
39:13But inside,
39:14I just want him to find
39:15a girl of our standing
39:16and live a peaceful life.
39:17The blessing of marrying a princess
39:18might be more
39:18than the Lucas family can bear.
39:20You are absolutely right, mother.
39:21The King decreed Julia's marriage
39:22to the Hawthorns.
39:22That union has already
39:23drawn too much attention.
39:24Now, of all the Lucas sons
39:25of marrying age,
39:26Ed is the only one left.
39:26His marriage truly needs
39:27careful consideration.
39:28How could I not worry?
39:29I don't know what
39:30your father was thinking.
39:30He seemed to just tacitly
39:31agree to it.
39:32How could a union
39:33between two military families
39:33be as simple as a drunken mistake?
39:34Families of equal status
39:35all found excuses to decline.
39:37As for Bri's marriage,
39:39it is still up in the air.
39:41Why are you back so soon?
39:42My mother is stressing
39:43over Ed's marriage.
39:44I was just adding to her stress.
39:46Silly girl,
39:47what is there to worry about?
39:48Ed is so outstanding.
39:49I am sure he'll find
39:50a good match.
39:52Look here, darling.
39:52I may not have taken
39:53first place,
39:53but I won these fair and square.
39:55You don't think
39:55I lost face to Ed, do you?
39:57I am not that shallow.
39:58What you two were doing out there,
40:00did you think I wouldn't notice?
40:01Good eye, honey.
40:02Earlier at the banquet,
40:03was something on your mind?
40:04Not at all.
40:05Everyone was watching you.
40:06I kept a low profile.
40:07This clay doll is so cute.
40:09Look at his happy little face.
40:10Keep it safe,
40:11if you like it.
40:16You were just bragging
40:17about your strength.
40:18Now look at you,
40:19burning up with a fever.
40:21Wife, wife, don't go.
40:23I feel terrible.
40:24Everything hurts.
40:25Now you feel the pain.
40:26I told you to stay warm,
40:27wearing so little all day.
40:28Who are you flashing
40:29your chest for?
40:29Come on, Iron Cat, Richard.
40:30There's your eyes.
40:31Look who is a weakling now.
40:32It hurts like crazy.
40:33You are such a wild tall boy.
40:34Let's see who dares to marry you.
40:35Who'd want to marry you?
40:40Just in, Big Brother.
40:41His father looking
40:41for another excuse to punish me.
40:43Elnor is pregnant.
40:44Why are you still so slow?
40:45I am leaving.
40:46I really didn't expect
40:47our younger brother and sister
40:48to both stumble
40:48into such grand matches.
40:49If I had been born
40:50a few years later,
40:51you wouldn't even have this chance.
40:52Big Brother,
40:53what kind of nonsense
40:54are you spouting?
40:55Congratulations,
40:56my good brother.
40:56You are soon to be
40:57the Grand Dominion's
40:58royal consort
40:59to Princess Amelia.
41:02V, Big Brother,
41:03are you crazy?
41:04You can't just spout nonsense.
41:05We could get beheaded for that.
41:07Father leaked the news himself.
41:08It can't be wrong.
41:09The royal decree
41:09is probably already on its way.
41:13Oh, wifey.
41:13If it is bitter,
41:15drink it yourself.
41:16The temperature is just right.
41:17My hands are too weak
41:18to hold it.
41:19I can only drink it
41:20if my wifey feeds me.
41:22Drink up.
41:23Stop whining.
41:26I need a kiss
41:27to feel better.
41:28Richard,
41:29that is enough.
41:33My wifey is so soft.
41:34About my brother
41:34as matter.
41:35Did you already
41:35know something?
41:37What are you saying?
41:38I've been delirious
41:39from the fever.
41:40My mind still isn't clear yet.
41:41Don't play dumb,
41:42Richard.
41:42Look at me.
41:43When the crown
41:44arranged our marriage,
41:44was it really
41:45just a drunken mistake?
41:46You regret marrying me.
41:48Who said I regret it?
41:49Then,
41:50you are suffering
41:51by being with me.
41:52No, young general.
41:53I am just afraid
41:54that the Lucas and Hawthorns
41:55are just pawns on a board.
41:56You do regret it.
41:58You are hiding something.
41:59Fine.
42:00You won't tell me.
42:01Then make your own medicine
42:02and feed yourself
42:02for a few days.
42:05Just kidding.
42:06I am not leaving.
42:08I knew my wife
42:09loves me most.
42:10Richard,
42:10you faked being sick.
42:12I didn't see you leave.
42:13I panicked
42:14and found the string.
42:17Brother,
42:18I've always dreamed
42:19of being like father,
42:20just like you,
42:21a true general.
42:22I want to lead troops,
42:23defend our country,
42:24and bring glory
42:25to our family.
42:25But now,
42:26a royal consort
42:27is stuck in the capital
42:28learning matters.
42:28Will I ever lead
42:29an army in this life?
42:30It is not that I don't like you,
42:31but this royal favor
42:33locks me up in a gilded cage.
42:34The Lucas Sons.
42:35Which of us doesn't
42:36want to make our mark?
42:37In the Western Defense Campaign,
42:38my name was on the list too.
42:40Father made me stay
42:40and let Richard go instead.
42:42He won glory
42:42and became a general.
42:43We enlisted together,
42:44promised to fight side by side.
42:45Now he is General Hawthorne.
42:46And I am just Captain Ed
42:47who relies on connections.
42:48I want to hate him.
42:49Yet I can't.
42:49He is my best buddy.
42:50I am just so frustrated.
42:52How could I not understand you?
42:53That is why I gave you a chance
42:54to make him your brother-in-law.
42:55You only remember
42:56father held you back
42:57while Richard earned
42:57military glory.
42:58How perilous a Western border
42:59was back then.
43:00Do you even know?
43:00The Nomad Turks
43:01main force ambushed us.
43:02Thirty feet of the city wall collapsed.
43:03Father first looked
43:03for who could hold the line,
43:04who could make it back alive.
43:05Richard was a scout for two years.
43:06He was best at ambushes
43:07and surviving.
43:07You were too headstrong.
43:08You would have fought to the death.
43:09Richard just never told you
43:10he practically crawled
43:10out of a pile of corpses.
43:12When Julia asked me last time,
43:13I didn't even know what to say.
43:15Really?
43:16He never told me.
43:17The Turks are ruthless.
43:18He is lucky to be alive.
43:19Julia asked me privately
43:20many times,
43:21saying her husband
43:21can't sleep at night.
43:22As for the Hawthorns,
43:23Uncle Hawthorn's old wounds
43:24flared up.
43:25The army lacked young leaders,
43:26so Richard had to risk
43:27his life to prove himself.
43:28But for our family,
43:28father guards the East.
43:29I lead an army.
43:30If you won glory too,
43:31would his majesty want to see
43:32three generals overshadowing the throne?
43:33Father held you back
43:34to protect you
43:35and our whole family.
43:36You and Richard
43:37were never on the same path.
43:39Besides,
43:40you do care for the princess.
43:41If you didn't marry her,
43:42Julia would have been
43:42the one marrying into royalty.
43:44What do you think?
43:45I planned all this,
43:46that I am just like my parents,
43:48using him as a pawn
43:49for his loyalty.
43:50Oh, Brian,
43:51I am so scared
43:52he'll hate me.
43:52Your Highness,
43:53the Nomad Envoy's gifts
43:54are stored.
43:54Prince Owen specifically requested
43:56that on the wedding day,
43:57he presents a lavish gift
43:57to the royal consul.
43:58If Richard Hawthorn's path
43:59is a dead end,
44:00I'll carve out my own path
44:01as Brian Lucas,
44:03a son of the Lucas family.
44:04We'll never wallow
44:05in self-pity.
44:06What we must protect
44:08is more than just
44:09the capital's glory.
44:11What the manor doctor said,
44:12I don't buy that
44:13he is perfectly fine.
44:14Something is definitely wrong.
44:25Richard has looked
44:26a bit weak lately.
44:27These are just
44:28common times.
44:28Why hide them so carefully?
44:30Causes temporary
44:31infertility in men.
44:32May cause bodily harm.
44:35No wonder
44:35he hasn't been recovering.
44:37It is not a cold at all.
44:39He's making himself sterile.
44:41He survived the harsh battles,
44:43yet he ruins his body
44:44to avoid having kids.
44:45But why?
44:48What took you so long,
44:49wife?
44:50Did you sneak some good food
44:51without me?
44:51Why are your hands so cold?
44:53I am gonna be a great
44:54and mighty general one day!
44:55That iron head Richard
44:56finally grew up
44:57to be a true hero.
44:59But why take this medicine?
45:00To protect the Lucas family,
45:02or are you afraid
45:02to leave me all alone?
45:05What is wrong?
45:06Did Ed's arranged marriage
45:07scare you?
45:08Don't worry.
45:08I am right here.
45:09Richard,
45:10if you dare to die before me,
45:12I won't even speak to you
45:13in the afterlife.
45:19Whatever lies ahead,
45:20you will never be alone.
45:28Richard!
45:48You want to be here.
45:49Very good.
46:04You want to be here.
46:08The rest of the November
46:08where's the prince?
46:08.
46:38.

Recommended