The Killer Blade Army of Dongranguk is here!
Form a line of defense!
Don't give an inch. Fight back!
Gunhwapyeong!
I'm honored the commander of the Killer Blade Army is paying a personal visit.
Your Highness, I have come to ask a question of you.
Wouldn't you rather cooperate with Dongranguk?
I'm a human being.
Not a dog for Georan like you.
Any last words?
I'm sad to announce...
that our future king, Prince Suhyeon...
has been assassinated by Gunhwapyeong.
Gunhwapyeong.
That traitor is killing off the royal family, destroying the lineage.
Son of a bitch!
Word of his death has spread throughout the territory, demoralizing the people.
It is dangerous not to have a king during such a time of unrest.
With Prince Suhyeon dead, who will become king?
Who remains?
I've found a prince whose whereabouts had previously been unknown.
Who is he?
Do you remember Prince Jeonghyeon?
What happened?
As you ordered, I sent Maeyoungok and Mabul to Jungwon.
Youngok.
She is an excellent warrior.
According to our secret agent...
Balhae has dispatched an excellent warrior of their own.
Who did they send?
We don't know yet.
Do you have any idea who the warrior could be?
This time, you will have to travel far.
He's a son of Lady Oh.
Fourteen years ago, he was involved in political turmoil...
which resulted in his exile to Jungwon.
The Killer Blade Army will be coming after him.
We must find him before they do.
We need a king to unite the people...
as well as the militias and armies fighting throughout the country.
If we stand united, we cannot be defeated.
You must remember.
The fate of Balhae and its people depends on him.
How was it?
How was the girl?
- Sosam? - Yes.
What do you have?
What do you have to sell?
I'll meet the gentleman first and tell him in person.
"Gentleman"?
Sit over there and wait.
There is no need to doubt its authenticity.
Just tell me how much you are willing to pay.
You could have gone elsewhere to sell this.
Why did you come to me?
I've heard good things about your business.
People say there are no repercussions when dealing with Sosam.
I suppose reputation is the most important thing.
Money is secondary.
So, how much are you going to pay?
Fifty jeon...
You rat! That's not enough!
is a fair price.
But I'll give you 80 jeon.
Fine.
What...?
Hey, Sosam.
I'm not sure how you heard of me...
but you found the right person.
It's very important who you deal with in this village.
You have to find a reputable person.
I have a question to ask you.
Pardon me, but what is your name?
You were looking for Sosam.
I'm asking for your real name.
There are too many eyes here. Follow me.
The sword you have, only two of them exist in this world.
I've noticed there's been a lot of strangers around lately.
There seems to be a misunderstanding.
I never misunderstand assassins.
Do me a favor.
Hey, Sosam.
You don't even have to ask.
I thank you.
Don't worry. Just leave.
A misunderstanding? Aren't you going to follow him?
I don't think anything I say will matter right now.
Please, you must help me.
Before that...
you need to help us first.
We are...
desperate. What do you say?
I don't think so.
I was trained in the art of killing on the battlefield.
I have heard enough.
Shut her mouth. Teach her some manners.
Do we have an understanding now?
Okay, okay! I understand.
I have some questions.
There are so-called "integrities" on the street.
I know a few ways to make you talk.
I also learned those on the battlefield.
What do you need to know? I'm happy to answer all of your questions.
Please sit down.
I'm Yeonsoha, First Officer of Biseonwon. Forgive my discourtesy, Your Highness.
I have no choice but to forgive, given the situation.
I don't know what gave you that impression, but I'm not an assassin.
Do you think I'm stupid?
They wouldn't let an exiled prince live. Unless all the other princes--
All the other princes...
are dead.
Your Highness, you must become the king of Balhae.
I will be escorting you there.
I've lived in a place like this...
hiding from assassins for 14 years...
and now you're telling me my hardship is over...
and I am to become king of Balhae?
Do you think I'd believe that?
Fine. Let's suppose what you say is true.
Do you think I'm crazy enough to claim the throne...
and make myself a target for Georan?
Do you know what I believe in?
Survival, above all else.
That's all that interests me.
Your Highness!
I sent my cohorts to the gambling house and they returned practically crippled.
I have lost face.
That wasn't my doing.
When did I ever say Your Highness had anything to do with it?
You...
aren't from the battlefield...
are you?
Talk to me.
About what?
I need all the details in order to price you accordingly.
How much money will I make by handing you over?
Always the same routine.
People never speak without persuasion.
You. Release him!
She's the one who attacked us!
Welcome.
I've heard awe-inspiring tales about your skills.
I'm the boss of--
I told you to release him.
That won't do you any good.
You should discuss the matter directly with me.
I'm the boss of--
Oh, shit!
Your Highness, are you okay?
What is this? They're allies!
Please don't worry. I will protect you.
Boss...
Yeonsoha. It's you.
You were sent here.
Our paths have crossed a few times, but this is the first time we've spoken.
What do we do? There are more than two of them.
Don't worry. This is our region. We've got more people.
Who are they?
They're Dongranguk's Killer Blade Army.
Officer Yeon, wouldn't it be better if we avoided any unnecessary bloodshed?
Give us Prince Jeonghyeon...
and we will let you live.
I will never allow you to take him.
I guess we won't be able to settle this through conversation.
Everyone, stop!
What?
After careful consideration, I think you're the one we should side with.
Move.
It would behoove you to hear me out.
I'm the boss of--
Don't just stand there! Kill them!
Your Highness, please run!
What?
We have to run away. Hurry!
What is the matter?
Your Highness!
They'll keep coming. You have to run away from them.
Follow me.
Tell me.
Who are you?
What is your connection to the Killer Blade Army?
Most of them are traitors to Balhae.
In the past, I've seen them in the military.
Is that why you introduced yourself like that?
What have I done wrong?
Then, how do you know my brother Suhyeon?
I once guarded the crown prince for a time.
We must go now.
Where to? This is the safest place.
There is no safe place.
As long as we are here, they'll eventually find you.
They will kill everyone on Wolnak Street if necessary.
That is the Killer Blade Army's way.
Didn't you say that survival is your only interest?
Then there's no other way.
Then follow me.
I know the fastest route out of here.
Want a drink?
Is this the fastest route you mentioned?
We must eat first. How can we travel far on an empty stomach?
They are the Bidomun, a branch of Heukdobang's gang.
I recognize their symbol.
I heard...
they are out of their minds with grief because their leader was killed.
Let's go now. We don't have much time.
I will decide whether we go or not. If I don't feel like it, I won't go.
Who the hell are you?
My boss here instructed me to ask you a question.
What? That girl?
What did she say?
She wonders if it's true that your leader died...
from overdoing it with women.
That bitch!
Please just ignore him and let it go.
It's too late.
What are you doing? We are still in mourning for my father.
They provoked a quarrel with us. We didn't have a choice.
I gave you an order to be respectful, no matter what happened.
What you just said...
say it again.
I found him!
We've been delayed long enough. We should go.
Okay, let's leave as soon as possible.
I truly appreciate your help. Thank you.
Not at all. This was the right thing to do.
Even though I would like to kill him...
because of your plea.
Everything will be all right. Don't worry.
Let's go.
What happened?
After listening to my story, she agreed to help.
"Story"?
You told her everything?
Do you have any idea how quickly rumors spread in this village?
I said you abandoned your family and stole from your ailing mother...
to run away with a widow.
You're a warrior. Are you allowed to lie like that?
The sword is not the only thing you need on the battlefield.
Put these on. We have a tough walk ahead of us, and it's getting cold.
I'll be all right.
Fine. Don't complain to me when it gets colder later on.
We should leave.
You are skilled in the art of combat. How did you acquire it?
I've spent all my life training to use a sword.
Where did you learn to use it?
A military camp.
Ever since I was a young girl, I learned from the soldiers.
You've led a difficult life.
If I were you, I would have given up.
What's wrong?
We need horses.
Obviously, you have limited experience in this matter, so listen carefully.
Stealing horses is not like stealing clothes. It will be more challenging.
We have to wait till it gets darker, then--
I have money.
The heat is killing me.
Goodness, who's this? Brother Sosam!
I brought you a customer.
Customer?
Do you like any of them?
I want to buy the one on the far right and the fourth one.
You know your horses. But they are quite expensive.
Since you came with Brother Sosam, I'll give you a good deal.
For the two, give me 300 jeon.
I subsist off your referrals, brother.
The horses are of the highest quality!
I know they're stolen.
Come on.
She's very beautiful. Who is she?
A devil from hell.
I never understand a word you say.
Forget about her.
Let me have a sword.
I'd better arm myself since someone out there is trying to kill me.
This one should be good.
Why did you choose that one?
Take a better one. I'll pick one for you.
It doesn't matter. I'll never use it anyway.
You scared me.
You're here again.
No word from the deputy commander yet?
Please don't worry.
Maeyoungok has never lost her quarry.
Wouldn't it depend on who the quarry is?
Have you found out?
Of course. Do you know a female warrior named Yeonsoha?
I'll go myself.
Are you going to kill the prince?
The court believes if Balhae's royal family cooperates with us...
it will help to calm the uprisings all around the country.
But because you've been killing every member of the royal family...
the court can't trust you.
To achieve greatness, you need to know how to control your vengeful spirit.
Understand?
Father!
Welcome!
How may I help you?
We don't need dinner. Just a room for the night.
Yes.
How many rooms...?
Can't you tell?
There are two of us.
Yes, sir. I'll go prepare them.
Give us one room.
One is enough.
Are you going to stay like that all night?
Biseonwon warriors guard the door of the king until he falls asleep.
Please do not worry.
If you insist on being silly, you might as well be silly inside.
You're going to be the king.
There shouldn't be any hint of scandalous rumors.
We are not in Balhae. Who's going to see?
Whether anyone is watching or not is of no importance.
Under the heavens, the king should have nothing to hide.
You speak as if I've already become a king.
But I haven't agreed to it yet.
He said they went to Hadong.
The commander is coming.
Officer Yeonsoha!
You said you grew up in the military. Was your father a soldier?
No, sir.
Then, why?
I didn't have anywhere else to go.
Georan soldiers killed my father when I was 9...
my mother when I was 10.
I didn't have any other relatives.
We probably won't be able to reach Hadong today.
There's a place to rest along the way.
A very cozy place.
What is that?
That incense.
It is my custom to comfort the dead.
Those I have known in the past as well as the enemies felled by my sword.
You comfort the souls of your enemies...
with no hatred or resentment?
At least you won't be devoured by an evil spirit.
What?
I also learned how to use a sword in Balhae.
I know the legend.
An evil spirit born from resentment, spite, and hatred...
is known to live in your sword.
Grownups used to scare me with the myth.
How an evil spirit can grow by drinking blood...
and eventually turn the owner of the sword evil as well.
Of course, when I grew up, I finally realized...
that the story meant one shouldn't lose serenity because of hatred.
I do believe an evil spirit grows in the sword.
So you still believe everything you were told when you were little?
Is that why you treat your sword with so much care?
It protects you from an evil spirit?
Yes.
I believe I have to use the sword to protect what is precious.
Listen.
What is the first thing people think of doing when they hold a sword?
Protecting?
Not at all.
Killing comes first. That is human instinct.
I have tried to tell you countless times.
Don't look at me like that.
Don't look at me with such pity!
I had a great life before I met you!
I need to meet someone. Wait here for a while.
We don't have much time. We still have--
It's the owner of this shop.
Don't go anywhere. Just wait here. It'll only take a moment.
Well, look who's here!
Here you go.
Why didn't you tell us you were coming?
I've come for the money you've been keeping for me.
It looks like I'll have to go into hiding for a while.
What have you done?
It's a long story. I'll tell you later.
Where are you going this time?
Well, as it stands, quite far.
Sosam, to be honest...
some people came by here yesterday.
Who?
They said they were with the Killer Blade Army.
And the very person they're looking for...
is you.
Why don't we have a little chat.
Did you think you could get away?
Let me ask you one thing.
Wouldn't you rather cooperate with Dongranguk?
"Cooperate"? I don't know what you mean by that.
You...
Why are you going to such lengths to take me back?
Because you are going to be Balhae's king.
You've seen how I live.
Do you think I am fit for the throne?
You will be an excellent king.
Thank you for thinking so highly of me, but I have a confession to make.
I was going to leave you here and run away.
I only stayed because my friend betrayed me.
If you really wanted to leave, you had plenty of chances along the way.
Why do you think I'm telling you this?
I have no intention of going to Balhae.
There are many other ways to survive.
You have to go no matter what.
Then tell me one good reason why I must go to Balhae.
Why do I have to go there?
I know you weren't present at your mother's deathbed.
We'll pass by Cheonaegok on the way.
There is a graveyard.
Your Highness!
It's been a long time.
I am certain of only one thing:
My father and family were falsely accused of treason...
and brutally killed by the royal family of Balhae.
The charges against them were not false.
I will kill whoever impugned my father and family.
I don't care who it is.
Your Highness, are you okay?
No, I'm not okay.
Do you know how horrible it is to be stabbed from behind?
We received a message from headquarters. How should we respond?
Tell them we haven't found them.
I will not return until I have killed Yeonsoha.
Kill Yeonsoha?
As long as I'm under orders, I want to be the one who kills her.
And...
most of all, I would not want my failure to reflect badly on you.
I will give you four days.
If Yeonsoha is still alive after that...
you'll be given no more chances.
You barely escaped serious injury.
I don't think it's that serious.
That was from a street fight.
I believe this was from the battlefield.
Why would you think that?
A man like me doesn't get involved in war.
I was told that you joined your father in the battle against Georan...
when you were only 15.
Georan soldiers!
They seem to have been left behind.
Your Highness!
This village has everything.
They probably didn't have time to pack.
They evacuated in a hurry.
What is this for?
It is for you since you are not well, Your Highness.
It does look comfortable.
Hand it over.
I will do it.
What?
When did you learn carpentry?
I had to fix many of the goods before selling them.
Those oafs always managed to break their stolen goods.
Have you already forgotten how I've been making my living?
Now you understand. I don't have what it takes to be a king.
You made a bad choice.
General Keumhwee.
Every soldier addressed you by that title.
You, the valiant prince, who fought on the battlefield at the age of 15.
With the sun glistening off your helmet, you cut such a heroic figure...
no one could take their eyes off you.
How much do you know about me?
Every prince has fought on the battlefield...
but none has ever achieved what you have.
You are the one people can rely on in this time of upheaval.
I'm nobody.
All that's left is my useless self, Sosam.
A person's nature doesn't change.
You're wrong.
I believe in you.
Don't be silly.
What if you are wrong?