A series of events leaves Chae Gyeong and Yeok to become nemeses; the two cannot bear to stand each other.

A note found in the library leads to a former palace officer; the king orders a note destroyed, and the prince rejects a proposal.

The king hears difficult truths about his reign but ignores them; appeals for Yeok's leniency anger him.

Chae Gyeong thinks that Yeok is dead; even though she knows that she should forget about him, she still longs for him every day.