01x05 - A Bewildered Heart, Steered by Love

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ALL DEPICTED EVENTS ARE FICTIONAL

AND FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

After all,

we shall soon be family.

He's about to get married.

Complete the mission and return home.

Better quit the game
before it starts, Nakhun!

My Lord,

what flower might this be?

My Lord…

Master Klao.

Come now, Master.

Playing hide-and-seek is a child's game.

What are you gazing at so intently?

Come on!

Is that…

Meow.

A grumpy cat.

A cat?

Does your manor also house a cat, my Lord?

Indeed, a Khao Manee cat,

pure white from head to tail.

It is at times quite affectionate,

yet at others remarkably playful.

Why am I so emotional and jealous of her?

He doesn't like me. He likes Klao.
I can't afford to fall for him.

Although back at the temple,
Klao's story really resonated with me.

I cried when the fortune teller
mentioned his spirit.

So what's going on?

Let us be on our way, Lady Varna.

I fear High Lord Soontrapinit
has waited in vain.

Yes, my Lord.

Master.

What?

May we set forth now?

Why?

What seems to be the matter?

Up, down, up, down, up, and down.

Allow me to demonstrate.

Lady Varna

possesses grace and refined conduct.

The very essence of a lady.

She is most suited for Phop.

Father.

What about you, Dear Klao?

Have you set your sights upon any lady?

Well, I…

I…

Answer when an elder inquires.

Do not make her wait.

No, I have not.

Then you must hasten to do so.

See to it that you are properly wed
without further delay

before committing to royal service.

Only then shall you be a credible man.

Royal service?

What?

You spoke to me of your desire to enter
royal service, as your father did.

Now that you are fully recovered,

return to your studies
with renewed diligence.

I shall arrange for a master
to guide your studies.

I can guide him, Father.

You are crazy! Why say such a thing?

Very well.

At 20, he has long since come of age.

He can no longer idle his time away.

I entrust you to guide Dear Klao
in all that he ought to know.

Understood, Father.

Committing to royal service
like Klao's father?

Why didn't Phop object to his father
about Klao's marriage,

even though he seems into Klao?

Maybe…

Bromance?

Or…

He hasn't realized it?

Or…

He's bisexual?

Or…

He hasn't come out yet?

Why have you not sought the study hall?

I brought you these books.

What were you writing?

Hey, hey!

Can you not? This is private!

Have I become a stranger to you?

Am I not being clear? I said no!

Why do you turn away from me?

Has Varna troubled your heart?

Not at all.

If so, then what brought you
to the garden,

Grumpy Cat?

I was out for a walk,

stretching as I went.

Why?

Are there rules

in this manor that say

I'm not allowed to take a walk?

Let it be so.

I shall take your word for it.

Let us now study.

I can't read any of this.

I think…

Phop, can we learn something else first?

Is this what you wish to learn?

How odd.

You once rowed with great speed.

Things I once did.

Things aren't the same anymore, are they?

This isn't the same person, you know?

Deep and steady.

Then lift it upward.

Do not skim the surface.

Remember to alternate your strokes.

That's enough. I can row it myself.

You asked for my help.

Yes, but you should let me try it myself.

It's the mark of a good teacher.

-Hey! Let go!
-Klao, be still,

-lest you capsize the boat.
-Then hands off!

Hey.

Hey!

Let go! Let it go!

Hands off. Come on.

Be still, Klao!

Phop?

Phop…

Phop?

Phop.

Phop, don't do this.

This isn't funny.

Phop…

Phop.

Phop! Phop!

Phop!

Phop!

Phop, come on.
Tell me you're gonna be fine.

Where are you? Phop!

Phop?

Where are you?

Phop!

Phop!

I am right here.

Phop!

Phop!

I am more than pleased.

Why are you pleased?

You…

Were you pulling my leg?

I was worried sick about you!

That is why I am pleased.

My concern for you is not unrequited.

If I can't beat this feeling,
why not just embrace it?

Swoosh!

Did people in the past sword fight

like how we go to the gym
or exercise in the park?

Klao,

come enjoy this with me.

Kaew? You're here too?

You like watching sword fighting?

Not quite.

I am merely here out of concern for Jom.

-Ha!
-Ha!

Alas,

you're bleeding.

Step back. Leave me be.

He never ceases to reprimand me.

Well, Thee is…

I mean, the physician
is worried about you, Pun.

I mean, Kaew.

You might get hurt while they're sparring.

How would you know, Klao?

Such is his way.

Whenever I try to draw close to Jom,
he invariably pushes me away.

You guys are the same.

I have friends in Phichit.

They are similar to you…

and the physician.

The closer one gets,

the further the other pulls away.

A bilabial stop

is a sound produced by blocking
airflow with both lips,

such as… and…

That's correct.

And…

this sound?

Is it considered one?

Let's continue, Nakhun.

What are the alveolar consonants?

Made with the tongue
near the alveolar ridge.

Such as

S, Z, L,

N, D, and

-T.
-Yes, Pun?

So you've given me a nickname now?

Starting to fall for me, right?

He didn't call you.

He's talking to me.

If I write it like this in IPA,

can you read it?

Here it is.

I LIKE YOU, YOU KNOW?

Thee.
My lips are parched.

Yes, Pun.

A cup of pure matcha,

no sugar!

Thee always clings to Pun.

Like a puppy following a pretty face.

His mindset is this:

"Constant dripping wears away the stone."

However, he's not wearing him down at all.

Not at all.

I never imagined that we should sit
together, sharing laughter once more,

even though I have not
the slightest inkling of what you said.

But…

I just want to say

he doesn't despises you or anything.

Otherwise, he wouldn't let you
follow him around.

Maybe he's just shy,

or maybe

in this day and age it's not acceptable…

That's why he can't accept your love.

Come now!

I am a man.

I can't give my heart
to one such as myself.

That's fine.

I can tell.

Kaew…

Phop isn't taken?

I mean, he has not yet taken a spouse?

Or do you think

he likes men,

like you do?

Klao!

You must not
speak of him so before others.

So…

he's into men?

That I do not know.

As the rumors go,

Lord Phop

resembles a w*r elephant

whose strength
is spent before the first strike.

A flame without a spark.

A flag that won't fly.

A dull sword.

Noodles without broth.

A silent songbird.

A man of no vigor.

That's enough.

Phop…

Despite looking that strong,

his little guy doesn't work?

You mean his brother?

He is yet too small.

He can do no true work.

His is too small?

Too small.

His is small.

Klao!

Klao,

I wish to see Phichit's swordplay.

Pray, let me see your art.

Master Klao.

-Klao.
-Klao?

Klao?

-Klao!
-Klao.

Master Klao.

Master Klao!

Fetch him the herbal remedy at once.

The Buddha, the Dhamma…

What ails Master now?

Physician, lend us your cure.

His vitals seem stable.

He must be brought to my manor
for closer examination.

Master Klao.

I'm fine.

I'm just a bit faint.

I need to get some rest.

Wait for me, Master.

Physician, I pray you to follow him.

It was but fleeting.
He now strides so effortlessly.

No cause for concern.

I suspect he feigned illness
to avoid swordplay.

However, I believe

it would be best to conduct
a thorough examination.

Why such concern?

His condition is sound.

When you were laughing with him,
he appeared perfectly content,

without a trace of illness.

When have I made such jests?

Throughout the sparring.

Take up the blade yourself,

that you may safeguard
your wife and children.

I have never harbored any desire
for a wife or children.

What is wrong with him?

Are you merely feigning ignorance?

The feelings between you and Dear Kaew

are plain as day.

Do not seek to conceal them.

I harbor no feelings for him whatsoever,
only annoyance.

My good Physician,

we cannot know for how long
those who stand beside us

shall remain.

The morrow might bring a parting
we never foresaw.

Once before, I nearly lost
all that I held dear.

I know too well the agony it brings.

May such sorrow never strike again.

Neither upon myself

nor upon my friend.

Don't get sidetracked.

Continue the mission.

Klao was k*lled.

This might be the real mission.

Find out who k*lled Klao?

Mother, Lady Varna,

where did you find such blossoms?

The fragrance fills the air.

I have only just learned of

Lady Varna's renowned skill
in the art of traditional potpourri.

Her craft once served
the High Lord of Lopburi himself.

The craft of perfumery
demands the utmost meticulousness.

Your skill must be of the finest order.

You are most kind with your words,
my Lord.

I was charmed by the fragrance,

so I bade her craft more for us.

We shall soon craft a fragrance
for your pleasure, Phop.

Kindly join me and choose the scent.

I leave the choice to you.

Having just practiced with the blade,

I must wash

before attending to my duties.

It seems he cares little for me,
does he not?

Do not speak thus, Lady Varna.

Who could fail to admire one

so fair and accomplished as you?

I believe

he is merely indifferent
to such trifling matters.

Yes, my Lady.

For all his stern demeanor,

the truth is that
Phop is merely a bashful soul.

Pray, do make an effort to visit
our manor more often, Lady Varna.

We shall become better acquainted.

But…

would such a thing be seemly, my Lady?

Of course.

Should anyone inquire,

say I summoned you to teach me perfumery.

And should there be any malicious gossip,

inform me at once.
I shall deal with it accordingly.

Then I am most willing, my Lady.

Aunt.

Lady Varna.

Can you teach me how to make potpourri?

This is rather a surprise.

I never once imagined

you would take an interest in
such domestic crafts, Dear Klao.

I thought you favored your books.

Well…

I want to make myself useful,
given a chance.

Perhaps I might further
endear myself to you.

My!

My heart is already
so full of fondness for you, Dear Klao.

Oh, you…

Does your stomach no longer trouble you?

It has subsided, Phop.

That's why I'm out here with Aunt.

What a relief.

Then I must take leave for patrol.

Understood.

I must bid you farewell for now, Mother.

Lady Varna.

What's next,

Lady Varna?

It is done this way, Klao.

Yes! He's finally gone.

The flowers Phop favors
are nowhere to be found here.

But Aunt said

he does not favor such trifling matters.

How come?

Phop just asked me
to fetch him flowers by the manor

and bring them to his room.

Their fragrance filled the air.

With that said,

let me pick some more flowers for him.

Yes, I've finally made it out!
My plan is working.

Wait for Phop to go on patrol,
sneak to the market,

and return before he catches me!

Let's complete the mission
and return home!

I refuse to be stuck here
just to get married.

Kong!

What are you doing here?

And what of you, Master?
What brings you to this place?

Might you be going to that place?

"That place"?

What do you mean?

There is no need to keep
such secrets from me, Master.

We both know you visit that place,

the House of Pleasure
at the farthest end of the market.

"The House of Pleasure"? A brothel?

Klao often went to the market
for this place?

Master Klao, allow me to accompany you.

I beg of you, Master.

Sure thing.

Let's go.

Yes!

Let's go, shall we?

Yes, Master Klao…

All right!

Master Klao, I am unable to swim.

It's fine.

Swim after my boat, okay?

Master…

Be wary.

Thank you.

A multicultural market!

Feels like the ones in Khaosan Road,
Pattaya, and Patpong.

No wonder Klao loved coming to this place.

I'm sorry, sir.

Excuse me.

This place…

What is this market called?

It is a canal market.

You must have
arrived from the countryside.

Okay, I'm at the right place,

but where's the brothel?

I hope Kong was just talking nonsense.

Klao was heartbroken
over his father's affair.

He probably didn't
enjoy the brothel, did he?

The sweets remain untouched.
He was not in the kitchen.

-Not in his bed!
-Not in the garden!

He was nowhere to be found.

How utterly dim-witted!

You are a lifetime's regret.

Regret, I say!

The cane shall leave your back
like a tiger's pelt!

I've no wish to share the punishment.

-You fool. What an utter fool.
-Sai! What have I done wrong?

I could not find him.

Nor could I!

Are you in search of Master Klao?

Do you know Master's whereabouts?

The House of Pleasure.

Good heavens!

All is ruined!

A delightful taste.

-Sweet and wonderful.
-You.

You there.

You!

Are you talking to me?

Yes.

I am talking to you,

Master Klao.

Where have you been?

I was led to believe your heart
had strayed to another favored place.

This way, this way.

If you would, this way.

Hey!

Hey! Pray, help me!

Too high.

Oh, my.

Master Klao.

Today…

We have the Seven-Headed,
Three-Clawed Dragon herbal liquor.

It relieves body pain

and helps you sleep well.

Goodness. Were you to taste this,

its potency would far surpass
even that of the Dragon…

The Dragon… That one…

The Dragon Horse, Seared by Fire.

Here.

Here it is.

I'd rather not.

I have no taste for herbal liquor.

No taste for herbal liquor?

Last time you had half a jar.

If you did,
I daresay you'd take the whole pot.

Well, I prefer…
Soju!

Jjan!

"Jjan"?

Like "jangle"?

So the rumor that

Master Klao has gone mad

is true?

You are truly gifted, my Lord.

You speak the tongue of the Farang.

I owe it to my esteemed mentor.

I mean no intrusion, my Lord,

yet I cannot help but notice
your cheerful disposition today.

A certain someone has graced my manor

with the scent of potpourri,
awaiting my return.

Are you intrigued?

That was close. So, do people here
misunderstand Klao or not?

I thought there was drama with his dad,

but no, he's simply a sad bad boy.

So his visit to the brothel means…

Do I really have to
learn the truth there myself?

Excuse me.

Is this The House…

Master Klao!

Where have you been these many days?

Pim speaks your name all day.

Come, let us depart, Master Klao.

Pim?

Mother!

Master Klao has returned!

I'm not here to enjoy myself, by the way.

I'm not here to have a good time, okay?

I'm not here to have fun, okay?

Your absence has been long indeed.

A very warm welcome back to
the Pavilion of Affection, Master.

Upon your return,

you seem somewhat troubled, Master.

Pray, let the maidens see to your comfort

and ease your worries.

This way, Master.

Long has your absence been, Master Klao.
We've missed you dearly.

It is so, Master.

Pim is occupied today,

so I shall attend to
your comfort myself, Master.

Perhaps I can attend to you.

Heavens, you lot!

He has but returned. Cease your dallying.

Master Klao,

Pray, come into the receiving room.

-Let us make our way.
-I…

I shall go
and fetch Pim for you presently, Master.

Let us be on our way.

Too late to turn back?

But I won't get any clues if I do, right?

I don't dislike you guys or anything, but…

Phop, help me!

Has Dear Klao finished the potpourri?

My Lord,

the fault is mine alone.

Hi, Pim.

Long time no see.

I miss you.

By the way, when was the last time we met?

And what did I do?

I am…

Puang, Master.

Truly, it has been so long

that you have forgotten my face.

Indeed,

a man's tongue is woven of deceit.

Shall we remain quiet then?

We may as well
wait till the candles melt away.

For, regardless…

I remain a stranger in your memories.

Well, I…

I've lost my memory.

Truly?

Truly.

Certainly?

Certainly.

For what reason

do you neglect your treatment

to come to me instead, Master Klao?

That's a very good point.

I'm here to see thee…

I mean, you…

Yeah, you…

Why am I here?

Why did I come here?

Indeed, why?

This is

the House of Pleasure.

What brings

a gentleman such as yourself

to a place like this, Master Klao?

No… Please, no…

You have quite forgotten me.

We…

have never engaged in such conduct.

Your only intent was to sit with me

and visit me.

I…

I was only here to talk to you?

Indeed.

Simply to speak with me.

Never once have you
overstepped your bounds.

Why?

And…

how did we get to know each other?

I wasn't here to have fun?

No, Master.

You simply held me in fond regard

because…

upon our very first encounter,

I was…

Where on earth is Pim?

Speak!

Well…

So it is you, Klao.

You snatched her from me.

You knew I had claimed her,

yet you dared slight me thus.

So what of it?

I've let no one claim me.

As Master Klao reached me first,

my presence is his.

-Let us return inside.
-You shall not go!

Curse you, Sopha. I told you!
Pim is mine, and mine alone.

How dare you let anyone else have her!

You…

You said you'd go to the outer cities.

Yet I have returned, have I not?

Hand over Pim.

Now.

No.

Pim.

Come to me this instant!

Be quick!

Damn you!

Stay out of this!

Do you have a death wish, Klao?

Cease this at once!

Dear Klao.

For what purpose came you here?

I…

Sopha,

see them inside.

Yes, my Lord.

Make haste.

Make haste.

Now!

Come.

Cherd.

Come with me at once.

Dear Klao,

return to your manor,

lest Lord Phop worry.

If Klao stays, so shall I.

Cherd.

Stay here then.

Damn, Phop's probably already
back at the manor!

Why should I be afraid he's upset with me?

I'll hit back if he gets upset.

But it's getting dark,
so I have no choice but to head back.

-We must take shelter.
-Make haste.

Take shelter with me.

Child, come here.

It's okay. I'm fine.

You may fall ill, child.

-Thank you.
-Pray don't fall ill.

I can wait no longer.

Kong, ready the vessel.

Phop,

the rain is falling.

To set sail now would be perilous.

He lacks experience in handling a boat.
Would that not be a far greater risk?

By now, Phop must be terribly worried.

Hold on a second.

Uncle.

Uncle!

Uncle!

Uncle.

I mean, sir…

I can't handle a boat very well.

Can you escort me to my manor?

Phop, I'm sorry.

Master Klao has been out in the sun,
watching over you.

By evening, he began to lapse
into delirium.

I made myself clear.

I see you only as a brother.

I could never feel otherwise.

I should not have fallen for you.

Phop!

-What?
-I had a nightmare.

Tonight,

might you share my bed?