The Accidental Monarch

Backfiring

Despite the successful first script reading of her new movie and the beautiful pictures produced by the press photoshoot, Seri still finds herself listless in the aftermath of the La Rose bombing. She wants to do something for the families left behind by the victims. When she tells Ju-meok about what she has planned, he immediately balks and tells her that it might not be a good idea.

"Some people are claiming that what was shown on the news was just a cover up and that you two were the real targets that night," he explains. "If you encounter a family member who thinks you are the reason why their loved one is gone, who knows what they will do to you? It's too dangerous. Not to mention, His Majesty will have my head if he finds out that I agreed to this."

"It is too impersonal to just send flowers," she gently insists. "Ju-meok, please. I need to do this."

With the help of Chang-sik, they discover the locations of the wakes. Wearing a black dress and no makeup, she visits the families as inconspicuously as possible. Her terrified heart pounds as she introduces herself and extends her condolences. They are all skeptical of her intentions at first and thinks of her visit as a publicity stunt, but the lack of cameras puts them more at ease.

That coupled with the actress's genuine effort to have a meaningful conversation paves the way to them opening up to her. She listens to the stories that they are willing to share and finishes the packet of tissues she keeps in her purse. They express their gratitude over her taking the time. One halmeoni even pulls her aside and says that she will make a great queen someday.

The unexpected kindness she receives fuels her to go to as many families as she can that day. Even though getting to know the victims on a more personal level makes the grief more real, the guilt she has been carrying for days has somewhat eased off her chest. Interacting with people who understand the gravity of loss she has been experiencing makes her feel less alone.

But then she reaches the fourth family, who seemed to be expecting her arrival from the way they barricaded the entrance. The victim is a twenty-five-year-old woman who was there on a date with her boyfriend who survived. Before the actress can even open her mouth, the mother throws a raw egg at her and screams, "You have the audacity to show your face around here!"

Despite anticipating this kind of behavior, she still feels shaken in the face of it and freezes up in fright. The royal guards attempt to take her outside, but she quickly comes back to herself. She pulls away and tells them to back off. Everyone seems taken aback by her response. The mother sees nothing but red and continues to express her grief by lashing out at her and wailing loudly.

Seri stands her ground and accepts the curses and the hits thrown at her. She thinks of her own mother and begins tearing up. When the older woman falls on the ground from the weight of her heartache, the actress sinks down on her knees with her. She can feel the whole room's eyes on the two of them, but she ignores the attention and holds the woman's shaking hands in hers.

Her pale façade, unruly hair, and bloodshot eyes are almost too heartbreaking to look at, but Seri maintains eye contact with her. "My Soo-min was a painter," the older woman tells her with her chapped lips trembling. "She has an exhibit next month. She was so excited. She had been working on her paintings for a long time, and she was finally getting recognition. But now she..."

The sobs begin afresh. An older gentleman the actress assumes to be the husband steps forward and helps his wife up to her feet. "Come, yeobo," he implores gently with his own voice wobbling with barely-concealed emotion. "That's enough. Let the woman breathe. Let's all go inside."

When their mother finally releases her, the brothers of the victim introduce themselves and speak to her in low tones. They apologize profusely for the reception, and she can only respond that it was milder compared to what she was expecting. They invite her to come inside and eat. But before she can accept, there is a commotion in the hallway that has her turning to Ju-meok.