So many things are happening in “The First Night with the Duke” last week that it is difficult not to be surprised over and over again. Although we are getting near the ending, we are nowhere closer to the happily ever after for Cha Sun Chaek (Girls Generation’s Seohyun) and Yi Beon (2PM’s Taecyeon). But as there is no happiness without some struggles, these moments are also important for the development of the story. Here are some of the most surprising things in this week’s episodes!
Warning: spoilers from episodes 7-8 ahead!
1. Yi Beon and Cha Sun Chaek spending their second night together
This K-drama is called “The First Night with the Duke,” but that doesn’t mean it would be their only night, at least before their marriage. After being pushed to the lake and almost drowning, Sun Chaek understands the importance of following her feelings for Yi Beon, declaring for the first time that she loves him. He also fears the idea of losing her in any way, which is perfectly shown by Taecyeon. To my surprise, they end up spending their second night together very romantically, making a definite turning point for both of them. Right now, who needs a wedding when they are already this married?
More surprisingly, they also get to spend their sweet time together on a first date. Who would’ve known that even in the ancient era, you can have a rich boyfriend flexing his money and influence, only for you to have a peaceful time walking hand in hand with your lover? For Yi Beon, these moments could perfectly turn into the rest of his life, even if Sun Chaek is a terrible cook. Things would be too perfect if it weren’t for the fact that more than one person is blocking their way. For starters, Sun Chaek’s father suddenly turns into Yi Beon’s number one hater.
2. Yi Beon’s tactics to win his future in-laws over
Contrary to the original webtoon, in the show, the female lead’s family isn’t that welcoming to the idea of her marrying into the royal family. This time around, no matter how much she pleads and cries, her father adamantly refuses to give his consent to their marriage. He goes as far as to lock Sun Chaek down, blocking her every attempt to reunite with Yi Beon. But at the end of the day, no one can outsmart her, and she comes up with a plan to win her father’s consent once and for all. First of all, they need new allies, and who would be better for the job than Sun Chaek’s chaotic older brothers?
Despite being clueless, silly, and kind of useless at times, they sincerely care for their younger sister, so it doesn’t take long for Yi Beon to find a way for them to quickly give some tips to get on their father’s good side. However, as funny as it is to see them skimming all kinds of antics, nothing ever beats an honest and heartfelt display of commitment. Yi Beon gives his most solemn word to protect and look after Sun Chaek, which gives her father no other choice but to finally allow them to meet. With this, Yi Beon is one step closer to finding a new family as he so much deserves.
3. The introduction of the new character, Prince Yi Gyu
One of the most unexpected things in these couple of episodes was the introduction of a brand new character. Yi Gyu (Lee Tae Sun) appears to be an antagonist, at least for Yi Beon, but for Sun Chaek, he seems to be more than just a friend. As they show us a brief moment from their childhood, it makes us speculate that he might harbor romantic feelings for her, which would turn him immediately into a second male lead. But since that doesn’t make much sense at this point in the plot, it makes you wonder what his real purpose is by showing up now.
Something that is completely clear is that there is so much more context and people involved in this story than the original novel showed to Sun Chaek in her previous life, including details she has no memory or knowledge about. This opens the door to wonder whether everything is truly just a fictional world or some sort of parallel reality. The idea is reinforced as it also appears that someone is inhabiting Sun Chaek’s body in the modern world. As the female lead now, we cannot know just how far all these circumstances will affect the story and Sun Chaek in the future as well.
4. The revelation of the mysterious new villains
As if the king and Do Hwa Seon (Chi Hae Won) weren’t a problem enough, our main leads now have to deal with new villains out of nowhere. If you are keen on this type of story or are familiar with the original plot, you might know that Prince Yi Gyu was bound to cause trouble as soon as he arrived. We quickly see that he is not only set to destroy the kingdom, but he is positively a madman ready to end everything and everyone. His obsession with Sun Chaek and their childhood promise to get married makes him even more dangerous.
But what really comes as a shock is the hint that our sweet second female lead Jo Eun Ae (Kwon Han Sol) has turned to the dark side and plots Sun Chaek’s kidnapping. Though it is heartbreaking that they are erasing their endearing friendship, this plot twist might have just the exact level of drama to make everything all the more exciting. In the meantime, we shall pray that her shield as a female lead will be enough to protect Sun Chaek until Yi Beon comes to her rescue in the next episodes of “The First Night with the Duke.”
Watch the latest episodes of “The First Night with the Duke” here:
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Andy zar is an avid drama watcher, from K-dramas to C-dramas, she believes any weekend is a good weekend to enjoy 12 hours of binge-watching dramas. She loves romance, web comics, and K-pop. Her favorite groups are EXO, TWICE, Red Velvet, and BOL4.
Currently watching: “The First Night with the Duke”
Plans to watch: “Law and The City“
