Episode 1 of "The First Night With The Duke" unfolds with a woman's mesmerizing narration, painting a vivid picture of a young orphan's arduous journey in the Joseon era. This orphan, beset by numerous trials and tribulations, finally catches a break when she is adopted by the wealthiest merchant in the realm. Her fate takes a romantic turn when she crosses paths with a prince, and their love blossoms like wildflowers in spring.
As in the classic tales of old, a villain emerges, seething with jealousy at the woman's beauty and fortune. And, of course, there's the inevitable second male lead, who can't help but fall under her spell. Just as the prince and the fair maiden are on the brink of tying the knot, the narrative abruptly halts, leaving the juiciest parts untold.
Switching gears, we meet a woman engrossed in this very book. Her heart sinks when she learns that the author has decided to discontinue the story. In a fit of frustration, she takes to social media, hurling curses at the author and boldly declaring that she could pen a far better tale. As she rises from her bed, fate intervenes in the form of a slip, and she awakens to find herself ensnared within the pages of her beloved book, "The Obsessive Tyrant."
Now, she finds herself in the Joseon era, embodying the character of Cha Sun-chaek. In the book, Sun-chaek is a supportive figure and the cherished only daughter of the Chief State Minister. She leads a life of opulence, pampered by her doting parents and three protective brothers. By her side is her loyal maid, Wool-yi, who struggles to comprehend Sun-chaek's sudden transformation.
Over a sumptuous breakfast, the family notices Sun-chaek's peculiar behavior but chooses to brush it aside, attributing it to her maturing and impending marriage. Meanwhile, Sun-chaek racks her brains, trying to recall every detail from the book to navigate this new world.
Her brother mentions an upcoming gathering for unmarried noblewomen and encourages Sun-chaek to attend. Her father generously hands her a substantial sum of money for some pre-event retail therapy.
As the day progresses, Sun-chaek embraces her role as a supportive character in her beloved book, relishing the opportunity to witness everything firsthand. Realizing she's at the narrative's dawn, she eagerly prepares to see her favorite characters unite. While out shopping, fate deals her an unexpected hand when she bumps into the story's chief antagonist, Do Hwa-seon. With an air of entitlement, Hwa-seon insists on acquiring the clothes that Sun-chaek had already ordered from China.
To evade drawing the villain's unwanted attention, Sun-chaek reluctantly concedes to forgo her exquisite new attire. Hwa-seon, initially inclined to share a tea session with her, abruptly reverses her decision upon Cho Eun-ae's entrance. It transpires that Eun-ae, adored by all for her ravishing beauty and benevolent nature, is not only the protagonist but also the adopted daughter of the wealthiest merchant in town. Unsurprisingly, Hwa-seon harbors a deep resentment towards Eun-ae, convinced of her lack of noble lineage. The admiration and accolades heaped upon Eun-ae further irritate Hwa-seon, prompting her to devise a scheme to humble her during the impending evening event. Upon catching sight of Eun-ae, Hwa-seon's mood fluctuates, causing her to postpone her tea rendezvous with Sun-chaek.
As the day inches forward, Sun-chaek employs her binoculars to survey the bustling capital. Her gaze falls upon the dashing Prince Yi-beon, who arrives with an air of magnetic charisma and an enigmatic aura clinging to him. Rumors whisper that the prince, beloved by the king as his assassin, is devoid of empathy. His piercing eyes deter even the bravest from meeting his gaze. Another tale circulates, chilling the spines of listeners: women who share his bed are compelled to take vows of celibacy as nuns. As villagers regale one another with tales of Prince Yi-beon, Jung Su-gyeom, the secondary protagonist, rises to his defense. He accompanies Prince Yi-beon as they ride their horses around the capital, a picture of camaraderie.
During their journey, Hwa-seon narrowly escapes catastrophe when she nearly collides with the prince's steed. Yet, Prince Yi-beon remains oblivious to her near mishap. Conversely, Su-gyeom finds himself inexplicably drawn to the radiant Eun-ae.
As dusk descends, the unmarried noblewomen converge for social camaraderie. As schemed, Hwa-seon orchestrates a mockery against Eun-ae, leading the other ladies in a scathing onslaught. Their cruel jests even hint at Eun-ae being her adopted father's mistress, a cruel slander. Deliberately, Hwa-seon drops her glass, callously commanding Eun-ae to clean up the mess.
In the midst of the festivities, Eun-ae sustains a nick on her fingers. Sun-chaek, swift and discreet, lends her aid without drawing Hwa-seon's attention. To alleviate Eun-ae's discomfort and forestall any further mishaps that night, Sun-chaek proposes a toast, suggesting the ladies indulge in some libations. The other ladies eagerly concur, prompting Eun-ae to summon her servants to fetch the alcohol. Sun-chaek then steals the spotlight, captivating the group by introducing them to an array of cocktails, and soon, they are all immersed in revelry, unburdened by worries.
As the ladies' merriment grows louder, Prince Yi-beon is hot on the trail of a suspect believed to be orchestrating treason. The suspect tempts the prince with freedom from royal constraints in exchange for his allegiance. Yet, unmoved by the offer and steadfast in his loyalty, Prince Yi-beon eliminates the threat. Seeking solace and to cleanse himself of the deed, he wanders to the riverbank, grappling with the gravity of his actions.
Meanwhile, in the town square, the rowdy and inebriated ladies attract a gathering crowd, drawn by their communal joy. Among the onlookers, Su-geyom finds himself enraptured by Sun-chaek's skillful cocktail crafting. As the night progresses, Sun-chaek's spirits rise with each sip, eventually leading her to seek some air. It is in this tender moment of respite that she unexpectedly encounters Prince Yi-beon.
The next dawn, Sun-chaek awakens in Prince Yi-beon's bed, her eyes wide with astonishment. He, in turn, relates their night of passion, unaware of her blank slate of memories. Confounded, Sun-chaek struggles to reconcile how she found herself nestled in his embrace, amidst the sheets of his grand bed.
