Twelve years after Sim Hongrang's sudden disappearance, a man seeming to be him appears — passing all the tests. Yet Sim Jae-yi remains unconvinced.

After Hongrang's act of heroism, Jae-yi begins to question her doubts. Sim Mu-jin schemes to expose Hongrang's identity at his birthday celebration.

Learning of Min Yeon-ui's plans, Sim Yeol-guk devises a counterattack. Hongrang struggles with his conscience after being assigned a terrible task.

As she learns more about Hongrang's past, Jae-yi begins to care for him. Later, Hongrang and Mu-jin suspect Lady Min’s scheme to marry Jae-yi off.

As plans to stop Jae-yi's arrangement fail, she finds herself in a dangerous bind. The opposition between Yeol-guk and Yeon-ui reaches a boiling point.

As Mu-jin's fate remains dire, Jae-yi attempts to do whatever it takes to save him. Later, news of a dead child returning spreads, alarming Hongrang.

Jae-yi decides to leave with Mu-jin despite her feelings for Hongrang. Yeol-guk initiates damage control after discovering a conspiracy against him.

A manhunt for Hongrang and Jae-yi ensues, putting them in grave danger. As they hide, their bond deepens, facing threats and challenges together.

With Hongrang captured, Yeol-guk attempts to restore the guild in his name. But Grand Prince Hanpyeong wastes no time putting his grand plan into motion.

The truth about Hongrang is revealed, but enemies remain. In the end, will he be able to save Jae-yi and free himself from the shackles of his past?