Warning: spoilers from episodes 11-12 ahead!

1. Cha Sun Chaek and Yi Beon fighting for their lives 

Throughout the show, there were undoubtedly excellent moments of romance, comedy, and drama. But in these last episodes, Sun Chaek and Yi Beon delivered action, angst, and, most importantly, some of the most badass moments while fighting for their lives in the midst of a rebellion. Prince Yi Gyu (Lee Tae Sun) may be one of the most cruel villains ever seen in a historical drama, but he is also one of the most intelligent. He successfully disposes of Yi Beon, persuades the barbarians to kill him in an ambush, and then takes the position of the King (Joo Seok Tae), who suddenly becomes severely ill.

As despicable as he is, it is admirable that he actually challenges the leaders. For a moment, it appears that he will be successful in his intentions to take over the country. But the thing he most desires is perhaps the only thing he will never have: Sun Chaek's heart. After she rejects him, he literally loses it, like the wild man he is. He condemns her and her entire family to death on treason charges. With Yi Beon presumed dead and no one to help her, it appears that our heroine has run out of options. Fortunately, the force of fiction comes to her aid, and she is saved by none other than the author of the novel itself.

2. Cha Sun Chaek going back to the real world 

Sun Chaek is transported back to the real world just before his execution in an unusual but intriguing manner. She meets the real Sun Chaek, who is in her original body as Kim Mo Eum. Despite the fact that both are portrayed by Girls Generation's Seohyun, you can tell them apart. It's a commendable scene that increases your appreciation for her acting. With them facing each other, they eventually explain the cause for their switch, as well as how to restore order within the plot.

However, everything has a price. After clarifying the situation, the author issues an ultimatum to Sun Chaek. She can establish her worth as the new author of her own story, but she and the original Sun Chaek must make a choice between returning to their rightful places and maintaining their new lives. Fortunately, the original Sun Chaek is contentedly living in the modern world as Mo Eum, with no desire to return. Though it is difficult to watch them part ways, we can be confident that whatever happens next, Sun Chaek and Yi Beon will not have to be separated in different universes.

3. Yi Beon vindicating the King and the rebels 

Sun Chaek saves both her and Yi Beon's lives once she returns from the real world in a masterful move that demonstrates her extensive knowledge as a fan of fantasy novels. And, to everyone's delight, Yi Beon arrives on time in an almost legendary manner, worthy of the male lead, to overpower Yi Gyu and save his sweetheart. However, there can be no happy ending unless the villains pay for their crimes, so Yi Gyu and his entire clan are arrested. The only thing left for them to do is face their penalty, which will be administered by the King himself, but is he entitled to do so?

One of the most impressive aspects of this program is how skillfully the complexities of each character are depicted. On the one hand, Yi Gyu is plainly a criminal, but he had motives to get revenge on the king who murdered his family. In fact, the King, who ascended to the throne through bloodshed, lacks the moral authority to punish him. Yi Beon ultimately vindicates both postures and demonstrates a final character development that leads to his own peace of mind.

4. Cha Sun Chaek and Yi Beon living happily ever after 

After everything they've been through and overcome, the happy ending arrives on the best possible note. Sun Chaek and Yi Beon have only one option left: have a formal wedding, even if it means risking their world disappearing. Nonetheless, like in the beginning, they take a leap of faith and demonstrate once more that their lives are entirely up to them, and nothing is predetermined. As the first part of their love story concludes, a new chapter begins, and their lives continue.

Using the concessions provided by the fantastical world while imprinting some qualities from historical K-dramas, this show was able to create a fantastic webtoon. It not only provides a satisfying conclusion for our primary characters, but it also includes every supporting character without leaving any dead ends. In a sense, everyone gets what they deserve, which is something we enjoy seeing. Finally, with a single farewell, Yi Beon and Sun Chaek assured us that they had their happily ever after, and we can joyfully say goodbye to "The First Night with the Duke"!

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