Fae Fae opened her eyes.

The world was blurry, heavy even. She could feel gravity sitting on her chest. Just breathing in took in a lot of energy and made her pass out for a moment. It was thanks to a small tap on her shoulder, was it able to wake her up again.

“Welcome back to the living,” a young master in a white hanbok and black hat greeted her.

“Oh finally!” Another man in a uniform called out, “The gods have heard our prayers!”

Fae Fae drew in a long breath to regain her consciousness, eyes fluttering as she wheezed, “I...recognize your voices....Who...Where am I?”

“Moon Tavern. My name is Martial Kim. This is my companion, Inspector Lee.”

“Those...names...sounds so familiar...”

Inspector Lee sighed in relief. "We were in charge of your murder case. Well, you wouldn’t remember since you’ve been in a coma for months."

Fae Fae stared at the ceiling, too weak to move her head. She wanted to speak, but Martial Kim spoke first.

"Wondering why you're still alive?" he asked with a faint smile.

Fae Fae managed a weak nod.

Inspector Lee tried to hide a groan. "So, it's true. You tried to kill yourself in Green Lion Valley—all because of that bastard Noonien!? Martial Kim, were we wrong about Mrs. Golden?"

"Mrs. Golden still had a hand in dealing the final blow," Martial Kim replied. "She had every intention to kill Fae Fae, despite the situation. Mrs. Golden was far from innocent. Justice was properly served."

"Right," Inspector Lee said. "Well in that case, good riddance to her. That first wife was a real piece of—"

"Inspector," Martial Kim softly interrupted, "please summon Mr. Golden. I promised to contact him once Fae Fae was awake. Discreetly, if you will."

"Oh! Right!" Inspector Lee nodded, then patted Fae Fae’s shoulder before leaving. "You have no idea how happy we are to see you alive! Don’t you dare die on us again! You hear!?"

After Inspector Lee left, Martial Kim fetched a basin of warm water. With his red, chapped hands, he gently wrung a towel and wiped Fae Fae’s face, eyes, lips, and hands, making her as presentable as possible in her bedridden state.

“Technically, I shouldn’t take the credit in rescuing you.” Martial Kim whispered, “You were left to die in Green Lion Valley for three days. Under normal circumstances, even with my best effort the only thing I could have done was arrange your funeral.”

Fae Fae tried to speak, but he placed a finger on her lips and continued. “North Wind Temple is devoted to the Goddess of Mercy and Redemption. Did it ever occur to you: all those years of cultivating good karma from visits, prayers, and donations would end up saving yourself from death?”

The revelation itself stunned Fae Fae’s soul. She started to feel guilty of it all. “I-I only wanted to forget everything.”

“I know.” Martial Kim patted her hand, “Betrayal is a tough pill to swallow.”

“I don’t want to live anymore.”

“That’s totally fine,” Martial Kim chirped, “In fact, you are practically reborn.”

“...What?” Fae Fae asked with confusion.

“The Constabulary declared Fae Fae dead. You are free to be reborn, as an entirely different woman. Clean of a past, fresh with a new start.”

Fae Fae’s emotions were a whirlwind. Reflecting on everything that had led her here, she wasn’t sure if she deserved this second chance. But Martial Kim made sure she knew she did.

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It took hours for Inspector Lee to find Mr. Golden and ensure no one knew why they were rushing. When Mr. Golden finally arrived at Moon Tavern, he burst through the doors and scooped Fae Fae into a bear hug.

“Oh, my love! Fae Fae!” he wept. “You’re finally awake! Bless the gods!”

“...Ow...” Fae Fae winced. Though she appreciated his affection, her fragile body couldn’t handle how ecstatic he was. Any tighter and she could feel her ribs break!

Realizing her discomfort, Mr. Golden released her with an oops. “Sorry! I just can’t control myself! You’re finally here! Awake! I-I...How do you feel?”

“Mr. Golden,” Fae Fae said softly, bowing her head in shame, “I’m sorry. I can’t accept your marriage proposal.”

Mr. Golden nodded, waving his hand. “Say no more! I understand. After everything you’ve been through, I can’t call myself a man if I were to force you. Especially after what Noonien and my damn wife did to you! Forget marriage. Forget being lovers! I’m just happy you’re alive!”

Ashamed, Fae Fae mustered her strength to crawl onto her knees and prostrate herself in a full kowtow before her benefactor, “Please forgive this deplorable one, in raising your hopes for nothing. I-I was too cruel to you.”

“N-no! Don’t say that!” Mr. Golden wiped both of their tears and caressed her cheek. “We can’t be lovers, but let’s be sworn siblings instead!”

“I-I don’t deserve your kindness, sir,” Fae Fae curled up, overwhelmed with guilt and gratitude, “Th-there is nothing I can do, to make it up to you. Forgive me.”

“Think nothing of it! Just seeing and speaking to you again is a miracle!” Mr. Golden wiped his tears and gently embraced Fae Fae. “We’re family now! Now, tell your big brother what you want, and I’ll make it happen!”

Big brother...she had always wanted one. Overwhelmed by the thought of having a family who would care and make sacrifices for her – not the other way around – Fae Fae burst into tears.

“I... I want to go home,” she whispered.

“Ooooh.” Mr. Golden hesitated. “My home? I don’t know if that’s a good idea. My first wife maybe executed, but I still have a few more wives who might cause trouble for you and--”

“I meant my hometown,” Fae Fae said, sniffling. “Three Lily Hamlet.”

Confused, Mr. Golden turned to Martial Kim, who stood quietly nearby.

“Sir,” Martial Kim bowed, “We had a small discussion. I believe it’s best for Fae Fae to leave the Capital. She is declared dead after all, too risky for her to continue living here. Not to mention: too many bad memories.”

“Ah! That makes total sense! An excellent idea even!” Mr. Golden agreed, sitting beside Fae Fae and letting her rest her head on his shoulder. “When should she leave? I’ll arrange money and transport! Oh yes, bodyguards are an absolute must! I have a few trusted men who are renown fighters! They will keep her safe!”

“She wishes to leave tonight,” Martial Kim replied, surprising Mr. Golden. “We appreciate your gesture, but a procession of armed escorts and bodyguards would draw too much attention. Discretion is key. I believe Inspector Lee is the best choice to escort her.” He turned to double check with his companion, “If that this alright with you, Inspector Lee?”

“Oh of course!” Inspector Lee tapped a hand on his chest. “Leave it to me. I’ll just notify the Judge to let me go on vacation leave and I can help out for sure! And it’s my honour to send her home safe and sound!”

“In this case, let me prepare money for your travels!” Mr. Golden bolted to his feet to hastily shuffle to the door.

“W-wait. Mr. Golden!” Fae Fae called out and grabbed at his hands, “I dare not ask you for your money, not after objecting to your marriage. I cannot accept such generosity.”

“Ah poppy cock!” Mr. Golden laughed, as if he was 10 years younger. He can’t help but give Fae Fae a light pinch to her cheek with a chuckle, “We are family now, my kin even if not by blood, and I am going to spoil you rotten! Besides, you already gave away your fortune through donations. You have nothing to live on even when you go home. So consider it as a gift from me! Use it however you like: open a shop, buy a plot of land, or just live a life of ease and enjoy a new hobby!”

Mr. Golden then slapped a hand onto the inspector as if they were drinking buddies, “And you too, Inspector Lee! I am to give you one year’s worth of pay for your troubles! As a token of my appreciation!”

“O-ONE YEAR!?” Inspector Lee yelped and covered his mouth, eyes wider than tea saucers, “Sir! I-I don’t deserve that much – legit!”

“Damn it! Both of you are taking my money or I WILL throw a tantrum in this tavern!”

Martial Kim panicked, “Dear gods, please no! Not my tavern again!”

“Then it’s settled! I’ll go back and prepare the money! Don’t you both leave town without me! You hear!?” Mr. Golden made sure he got his message out to all the parties. “And Fae Fae. Make sure you write to me. I will definitely visit you, mark my words! Hahahaha!”

After giving Fae Fae one last cute pinch to her cheek, her new ‘big brother’ ran out of Moon Tavern.

Martial Kim sighed, feeling a typhoon blew over, “The last time he threw a drunk tantrum, I had to close down the tavern for a week to clean up!...Ahem,” He then coughed and turned to Fae Fae, “Now just to be on the safe side, I know a trick or two to change your looks. We cannot risk anyone recognizing a celebrity coming back from the grave right?”

“Martial Kim, Inspector Lee...” Fae Fae kowtowed to the investigators, heaving and sobbing in gratitude, “Thank you...thank you... thank you!”

“Enjoy your new lease on life, Fae Fae.” Martial Kim grinned, “You are free now.”

> === FAIRY CASE – END ===