"Before....whenever I.....mess around, the hate was obvious." Ran confided to her best friend, "But...after I stopped, things changed. Ranran, Shinichi, and I....I no longer felt them being cautious of me anymore." Seeing her best friend tilting her head in confusion, Ran revealed, "When I was there for the past 2 months at that time, whenever they discussed anything involving cases, they made sure I left the HQ, and Ranran would constantly open one door after another to make sure no one is eavesdropping or anything."

"But now?" Sonoko leaned in, intrigued.

"Now, they don't. They still don't let me in on everything, but neither of them told me to leave anymore." Ran looked up, her eyes meeting Sonoko's. "It's like...they're testing the waters."

"That's a good sign, right? It means they're willing to give you a chance." Sonoko nodded in understanding.

"Maybe in the association, but not in real life." Ran sighed deeply.

"Eh?"

"We....still don't walk to school together and back home."

Sonoko looked at Ran with concern. "But why not? I thought things were improving."

"They are, but it's complicated," Ran confessed. "I....the other day, when we were solving that eagle case, the girls and I minus Ranran headed over to Professor Agasa's place. And....I learned that Shinichi gave him a heads-up, and instructed him that if I dropped by his place, call Shinichi so that he won't come over with Ranran."

"He...did what?"Sonoko's eyes widened in surprise.

"To be fair, what he did was justifiable."

"But that's not fair to you!" Sonoko's voice was filled with indignation. "You were manipulated by Mamiko!"

"In terms of being Mamiko's victim, yes it is unfair. But Ranran and Shinichi had it way worse than me." Ran sunk her head low, "Shinichi only found out that he was being manipulated by Mamiko because Ranran slapped him with a gun, which is why he woke up and believed in Ranran. Me on the other hand didn't, then proceeded to meddle everything in that association, only to endanger Ranran's life along the way....so you can't say Shinichi wasn't being fair to me."Ran shrugged, trying to downplay the situation.

Sonoko placed a comforting hand on Ran's shoulder. "Ran-san, you're being too hard on yourself. You were not the only victim, I too was one. And so were the other kids Mamiko had manipulated, be it indirectly or directly...."

After she was done cleaning the shoes, Sonoko put them away before deciding, "You know, now that I think of Ranran-san....perhaps I misjudged her as a bad girl who stole Shinichi away."

"Eh?"

"Cause if she really wanted us off Shinichi for good, she wouldn't have invited us to slap Mamiko and her brother Amaya out of the blue, despite knowing we hated her."

Ran listened to Sonoko's words, a thoughtful expression on her face. "You think?"

"Of course!" Sonoko nodded, her expression serious as she too sunk into depression. "I think...I too need to try to make amends with Ranran, cause to be fair, I haven't treated her fairly ever since that parkour incident last year....including that memorial incident at the hotel. But given everything that has happened, especially ruining the funeral ceremony of a dead friend who was murdered by his mother...I doubt Ranran would forgive me."

"Truthfully, I wouldn't be surprised if Ranran didn't, she went through a lot when she was around 4 years old, and it took a toll on her mentally to the point, that she grew cold, cunning and calculative because of it...." Ran's eyes softened as she looked at her friend. "But...we have to show our sincerity about how apologetic we are. Otherwise...she will continue to think everyone around her are nothing but liars."

Sonoko nodded to her silently. "What about Shinichi?"

"As for him...." Ran slumped, "I don't think I have the right to seek his forgiveness."

"Ran-san...."

"I took it too far with everything. Which is why Mamiko was able to manipulate me when we started out school indirectly through you," Ran laughed hollowly to herself. "So I will be fine if he doesn't forgive me, cause I deserve it."

"Ran-san, you're being too hard on yourself. We all make mistakes."Sonoko looked at Ran with empathy, understanding the weight of guilt that her friend was carrying.

"You don't understand Sonoko," Ran put away the shoes she cleaned to dry as she set hers on the floor, "I pushed my 'delusional' feelings that I assumed as 'love' to him, but it only ended up suffocating Shinichi and Ranran in the process. And though I am 6, I should've known better to draw the line." Ran looked down, her eyes glistening. "As much as I was manipulated, it doesn't change the fact that I hurt them."

"Ran-san....." Sonoko's heart went out to her friend, seeing the pain in her eyes.

......................................................................................

"By the way, will you be forgiving Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko? After everything they put you through?"

As the bell of Teitan Elementary School signifies the end of the day, Ranran and Shinichi are on their way walking out of the school campus, with their rondesu bags strapped to their back as she asks this question to her apprentice.

Ranran's question hung in the air, the weight of it pressing on Shinichi's shoulders. He looked at his mentor, her expression a mixture of curiosity and concern. They strolled along the familiar path lined with cherry blossom trees, their petals drifting like confetti in the wind.

"Truthfully, when you bring this up to me," Shinichi took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I honestly don't feel like it."

During the first 2 months when Shinichi severed ties with Ran and Sonoko to pursue his apprenticeship as a child Tantei under Ranran, the two former friends falsely accuse Ranran of 'bewitching' Shinichi with false sweet lies by using this apprenticeship to split him away from the girls. At that time, they were under the influence of the manipulative Ishibashi Mamiko, so it isn't surprising that their meddling towards the case files they handled led to a huge strain in their relationship.

"On one hand, I know they are not completely at fault, since they were manipulated by that she-satan. I know how it felt like to be manipulated, since I too am a victim of Mamiko," Shinichi justifies, "At the same time, however....." Shinichi continued, his voice carrying a note of frustration, "Manipulation itself....doesn't really work on a person, unless this is something they wholeheartedly wish for to happen deep down. Which is why....I felt like Ran and Sonoko chose to believe Mamiko's lies because, in some twisted way, it served their own insecurities and doubts."

Ranran nodded thoughtfully, her eyes fixed on the horizon.

"When Mamiko lied that you purposefully became 'The Fox' at that time to get back at me, she knew I was at a very volatile period that I would do just about anything to prove everyone wrong using any means, whether right or wrong that my Tantei dream was worth pursuing, that is a fault I am willing to admit." Shinichi continued, "Although Ran and Sonoko sounded sincerely apologetic this time towards you, I can't shake the feeling that they might relapse again, you know?"

Ranran listened in silence, her wise eyes fixed on Shinichi, absorbing his words.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is, that forgiveness isn't something that can be given lightly. It's a process, and what I had to deal with can't be swept away with a simple 'I'm sorry'," Shinichi continued, his tone carrying a hint of vulnerability. "I am pretty sure that was the same for you when you tortured me with a gun after I broke into your house that day."

They walked in companionable silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation settling between them.

"You are not wrong," Ranran confessed, her eyes distant with memory. "After you broke into my house that day, I was utterly this close to putting a bullet in your head."

Shinichi glanced at Ranran, a mixture of surprise and understanding in his eyes. He had known that he had pushed her to her limits that day, but hearing her admit it was a different experience altogether.

"When you broke into my house at that time, I had just returned home from my last day as The Fox, because the police contacted me for a case at that time. I had quit around the period when you suspected me because one of the criminals I threw behind bars was a rich heiress. Adding salt to the wound was at that time, I was also trying to deal with the fact that I was forced to call Japan my home, whether I liked it or not didn't matter to my parents." Ranran slumped bitterly. "I honestly didn't have a good day since moving here to Japan, especially me having to put up with Ran and Sonoko's antics after I framed you and the others for breaking my leg during that parkour event last year."

"I know...." Shinichi murmured, his voice filled with empathy after recalling some of the disturbing details from her Edgewood friends about her past back in the U.K.

"At the same time however, everyone is a victim of Ishibashi Mamiko, a girl who for some reason can never be removed from the school, thanks to her mother's influence in the rich community." she acknowledged. "Indirectly or directly, her schemes are the reason why it ended up leading you to me."

Shinichi nodded, a solemn understanding passing between them. It was a tangled web of circumstances that had brought them together, woven by the threads of Mamiko's manipulations.

"It's strange how life works sometimes," Shinichi mused. "I hated you a year ago, and now, I am your apprentice."

Before Ranran could reply, Emiko rushed over to flash her notebook, "Check out my new artwork!"

9-year-old Emiko proudly showed off her artwork sketch to her schoolmates in her sketchbook, revealing a picture of a queen with a pink white dress sitting on the throne with a crown, a clock, and clocks featuring the time after 6 pm.

.......................................................................................

.......................................................................................

Ranran and Shinichi both turned their attention to Emiko's artwork, their eyes widened as they looked at the notebook. The young girl's talent was undeniable, and her creativity was boundless when it came to artwork.

"This is amazing, Emiko!" Shinichi exclaimed, genuinely impressed. "You've captured the essence of a queen beautifully. And looking at all those clocks....that Big Ben tower especially, it's like a puzzle waiting to be solved!"

Emiko beamed with pride, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Shinichi! I wanted to draw a queen who rules over time."

"Wah! That is some nice artwork!" Soon, Ran, Takuma and Michio joined them to admire Emiko's masterpiece. Their eyes widened in surprise and delight at the intricacy and imagination displayed on the page.

"Emiko, this is incredible!" Ran exclaimed, her admiration evident. "You have such a talent for capturing details."

Takuma nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the artwork in amazement.

Michio chimed in, "I can tell you put a lot of thought and heart into this, Emiko. It's truly wonderful."

Emiko's cheeks turned a rosy pink from all the praise. She looked from one face to another, her heart swelling with happiness. "I'm so glad you all like it!" she exclaimed.

Ranran, standing beside Shinichi, didn't give much of a reaction. "Ranran, why are you not saying anything? Is it too beautiful to describe?" Takuma urges her to speak.

"If I were to be honest....." Ranran inspected the artwork with caution silently before deciding, "There are....a lot of mistakes in her artwork."

Emiko's smile faltered slightly, her enthusiasm dampened by Ranran's critique. She looked at her artwork with a hint of uncertainty, suddenly seeing it through a more critical lens.

Ran,  Shinichi Takuma, and Michio exchanged glances, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. "What is wrong with her sketch? I don't see anything wrong with it." Shinichi observed.

"There is nothing wrong with her artwork, but rather, the details of it," Ranran revealed.

The artist's eyes widened in surprise and a touch of disappointment at Ranran's words. She looked down at her sketch, trying to see what Ranran was referring to. To her young eyes, it still looked like a queen with a regal presence, surrounded by the grandeur of time.

Seeing all of their confusion, Ranran decided she had to point it out.

"No. 1, I personally attended Edgewood Academy, a school filled with royals and nobles in the U.K.. And the colour she is wearing is more fitting for a jester than a queen. From my understanding, you will not find a queen wearing bold pink boots, cause it would not project the gravitas and authority expected of royalty. Especially in the U.K., this is considered too flashy." Ranran critiqued, her tone matter-of-fact.

Emiko blinked a few times, processing the feedback.

"Another problem," Ranran pointed at the time of the Big Ben clock, "The time showed it is after 6 p.m, she ain't supposed to wear that after that. And that this queen here," She pointed at the tiara, "Shouldn't be wearing this outdoors, but indoors only."

"Why does the 6 p.m. thing matter?" Michio asked.

" In the past, wearing hats was considered a daytime accessory, while evenings were reserved for more formal attire, which typically did not include hats. And during that period, the girls had to change into their evening dress."

"What evening dress?" Takuma blinked.

Ranran took a moment to explain. "During formal events and dinners, especially in high society, young ladies were expected to change from their day dresses into more formal evening gowns. It was a symbol of elegance and sophistication."

"But they could've just simply put it back on after changing the evening dress, right?" Ran commented.

"That's correct, but that depends on the circumstances." Ranran shrugs, "However, it would be highly unusual for a queen to wear a crown outdoors, especially after 6 p.m."

"Why don't they wear it outdoors?" It was Shinichi's turn to ask.

"In the first place, that thing itself is so heavy that when you have it on. As soon as it is on you, you cannot move your head well. Also, you are attracting and tempting people to steal it. I mean it has luxury written all over, despite having strong guards surrounding them."

Shinichi raised his eyebrows, absorbing this new information. The practicality and security concerns surrounding crowns certainly made sense. It was a perspective he hadn't considered before.

Ranran continued, "Additionally, wearing a crown outdoors might convey a sense of extravagance or even ostentation, which could be seen as inappropriate or boastful. Queens and royalty often want to convey a more relatable and approachable image to their subjects, especially in public settings. Plus, no way the throne of a royal would be simply placed on the side of the road, or else it would be making it as if she owns the road. And lastly, those earrings are not conservative enough, it is too flashy as well."

Shinichi nodded, absorbing the nuances of royal protocol. It was fascinating to consider the layers of meaning and practicality that went into even the simplest of choices for queens and royalty.

Emiko grew wide-eyed over Ranran's knowledge about royal protocol, "I would not have guessed that someone like you would have such interest when it comes to royal traditions there."

"I couldn't be bothered to learn actually back then," Ranran shrugs, "But then, I didn't have a choice and was forced to learn by my late friend to dig around other kids from such families in order to find a good loophole to exploit, should any of them try to humiliate our clients that ain't familiar with the rules. And of course, this was to ensure they couldn't embarrass me and poke fun at my formerly poor family background."

"But Ranran, you do know that it is just art itself, right?" Ran reminded her.

"Of course, but if a real royal were to see this, they probably wouldn't be pleased." Ranran pointed out.

Emiko, inspired by the conversation, looked down at her artwork once more. She could see now how even the smallest details could carry such significance. With renewed determination, she decided to make further adjustments when she was free as she carefully considered every element.

"By the way, where is Junko by the way?" Shinichi noticed she wasn't with Michio as he gazed around his surroundings.

"She fled to the main HQ first before I did." Michio revealed, "Apparently, today is her shift in looking after the birds at the animal hutch in our school, and since she had a huge severe fear of birds, it only made sense for her to escape the scene as quickly as possible."

"I hope she's managing alright," Ran said, genuine concern in her voice. "Maybe I'll stop by the hutch later to check on her."

Michio nodded appreciatively. "I'm sure she'd appreciate that, Ran."

"Wait, she headed to the HQ first!?" Takuma grew pale in horror.

Ranran glanced at Takuma, "Is there a problem?"

"Well....she probably isn't going to like what is waiting for her in the main HQ....."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Shinichi frowned at Takuma.

But before he could reply to the apprentice, the thunder sound rumbled in the distance, and dark clouds gathered overhead. The sudden change in weather caught them all by surprise.

"You see, I told you so it was going to rain," Michio said, a hint of triumph in his voice.

"I never could've guessed that Michio's sense of smell is so strong, that he could tell when it is about to rain." Emiko frowned at the 10-year-old boy.

Michio's sense of smell had often been something that was brought up by Junko constantly to the rest of the members of the association. There was this one time when Michio could tell that a thunderstorm was coming hours in advance while everyone was outside the school courtyard as he alerted his classmates and warned them to take cover. When the storm finally hit, it was so intense that even the local weather reports were caught off guard.

From then on, Michio's knack for predicting rain earned him the nickname "Weather Nose" among their group.

"We should rush over to the main HQ, fast," Ranran suggested, looking up at the sky with concern. "I didn't bring my umbrella today."

"Neither did I," Shinichi admitted with a sigh.

The sudden change in weather prompted a quick scramble as they all realized the impending downpour. Ranran glanced around, assessing the situation. "It looks like we'll have to make a run for it," she said, her voice determined. "The HQ isn't too far from here. We'll try to get there before it starts pouring."

With a collective agreement, they all set off at a hurried pace, trying to beat the impending rain. Emiko clutched her sketchbook tightly, determined not to let her artwork get ruined.

As they raced through the familiar streets, the thunder grew louder, echoing the urgency in their steps. The dark clouds loomed overhead, threatening to unleash their torrential downpour at any moment.

Just as they turned a corner, the first raindrops began to fall, light at first, then steadily increasing in intensity. They were in a full sprint now, their feet splashing through the puddles that formed on the pavement.

...........................................................................................

Finally, they reached the boutique shop of Michio's mother, breathless and slightly soaked from the rain. They quickly ducked inside, seeking refuge from the deluge. Inside, the atmosphere was a mix of relief and amusement. They were all slightly damp, but thankfully, their belongings were spared.

"Thank Kami-sama we made it on time," Takuma sighed.

"I am glad we don't need to take a heavy shower." Emiko sighed in relief, and so did the others.

"Kyaaaaaaaah!"

The sudden scream cut through the air, jolting them all out of their moment of relief.  The scream echoed through the narrow hallway, sending shivers down their spines. Now their HQ is next to the boutique shop, in order to enter the HQ, they had to push open the pink vending machine door before running through the hallway and open the door to the right side.

They pushed open the pink vending machine door, revealing the entrance to their secret HQ. The cramped space felt like a sanctuary, hidden away from the world. They hurriedly made their way down the hallway, the sound of their footsteps muffled against the carpeted floor.

As they approached the door on the right, Ranran held up her hand, signalling for them to stop. She leaned in closer, straining to hear any further signs of distress.

Another muffled cry reached their ears, and without hesitation, Ranran pushed open the door, revealing the scene inside. When they entered, they found Junko standing in the centre of the room, wide-eyed and pale. Her gaze was fixed on something on the floor.

"What happened?" Shinichi asked, his voice urgent.

She turned to them, eyes wide with panic. "There's a bird in here! Get it out, get it out!"

The sight of the Harpy eagle in their secret HQ was nothing short of astonishing. Its impressive wingspan and piercing gaze made it clear that this was no ordinary bird as it flapped its wings against Junko, who was cornered to the right side of the wall.

Visibly in awe rather than concern over Junko's predicament, Ranran noted, "A Harpy eagle, huh?" She murmured, a mix of fascination and worry in her voice. "They're not native to Japan. How did it end up here? And why does this bird look familiar?"

"Cause I brought it over," Takuma admitted.

The revelation hung in the air, the surprise evident on everyone's faces. They turned to Takuma, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"You brought it here?" Ran repeated, trying to process the unexpected turn of events. "Why on earth would you do that!?"

Realising he had some explaining to do, Takuma began. "Well, you see, after Ranran brought over Professor Shibuya's birds into our school and had them placed at the animal hutch, I bonded well with this bird here."

The group listened intently, still trying to wrap their heads around the unexpected presence of the Harpy eagle in their secret HQ.

"So, you became attached to it?" Emiko asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Takuma nodded, a fond smile crossing his face. "Yeah, it's a remarkable bird. I spent a lot of time observing it and learning about its behaviour. I even named it Hikari, after the way its feathers catch the light."

"You name your bird through your surname?! Isn't that lazy to name a pet!?" Michio pointed out.

"Enough of this!" Shinichi's nerve grew on his forehead before confronting Takuma, "Explain to me why you take it all the way from the school to our HQ?" Shinichi demanded an explanation from the American Football athlete.

"Well, I saw Ranran taking the falcon home and seeing how close they were, I wanted to do the same for my place. But my parents were very much against it, since one of our neighbours had a pet rabbit, and they fear it may pounce on it, so putting it here at our main HQ seemed befitting." Takuma cheekily replied.

"Despite knowing I would be here!? Kyaaaah!" Once more, the Harpy Eagle flaps its wings aggressively at the spectacle girl.

The situation had escalated into controlled chaos, with Junko still cornered by the flapping Harpy eagle and Takuma's smile widening the more Junko suffered under the bird. After all, he and Ranran dislike her presence whenever she clings over Michio, despite the two not officially being in a relationship.

"To be fair, after that incident of Ranran being attacked by Rokuro a couple of weeks ago, I suggested a guard dog, but that idea was thrown out of the window due to feeding expenses, so I see bringing the Harpy Eagle over sounds like a better solution." Takuma continued on with his explanation, "After all, the school has yet to have their own pigeons and stuff, so the bird food they had in the storage would fork out the expenses for all of the birds Ranran brought over to the school, including this one."

"Ah, a guard bird would do us good."  Ranran watched the scene unfold, a mixture of amusement and concern in her eyes.

"No, it won't! KYAAAAAAH!!!!!"

The chaos in the secret HQ reached a new level as the Harpy eagle continued to flap its wings, and Junko's panicked cries filled the air.

"Hang on a minute, I remembered why this bird looked familiar," Shinichi snapped his fingers as he recalled, "Ain't this bird the same one Ranran caught the other day?! Back at that lavish neighbourhood that it took her up into the skies!?"

"Oh yeah! I almost forgot about that incident." Ranran nodded in agreement, and so did the rest of the members who were present at that time.

"Ah, yes! I remember now," Emiko exclaimed. "It seems this bird has quite the penchant for causing a stir. Looks like it's taken a liking to unexpected adventures."

Takuma looked at the eagle with a mixture of pride and amusement. "You've certainly made yourself quite at home, haven't you, Hikari?"

Squawking happily at Takuma's words, Junko angrily yelled, "Are you guys going to help me or not?!"

Before the children could do a thing, the door of the association began to knock from the outside. The sudden knocking at the door added another layer of chaos to the already bustling scene. The members of the association exchanged puzzled glances, wondering who could be visiting their secret HQ at this moment.

"Just great, a client paying us a visit at this time?" Shinichi rolled his eyes.

"Ah no, that ain't likely!" Junko screeched with the bird's flapping, "I didn't receive any appointment today!"

"Takuma, get the bird to stop." Ranran gave her friend a stern look.

Nodding to her, he whistled for the bird. The Harpy eagle seemed to respond to Takuma's whistle, its flapping gradually slowing down. It looked around, seemingly curious about its surroundings. Takuma approached it cautiously, his movements slow and deliberate.

"Easy, Hikari," he murmured soothingly. "It's alright, you're safe."

"Wait, you know how to get birds to do commands as well!?"  Ran and the others were stunned.

"Yeah, Ranran taught me," Takuma said.

"Smart move, Takuma," Ranran commended him. "Now, let's get this situation under control."

As Takuma continued to calm the bird, Ran was the first to move towards the door. The knocking hadn't stopped, and it was clear that they needed to address the unexpected visitor.

"Whoever it is, they must be pretty determined to get in," Shinichi mused, eyeing the door with curiosity, while Michio and Junko shared a curious glance.

A huge man with a fair light skin colour strode inside. His suit was immaculate and fanciful, fitting his muscular body perfectly. His shaved head gave him the aura of а wrestler, Takuma assumed, or a military man. His cold, arrogant eyes swept around the room. When they passed over her, Emiko shuddered.

Observing the man who seemed to be searching around for something, Ranran was going to confront what was he doing, but before she could speak, the visitor swung around and eyed her suspiciously.

"Where is he?" The deep thunder in his voice carried an unmistakable menace, yet, it also surprised everyone that he spoke in Japanese despite being a foreigner, judging his light brown hair and grey eyes, let alone, his features,  anyone could tell the man was either of European descend or Caucasian for that matter.

It marked him as a man who was used to being obeyed.

Ranran blinked. "Where is who?

"He was seen outside your office early this morning," Came the mocking reply "A boy around the age of 10, if you have him with you guys, I would advise you to hand him over. The boy is a thief just like his father..."

Emiko's eyes narrowed, her instincts immediately on high alert. This man's tone and words set off warning bells in her head. She exchanged a quick glance with Mouri Ran.

"A boy....?" Michio, Takuma and Junko grew rather confused over who this man was referring to.

"I'm sorry, but we don't have any information about a boy like that," Ran replied, her voice steady.

"Exactly!" Emiko exclaimed. "Who is this thief by the way?"

The man's gaze darkened, his expression turning even more hostile. "Are you kids lying!?"

"No, but if you are talking about that boy who came to our office while we were out in school earlier, he did drop by." Shinichi suddenly interrupted as he held his ground. "We know this through the CCTV installed there. But he barely opened the vending machine door and immediately left."

The man's gaze seemed to narrow at Shinichi's words. There was a palpable tension in the room, and Emiko could feel the weight of the situation. This was not just a casual visit – this man was determined, and he meant business.

"If you don't believe us, you can check the CCTV camera we recently installed outside our association next to the door. Why don't you follow me to meet my mother, we can view it for ourselves." Michio pointed to the camera above the door.

"You all could've edited it to make it as if he never showed up, The tall man glared at Michio. "Perhaps the person I am looking for managed to get in first. He could be hiding somewhere."

"We keep the door locked after many incidences with our association regarding criminals, tightly." Takuma retorted fiddling with his cap. "Anyhow, we don't usually open this early. It's only because of the school holidays we're even here."

"The boy is very skilled at getting in and out of places," the visitor countered, peering across the room. "He is also a very accomplished liar."

"Is he?" Junko observed him silently, guessing their visitor's height was over two meters tall.

Ranran watched the interaction with a discerning eye. This situation was becoming increasingly tense, and she knew they needed to handle it carefully. The man before them was clearly not to be taken lightly. The big man moved with the grace of an athlete. Ranran noticed.

At the same time, there seems to be a bit of a dignified aura of a royal. Although he is wearing a suit, the air of authority he carries is unmistakable. It was clear that this man was not to be trifled with. Then Ranran thought, maybe grаce wasn't the right word to describe someone who looked so dangerous.

"Anyway, who are you by the way?" Emiko stroked her long hair she was becoming irritated by the visitor's attitude."You haven't even told us your name," she prompted.

"When you need to know who I am, I will tell you."The man turned his back on her and studied Ranran. "You must be Kudo Ranran, the founder of Tantei Association, right? 6-years-old?"

"I am sorry, who are you?" Ranran blinked before confronting, "And how did you know-

"My people here have compiled a dossier about you and the rest of the children who worked alongside you. You have quite a famous reputation as detectives, even though you are mere children."

"Hey, don't you know it is rude to simply investigate others behind their backs!?" Takuma was about to protest but the man silenced him with a hand.

"It is quite likely that the boy I seek might come to you for help," The visitor reasoned to the little girl before him, "In fact, I am quite certain he has." He strode toward the door that led into the shop. "Perhaps I should check for myself."

"Go again, even if you turn the shop upside down, it ain't likely they are around." Ranran scoffed. "Also, this is Japan, who the hell are you to simply do whatever you please? There are laws to follow despite being in a different country."

"I could make it my business," the big man declared. His eyes were pools of menace. He folded his arms across his broad chest.

"Yeah right, you can't. Not even if you are a noble or a royal for that matter!" 

The man's eyes narrowed at Ranran's boldness. He clearly wasn't used to being met with such resistance, especially from a child. He stopped in his tracks, visibly taken aback.

"You are quite spirited for a child," he remarked, his tone a mix of surprise and annoyance. "Then again, it is expected from the daughter of a noble."

Ranran stood her ground as she secretly wondered how the hell this man knew about her family's heritage being a noble, her gaze unwavering. "And you are quite imposing for an uninvited guest. If you have a legitimate reason for being here, you should state it. Otherwise, I'll have to ask you to leave."

The man's expression darkened further, his jaw clenched. He seemed unused to being challenged in this manner. His hand tightened into a fist, and for a moment, it looked like he might resort to force.

Before the situation could escalate further, Shinichi stood in front of Ranran protectively to confront the man, "Anyway, if you were concerned about looking for that boy, just file a police report. He is a minor after all. But of course, if you don't want the cops involved, convince us why. Otherwise, you better leave!" Shinichi replied, folding his own arms defiantly before his mentor.

The tension in the room hung thick, each person presented acutely aware of the stand-off unfolding before them. The big man's eyes bore into Shinichi, his glare unrelenting. The atmosphere seemed to crackle with the unspoken challenge. The man's jaw tensed further, but he seemed to consider their words. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, his voice low and measured. "Very well. If your children insist on wanting to know why, then I shall comply."

The visitor reached inside his coat and held up a photograph to show it before them. "This boy here, his name is Landon Lockwood," he informed them

Soon, the members of Tantei Association stared at the photo of a boy about their own age, with short tousled brown hair and bright blue eyes, sitting on a bench at some park. He had a mischievous grin that hinted at a playful spirit. He looked like he could be any regular kid on the block.

"Wait, what would a foreign boy be doing here in Japan?" Ran frowned deeply.

"He looks just like an ordinary kid," Scoffed Takuma turning his cap back to front at the man, "What is a....supposed 'thief' like him doing here in Japan?"

"And you all looked like foreigners," Shinichi noted.

"Well, I can't reveal much, but all I can say is this: Landon....comes from a family with a... complicated history." The tall man slipped the photograph back inside his coat. 

Perking her interest, Ranran pressed, "Be more specific."

"Well....if you had grown up in a family fool of scheming and politics, it says it all, does it not?"

That vague response was enough for Ranran to put together what this man was referring to.

"Let me repeat my warning," he told them as he hurled open the door "If he tries to communicate with you, don't believe anything he tells you. And furthermore... I will keep this place under observation. If you try to assist him in any way, I will be the first to know. Believe me, I will take the appropriate action."

The man's warning hung heavily in the air as he turned and left, his imposing figure disappearing from view. The members of Tantei Association exchanged wary glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

"Seriously, who is this rude man, anyway!?" Junko snarled to no one in particular.

"I really hope not to see him again, right Hikari?" Takuma spoke to the Harpy eagle, who had calmed down significantly in the presence of the stranger.

"But it is surprising, huh? That foreign man...he had a foreign accent, huh?" Ran commented.

"Not to mention, he is able to speak Japanese fluently." Michio was still in shock and awe.

"Also, he looked macho. But did any of you notice how commanding he is?" Emiko pointed out.

The atmosphere in the room remained charged even after the man's departure. They were left with more questions than answers. Landon Lockwood's sudden appearance in their lives, along with the mysterious man's warning, added a layer of complexity to their usual investigations.

"He seemed really serious about this," Michio mused, his brows furrowing in concern.

"But why did he come to us  to look for this Landon boy instead of going to the police?" Emiko wondered aloud.

"Given Landon's family history, especially what sort of family they are, it ain't surprising why things later turned out this way." Ranran sighed.

With all of the children's heads turned to Ranran's response, Shinichi confronted, "Ranran, do you know who this man is?"

"I don't," Ranran admitted, "But I know who that boy Landon is."

Ranran's revelation hung in the air, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. They turned their eyes to her, eager for more information. "Who is he, Ranran?!" Ran found herself asking.

"Before I reveal this to any of you," Ranran cautiously stared at the surroundings of the HQ, "Lock all of the windows and doors now."

"Why?" Michio blinked.

"Because what I am about to reveal, it can never leave the doors of this association."

The urgency in Ranran's voice left no room for argument. Without hesitation, the members of Tantei Association hurried to secure the entrances and windows of their secret HQ. They moved quickly and efficiently, their senses on high alert.

Once they were certain they were sealed off from prying eyes and ears, they turned back to Ranran, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

"Alright, Ranran, you have our full attention," Emiko stated, her voice steady. "Tell us who this Landon Lockwood is."

Ranran took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on each of her friends in turn. She knew the weight of the information she was about to reveal. "Landon Lockwood is the son of Thomas Lockwood, the Crown Prince of Norway."

The room fell into a stunned silence.