"What is Norway like?" Michio asked in the living room with Emiko while they sat opposite Landon.

Landon leaned back comfortably on the couch, considering Michio's question. "Well, Norway is a beautiful country. It's known for its stunning natural landscapes, like fjords, mountains, and lakes. The air is crisp and clean, and you can often see the Northern Lights in certain parts during the winter."

Emiko nodded, chiming in, "I've seen pictures. The scenery looks breathtaking."

"It really is," Landon agreed with a smile. "We have a rich history too, with ancient Viking roots. And don't even get me started on the food. Seafood is a big deal, naturally, but we have some fantastic traditional dishes like rakfisk and lutefisk. They might not sound appetizing, but they're definitely an acquired taste!"

Michio raised an eyebrow. "Lutefisk? What's that?"

Landon chuckled. "It's a dish made from dried whitefish and lye. It's quite...distinctive in flavour, to say the least."

Emiko wrinkled her nose playfully. "I think I'll stick to sushi, thank you very much."

Michio laughed. "Yeah, I'm with Emiko on that one."

Landon joined in the laughter. "Fair enough. Sushi is amazing, after all."

Emiko then leaned forward with a curious glint in her eyes. "And what about the people? What are they like?"

The prince thought for a moment. "The people in Norway are generally known to be friendly and easygoing. We value equality and social welfare, so it's a pretty safe and inclusive place. Of course, like anywhere, there are all sorts of personalities, but on the whole, Norwegians are known for being quite open and welcoming."

"That sounds really nice," Michio remarked. "And you mentioned your family is quite influential there?"

Landon nodded. "Yes, my family has a long history of service to the country. My grandfather, the King, is highly respected. He's known for modernizing and reforming the monarchy, making it more in tune with the times. It's a lot of responsibility, but we're proud of our contributions to Norway."

Emiko and Michio listened with genuine interest, absorbing the details of Landon's world. It was a fascinating glimpse into a life so different from their own.

Junko, who had been sitting nearby with Ran after she showed all of the photo albums, listening intently, finally interjected with a grin. "So, any royal scandals? Secret passageways in the castle? Hidden treasure vaults?"

"I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to divulge any royal secrets. And as for scandals...well, every family has its share of drama, I suppose. But we do our best to keep things running smoothly." Landon chuckled.

Soon, the prince had slipped into a brooding silence as he silently toyed with the silver key that hung around his neck. Emiko then took a closer look at it "I've seen a key like that before," she observed. The more she thought about it, the more certain she was that she'd seen it elsewhere.

"Where?"

"That is the thing, I can't recall where....." Emiko frowned. 

"And there's nothing on it?" Michio questioned Landon. "No numbers or anything?"

"It's just a key," Landon confirmed. "I spent a lot of time trying to figure out where the key leads to, but I have no clue what it leads me to."

"What a shame, if only we knew who the messenger is, the same one who brought that letter to your school, it could've gotten us elsewhere," Junko said. 

"What makes you think so?" Ran blinked.

"Cause if you think about it, the letter that Landon burned informed things like his Tousan found the diamond mine...the messenger definitely needs to double check their contents inside to make sure they didn't lose it, right? Especially the key."

"I guess so," Landon shrugged. "But it's too late now. The messenger's gone. Hell, they could even be dead for all we know..."He lapsed back into silence.

Ran tried to cheer him up. "You must be very hungry after coming all the way here since yesterday. Why don't I make you something to eat?"

"It's alright, but if you don't mind, can I sleep?" Landon replied.

"Of course," Ran said with a warm smile. "We have a guest room upstairs. I'll show you the way."

As they made their way upstairs, Ran led Landon to a cosy guest room. "Here's where you'll be staying. If you need anything, feel free to ask."

"Thank you, Ran. I appreciate your hospitality," Landon replied, his fatigue becoming more apparent.

"It's no trouble at all. Get some rest, and if you feel up to it, we can continue our investigation tomorrow," Ran suggested.

"That sounds like a plan," Landon agreed, giving her a grateful smile.

Downstairs, the other children gathered in the living room, deep in conversation about the day's events.

"So, what do you think about all this, Michio?" Emiko asked, turning to her friend.

Michio's brows were furrowed in thought. "It's a lot to take in. I mean, we're hanging out with a real-life prince, and we're involved in a case about a mysterious diamond mine. It feels like something out of a detective novel."

"Yeah, it's definitely not your average day," Junko agreed, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "But I have to admit, it's kind of exhilarating."

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

Minutes had passed since Sergeant Genzo had driven off and left the association, and Shinichi could be seen pacing up and down after drinking the lemon tea drink Takuma had brought over from the heavy downpour earlier. "Two hours," he muttered. "How can we prove everything in two hours?"

"Neh Ranran, if you sent your friend to Norway to check out the developments, it might have been too late, no?" Takuma worriedly tells his friend after he was filled in on certain details involving the case, having seated in one of the chairs surrounding the meeting table, "The flight between the U.K. to Norway takes around three hours. By the time your friend arrives today, that general might have already captured Landon here in Japan."

"Don't worry about it," Ranran reassured with a mischievous grin, "My friend arrived in Norway, just not today but yesterday."

"Eh!?" The two boys' eyes grew wide.

"You see after that interesting visit with General Stefan seeking out his step-nephew, I knew Landon would arrive at the association without accepting 'no' for an answer." Ranran explained, "So just out of curiosity, I had a friend who was free at that time yesterday to take a flight there to check out the situation. So far, the people of Norway have no idea what is truly going on within the royal palace."

"Really?" Shinichi grabs a seat to hear more.

"And had an interesting tidbit," Ranran reveals, "Magnus Moseby, Landon Lockwood's private tutor, or rather, the family tutor of the royal Lockwood family is here in Japan, according to what I obtained from Emiko yesterday."

"Wait, you looked into his tutor as well!?" Takuma gasped. "Why?"

"Earlier when Landon was questioned whether Mr Moseby knew the contents of the letter, let alone, knew whether the key was in the envelope, he upfront lied," Ranran revealed.

"Ah, now that you mentioned it!" Shinichi snapped his fingers, and a strange look appeared on his face. "He didn't sound truthful when asked about it."

"How can you tell whether Landon was lying?" Takuma grew curious.

"It's not that I think he was lying, but rather, he was concealing something," Shinichi clarified.

"Ain't that the same thing?"

"There's a difference. When someone is hiding information, they tend to choose their words carefully and avoid giving too much away. It's a subtle nuance, but once you've been around enough cases, you start to pick up on these cues."

"Man, you hung out with Ranran for 2 months, and you are able to notice the things Ranran did?" Takuma is amazed by this.

"As I said, there is a reason why Shinichi pursued his apprenticeship under me." Ranran beamed.

Takuma looked at Ranran with newfound respect. "Impressive."

"Back to the matter at hand, Landon mentioned he trusts Mr Moseby since he barely sided with General Stefan. Although if I were Landon in the position of the prince, I would not disclose the discovery of the diamond mines to Mr Moseby, let's not forget that he is a kid like all of us, and it wouldn't be surprising that given his situation, he probably did let his teacher know about it." Ranran concluded.

Shinichi's eyes gleamed with understanding. "So, you suspect that Mr Moseby might know more than he's letting on?"

"Exactly," Ranran confirmed. "Which is why we are going to pay him a visit."

"Who!? Mr Moseby!?" Takuma and Shinichi's jaws dropped in unison before Takuma questioned the girl, "Wait a minute, you mention intel tipped you that Mr Moseby is in Japan. What would he be doing here in the first place?!"

"Yeah! For all we know, he is a teacher of the Lockwood royal family in Norway. He has no business being here unless it is for Landon." Shinichi added.

"I will get to that," Ranran describes, "You see, I got a tip in that apparently, a double of Mr. Moseby was planted in Edgewood Academy in the U.K."

The two boys exchanged puzzled glances. "A double?" Takuma repeated, clearly intrigued.

Ranran nodded. "When Landon fled the school after General Stefan sent the secret police after him, the tip I got was Mr Moseby frantically rushed over to Edgewood Academy to seek for Landon. However, he knew the men of General Stefan might stationed around, let alone, might end up spying on him may lead The General to Landon, so it ain't surprising why he took great lengths to create a decoy or distraction, making it appear as if Mr Moseby was still in the U.K. when in fact, he's here in Japan."

"But that is extreme to plant a double to masquerade as him. And I know he is a royal tutor, but....he can afford to get someone to do it for him with his salary?" Shinichi was in awe. 

"It ain't surprising," Ranran leaned against her chair, "When I was in Edgewood, I met tons of Royal and noble families that would hire doubles to cover for them in situations like these. It's a security measure to ensure their safety, especially when there are political tensions or threats involved. The cost is not an issue when it comes to safeguarding the lives of such stature."

"But ain't he is just a teacher for some royal family!?" Takuma was perplexed. "I doubt he could be able to afford it with his salary!"

"You would be surprised, some royal families do pay hefty sums for their trusted aides and tutors. Even the nannies there, do you know how much were they paid in pounds if converted to yen here?" 

The two boys exchanged wide-eyed glances, clearly taken aback by Ranran's revelations.

Shinichi ventured a guess, "A considerable amount, I assume?"

"No, guess again." Ranran encourages them to think.

Takuma hesitated, then ventured, "Maybe... a million yen?"

Ranran shook her head, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Higher."

Shinichi's eyes widened. "Five million yen?"

Ranran nodded, impressed. "Exactly. Some of the nannies there were earning that much, and that's just one example."

"Wait, why so much money? It's one thing if the rich families had tons of money to throw around." Shinichi had to know the practicality of the situation. 

Ranran leaned back, considering Shinichi's question. "It's a combination of factors, really. First, these families value their children immensely. They're willing to invest heavily in their upbringing/future, which includes hiring the best staff possible. Second, it's a matter of security. The more well-compensated the staff, the less likely they are to be swayed by outside influences or tempted by bribes. And finally, it's a status symbol. Being able to afford such highly-paid staff members reflects positively on the family's prestige and influence."

Shinichi absorbed this information, nodding in understanding.

"Woah! If that pays off easily, I might as well become a royal teacher when I grow up!" Takuma daydreamed.

"You wished," Ranran scoffed, "Those rich families expect and demand results produced from your teachings. And you can tell based on the grades of their children would be ultimate prove, that if one mark is below, you lose your job for good. And it's their influential words against theirs."

The athlete's eyes widened as the reality of the situation sank in. "Wow, that's a lot of pressure."

"You can try your luck, but that would be 1/10000 chance you even scored the job."Ranran nodded solemnly, "Anyway, even if he didn't get the paycheck, considering he and Landon are close, it wouldn't be surprising that the tutor would be able to have access to some of the royal privileges in the Lockwood family, mainly, hiring a double to impersonate as him in Edgewood Academy."

"Where is he anyway? Aside from the fact that he is in Japan?" Shinichi prompted her to reveal the location.

"At a brother school of Edgewood Academy, called Rinkan Academy."

As Takuma used his smartphone to track down the location, he grew a little horrified over the distance of the school from their association, "It will take hours to get there!"

"That is by bus, but by cab, it would be easier." Ranran glanced at her watch.

"What would he be doing there to hide away by the way?" Shinichi wondered.

"He had some relatives working there," Ranran revealed, "And apparently from the intel I gathered from Edgewood, when he is forced to take off days, which he detests since he is a workaholic, he would fly all the way here to Japan and take up substitute work here."

"That is....extreme for someone who can't sit still at home." The two boys were speechless.

"Flying overseas just to work....that is one serious workaholic," Shinichi mused, impressed by Mr. Moseby's dedication.

"Why couldn't he just take up other part-time work around his home country in Norway if he isn't working for the royal family?" Takuma questioned the girl.

"His contract terms and conditions according to intel revealed he can't do so in case he leaked out any secrets involving the Lockwood family," Ranran explained. "But the family I heard allowed him to take up part-time overseas, provided it was under a school that had some ties to Edgewood Academy, let alone, anything affiliated with royalty and nobility, which in this case, is Rinkan Academy. It's a way for them to ensure he stays within their circle of trust."

By this point, Shinichi didn't know whether to be impressed by the meticulous measures taken by the Lockwood family to safeguard their secrets, or the fact that Mr. Moseby's life seemed to revolve around such high-stakes complexities.

Mr. Moseby's life seemed to revolve around such high-stakes complexities. It was a world so far removed from his own, yet now, he found himself deeply entangled in it.

"So, we're off to Rinkan Academy then?" Shinichi asked, already mentally preparing for the task ahead.

"That's right," Ranran confirmed. "We need to find Mr. Moseby and see if he can provide us with any crucial information. Let's get going."

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

As soon as Takuma got Shinichi and Ranran a cab, they soon found themselves on their way to Rinkan Academy. The tension in the car was palpable as they contemplated what they might discover from Mr Moseby and how it could be connected to the larger mystery of the diamond mine.

While traffic began to build up, a possible idea flickered in Takuma's head. "Neh Ranran."

"Yeah?" Ranran who sat in the front passenger seat wasn't looking at him, as she seemed busy texting other people on her smartphone.

"Since you studied in Edgewood Academy before moving here, do those kids from noble and royal families have spies of their own?"

Ranran's fingers paused on her phone's screen as she considered Takuma's question. After a moment, she turned to face him, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Yes, it's not uncommon for noble and royal families to have their own network of informants," she replied. "These informants serve various purposes, from keeping an eye on rival families to gathering information on potential threats or opportunities. They're discreet, highly trained, and often blend into the background, making them difficult to detect."

"Why did you ask that question, by the way?" Shinichi who sat on the other side next to Takuma questioned the boy in the cap.

"Cause I was thinking....considering Mr Moseby is close to Landon, what if he was one of General Stefan's spies!?" Takuma suggests.

"First and foremost, Mr Moseby is already rich through his royal tutor job. What for does he need to spy on Landon to get paid?" scoffed Shinichi.

"Why not? Ranran sometimes says 'Money is never enough'!" Takuma fiddled with his cap as he grew irritated a bit.

"True, but he wouldn't have simply hired a double to be hiding elsewhere in the U.K. if that were the case." Shinichi pointed out the flaws.

Takuma sighed, realizing the flaws in his theory. "Yeah, you're right. I guess I got a little carried away with the idea."

"But it wouldn't be surprising if that is the case," Ranran thinks, seeing the stunned faces of the two boys behind her through the car's rear mirror, "I told you guys before, you all had stepped into the world of royalty. So that kind of possibility wouldn't be impossible."

The car continued its journey, the cityscape passing by in a blur. "Neh Ranran, do you think The General who had his men stationed around the association HQ followed us?" Shinichi whispered

"I hope they do," Ranran grunted in determination, "Cause I planned to take them on a wild goose chase. Speaking of a goose chase, I am curious how is our little goose hiding out in Mouri Detective Agency."

"Ah, Landon is hiding out there, right? I will call the others to ask what on earth is going on."

Scooping his smartphone, Shinichi dialled Michio's number. After a few rings, Michio's voice came through the line. "Hello?"

"Michio, it's Shinichi. We're on our way to Rinkan Academy to talk to Mr. Moseby. What's the situation at the agency?"

Michio's voice came through, slightly hushed. "Landon is resting. He seemed quite exhausted. Ran and Junko are with him, keeping an eye on things. Emiko is downstairs with me. Everything seems calm for now, but we're all on alert. By the way, why are you guys heading to Rinkan Academy? And why is Mr Moseby in Japan?"

Soon, Shinichi was busy explaining where they were going and why and then told him about Sergeant Genzo's visit. He finished by warning them about Sergeant Genzo's two-hour deadline.

"So in other words, are we not to contact Sergeant Genzo if we find anything?" Michio's quizzical voice grew alert at that info.

"No, until we find evidence to strongly suggest whether Landon is guilty or innocent," Shinichi decided, "Cause at the moment, his hands are tied. Whether he likes it or not, whatever we know about Landon will go straight back to General Stefan. And the last thing we want is to trigger a war between Norway and Japan."

Michio's voice held a serious tone. "Understood. We'll be careful and stay vigilant. Please keep us updated on your end."

"Noted," A note of alarm crept into his voice."Where is Landon resting by the way?"

"Sleeping in one of the bedrooms upstairs above the Tantei Agency," Michio informed him. "We're downstairs in the living room. And don't worry," Michio anticipated Shinichi's next comment, "Emiko, Ran and Junko made sure all the doors and windows were locked. Nobody can get in."

But as Shinichi was busy on the phone, so was Ranran on her smartphone as she made one private phone call while she spoke in a low tone, "Mouri Ran, it's me. Where are you now?"

Ran's voice was steady but tinged with urgency while she whispered, "Outside the bedroom, Junko is in the bedroom ensuring Landon is asleep on the bed. Why do you ask?"

"Listen carefully, Ran," Ranran's voice carried a note of urgency. "I am going to ask you to do something privately, that you cannot tell Junko, Michio, and Emiko. Not even Takuma and Shinichi for that matter."

Ran listened intently, her senses on high alert. "Alright, what is it? I'll do whatever I can."

As soon as she did, Ran was angry at first. "No way! Why would I want to-"

"Do you not believe me? If you think I can afford to pay you back?"

"No! That ain't-"

"Then do it, I will reward you handsomely." 

"But...."

"If you refuse, it's ok. But I need to catch the bigger fish, Mouri Ran. You knew that the moment you signed the contract with me to make amends for all of the crap you put me and Shinichi through."

Ran's mind raced, torn between the contract she had signed, as well as her own conscience. Plus the potential consequences if she didn't comply.

After a moment of contemplation, Ran took a deep breath and nodded, even though she knew this might lead to further complications. "Can my Tousan know at least?"

"Sure. Just tip him in advance that I am involved." 

 Ran clenched her jaw, steeling herself for what was to come. "Alright. I'll do it."

"I know you are a smart girl," Ranran's voice held a note of gratitude before she hung up.

Ran stared at her phone for a moment, her heart pounding. She knew that what she was about to do was risky, but it seemed like their only option at this point. Taking a deep breath, she turned to head back into the bedroom, preparing to put the plan into action.

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

Meanwhile, in the car, Shinichi deduces another theory. "I doubt the messenger would be killed by The General."

"What made you think so?" Ranran looked at him from the front passenger seat.

"If what Landon said is true, that the coordinates to the diamond mine in Norway were not revealed in the letter, aside from the fact that his father, the Crown Prince, acknowledged that he had discovered it, in the shoes of General Stefan, killing the messenger would cost me more. Cause in a way...."Shinichi looked at her thoughtfully. "I will never be able to get my hands on the diamond mine."

"You are right!" Takuma nodded in realization.

"Especially the key that Landon is given in the envelope." Shinichi revealed, "The General doesn't have it, since it is with Landon. That key will link him to the diamond mine. Which I suspect that is the reason why The General is seeking out Landon, to get the key."

"No Landon, no key, no coordinates to the diamond mine." Takuma stroked his jaw.

Ranran kept peering through the rear window to see if they were being tailed, but the traffic was heavy, even on the highway out of the city.

"The same car has been following us ever since we left headquarters," she whispered. "But I can't be sure. It's a long way behind us."

"They must be thinking we knew where we were hiding Landon, hence, The General had them sent men to tail us." Takuma offered. "That's why they're not staying closer to us, in case we find out."

"But Ranran, I was surprised when you suggested hiding Landon at Mouri Ran's Tousan's office." Shinichi pouted at his mentor, "I mean this is a man who is raised with royal privileges, I am certain he ain't that foolish to not notice that her Tousan runs a detective agency, let alone, isn't aware where the office is."

"No, I knew he knew what we knew. Which is why I intentionally had Landon placed there with the other members of our association." Ranran slyly grins.

Shinichi and Takuma exchanged surprised glances. "You wanted him to know? Why!?" Takuma demanded.

"You will know soon." Ranran's expression darkened, "Soon, it is a matter of time before the trap I set up for Landon at Mouri Detective Agency leads us to catch the biggest fish."

Soon the highway skirted a thick forest. With the taxi pulled up to the entrance of Rinkan Academy, Takuma tapped Ranran's arm and pointed to a cluster of stone buildings on a hilltop. "That's Rinkan Academy," He told her.

Ten minutes later the taxi turned off the highway onto a private road. A high wall surrounded the school. "It looks like a prison to me," said Shinichi.

"It's no different than Edgewood Academy back in the U.K.," Ranran rolled her eyes in response. "Majority of the students here grew up with wealthy parents, let alone, famous people. To prevent paparazzi poking their noses where they shouldn't belong, they are sent here away from the public eye," she explained. "This is to ensure safety."

"But you can't deny this, it looks just like a prison as Shinichi said," Takuma muttered

As the cab continued their journey, Shinichi recalled one conversation he had once with Amelia, a friend of Ranran's who still studies at Edgewood Academy through the phone. And it remained with him to this day.

"What is......Edgewood Academy life like?"

"A luxurious jungle/prison. Your life was like living in a golden prison back then. You would need schemes to survive, otherwise, you become a mere victim like the other kind-hearted children out there."

And that bothered him greatly. He wasn't sure why.

As he eyed Ranran, who was still busy tapping whatever it was on her smartphone, he couldn't help but wonder....what sort of life did Ranran lead back then?

A lot of times, he was close to asking about it. Yet, he can't help but know deep down if he ever asks about it, it might end up with him not only unboxing a Pandora's box with never-ending anguish but also, he would be forced to face the same Ranran he first knew back in her house, when he was tied up and tortured with a gun by the little girl.

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

The taxi swept through the front gates and up the driveway to the man block. As soon as Ranran and Shincihi were busy cautiously counting out the change they paid through the taxi fare, Takuma could be heard loudly telling the driver to keep the change.

Frustrated, Shinichi rolled his eyes to ask, "What is wrong, Takuma?" 

As soon as the cab driver left, Takuma protested as he led the way up a flight of steps flanked by tall columns, "I didn't think the cab fee would be so expensive!"

"Taxis can be quite pricey, especially for long distances. Which is why I set up the emergency funds in the first place for Tantei Association should such cases requiring long distances were to take place," Ranran reminded him.

"Even so!" Takuma said tersely, "A total of ten thousand yen? That's quite a lot for a taxi ride! How were those Tantei children in Tantei movies able to afford all of these expenses!? Even though they are all portrayed as living in middle-income households!? It doesn't make any sense!"

"In reality, we called them 'plot holes', Takuma," Shinichi understood Takuma's frustration. "That is why in real life, it ain't really possible for children like us to open a Tantei agency at a young age without thinking of expenses. Which is why we owed it to Ranran and I to plan all of this ahead, otherwise, we would be swimming in debt. Including those penalty fees she put in those contracts between every client who chose to hire us, or else we could barely do this job."

"Wait, you put penalty fees?!" Takuma exclaimed.

"Of course," Ranran crossed her arms at him while they walked, "When I was an apprentice in the U.K for my deceased mentor, he introduced this because clients are humans, we all lie at some point. Should they attempt to manipulate us for their own benefit and wrong an innocent person in the process, they should pay for the consequences of their actions financially. It's a way to maintain integrity and ensure that our services are taken seriously."

Takuma looked like he'd just learned a shocking secret. "You've really thought of everything, haven't you?"

Ranran grinned. "You have to, especially in this line of work."

Then Shinichi remembered something, "Neh Ranran, about our sixth major case, 'The Last Laugh' involving that comedian murder case, did you manage to get a hefty sum? We had no clients at that time, and the murder took place unexpectedly."

"Of course I did," Ranran grins, "I made the director of one of the murder conspirators pay up in full after what had happened."

"Really!?" Takuma gasped, "He must have been pissed off!"

"Contradictory, it made him pleased," Ranran smirked, "You see, I tipped him off about his sister-in-law's devious plan before she was murdered, this was before the case was broadcast publically worldwide. It took a little gaslighting, and showcasing a bit of benefits before he willingly agreed to pay up the damages his sister-in-law had cost to all of us. After all, he felt bad for everything that had transpired. Though I wouldn't say his stepdaughter Millie was pleased."

Takuma's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow, Ranran, you really know how to work the system."

"It's all about knowing your leverage and how to use it effectively," Ranran replied with a mischievous glint in her eye. "In this business, you have to be sharp and quick on your feet."

"But to think he would willingly pay up with his own money...I felt bad a bit." Shinichi felt sympathetic.

"Oh no, he didn't pay using his own money." Ranran menacingly revealed, "He paid using Millie's income she earned as a child actress."

"You got him to use his own daughter's money?" Shinichi's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Woah, damn!" Takuma exclaimed in shock.

"Millie asked for it," Ranran nodded, her expression unapologetic. "Although he is completely innocent, Millie was responsible for the chaos and manipulation in the first place. It was only fitting that she took financial responsibility for it. Plus, it served as a lesson for her to think twice before involving innocent people in her schemes."

Shinichi had to admit, Ranran's approach was both ruthless and effective. "And did Millie know about it?!"

"Of course, which is why she took a secret flight to Japan and attempted to stab me with a knife." Ranran shrugs casually as if it means nothing.

"Wait, she tried to stab you!?" Takuma exclaimed, unable to conceal his shock. "How old is that girl anyway!?"

"11," Shinichi answered.

"Wait, how did you know about this?!" Takuma confronted.

"I was out doing an errand, then accidentally saw Milie one time being cornered by Ranran's Edgewood friends at some street alley. Their conversation spoke volumes." Shinichi revealed. 

Takuma's eyes widened in surprise. "And you didn't tell us?"

"It didn't seem relevant at the time," Shinichi replied, a touch defensive. "Plus, there was already so much going on with Mouri at that time. I didn't want to add more complications."

Takuma shook his head in disbelief. "Man, you should've said something to me next time, Ranran! You could've died!"

Ranran chuckled lightly. "I appreciate the concern, but I can handle myself, Takuma. Besides, it's all in a day's work for a detective. You get used to dealing with unexpected situations."

"Even so! An 11-year-old....taking a flight on her own in an attempt to kill you with a knife, how is any of that normal!?" Takuma grew bewildered.

"I questioned this all the time," Shinichi sighed.

Takuma shook his head, still trying to wrap his mind around the idea. One thing is clear, his friend Ranran did not lead a normal life.

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

They entered a long hall where a stern-faced woman regarded them coldly from behind a counter." Yes, what are you children doing here?" she demanded, before analyzing critically, "Judging your clothes, you are not the students of this academy."

"Because we ain't, we are investigating a serious case involving child abduction and attempted murder," Ranran announced.

"Yeah right! I would fall for that!" The woman responded in scepticism.

"Alright, if you insist, then bring us Mr Magnus Moseby over to clarify whether that is truly the case."

The 6-year-old girl's words lead the woman to jump to her feet. "Why are the three of you looking for Mr Magnus!?"Her eyes darted nervously around.

"As I've stated, we're here to speak with Mr. Moseby regarding a serious case. It's imperative that we have a conversation with him as soon as possible." Shinichi decided to steely gaze locked onto the woman's eyes. "We believed he may have been the last person to see 10-year-old Landon Lockwood before he went missing in Edgewood Academy, the brother school based in the U.K." Shinichi persisted.

"I'm afraid that's impossible," The woman told him."He's... he's gone away."

Takuma scowled at her suspiciously "Are you sure?''

"The three of you kids, you have no right to poke your noses where they shouldn't belong! Now you better leave, before I call security!" The woman said crossly.

"Sure," Ranran nodded knowingly, before using her smartphone to dial Japan's emergency number, as she spoke in front of the shocked receptionist, "Hi, emergency services? I believed that I was dealing with an accomplice of a child kidnapper, who might be currently harbouring an abducted child within Rinkan Academy. Could you please send the police to investigate the situation?"

The receptionist's eyes widened in panic. "Wait! You can't do that!"

Ranran didn't miss a beat. "I believe the safety of a child takes precedence over any other concerns. If there's nothing to hide, then the police will quickly ascertain that."

The two boys exchanged impressed glances. Ranran's quick thinking and strategic moves never ceased to amaze them. The receptionist's face paled, and she quickly changed her tone. "Wait, wait! Let me check if Mr. Moseby is available."

"I'm sure there won't be any," said a voice, and the children spun around.

A short man had stepped out from a doorway behind them. He appeared to be in his fifties. His coat had been torn and a plaster patched a gash on his face. He held a bundle of mud-splashed papers in one hand while, in the other, he clutched a pair of glasses. With a sickening start, Ranran could see the lenses were shattered.

"I'm the man you are seeking for," the man introduced himself."What do you want?"

Surprised to see the Norwegian teacher speaking in Japanese, Takuma was shocked to say, "How come you too can speak Japanese!?"

"I used to be a student of Edgewood as well. Now, may I know why are the whole lot of you here?"

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

The man motioned them toward the doorway.

"This is one of the staff оffices," he suggested, "We can talk in here," 

Magnes Mosby led them into the small office and closed the door, the children looked around at the desks cluttered with books and papers. A bank of lockers stood against one wall.

Watching the Lockwood's Royal Tutor limped his desk and eased across to himself onto an old-fashioned swivel chair, "We won't be disturbed for a while. My colleagues haven't left the campus yet, since they have to carry out multiple lectures for the students here." Then he shot Ranran a wary glance, "And you kids have yet to explain who you really are."

"Who do you think we are in your honest opinion?" Takuma and Shinichi grabbed a chair to sit as Ranran questioned the tutor, who was standing between the boys.

"If I am not mistaken, when I was in Edgewood Academy in the U.K a few days ago, I heard rumours that a former student of Edgewood who moved to Japan opened a little detective agency with other kids her age, the agency is called Tantei Association." Magnes Mosby figures, as Landon's tutor's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Tell me, are you hired by that step-uncle of his, or Landon?"

"Landon, he came up to us two days in a row in a bid to handle the case," Ranran answered.

This was when his eyebrows shot up. "So he finally made it!?"

"So Landon was right when he say he trusts you," Ranran pulled up a chair and answered а question with a question. "First and foremost," She pointed bluntly at him, "What happened to you? You looked as though someone had attempted to run you over with a car not long ago."

"You are not completely in the wrong though," Mr. Moseby grimaced, his hand unconsciously touching the bandage on his face. "It's a long story," he sighed. "I've told the school I was a victim of a hit-and-run accident. But truthfully," He fingered the plaster on his cheek. "I wish it were that simple." He reached forward and gripped Ranran by the arm with both hands. "Tell me about the boy: Did anyone hurt him?"

"He's fine," Ranran reassured, her eyes studying the teacher's face. "He asked us to help him."

"Good, then he ran and got away safely." The tutor handed over his forehead. 

"Were you really run over by a car?" Shinichi doubtfully questioned the man before them.

"I was, twice." He admits, "The first time wasn't so bad when I heard through Landon over the phone that he rushed out of Edgewood Academy the other day, I was in the U.K. visiting a relative when it happened, so when I rushed over to the school, someone on a motorbike attempted to run me over, which I fortunately narrowly missed, just a tiny sprain on my wrist."

He showed his concealed bandaged wrist beneath his long sleeve to the kids.

"And the second time?" Takuma and the others jotted their interview over their notebook.

"The second time was after I decided to fly all the way here to Japan upon planting a double in Edgewood, and it happened around this morning. You see, I walk to the school every morning. My house is quite close by. But today there was a car parked by the gate. As I went past, a man jumped out and followed me."

"Was it General Stefan?" Shinichi inquired.

"No," The royal tutor shook his head. "But I recognize it is definitely one of his men, I'm sure of that. Cause the double I planted reportedly texted me a photo of his face, I saw him always accompanying The General at social functions within the Lockwood Royal family. That is when I knew....he must have found out that I planted a double." 

"Let me guess, did he demand to know where Landon was?" Shinichi persisted.

"Of course he did, "The teacher stared at them grimly "Kept asking me if I knew where the boy was. He got very very angry and pushed me over. As you can see, I'm a little worse than I am apparently."

"Did you not consider contacting the cops?"Shinichi flashed a look at the teacher, "I think we should call the police."

"Oh no! That would be the last thing I would do!" The tutor almost flew out of his chair, "I worked for the royal family long enough to do what to make of it!" Eventually, the teacher calmed himself and sat down again." Also, I would lose my job if people find out about this, mainly the press, and give bad publicity for the school, and the last thing I want to deal with is deal with angry noble and royal families alike." he smiled weakly "I don't think we want to be in the headlines like that."

The children didn't reply back, seeing his bewildered expression.