Peggy Punchard is a name Ranran is all too familiar with.

In fact, any British citizen in the U.K. would know that she is one of the funniest comedians of her parents' and her grandparents' generation. Ranran could remember the simpler time when she was living in the slums of a rundown townhouse when the family couldn't afford to head to the cinema to watch movies, those were her parents' romantic past-time.

Whenever they think 2-year-old Ranran was asleep back then, they always snuck to the living room to watch during nighttime, the two adults (or rather in Ranran's case, a teenager and a college student) would often laugh out so loud over Peggy's jokes on the TV, that Ranran at times would quietly walk down the stairs to check what made her parents laugh at Peggy Punchard's jokes.

When Ranran tried to watch it herself, however, she didn't find it funny.

But as intelligent as she was considered to be for her age back then, it wasn't possible for her to completely understand her jokes. Even now that she turned 6, Ranran still can't understand why is she funny. No one can be any funnier than Mr Bean in her opinion.

So to discover Peggy Punchard's name was in one of those anime projects, the same project that is about to depict the real-life story of Tantei Association, just simply baffles her further. At the same time, not completely.

The link between 19-year-old Primrose Everly and the elderly Peggy Punchard isn't surprising to Ranran, since the UK online tabloid gave Ranran the answers she needed. "Neh Ranran, did you find out anything suspicious about the project?" Takuma asked.

With Ranran's eyes betraying the weight of her findings, she answers, "I did some digging, and there are a few things that caught my attention," she began, her voice filled with caution. "First, the investor's identity is shrouded in secrecy. They're using a pseudonym and have gone to great lengths to conceal their true identity. Now it is normal to do so to prevent opportunists from exploiting them. But I found a....rather unexpected name."

"A....unexpected name?" The two became puzzled.

"Guys, do you...remember me telling you back in my old school that idiot teenage girl who confronted me for ruining her niece's chances in scoring acting roles when I was 3?"

Takuma's eyes widened as he recalled the incident Ranran was referring to. "The girl who accused you of stealing her niece's spotlight? What about it?"

"Primrose Everly was the one who did that to me."

"EH!? THE SUPERMODEL!?" Reina and Takuma's faces fell in shock.

"Wait a minute, but if that is the case....that meant the niece of that supermodel you outshined, was none other than Millie Rose Fisher!?" Reina was close to passing out at this point.

"I didn't think you would be that update in the entertainment scene," Ranran folded her arms at her best friend.

"Who doesn't know Millie!?" Reina looked at Ranran as if she has lost her mind, "That child actress who is good at acting pure sunny roles in every drama and movie she was ever cast in! The audience always fell for her acting! Especially when she acted in the movie 'Whisper of the Stars' alongside her mom, who was the lead actress.....Moriko and I cried watching that movie when the mother died!"

"I was wondering why she hadn't been cast in roles after that movie, had Ranran mentioned that the same niece who had been bullying the other cast members was none other than The Millie Rose Fisher, I wouldn't have guessed what a horrible person she is in real life. Damn, it is so shocking." Takuma was appalled, mindblown by this information. Then, curiosity came up before he probed Ranran, "How did the press find out about her bullying? Don't tell me...you are behind that too?"

"Kinda," Ranran shrugs, before adding, "You both know who Salome Grimthorne is, right?"

"Of course!" It was Takuma's turn to go all so excited, "I watched her movies!"

"Yeah, well, she hired me and my late mentor's services at that time, Millie was literally sabotaging Salome into getting cast as a villainess, as a result, the entire school struggled to tell the difference between the real Salome and her roles, so her reputation was suffering severely. To top it off, Millie is severely jealous of her. From adding ingredients in the splash scene that triggered her allergic reaction on her face, to stealing her shoes for a ballet role...it was awful." Ranran listed out Millie's misdeeds.

"She actually did that!?" Reina was shaken, she was not expecting this, "I knew there were rumours about her, but I didn't think they were real!"

"The only solution was to outshine her, and after I did that, I anonymously leaked it to the press." Ranran grins.

"That explains a lot, woah.....what a wench," Takuma concluded, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Good to know that she is getting cancelled."

"But what does all of this have to do with the anime project?" Reina asked, trying to make sense of the connection.

"Well, Primrose's name surfaced in the anime project," Ranran revealed. "I don't know what is her role, but her name came up multiple times. She was the one who suggested making this show." This revelation left Reina and Takuma speechless.  "Yes, Primrose Everly, the same girl who accused me of stealing her niece's spotlight back then and is involved in the project. And I can't figure out why."

"Wait a minute," Reina finally spoke up, her voice filled with confusion. "If Primrose suggested this anime project, does that mean that horrible niece of hers is also involved?"

"No," Ranran shook her head, "The things Millie did was so extreme to the other kids at that time, she was literally boycotted left and right to that point, even voice acting is no longer an option."

"It just doesn't make sense." Takuma sighed, a mixture of disbelief and frustration evident on his face. "Why would someone who hated you for ruining her niece's life be involved in such a project?"

"And there is another disturbing thing I had discovered," Ranran leaned closer to them, ensuring no one hears their conversation, "You guys heard of the name Peggy Punchard?"

"The comedian!?" Takuma blinked, or rather in Ranran's view, amazed.

"Wait, is Peggy Punchard famous in Japan too?" Ranran guessed, judging their reaction.

"Of course!" Reina answered, "She lived her entire 18 years of her life here!"

"And you guys find her funny?" Ranran still couldn't understand what is so funny about Peggy.

"Well, yeah, she's hilarious! Her comedy sketches and jokes always make us laugh," Takuma replied, still surprised that Ranran didn't find Peggy Punchard funny.

"Name me a skit that you both think was funny." Ranran challenged them.

Takuma and Reina exchanged puzzled glances before Takuma spoke up. "Well, one of Peggy's most famous sketches is the 'Lost in Translation' skit, where she plays a tourist who gets into funny misunderstandings due to language barriers. It's pretty hilarious."

"Yeah, and there's also the 'Cooking Catastrophe' skit where Peggy tries to cook a simple dish, but everything goes wrong, and she ends up creating a chaotic mess in the kitchen. It's so funny because of all the unexpected twists and turns," Reina added, a smile forming on her face as she reminisced about the skits.

Ranran listened intently, trying to understand the humour behind the descriptions. However, she couldn't find it amusing. "I still don't get it. It sounds more chaotic and frustrating than funny to me."

"I mean if you were not so into Mr Bean, Peggy would've been funnier for you." Reina pointed out.

"Mr Bean is the origin of comedy," Ranran defended her taste, "He is the reason why making people laugh without saying a single word made things wholesome. I guess that is why when I look at Peggy's skit, I felt like it can't beat the original. She felt like....how would one call it?"

The detective struggled to find the right word, before deciding, "A copycat, that is how it felt for me."

That's right, even when her mentor was alive when the two were watching in his living room, even he too noticed it.

Takuma and Reina exchanged amused glances, understanding Ranran's fondness for Mr Bean.

"Anyway, what is her connection to this anime project you were talking about?" Reina pressed.

"It's this," Ranran tried to explain in her organized thoughts, "After finding out both Primrose and Peggy's names, I did my investigation online. It wasn't until Primrose was spotted by the paparazzi getting out of this luxurious hotel in the U.K. with this young man, Felix Fizzleton, that it finally made sense to me."

"Felix Fizzleton....why did that name sound vaguely familiar?" Reina can't figure out where she had heard that name.

"I remembered this guy!" Takuma snapped his finger, "Felix Fizzleton, the adult son of Peggy's fifth marriage! But his name...."He frowns, "It barely comes up in the press nowadays, since he is into humanitarian work, mostly about saving the environment."

"Eh? Nowadays?" His girlfriend tilted her head, "Did he used to act or something?"

"No, he did not, more like....a party boy during his earlier years," Takuma recalled, "I wasn't born around that period, but my parents use to tell me that Felix Fizzleton was known for his wild lifestyle. He was often seen partying and getting into trouble with the paparazzi. However, it seems like he turned his life around and focused on environmental activism. And there had been rumours not long ago that he was seeing a supermodel!"

"That's right, in other words, Primrose is Felix's rumoured girlfriend," Ranran confirmed.

Trying to process the newfound information at the cafe, the two children hearing all of this did not truly know what to think. "Peggy Punchard had networks to the media due to her comedic stand-up tour for years, so if Primrose is using her dating relationship with Peggy's son, Felix, it made sense how she ended up in the anime project."

The two nodded, starting to see the connections unfold. "So connections can be used that way, huh? Including this anime project," Takuma summarized.

"But let's say if this is truly the case, what would be Primrose's motive?" The class monitor of 1-A wondered, "The anime project is supposedly projecting about Tantei Association's adventures in real life. I am sure that Primrose model ain't that stupid to not realize that her enemy, the girl who ruins her niece's acting career is a member there. Even with the press not knowing their real identities, she isn't that poor to not dig out things about the association's members."

"You think she wants to offer an olive branch to Ranran?" Takuma quipped, "I mean it has been 2 years since it happened."

"No way," Ranran chuckled at that thought, "You both saw her diva-like behaviour on TV, she has not changed since I last spoke to her. Still a naive one-dimension young woman till now. Also, I am certain she still thinks I am the same annoying brat who ruined her supposedly precious niece's life."

"There must be something more to it," Reina mused, furrowing her brows. "Perhaps Primrose sees this project as an opportunity for personal gain or advancement in her own career. It could be a way for her to make a comeback or gain more popularity."

"That's a possibility," Takuma nodded in agreement. "I know of a lot of supermodels who want to venture out in various projects."

"But I don't think anime is one of them in her cards if that was truly the case," Ranran refuted, "There are better opportunities in Hollywood back in the United States instead of contributing to some anime project about our activities in Tantei Association."

"Well then....could it be....revenge?" Reina thinks.

"Revenge? On Ranran?" Takuma was wondering where she is heading with this.

"I mean Ranran literally schemed to a degree that her niece is no longer desirable to be hired as a child actor, I mean the niece is boycotted." Reina brought up some valid points, "Considering this anime is going to project about the association's real life, maybe she plans on making it her own narrative."

"Oh yeah! Good point!" Takuma agrees with this theory.

"Even so, it has been 2 years," Ranran doubts this, "If she had wanted to do this, she would've done it long ago."

"Then how about this," Reina excitedly guessed, "What if Primrose Everly sees this anime project as an opportunity to reshape her image? She might want to use it as a platform to show the world a different side of herself, to break away from the stigma associated with her past actions and gain public sympathy."

Takuma looked intrigued, urging Reina to explain further.

"Well, think about it. Primrose has been involved in the entertainment industry for a long time, and her reputation hasn't been the best due to the incident with her niece and the rumours surrounding her own behaviour. By being part of this anime project, she can align herself with a popular and beloved franchise like Tantei Association, which has a positive public image. It could be a strategic move to rebrand herself and regain public favour."

"It makes sense!" Takuma jumped up a bit, "Anime has a broad and dedicated fan base, both in Japan and worldwide. If Primrose can successfully portray herself in a sympathetic or relatable light through her character in the anime, it could potentially change people's perception of her."

"Also, considering she is dating Peggy's son, she might have some influence over the narrative and character development. She could use it to manipulate the story in her favour, ensuring that her character comes across as likeable and misunderstood." Reina adds.

"I doubt it," Ranran remains sceptical, "Anime may have a broader base unlike in the past, but nowadays, anyone can be their own press. Just set up their account, edit here and there, and then presto! My truth!" She put it with sarcasm, "But judging Primrose, I suspect I know why she is involved in this anime project."

"Why?" The couple demanded in unison.

"Judging Primrose's reputation...."Ranran paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "Say those rumours that Takuma brought up were true, regarding Felix and Primrose dating, my bet is that Peggy dislikes her, and doesn't think she is fit for her son Felix as dating material, cause if you think about it, her dating history is crappy throughout the past 2 years. I think...Primrose is getting involved to impress her boyfriend's mother."

Takuma crossed his arms, deep in thought. "It would make sense, I mean I do recall Peggy had a reputation for being distrustful of people surrounding her children in the interviews I had watched about her."

"But what is there to impress her anyway?" Reina pressed, "Primrose herself is by far a supermodel in her own right. Furthermore, Peggy married 24 times, and all of her marriages failed. What is there to judge Primrose if her own love life is that trashy?"

"Parents are in general hypocrites," Ranran sighs, "Just because she married 24 times, doesn't mean she wants that sort of life for their kids. I am certain it was the same for her own son, Felix, who was formerly a party boy. Plus the age gap. Primrose is 19, while Felix is....how old is he, Takuma?"

Takuma thought for a moment before responding, "If I recall correctly, Felix Fizzleton is about to enter his 40s."

"Ah, the classic older man-younger woman dynamic," Reina chimed in, "Peggy probably sees Primrose as a gold digger or someone who is just after her son's fame and fortune."

"I guess that could be one motivation," Takuma agreed, "People do crazy things for love, and if Primrose believes that impressing Peggy will solidify her relationship with Felix, then she might go to great lengths to achieve that."

"Great lengths, huh.....?"

The trio sat in silence for a moment, pondering the various possibilities and motives behind Primrose's involvement in the anime project. The more they discussed, the more complex and mysterious it seemed.

"Anyway, that is the reason for today's breakfast," Takuma broke the silence, "When everyone else in Tantei Association is done with whatever they need to do, we will gather there, then Miss Ohta Bunko would be coming to pick us up with one of Muniko's cars from the HQ before taking us to see who is the mysterious investor."

"Wait, didn't you both mention previously that Mr Muniko used to have a chauffeur when he sent him to pick Ranran and Shinichi up? During the Illegitimate Extra case? Why is he sending his future sister-in-law who is also his secretary to pick you all up instead?" Reina asked.

"Well, after the events of 'Illegitimate Extra', the family chauffeur Miyashiro Yoshihiro still had to go for further medical checkup," Ranran recalled, "The guy who attempted to kidnap me and Shinichi the other day while impersonating the real chauffeur, hit his head a little too hard. Since the real Miyashiro is elderly, he needed some time to recover fully. Even though he is able to walk smoothly and attended the premiere the other day. So, in the meantime, Miss Ohta Bunko offered to help out and drive us around."

"Ah, that makes sense," Reina nodded, understanding the situation. "But why isn't Mr Muniko joining in? Isn't he the one who shared an interest in wanting to invest in this anime project? Why is the secretary being sent in his stead?"

"That one is all solely thanks to his stupid spoiled daughter," Takuma ranted. "You see, as soon as he heard that Ranran was going to be there, she threw a tantrum and demanded her father's attention. Apparently, she didn't like the fact that her Tousan keeps constantly comparing her to Ranran, reminding her that she is a useless spoiled brat of a princess."

"Well, I can't blame her for being upset. I mean, she is way too dimwitted if we put her right next to our friend, right Ranran?" Reina flash a grin at Ranran.

Ranran just laughed while Takuma rolled his eyes, pretending to be annoyed. "Oh please, don't feed her ego even more," he teased, nudging Ranran gently.

Then Reina laughed, enjoying the playful banter between the two. "But come on, as much as his daughter is a handful, surely he isn't that stupid to not join the association while looking into this anime project."

"Well, logically he ain't. Till his wife gave him an ultimatum," Ranran shook her head thinking about it.

"His wife threatened to divorce him, should he ever compare Ranran again to their daughter," Takuma explained with a mix of disbelief and amusement. "And so happen that since this trip is going to involve several days of consultation, she told him to either attend their daughter's ballet recital, or she is done. Of course, she wasn't that completely unreasonable, told Muniko to send someone in his stead while he bonds with his jealous daughter."

"And that's how Miss Ohta Bunko got assigned the task of being our chauffeur for the day," Ranran added, chuckling. "I can only imagine how thrilled she must be about it."

"What a horrible girl," Reina commented, shaking her head.

"I think she wasn't pleased to learn that again, Ranran's role in 'The Blood of Campground' case was significant," Takuma explained with a hint of annoyance. "She's always been quite the troublemaker, seeking attention and causing trouble whenever she can. So, naturally, her father had to prioritize dealing with her antics over joining us for this crucial meeting."

"But hey, at least you all have your own adventure to look forward to." Reina smiles.

"Yeah, it's going to be exciting," Takuma agreed, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I mean, who knows what kind of surprises await us during this anime project journey? Maybe we'll see other celebrities."

"Or maybe we'll have to solve a crime while we're at it. The Tantei Association always attracts trouble, after all." Ranran grinned mischievously.

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

Meanwhile, 6-year-old Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko had to do one last thing, before Ran could go on the fated trip.

"Are you sure that this temple has a high rate of granting wishes, Sonoko?" Ran can't help but asked.

Sonoko nodded confidently, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Absolutely, Ran! This temple is famous for granting wishes. They say that if you make a sincere wish here, it's almost guaranteed to come true!"

"I am hoping this will do," The long brown-haired girl looked around the temple grounds, taking in the serene atmosphere and the sight of people offering their prayers.

In the heart of a bustling Japanese city, nestled amidst modern skyscrapers and vibrant streets, there stood a hidden gem— Kibouji (希望寺) temple.

Alternatively known as the Temple of Hope, this temple is situated in the heart of a bustling Japanese city.  With its magnificent architecture and serene surroundings, Kibouji has captured the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. But what truly sets this temple apart is the enchanting romance legend associated with it, which tells of its unique ability to grant wishes related to matters of the heart.

According to the legend, Kibouji was established centuries ago by a revered monk named Sora, who was known for his wisdom and compassionate nature. It is said that Sora possessed an innate ability to understand and empathize with matters of love and longing. People from all walks of life sought his guidance and solace, and it was during this time that the temple gained a reputation for being a sanctuary for those seeking love and hope.

The romance legend of Kibouji revolves around a pair of star-crossed lovers, Ayane and Hiroshi. Ayane, a young and spirited woman, visited Kibouji one day, her heart heavy with unrequited love for Hiroshi, a nobleman from a prominent family. Desperate for a way to get him to notice her, Ayane sought solace in the temple's serene gardens, where she would write down her wish on the 'Ema', a rectangular wooden tablet, then tie it to a sacred tree within the temple grounds.

Ayane's devotion and sincerity caught the attention of the temple's guardian spirits, who were deeply moved by her plight. They decided to intervene, using their mystical powers to bring Ayane's wish to fruition. As the legend goes, when the sunset and bathed the temple in a golden glow, Ayane's wish was granted.

The following day, Hiroshi, guided by an inexplicable force, found himself inexplicably drawn to Kibouji. As he wandered through the temple grounds, he came across the tree where Ayane had tied her wish. Mesmerized by the sight, he couldn't help but read the heartfelt message. It was as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes, and he finally realized the depth of Ayane's love for him.

Since that fateful day, Kibouji has become renowned as a temple of romance and hope. It is said that those who visit the temple with sincere hearts and pure intentions can find love, mend broken relationships, or discover their soulmates. Couples from all walks of life make pilgrimages to Kibouji, often leaving behind tokens of their devotion and gratitude. Normally, to children like Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko, that would've been something they look forward to.

However, today it is for a different sort of exception.

"Are you ready, Ran?" Sonoko asked, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation.

Ran took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, Sonoko. Let's make our wish together."

Hand in hand, the two girls stepped inside the temple, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished wooden floors. The air was imbued with a sense of tranquillity and reverence as if the very walls held the hopes and dreams of countless visitors.

They approached the central altar, where a golden statue of the revered monk Sora stood, his serene expression radiating wisdom and compassion. The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow on the offerings and wishes left by those who had come before them.

Ran and Sonoko closed their eyes, their hands clutching each other tightly. They focused their thoughts and whispered their wishes, their words carried away by the gentle breeze that permeated the sacred space.

"I pray that for our upcoming trip to Tantei Association, we will not come across another murder of that sort!" Ran whispered to herself.

Sonoko, her eyes still closed couldn't help but agree, "Oh yeah, that needs to be completely out of the way."

Now out of the 7 members of Tantei Association, Ran is a bit on the superstitious side. In a way, as much as things like ghosts barely exist, she can't help but felt like someone had placed a curse on them.

Cause ever since Tantei Association opened, for some reason, crime follows them wherever they go.

When the first major case 'The Extinction Heist' took place, Takuma was almost killed by a group of gunmen after recognizing a jailbird.

When the second case 'The Illegitimate Extra' took place, Junko and Michio were at the cinema watching a movie, only for the projector film to be stolen midway.

When the third case 'The King of Rubies' occurred, again, Michio and Junko bumped into an undercover cop who was shot.

Then the fourth case, 'The Red Drongos' Deception', Ran and the others just simply wanted to unwind themselves after dealing with disturbing events as child detectives, only to end up having the lead singer kidnapped!

And in this case, quite recently, they went on a school camping trip, only to end up getting stuck with a serial killer! Ranran and Shinichi were strangled by the killer! If it wasn't for Ranran's cunning moves, they would all be dead by this point!

Suspecting that Mamiko, their school sociopath could've cast some black magic onto them, Sonoko suggested a way to wish for it away by praying at this temple. According to Sonoko, she did her research and so far, the temple with the most comments that claimed their wishes were granted on the Internet within Beikai District is none other than this temple. The highest achievement rate was 60 percent.

After they finished making their wishes, Ran and Sonoko opened their eyes and exchanged hopeful smiles. They felt a sense of peace wash over them as if their worries had been temporarily lifted. "Got your Ema with you, Ran?" Sonoko asked.

Ran nodded and reached into her bag, pulling out a small wooden tablet called an Ema. It was adorned with delicate cherry blossom designs, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Taking a marker provided at the temple, she carefully wrote her wish on the Ema.

"I wish for a peaceful and crime-free trip with the Tantei Association," Ran wrote, her strokes deliberate and sincere. She then handed the marker to Sonoko, who eagerly took her turn to write her wish. "What are you going to wish for anyway, Sonoko?"

"Mine is...gonna be just testing ground," Sonoko's eyes sparkled mischievously as she inscribed her wish on the Ema. "Shinichi wakes up to realize Ranran is manipulative, leaves her for you!" she wrote with determination.

"Sonoko! Mou....." She couldn't help but laugh at her friend's audacity and playfulness, shaking her head.

"After that camping incident, as much as I admit that we do owe Ranran for saving us while I was battling dengue and everything in between, I still feel like she doesn't deserve Shinichi thanks to the shady things she did to me and you back in school, especially she is the reason why Shinichi's left us. Plus that our suspicions that she is 'The Fox' is still ongoing," Sonoko admits.

"Well, I can't deny that," Ran formed a sad smile in return, then switches the topic, "Anyway, where should we hang our Ema?"

The two little girls scanned the temple grounds, searching for the perfect spot to hang their Ema. They wanted a place where their wishes would be seen and where they could return to later, perhaps to offer their gratitude if their wishes were granted.

As it was still February, the trees are adorned with remnants of winter, their bare branches reaching towards the sky. Ran's eyes landed on a sturdy tree near a tranquil pond, its branches stretching out like welcoming arms. 

"How about that tree, Sonoko?" Ran pointed to the tree she had spotted.

Sonoko followed Ran's gaze and nodded. "That looks perfect! It's a beautiful spot, and our wishes will be right there for everyone to see."

With their decision made, the two girls approached the tree, their Ema in hand. They found an empty space among the branches, a place where their wishes would hang prominently. Ran carefully tied her Ema to a branch, making sure it was secure. Sonoko did the same, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

"Now our wishes are officially on display!" Sonoko exclaimed, clasping her hands together in excitement.

Ran stepped back, admiring the sight of their wishes swaying gently in the breeze. It felt like a symbol of hope, a tangible reminder of their desire for a peaceful trip and a resolution to their ongoing suspicions.

The two girls then stared at the other Emas hanging from the tree were a testament to the hopes and dreams of countless visitors who had come before them. Each one held a story, a desire, a heartfelt plea.

"It's amazing to think that so many people have come here, pouring their hearts out and seeking a glimmer of hope," Ran murmured, her voice filled with awe.

As they observed the various wishes, some Emas expressed hopes for reconciliation in broken relationships, while others sought the courage to confess their feelings to someone dear. There were wishes for success in careers, for good health, and for the well-being of loved ones. 

But then one Ema oddly stood out from the other wishes.

Their curiosity was piqued as they noticed the Ema with English writing amidst the sea of Japanese characters. They walked closer to get a better look at it, intrigued by the uniqueness of the message.

The English inscription on the Ema read:

"To the poor little Prince who died, re-live your next life with parents who treasure you. To the girl who was with you to the very end...pray she lives a normal life, and don't seek revenge if you ever see this." ~ M

And the drawing on the Ema had a sketch of a small prince with a crown, shutting his eyes with a smile, and a girl with short black hair standing beside him, holding hands with tears on her face and her eyes shut. The image seemed to capture a bittersweet and poignant moment.

This wish was enough to leave the two girls exchanging puzzled glances, both curious about the story behind this particular wish. They wondered who had left it and what it meant.

"Who do you think wrote this, Ran?" Sonoko asked, her voice tinged with intrigue.

Ran contemplated the message, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I'm not sure, Sonoko. But it sounds like a heartfelt wish for someone who has experienced loss and seeks a brighter future for themselves and a dear companion."

Sonoko nodded, her eyes fixed on the drawing. "It's so sad yet beautiful at the same time. I hope whoever wrote this finds the happiness and peace they're looking for."

The two then took a moment to offer their silent prayers, extending their wishes to the unknown author of the Ema, hoping that their heartfelt desires would come true. With a final glance at the Ema and a sense of renewed hope in their hearts, Ran and Sonoko turned away from the tree. 

As they walked back towards the temple entrance, hand in hand, had they bothered to look back, they would've seen a mysterious figure standing by the tree, observing their every move in silence.

The moment the footsteps of the elementary school girls faded away in the distance, the figure reached out and gently touched the Ema with the English inscription, their fingers tracing the delicate strokes of the drawing. There was a hint of sadness in their eyes as if they carried the weight of the wish themselves.

"It might be too late for me, but not for 'her' I hoped. 'She' would've been six by now. Too young to be seeking revenge." the figure whispered softly, their voice carrying a sense of wisdom. 

The figure's gaze shifted to the Ema that Sonoko had hung, its message and drawing catching their attention. They walked closer, their eyes scanning the characters and images with deep interest, then read out, "Shinichi wakes up to realize Ranran is manipulative, leaves her for my best friend Ran! Seriously? So these must be the two girls Michio spoke about......"

The figure stood there for a while, lost in their thoughts.

After a moment of reflection, the figure took a deep breath and made a silent vow. "It seems like those two need to be thought a lesson, about bullying other kids their age...."

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

Lately, Shinichi can't help but feel they were being watched.

He was in the main HQ of Tantei Association, while Michio remain seated with a book in his hand.

To those who knew Shinichi, his instincts were always sharp,  and he couldn't shake off the feeling that someone's eyes were fixed upon him. As he looked through the windows where the busy street unfolded, he tried to catch a glimpse of anyone suspicious, but the crowds made it difficult to pinpoint any particular individual.

Over the past several days since the events of 'The Blood on The Campground' case, Shinichi had been on edge, feeling a lingering sense of unease that he couldn't quite shake off. The encounter with the serial killer had left its mark on him, and the subsequent strange occurrences only heightened his suspicions.

He turned his attention to Michio, who was engrossed in his book. Unlike Shinichi, Michio is too dense to notice the subtle changes in their surroundings. "Neh, Majima." 

Michio looked up from his book, his brows furrowing slightly. "Hmph?"

Shinichi leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "Were you or Junko followed from school or anywhere recently?"

"Followed? No, not that I've noticed. Why do you ask?" Michio glanced at Shinichi, a hint of concern in his eyes.

"Nothing, just felt like...."Shinichi sighed, his gaze still scanning the area outside, "That we have been eyed upon."

"Oh, so you are not the only one who noticed."

His response caught Shinichi off guard, and he turned to face his friend with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "What do you mean, Michio? Have you been feeling the same way?"

"Not me, but Ranran," Michio admitted as he shut his book.

The surprise deepened as he processed Michio's words. "Ranran did?" Shinichi repeated, his voice laced with concern. "Did she mention anything specific?"

"She said she felt like someone was following her on her way home from school a couple of times. She couldn't see anyone, but she couldn't shake off the feeling. At first, I thought it might be her imagination, but now that you're experiencing it too...ah right." Michio suddenly remembered while putting away the book, "Even Emiko said she felt like it too."

"Emiko too?" Shinichi's voice betrayed his worry.

"Yeah," Michio remembered, "She went to a convenient stall not far from here, but she could feel being eyed upon, even on her way back." 

The fact that multiple people close to him were experiencing this sensation of being watched raised Shinichi's suspicions further. It wasn't a mere coincidence; something was definitely amiss.

"Shinichi, is something going on?" Michio tried to ask him, but the 6-year-old boy was unresponsive.

A lot was going through Shinichi's mind as he struggle to figure out who might be those individuals. The Snake, a criminal mastermind that they still are no closer to capturing is the likeliest of suspects, but if that is the case, is there even a case the association is involved with to trigger The Snake to send his own men to follow them?

So far, they have not been a single case they had accepted after the campsite incident, so that is crossed out.

Another thing to suspect is Ranran's 'second family', mainly her former clients from her earlier days in 'Fox and Deer', an online revenge agency for children born of nobility and royals. He recalled Ranran telling him that they are protective over her if anyone they deem is a threat to Ranran, and so far, he did feel their presence not far from him since the Red Illumination case.

But his instincts are telling them that it ain't his mentor's 'second family' from Edgewood Academy.

Cause if it truly was, they wouldn't simply keep on tailing Emiko, since she had nothing to do with going after Ranran, aside from Ran and Sonoko alone.

So if it ain't either of them.....who is this person following them?