"Tousan, you are making a mistake!" Sonoko's voice trembled. "Ranran isn't who she claims to be!"

Sonoko's desperate plea echoed in the dimly lit lobby of the rundown hotel, her voice carrying a mixture of frustration, fear, and urgency. Mouri Ran watched her friend with a conflicted expression, torn between her loyalty to Sonoko and her own growing doubts about the situation.

"Suzuki Sonoko, I understand that you may have your reservations about Ranran, but we have been through this before," her father's voice replied with a hint of weariness. "You've accused her of baseless things, and it led to a terrible incident at the Tantei Association headquarters. Especially after last year's incident, I don't know what other things are you capable of!"

"But Tousan!" Sonoko's voice cracked with emotion. "I know I did wrong her last year when we were 5 regarding me storming into the death memorial, but this time she is truly at fault for many other things!"

Mouri Ran's eyes widened at Sonoko's words. The tension in the air was palpable as she watched her friend and listened to the heated conversation between Sonoko and her father.

"Sonoko, enough of these baseless accusations," her father's voice was stern. "You need to take responsibility for your actions and the choices you've made."

Tears welled up in Sonoko's eyes as she struggled to convey the urgency of her feelings to her father. "Tousan, please-"

"You almost made our family broke when you stormed into the death memorial Ranran was hosting, and she was only 5 when that incident happen!" Her father's voice was firm, cutting through her pleas. "You're not thinking rationally, and I won't stand by while you make baseless accusations against someone else. Ranran is innocent of the things you're claiming, and it's time for you to face the consequences of your actions."

Sonoko's shoulders slumped, her voice trembling with a mixture of defeat and frustration.

"Also, Mouri, I know you are a good friend to my daughter, but you need to stop this nonsense. I heard the details of what happened between you, Sonoko and Shinichi from someone."

Mouri Ran who is hearing of this could do nothing but tremble in anger, once more, Kudo Ranran had the upper edge of manipulating everyone, including Sonoko's parents. Her rage boiled beneath the surface as she listened to Sonoko's father's words.

"You have two choices, either call me, and I will send someone to take you back home. Or you guys remain in the hotel, so what will it be?!"

The call ended, leaving the lobby in an eerie silence. Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon them.

"Tousan... he doesn't understand!" Sonoko's voice cracked, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Ranran... she's not who she seems to be! She's dangerous!"

"We will show them," Mouri Ran watched her friend's distress, "When Ranran is unmasked as The Fox, things will go back to the way things were."

Sonoko's tearful gaze met Mouri Ran's determined one. "You really believe that, don't you?"

"I have to," Ran's voice was resolute. "Anything to get Shinichi back, we must deal with hardships."

"But what if she manages to manipulate everything again?" Sonoko's voice wavered, doubt creeping into her tone.

"We won't let that happen," Mouri Ran's grip on Sonoko's shoulder tightened. "Schemers don't prosper, remember?!"

"I hope you're right, Ran." Sonoko wiped her tears, a mix of determination and uncertainty in her eyes. "These past 2 months had been difficult."

By this point, Mouri Ran was beginning to regret not trusting Shinichi thanks to the feud between him and Rokuro, "This was all my fault, had I not fallen for Rokuro's lies because he had feelings for me, Shinichi wouldn't have ended up with Ranran. Hell, we wouldn't even be in this predicament...."

Sonoko's expression softened, and she placed a comforting hand on Mouri Ran's arm. "Ran, you can't blame yourself for everything that's happened. We...are probably not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to trusting people after all."

After calming themselves down, Ran asked, "So about your Tousan's words, do you want to continue investigating Ranran? Cause doing so would mean we have to remain in this hotel, and I know you will have it hard. Or if you can't, you can call your Tousan and we will just head home."

Sonoko took a deep breath, considering their options. The weight of the situation and the consequences of their actions hung heavily in the air.

"Honestly, I don't want to remain here, Ran-chan. But, I am pretty sure I would have no problems sleeping here for a couple of days, Ran," Sonoko's voice was firm, her determination clear. "We've come this far, and we can't let everything we've uncovered go to waste."

Ran nodded in agreement, a renewed sense of purpose in her eyes. "You're right, Sonoko. We can't back down now, especially after all the effort we've put into this investigation. We'll stay here and continue digging until we uncover the truth about Ranran."

"Exactly," Sonoko's expression hardened. "We'll expose her for who she truly is and clear your name, Ran."

With their decision made, the two friends shared a determined look, their resolve unshaken despite the challenges ahead.

Though, first, the 2 6-year-olds need to get used to this shabby hotel.

With a determined nod, Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko braced themselves for the unexpected circumstances they found themselves in.

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

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of New York City, "The Grand Elegance Palace" stands as a beacon of opulence and sophistication, at least in its name.

From the outside, the facade exudes an air of grandeur, with elaborate architecture and towering marble columns that catch the eye of passersby. Its gilded sign, adorned with swirling calligraphy, promises an experience of unrivalled luxury and comfort.

This is why when Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko had no suspicions about the hotel initially, only to be disappointed when the once-gleaming marble floors are worn and chipped, covered by threadbare rugs that hide the imperfections beneath. The elevators groan and shudder as they ascend, instilling a sense of uncertainty in those who dare to step inside. The hallways, once adorned with intricate moulding and intricate wallpaper, now display peeling paint and the faint musty odour of neglect.

As the two young children walked down the dimly lit hallway of "The Grand Elegance Palace," they couldn't help but exchange uneasy glances. The stark contrast between the name of the hotel and its actual condition was almost comical in a way, but it also highlighted the reality of their situation.

"I can't believe we're staying in this place," Sonoko's voice held a mixture of disbelief and resignation.

"Yeah, it's... definitely not what we expected," Mouri Ran's tone matched her friend's sentiments. "But we'll make do. After all, we're here for a purpose."

With their resolve intact, the two friends reached the door to their room, their anticipation mixed with a hint of trepidation. As Sonoko fumbled with the key card, the door finally clicked open, revealing a space that matched the rest of the hotel's ambience – worn and outdated.

The room, though far from luxurious, was equipped with the basic necessities: a pair of twin beds, a small desk, and a bathroom that showed its age. The faded wallpaper and scuffed furniture spoke of years of use and little maintenance.

"Well, at least the beds look relatively clean," Sonoko tried to inject a bit of optimism into the situation.

"Yeah, that's a plus," Mouri Ran agreed, putting on a brave smile.

As they settled into their room, the friends began to unpack their belongings, a sense of camaraderie and determination filling the air. Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, they were united in their goal – to uncover the truth behind Ranran's actions and clear both of their name.

It was times like this Sonoko can't help but wonder, "I wonder how the hotel Shinichi and the others are in. I remembered Reina mentioned the other day that it was in some luxury hotel."

As the thought crossed Sonoko's mind, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. She imagined the lavish accommodations that her friends were enjoying, contrasting sharply with their own modest and shabby surroundings. It was a stark reminder of the choices they had made and the path they were now walking.

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

"Damn Ranran, you really hit the mother of all jackpots."

At the Mayfair at Brampton Hotel, Reina and Takuma who grew curious over what Ranran's penthouse looked like stood in awe as they entered the luxurious penthouse suite that Ranran had secured. The contrast between the lavish surroundings of the penthouse and the rest of the hotel was staggering, and both of them couldn't help but be amazed by the opulence that surrounded them.

"This looks way better than the one back at the island," Reina said, her eyes wide as she took in the spacious living area, tastefully decorated with elegant furnishings and intricate artwork.

Takuma nodded in agreement, a smile forming on his face. "Yeah, I never imagined we'd end up in a place like this. It's like a dream."

The penthouse was a haven of luxury, with high ceilings, large windows that offered stunning views of the city, and every conceivable comfort one could desire. From the plush sofas to the marble-topped dining table, every detail exuded sophistication and refinement.

"Check out that view," Reina pointed towards the expansive window that showcased the glittering skyline of New York City. "I can't believe we're actually here."

As they continued to explore the penthouse, their excitement grew. The bedrooms were equally impressive, with luxurious beds adorned with soft linens and bathrooms fitted with sleek fixtures and deep soaking tubs.

"I've never seen a bathroom this fancy," Reina laughed, running her hand over the polished marble countertop.

"And did you see the kitchen?" Takuma chimed in. "I think it's bigger than my house back home!"

"Even with both of our houses combined won't be enough, considering we are ironically neighbours," Reina commented.

Takuma chuckled, "You're right. It's like a whole other world in here."

"This penthouse is the true epitome of luxury," Shinichi grew amused as he stood next to Ranran.

Ranran grinned, her blue eyes sparkling with satisfaction. "Glad you all finally made it here to witness my grandeur firsthand."

Shinichi chuckled, shaking his head. "You certainly know how to make an impression, don't you?"

"Well, I am the Sleeping Virtuoso after all," Ranran replied with a playful wink.

Reina and Takuma couldn't help but laugh at their banter, the lighthearted atmosphere filling the luxurious penthouse. The contrast between the opulence of the surroundings and the comical exchange between the friends added a touch of whimsy to the moment.

"By the way, you wouldn't believe what happened," Shinichi was excited to share the news.

Reina raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Do tell, Tantei-kun."

Shinichi's eyes gleamed with excitement as he recounted the surprising turn of events involving Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko. "So, let me get this straight," Reina chimed in, a grin tugging at her lips. "Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko, who are all about living in luxury, are now stuck in some shabby hotel?"

"Oh, my God! I would pay to see their reaction!" Takuma burst into laughter, finding the irony of the situation too amusing to ignore. "How did that even happen in the first place?!"

"I know, right? It's like a reversal of fortune," Ranran mused, shaking her head. "I never thought I'd hear the day this sort of thing would happen."

The group erupted into laughter, the absurdity of the situation hitting them all at once. The image of Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko navigating the rundown hotel was too amusing to ignore.

"I can just imagine their faces when they walked into that place," Reina chuckled. "Talk about a reality check."

"I wonder how they're handling it," Takuma added, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. "They're probably in complete shock."

"Maybe it'll teach them a thing or two about humility," Shinichi quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Well, at least for Sonoko, since Mouri is born into a wealthy family."

The laughter continued to fill the penthouse.

"I can already see it," Reina said between laughs, "Sonoko's eyes wide open, and Mouri Ran doing her dramatic gasp."

"And then they probably looked at each other, both wondering how they ended up there," Takuma added, mimicking their expressions.

Shinichi joined in the playful banter, "Sonoko might have even tried to call her uncle, only to hear her father's voice on the other end."

The group erupted into laughter again, the image of Sonoko's surprised face hearing her father's stern voice adding to the amusement.

"I have to say, this is a whole new level of irony," Ranran said, wiping a tear from her eye. "If anything, this trip has certainly turned out to be more eventful than we anticipated."

"Which hotel are they in by the way?" Takuma inquire.

"The Grand Elegance Palace," Ranran replied.

Takuma burst into laughter once more, clutching his stomach. "Oh, the irony is just too perfect! The Grand Elegance Palace turning out to be anything but grand and elegant!"

"You know about that hotel?" Shinichi is surprise to learn that Takuma knows about it.

Takuma's laughter subsided as he caught Shinichi's surprised expression. He cleared his throat and shrugged. "Well, I've heard a few stories from my parents, and this was when they were honeymooning in New York City. The Grand Elegance Palace is sort of infamous among the locals for its misleading name and less-than-stellar reputation."

Shinichi raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Takuma's insight. "Really? It seems I've been out of the loop on that one. Care to share some of those stories?"

Takuma chuckled, nodding. "Sure, I mean, it's mostly just local legends and anecdotes, but people often joke about how the name is the complete opposite of what you actually find there. Some say it was named 'Grand Elegance Palace' to attract tourists, but the reality is far from grand or elegant."

Reina leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of stories?"

"Do share, I want to know," Ranran demanded.

Takuma grinned, relishing in the opportunity to share some local lore. "Legend has it, that when this rich couple got married, the guy had a mistress who had a illegitimate kid. When the husband died, he left the mistress and her child with a significant amount of money, but that would've happen had the legal wife not come across the original will."

Ranran's eyes widened, intrigued by the unfolding story. "So, what happened next?"

Takuma continued, his storytelling skills captivating his friends' attention. "Well, the legal wife discovered the affair and the secret child, and she was furious. The worst part was when she learn that 'Grand Elegance Palace' was already at that time in the works of renovation, whom the legal husband willed to the mistress and illegitimate child."

Shinichi leaned in, fully engrossed in the tale. "And let me guess, the legal wife decided to take matters into her own hands?"

Takuma nodded, a dramatic flair in his storytelling. "Exactly! The legal wife was not about to let the mistress and the illegitimate child live in luxury while she suffered. So, she hatched a plan to sabotage the construction of the hotel."

Ranran raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sabotage? How?"

Takuma's grin widened. "She disguised herself as a worker and sneaked into the construction site. Legend has it that she messed with the blueprints, changed the design plans, and even swapped out the luxurious materials for cheaper alternatives. The result? The hotel that was supposed to be 'grand and elegant' turned into the complete opposite for the inside."

"Wow, talk about taking revenge to a whole new level." Reina chuckled, finding the story quite entertaining.

"It's like a real-life soap opera," Shinichi added, amusement evident in his eyes.

Takuma nodded in agreement. "Oh, it gets even better. As the story goes, the mistress and the illegitimate child moved into the hotel after it was completed, only to realize that it was a far cry from what they were expecting. The rooms were shabby, the amenities were lacking, and the whole place had an air of neglect."

Ranran laughed, finding the tale amusing. "So, the legal wife's revenge worked?"

Takuma shrugged. "Well, some say that the mistress and the illegitimate child were so disappointed with the state of the hotel that they left, and the hotel struggled to attract guests. If that wasn't bad enough, the legal wife told the entire social circle of New York City about the hotel's origins and her husband's infidelity, creating quite the scandal. The story spread like wildfire, and 'The Grand Elegance Palace' became a laughingstock among the elite. Eventually, the hotel's reputation plummeted, and it gained a rather ironic reputation as a place that promised grandeur but delivered anything since. That is how the place gained a reputation for being misleading and far from elegant, which is how it got its ironic name."

Reina burst into laughter. "Oh, I can't believe they are staying in a place with such a dramatic backstory!"

"Better, who would've thought that Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko would end up in the midst of a real-life melodrama?" Shinichi joined in the laughter, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Reina wiped away a tear from her laughter. "Oddly for a run down hotel, it is still existing."

"Wait, what happened to the mistress and son then?" Ranran found herself asking.

"Ended their own lives, couldn't afford to settle the debt," Takuma added with a hint of solemnity, the story taking a somber turn. "Then there were also rumors that their unrest souls haunted the place, but I think that's just local superstition."

Then Ranran remembered something, "Wait a second, ain't Mouri Ran had this habit of screaming every 12 am if she thinks she sees a ghost?"

Ranran's words sparked a chorus of laughter among the group, the timing of her question adding an extra layer of humor to the situation.

"Good, after putting me under so much stress during that camping trip. Not to mention, tons of sleepless nights, it's time she suffered." Shinichi chuckled, shaking his head. "Mouri does have a tendency to get spooked easily, especially when it comes to supernatural stuff."

"Hopefully the restless souls of the mistress and her son will pay them a visit, just to add some extra drama to their already eventful trip." Reina grinned, playing along with the joke.

Ranran laughed along with her friends, the comical image of Ran and Sonoko encountering supernatural occurrences in the rundown hotel painting a vivid picture in her mind.

"Can you imagine the look on their faces if something like that actually happened?" Ranran's eyes gleamed with mischief.

"I'm sure they'd be completely freaked out. It'd be a story they'd be telling for years." Shinichi leaned back, chuckling.

"Oh, I would pay to witness that. It's like something straight out of a horror movie." Reina wiped away tears of laughter.

"And they'd probably be regretting their decision to be harassing Ranran in the first place." Takuma nodded, his laughter infectious.

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

And no sooner than within 5 minutes checking into The Grand Elegance Palace, than Ran and Sonoko grew paranoid.

"Did you hear that?" Sonoko's voice quivered as she glanced around the dimly lit room.

"Hear what?" Ran replied, her own nerves making her voice shaky.

"I thought I heard footsteps... like someone walking."

Ran's eyes widened, and she strained her ears, listening intently. "I don't hear anything."

Sonoko's grip on her suitcase tightened. "Maybe it was just my imagination."

Ran tried to reassure her friend. "Yeah, it's probably just our minds playing tricks on us. This place is kind of creepy, after all."

Sonoko nodded, but her unease was palpable. "Let's just... get settled and try to get some sleep. It's been a long day."

Ran agreed, and they began unpacking their belongings, doing their best to distract themselves from the unsettling atmosphere of the room. However, every creak of the floorboards and every rustle of the curtains seemed to amplify their anxiety.

Sonoko cast a wary glance at the antique mirror on the wall. "You know, I've heard stories about mirrors being portals for spirits to enter our world."

Ran rolled her eyes, trying to mask her own nervousness. "Come on, Sonoko. Don't tell me you believe in that stuff."

Sonoko shrugged, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just saying, this place gives me the creeps. And after everything we've been through, who knows what could happen?"

Ran sighed, realizing that her friend was genuinely spooked. "Fine, fine. If it makes you feel better, we can cover the mirror or something."

With makeshift curtains made from bedsheets, they managed to hide the mirror. But even as they settled into their beds, the sense of unease lingered.

"Just think about the ridiculousness of it all," Ran tried to lighten the mood. "From The Grand Elegance Palace to this... place."

Sonoko managed a weak chuckle. "Yeah, it's like we're in some kind of twisted comedy."

"We should be fine," Ran insists, "It is still afternoon here right now."

Sonoko nodded, trying to muster up some courage. "You're right. We're just tired, and our imaginations are getting the best of us."

"Let's go have lunch at the hotel cafeteria," Ran suggests.

Ran's suggestion seemed to offer a glimmer of relief for both her and Sonoko, a chance to escape the eerie atmosphere of their hotel room. The thought of some good food and a change of scenery was enough to momentarily push aside their apprehensions.

"Yeah, you're right. Let's go grab something to eat," Sonoko agreed, her voice steadier now.

Ran and Sonoko quickly freshened up and headed out of their room, leaving behind the dimly lit and unsettling space. As they walked down the hallway toward the hotel cafeteria, the tension that had been hanging over them began to dissipate.

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

Back at the Mayfair at Brampton Hotel, the class of 1-A are in for a exquisite meal.

The class of 1-A had gathered in the elegant dining area of the Mayfair at Brampton Hotel, where an exquisite meal awaited them. The ambiance was upscale and refined, with soft lighting, tasteful decor, and soothing background music setting the tone for a luxurious dining experience.

As the students took their seats around a long, beautifully set table, they couldn't help but marvel at the surroundings. The table was adorned with fine china, crystal glassware, and polished silverware. The menu cards placed in front of each seat hinted at the culinary delights that awaited them.

"Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko are missing out on this," Takuma snickered.

Laughter rippled through the group as they imagined Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko's reactions to missing out on such an opulent dining experience.

"Yeah, they're probably stuck eating instant noodles in some rundown hotel," Reina chimed in, playfully imitating Sonoko's voice. "Oh, the irony!"

"I can't believe they actually ended up there," Ranran giggled, shaking her head in amusement. "They must be in for quite a shock."

"I guess this is what happens when you mess with fate," Takuma added with a grin. "Or in their case, when you mess with Ranran."

Shinichi couldn't help but chuckle as well, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Who would've thought that Ranran would have the last laugh in all of this?"

As the students continued to share light-hearted banter, the first course of their meal was served. Delicate appetizers and beautifully presented salads appeared before them, each dish a work of art in itself. The culinary creations showcased a blend of flavors and textures, and the students savored each bite with enthusiasm.

"Man, this is way fancier than anything I've ever eaten," Reina exclaimed, her eyes wide as she tasted a particularly exquisite bite.

"You said it, Rei-san. This is like something out of a five-star restaurant," Takuma agreed, nodding in appreciation.

The conversations flowed effortlessly as the students enjoyed their meal, exchanging stories and anecdotes from their time in New York City. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and enjoyment, a stark contrast to the chaotic events that had unfolded over the past few days.

As the main course was served, the students marveled at the culinary craftsmanship before them. Rich and flavorful dishes graced their plates, each offering a unique blend of ingredients and seasonings. The students savored the flavors, their taste buds dancing in delight.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Reina commented, her voice filled with awe as she took in the luxurious surroundings.

"Definitely a far cry from what Ranran and Sonoko are experiencing," Shinichi added, a playful grin on his face.

"Speaking of which, I wonder how they're holding up," Reina mused, her expression thoughtful.

"Knowing them, they're probably scheming something to get back at us," Takuma laughed, shaking his head.

"She asked for it, after harassing Ranran for 2 months. I do wonder who messed with their booking." Shinichi wondered, before giving Ranran a suspicious glare, "Ranran, did you do it?"

"If I did, the first thing I would do is to do anything to prevent them from coming to New York City had I known in advance." Ranran gave Shinichi an odd look.

"Fair point," Shinichi conceded, a playful glint in his eyes. "I guess we'll never know the true mastermind behind their 'grand' hotel experience."

The dessert course arrived, and the students indulged in delectable sweets that were as visually pleasing as they were delicious. Laughter and conversation continued to fill the air, the students thoroughly enjoying the lavish meal and the company of their friends.

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

At The Grand Elegance Palace however, things were about to get worst for the two girls.

Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko found themselves taken aback as they entered the cafeteria of The Grand Elegance Palace. The reality of their situation seemed to be spiraling further downhill. The room was dimly lit, and the decor was outdated and worn, mirroring the overall condition of the hotel. The atmosphere was far from inviting, and the selection of food was limited and uninspiring.

"Is this really the hotel's cafeteria?" Sonoko's voice held a mixture of disbelief and disappointment.

Ran glanced around, her brow furrowing. "I guess so. This is... unexpected."

The food stations displayed a rather lackluster spread of dishes, none of which seemed particularly appetizing. The chafing dishes looked as though they had seen better days, and the overall presentation left much to be desired.

Sonoko let out a sigh, her enthusiasm waning. "I guess we shouldn't have set our expectations too high."

Ran nodded in agreement, her stomach growling slightly in protest. "Yeah, it's not ideal, but I guess we'll have to make do."

As they reluctantly made their way to the food stations, they piled their plates with the best of what was available. The taste of the food was subpar, and they exchanged disappointed glances as they tried to force down the unappetizing meal.

"This is worse than airplane food," Sonoko muttered under her breath, poking at her plate.

Ran managed a small smile, trying to find some humor in the situation. "Well, at least it's an experience we'll never forget."

"Yeah, an experience I'd rather forget," Sonoko replied, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Despite their disappointment, they decided to finish their meal as best as they could, knowing that they needed sustenance. The cafeteria's ambiance was far from the luxurious surroundings they had envisioned, and the reality of their circumstances was beginning to weigh heavily on them.

"I can bet Tantei Geek and the others are having the best lunch of their lives." Sonoko slumped at that thought.

As the meal at The Grand Elegance Palace's cafeteria continued, Ran and Sonoko's spirits seemed to wane further. The unappetizing food and the lackluster atmosphere were a stark contrast to their initial hopes of a luxurious stay in New York City. Their disappointment was palpable, and the realization that they were missing out on the lavish dining experience that their friends were enjoying only added to their frustration.

"I can't believe we're stuck here while they're probably feasting like royalty," Sonoko grumbled, pushing a forkful of unpalatable food around her plate.

Ran let out a sigh, her appetite diminished by the less-than-appetizing meal. "Yeah, it's definitely not what I had in mind when we came to New York."

Their conversation was punctuated by the clatter of cutlery and the low murmur of other guests in the cafeteria. Despite their dissatisfaction, they were aware that complaining wouldn't change their circumstances.

"I guess we should have expected this, given the condition of the hotel," Ran admitted, a hint of resignation in her voice.

"I just wish there was something we could do," Sonoko replied, her frustration evident. "I mean, we're in New York City, and we're stuck in this dingy place."

As they quietly dined, Ran was thinking, "Neh Sonoko."

"Hmph?"

"Our feud we had between me, you, Shinichi and Rokuro, you didn't tell your Tousan anything about it, did you?"

"No, why did you ask?"

"Earlier, I overheard that phonecall between you and your Tousan. He mention he heard from 'someone' about it."

Sonoko's eyes widened in surprise as she processed Ran's words. "Now that you mention it....my Tousan had no idea about our secret trip to New York City to go after Ranran."

"That is right," Ran nodded, her expression serious. "And it wouldn't be surprising if Ranran is behind it."

The pieces of the puzzle seemed to be falling into place, and a sense of frustration welled up within her. "It will make bloody sense, that damn Fox!"

"That is why we ended up in this hotel, because she tipped your father." Ran snarled.

The heiress's expression shifted from surprise to a mixture of anger and realization. "She must have known, doesn't she!? That we are suspecting she is 'The Fox'!? Damn it, Ranran is always one step ahead," Sonoko muttered through gritted teeth.

"We can't let her get away with this. We need to expose her for who she truly is." Ran's hands clenched into fists, her determination intensifying.

"You're right," Sonoko's voice was resolute. "We can't let her keep playing these mind games with us. We'll gather evidence, expose her plans, and clear our name once and for all."

As they finished their meal, Sonoko looked at Ran with a determined glint in her eyes. "We'll show Ranran that we're not just some pawns in her twisted game."

Ran nodded, a determined smile on her face. "Exactly. We'll outsmart her and bring her plans crashing down."

With their minds set on their mission, Ran and Sonoko left the cafeteria, their frustration now channeled into a resolute determination to uncover the truth behind Ranran's actions.

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

As the lively chatter and laughter filled the elegant dining area of the Mayfair at Brampton Hotel, a surprising turn of events was about to unfold for Ranran. Amidst the luxurious surroundings and the delightful culinary experience, a sense of contentment settled over the group.

However, amidst the joyous ambiance, Ranran's attention was momentarily diverted when a familiar figure approached their table. She blinked in surprise as her eyes locked onto the person standing before her.

"Ranran?"

Ranran's heart skipped a beat as she looked up to see one of her Edgewood Friend, Veronica, standing there with an uncertain smile on her face in her Edgewood School uniform. Her initial shock quickly gave way to a mix of emotions – surprise, confusion, and a hint of disbelief.

"Vera? What are you doing here?" Ranran's voice held a mixture of astonishment and curiosity as she spoke in British English.

Veronica's smile grew slightly sheepish as she shifted on her feet. "I know it's a bit unexpected, but I happened to be in New York for a conference, and I thought I'd drop by to see you."

Ranran's surprise slowly transformed into a warm smile as she stood up from her seat, her arms outstretched for a hug. "I can't believe you're here! It's been so long!"

Veronica eagerly embraced Ranran, a sense of nostalgia washing over them both. "I've missed you, Ranran. It's been too long indeed."

Meanwhile, the class of 1-A whispered were in awe over other things, "Wait a minute, why is it that Caucasian's girl's voice sounds familiar?"

As Ranran and Veronica shared their heartfelt reunion, the class of 1-A exchanged curious glances and hushed whispers among themselves.

"Did you guys hear that? Ranran is speaking in British English!"

"I know she lived there for five years, but this is the first time I hear the way she speaks with an ancent."

"Who is this pretty girl!?" Some of the boys were crushing hard on her.

The unexpected turn of events had captured their attention, and their curiosity was piqued by the sudden appearance of Ranran's friend from across the pond. They continued to observe the heartwarming reunion, intrigued by the connection between the two girls.

Back at the table, Ranran and Veronica pulled away from their hug, their smiles reflecting genuine happiness. "I can't believe you're really here," Ranran repeated, her blue eyes shining with emotion.

Veronica chuckled softly, her own eyes bright with nostalgia. "I had to see my old friend when I found out you were in New York. It's been far too long."

Ranran gestured to her friends at the table. "These are my classmates from Japan. We're on a school trip."

Veronica nodded, giving a friendly wave to the group before replying in Japanese, "Nice to meet you all. I'm Veronica, one of Ranran's friends from Edgewood."

The class of 1-A was taken aback by Veronica's sudden switch to Japanese, her language skills clearly impressive. Their curiosity grew even stronger as they processed the unexpected turn of events.

"Whoa, her Japanese is really good!"

"She must have been studying it for a while. I'm impressed."

Veronica's ability to seamlessly transition between languages only added to the intrigue surrounding her presence. The students exchanged impressed glances and nods, clearly impressed by her linguistic prowess.

Then it wasn't long before a few of them recognize Veronica's voice, "Neh, are you that V-tuber LadyAetheriaRose!?" One of their eyes widened.

Veronica blinked in surprise at the question, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Oh, you recognize me? I didn't expect that."

The class of 1-A nodded eagerly, their excitement evident. "Yeah, we watch your V-tube channel! Your English covers and gaming streams are awesome!"

Veronica laughed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and delight. "I'm glad you enjoy them! It's always fun connecting with people through my channel."

"No way! Ranran!" Takuma whipped his head at her in shock, "You never bother to mention you are friends with a famous V-tuber!"

"Nobody bother to ask," Ranran chuckled at Takuma's surprised expression. "Also, I didn't think it was that big of a deal. Vera and I go way back from our time at Edgewood. We've been friends for ages."

Veronica joined in the laughter, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, we've been through a lot together. And I've heard all about you guys from Ranran as well."

Reina shook his head in disbelief. "This is insane! We're sitting with a famous V-tuber!"

Reina grinned, clearly excited by the revelation. "I've seen your channel too! Your music covers are amazing!"

"It is funnier especially with Ellis and Walter," Another kid chuckled.

"Wait, V-tuber? What is that? Also, what is LadyAetheriaRose?" Shinichi who isn't into Youtube trends blinked in confusion.

"A V-tuber is someone who creates content on platforms like YouTube while using a virtual avatar to interact with their audience. LadyAetheriaRose is Veronica's V-tuber persona, and she make English song covers, gaming streams, and just chat with viewers about various topics." Reina excitedly explained to the detective apprentice.

"Is it a big deal?" Shinichi blinked, still not seeing the hype.

"It is, especially when she has over 1.5 million subscriber count!" Takuma explained, "She is the first female child V-tuber to succeed on Youtube!"

Shinichi's eyes widened in surprise as he processed the information. "1.5 million subscribers? That's... quite a following."

Takuma nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! LadyAetheriaRose is a big name in the V-tuber community. She's known for her amazing singing voice and engaging streams."

Veronica chuckled, a bit embarrassed by all the attention. "Well, I'm flattered, but let's not make a big fuss about it. I'm just here to catch up with my old friend Ranran."

Ranran grinned, giving Veronica a playful nudge. "Oh, come on, Vera. Don't be so modest. You're a superstar!"

Veronica rolled her eyes playfully. "You're exaggerating, Ranran."

Takuma nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! LadyAetheriaRose is a big name in the V-tuber community. She's known for her amazing singing voice and engaging streams."

Veronica chuckled, a bit embarrassed by all the attention. "Well, I'm flattered, but let's not make a big fuss about it. I'm just here to catch up with my old friend Ranran."

As the students continued to chat and exchange stories, the atmosphere at the table remained lively and filled with excitement. The revelation of Veronica's identity as LadyAetheriaRose had added a new layer of interest to their New York City trip.

Though Shinichi said nothing, since he met her before at the hospital room when she and the other Edgewood friends surrounded Ranran's bed, when she lay unconcious.

Amidst the friendly banter and laughter, Shinichi's analytical mind continued to churn with questions. Why had Veronica decided to reveal herself now, especially considering her online persona as LadyAetheriaRose? There was a sense of mystery surrounding her sudden appearance, and Shinichi couldn't help but feel that there might be more to the story than meets the eye.