As the hours passed, the room gradually shifted from the icy chamber of torment to a space where contemplation and reflection took centre stage.

Seeing that Ran and Sonoko, are covered with bruises and still trembling from the cold water, their faces still remain defiant.

"Alright, let's show them an interesting clip that took place 2 years ago in the U.K., where a certain 4-year-old heiress ruined a funeral," Tiffany suggested that everyone put away their empty boxes of popcorn.

Tiffany's suggestion was met with agreement. Ran and Sonoko, despite their earlier defiance, now seemed more receptive to the unfolding events.

On the screen in front of them, a video began to play. 

"Where did you get that video, by the way?" Nicolas whispered to Tiffany, "I thought during Christopher's funeral, filming was banned."

"There were TV cameras set up around the premises, originally the footage is planned to be released within decades later to the public, as in a source of documentary purposes." Tiffany recalled, "But since Ranran started working as a child Tantei, and thanks to that idiot brute who can't keep her mouth shut, I had permission from the press who had those recordings lend it to us. Also," Tiffany gave a wry smile before whispering, "The video may have been....played around a bit."

"Eh?" The others' eyes grew wide at that.

"It can't be help," Tiffany sighed, "A lot of the footage is deleted after that incident, so I can only do as far as to edit the remenants of it. It is 80 percent true from what I remembered anyway."

The scene was set outside a picturesque cathedral in the United Kingdom, where a solemn funeral procession was taking place. The video captured the sombre mood of the occasion, with mourners dressed in black and the air heavy with grief, the coffin in the hearse decorated with roses followed behind a small figure.

As the video continued, the said figure appeared on the screen – a young 4-year-old girl with short black hair and a sombre grin formed on her lips as red as blood.

It was none other than the younger version of Ranran. The sight of her standing amidst the mourners in her vibrant attire was a stark contrast to the solemnity of the event, in her Edgewood School uniform, with one eyepatch to her eye making it clear although she was grieving, her stoic face made it all so heartbreaking to the mourners to see her holder a large portrait of a dirty blonde haired boy, who is around the age of 7 or 8.

The room fell silent as the video played, the atmosphere heavy with a mix of curiosity and tension. Ran and Sonoko's earlier defiance seemed to wane as they watched the young version of Ranran standing amidst the mourners, her appearance and demeanour a stark contrast to the solemn occasion.

The mourners' expressions were a mixture of surprise, confusion, and even disbelief as they looked at the young girl who stood out from the sea of black attire. The sight of her holding a portrait of a young boy added an air of mystery to the scene, leaving those present to wonder about the connection between the two children.

Ranran's younger self stood there with an air of quiet determination, her gaze fixed on the portrait she held. The sombre grin on her lips seemed to hold a mixture of grief and defiance, a testament to her unique character even at such a young age.

Everything was in a dark mood, that was until someone said in Japanese, "So what!? Her job is simple, just look pretty and pitiful while guiding the coffin and do a 2-hour walk all the way to the chapel anyway! I can do better, Okaasan!"

The video froze at that moment, capturing the expression of the young girl as she heard those words. Now everyone in Edgewood is taught Japanese as a base language, since it was part of the syllabus, what was the reason was unclear, but the bottom line was they knew what Sonoko was saying.

The room was silent, the tension palpable as the impact of the statement hung in the air.

"I am pretty sure you all recognize whose voice is this, right?" Nicolas confronted the two.

Ran and Sonoko's expressions were a mix of surprise and realization as they heard the familiar voice that had spoken in the video. The frozen frame captured the young Ranran's reaction, her sombre expression shifting to one of anger and defiance upon hearing those words.

As soon as the video played the camera focused on who did it, It was none other than a then 4-year-old Suzuki Sonoko.

The realization hit Ran and Sonoko like a punch to the gut. The frozen frame of the video revealed a younger Suzuki Sonoko, her words laced with arrogance and disregard for the solemn occasion. The room was filled with a heavy silence as the impact of the revelation sank in.

Ranran's Edgewood friends exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of disappointment and frustration. The truth had been unveiled, exposing Sonoko's actions from the past – actions that had caused pain and disruption during a time of grief.

Ran's voice was filled with disbelief as she looked at Sonoko. "You...you said that?"

Sonoko's earlier defiance seemed to crumble, replaced by a mix of guilt and shame. Her gaze dropped to the floor as she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I...I didn't mean it that way. I was just...I was a kid back then, I didn't understand-wait, how is it that I don't remember any of this?! Are you sure this video isn't an A.I video!?"

Seeing the monitor flashed out a blue emoji at Sonoko's statement, "Huh! You wish we had all the time in the world to simply make up some video using A.I.!" Ellis rolled his eyes at her.

Ranran's Edgewood friends exchanged glances once more before Samantha's voice cut through the silence. "I don't know what was going through your mind when you decided to say that, but in the following video, this happened later on. This one took place in the Cathedral."

The video continued playing, transitioning to a scene inside the cathedral where the funeral service was taking place. The atmosphere was sombre, with mourners seated quietly, and the air heavy with grief. The camera captured the young Ranran as she stood by the entrance, her determined gaze fixed on a particular area.

As the camera zoomed in, it became clear that her attention was focused on the laughing Sonoko who was with her parents at one of the seats.

Suddenly, Sonoko who is watching this video felt her head pounding at that sight.

The tension in the room escalated as the video continued to play, capturing the moment when Ranran's gaze locked onto the young Sonoko who was laughing and seemingly carefree amidst the mourners. The atmosphere was heavy with a mix of emotions – anger, frustration, and disbelief.

Ranran's Edgewood friends exchanged knowing glances, their expressions revealing the weight of the situation. "I just want to remind you, all of us were present when that funeral was taking place 2 years ago, Suzuki Sonoko." Tiffany reminded her.

The video played on, revealing a scene of Ranran withholding her anger.

Without further ado, the 4-year-old Ranran quietly stood at the centre as all attention was on her, to make one announcement.

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

The funeral was for her mentor. It was a sombre affair, befitting of the gravity of the occasion.

Christopher's beloved stepmother wept quietly into a handkerchief on the front row alongside his father. The guests were all dressed in black and the atmosphere was one of sadness.

But it was clear Sonoko had ruined the funeral atmosphere. And Ranran knew one is supposed to be respectful and quiet when one attends a funeral, but she had been loud and disruptive earlier when the noble child was leading the possession.

As the ceremony came to an end, the girl stood and addressed the gathering. A little girl, no more than four was standing with utter bravery and was holding a microphone.  "Children and adults alike, we all know better than...Christopher Tyler Ashford deserves the best funeral anyone could ask for. Unfortunately...despite being briefed with the rules of this funeral, someone decided to chose out of all days to make that funeral all about herself."

The room was once again filled with tension as the video revealed the young Ranran's courageous actions during the funeral. The atmosphere shifted as they watched the young girl, no older than four, standing in front of the mourners and addressing the gathering with a sense of determination.

The video captured Ranran's small figure as she held the microphone, her voice clear and unwavering as she spoke about the respect and decorum that should be observed during a funeral. The contrast between her and Sonoko's earlier disruptive behaviour was stark, leaving a sense of unease and realization in the air.

The little noble girl then cast a cold eye over the assembled mourners, her gaze coming to rest on a shocked Suzuki Sonoko in the back of the room as her parents were mortified.

"Before I begin, let me tell you the story about this Cathedral. Spoiler alert: It is about a rude mourner who disrupted the funeral procession of a royal family."

Clearing her throat, she began.

"There was once an illegitimate royal who became a Crown Prince loved by people of various backgrounds, from the poor to the wealthy, they held very high regard for him. The same respect and love were given by his stepmother, the queen, and his biological father, The King. When the crown prince died unexpectedly dealing with the flood that took place here many centuries ago, the country was at the brink of despair."

The atmosphere in the room was heavy as the video played, recounting the story that the young Ranran was telling to the mourners during the funeral. The words carried weight and meaning, resonating with the audience and exposing the implications of Sonoko's earlier disruptive behaviour.

As the video continued, the camera focused on the young Ranran's expression, her gaze unwavering as she continued to address the mourners. The contrast between her mature and composed demeanour and Sonoko's earlier behaviour painted a stark picture.

"The funeral of the crown prince was planned with the utmost respect and care, with the queen supervising every detail to ensure that his departure from this world would be honoured properly. However, on the day of the funeral, a particular mourner, an outsider who barely care to comply with the rules of decorum and respect, disrupted the procession. Kept pointing out how he was a son of a brothel."

The video showed Sonoko's shocked expression, wondering what this had anything to do with today's funeral. The room remained silent as the implications of Ranran's words sank in.

"Here is the kicker, the origin of this Crown prince's birth was well known to everyone. During the early years, the poor father was violated upon getting drugged by the biological mother, which is how this beloved crown prince was born in the first place. To avoid having himself and the crown prince reliving such a traumatic experience, he forbade the entire kingdom from bringing it up, or else there would be the death penalty." The young Ranran's voice carried a sense of gravitas as she continued, "And this particular mourner who was causing a scene knew about it. If one were to say this story ended with the royals gracefully acknowledging the outsider's words and continuing with the procession, ensuring that the late prince's memory was honoured in the manner he deserved after forgiving him like a saint, and everyone lived happily ever agree....this isn't that dumb kind of story."

The video played on, capturing the attention of everyone in the room as the story unfolded. The camera focused on the young Ranran's expression, her gaze unyielding as she continued to narrate the tale.

"In response to the outsider's disruption, the bereaved king stood up from his seat, his expression a mix of anger and sorrow. He walked over to the mourner, and instead of lashing out in anger, he calmly looked the mourner in the eyes and said, 'I must remind you that this is a solemn occasion, and it is important to show respect for the departed and their family.' The outsider didn't seem to get the message, as he replied, 'I don't care about your royal family's rules, he was a son of a brothel!'" The young Ranran's voice carried a mix of emotions as she continued to recount the story, her gaze fixed on the mourners.

"The king's expression didn't change. He nodded slowly and then took out a sword like what I am about to hold."

"What?!"

In the video, the young Ranran's hand moved to hold an ornate sword similar to the one she had described in the story attached below Christopher's coffin as a decoration. The camera captured the moment as her small fingers gripped the hilt, her expression solemn and determined.

"He had this sword pointed to one's neck like this," Before anyone knew it, the 4-year-old pointed coldly at a horrified 4-year-old Suzuki Sonoko.

Ran and Sonoko fell silent as the video froze, capturing the young Ranran's chilling gesture as she held the sword-like decoration pointed at the young Sonoko. The atmosphere was tense, the weight of the moment hanging heavily in the air.

Ranran's Edgewood friends exchanged glances, their expressions remained as neutral as ever watching this funeral video.

Suzuki Sonoko's face paled as she stared at the frozen image on the screen. The memory of that incident, one that she had apparently forgotten, now resurfaced with stark clarity. The realization of her own actions and their consequences seemed to hit her like a tidal wave.

Ran's voice was barely above a whisper, her gaze fixed on Sonoko. "Wait...Ranran did this to you, and you barely remembered?"

The room remained heavy with tension as the video played on, capturing the moment when the young Ranran's gaze locked onto a young Sonoko, her expression unwavering despite her age.

The young Ranran's voice continued to fill the air as the video played, her words carrying a sense of seriousness and gravity. "The king's voice remained calm as he spoke, 'Go down on your knees unless you want me to present your head before my dead son!'."

The mourners in the video fell into stunned silence, capturing the young Ranran's words as she held the sword-like decoration pointed at a young Sonoko. The atmosphere was heavy with the weight of the revelation, the gravity of the situation now fully exposed.

Meanwhile, 6-year-old Suzuki Sonoko's face turned even paler, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at the frozen image on the screen. The memory of that incident, forgotten until now, resurfaced with stark clarity. The realization of her own actions and their consequences seemed to engulf her. "You will do exactly as that mourner did towards the King," The blue eye girl said, pointing at her while speaking in Japanese towards Sonoko. "Since you ruined his funeral by disrespecting him, you will be punished."

Her voice was clear and strong.

"Ooi Ranran-"

But she ignored her parents calling out to her, let alone, Christopher's grieving parents, as the blood was leaking out of 4-year-old Sonoko's neck as she confronted, "Go and beg and your knees right this instance, in front of Christopher's coffin, and have your head touch the holy floor, otherwise, you will end up having your head presented like the story I told you."

"Hey! How dare you-ah!" Ranran pushed the sword coldly at the 4-year-old's neck, the room seemed to freeze as the young Ranran's actions were described in vivid detail. The tension in the air was palpable, the weight of the moment hanging heavily over everyone.

"Hey! This is murder!" Sonoko's eldest sister, Ayako who was 11 at that time, screamed at her.

"So what if it is," The 4-year-old red-lipped girl jabbed hard at her neck as more blood came out of Sonoko, while Sonoko's parents tried to stop the grieving red-lipped child. Ranran had the sword directed at them as well before turning back at Sonoko and barking orders at her, "Kneel before Christopher, otherwise, after presenting your head to Christopher, I will soon join him in the afterlife."

Everyone in the cathedral was shocked. Even the adults told her in the video that Ranran was taking things too far.

That is when every single Edgewood child stood up before the adults, with a defiant glare at them, they voiced their support for Ranran in anger, "I agree with this child, make this rude imbecile kneel in front of the coffin, and plead his forgiveness for the rest of the funeral!"

The entire holy room was filled with a mixture of shock and disbelief as the young Edgewood children voiced their support for Ranran's drastic actions. The tension in the air was thick, the emotions running high as the situation took an unexpected turn.

Sonoko's parents tried to intervene, their voices filled with a mix of desperation and concern. "Look, little missy, this has gone far enough! We understand that you're upset, but this is not the way to handle things!"

"So you are her parents, huh?" Ranran's gaze remained unyielding as she addressed Sonoko's parents, her grip on the sword-like decoration steady. "You obviously did a horrible despicable job raising her, even though the rules of this funeral are briefed!"

The situation in the holy room had escalated beyond anyone's expectations. The young Edgewood children's defiant stand had shifted the focus of the event in a direction no one had anticipated. The air was charged with a mix of shock, anger, and uncertainty, as the adults grappled with how to handle the intensity of the moment.

With their expressions a mix of concern and disbelief, Sonoko's parent's voices quivered with a sense of desperation. "We understand that emotions are running high, but this isn't the appropriate way to deal with the situation!"

"Eh....? Just like how your daughter compared herself to me? While I was leading the funeral procession?" Ranran began to mock tauntingly as she recounted their daughter's word for word earlier outside while leading the funeral procession, "So what!? Her job is simple, just look pretty and pitiful while guiding the coffin and do a 2-hour walk all the way to the chapel anyway! I can do better, Okaasan!"

The tension in the holy room reached its peak as Ranran's mocking words echoed through the space. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of disbelief and indignation, the weight of the situation now fully exposed.

"You have two choices: Make your daughter kneel before Christopher's coffin. Unless you want all of us, including the very children of Edgewood Academy, be it nobles, royals or commoners alike, to go up to the press, and tell how the Suzuki's second daughter is a narcissist who thinks of herself as looking pretty in a funeral of a murdered little Duke, the same Duke who was murdered in cold blood by his mother! I am sure the BOD will be more than happy to learn how the parenting ways run within the Suzuki family."

The tension in the holy room was palpable as Ranran's words hit like a thunderclap. The weight of the situation had shifted once again, this time placing Sonoko's parents on the defensive. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of shock, anger, and a sense of reckoning. The reality of the situation had dawned on them, and the consequences of their daughter's actions were now laid bare before them.

"You can choose to say no, I won't stop you. It is your obligation as a parent after all," Ranran's gaze remained unwavering as she addressed Sonoko's parents, her voice carrying a mix of anger and determination. "But if the values of your shares regarding your corporation plummets after we head to the press, don't try to sue us all, cause you can bet you have too many witnesses here to even cover your daughter's callous act."

Sonoko's parents stood there, their faces pale and expressions a mix of fear and desperation. "You wouldn't dare!" The mother screeched.

"Try me," Ranran challenged the shocked woman, "So choose, life on the streets, or your daughter's callous act."

The eldest daughter of the family Ayako voice trembled with a mix of fury and anxiety as she faced Ranran's challenge head-on. "You...did your mother not teach you what happen to little girls who play with fire?"

"She did," Ranran taunted, "Master it well, then you can burn back at others a million times fold without getting hurt!"

The gravity of the situation had reached a boiling point, with the choices laid bare before Sonoko's parents.

"You think you can manipulate us with your threats?" The father's voice trembled with a mix of anger and apprehension, his face red with fury.

"Ah, Mr Suzuki, you shouldn't say that." Ranran's lips curled into a cold smile as she met the father's gaze, her eyes reflecting a fiery determination. "It is a life lesson one should learn through the stepping stones of life, don't you think?"

The room was a whirlwind of emotions, the tension so thick it was almost suffocating. Ranran's audacity had brought the situation to a point of no return. The young Edgewood children's support and Ranran's unyielding determination had shifted the power dynamics entirely.

Sonoko's parents stood there, their faces drained of colour, their expressions a mixture of fear, anger, and uncertainty. The weight of the choices they had to make hung heavily in the air, the gravity of the situation inescapable.

"Y-y-you utter she-demon!" The mother's voice wavered with a mix of defiance and anxiety, her eyes locked onto Ranran's with a mixture of anger and desperation.

Ranran's lips curled into a sardonic smile, her gaze locked onto the mother's as she spoke, "Tick-tock, time is ticking. What will it be?"

Sonoko herself stood there, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. "Tousan!"

"Sonoko, you don't have a choice."

But her father's expression was stern, his voice carrying a mix of firmness and resignation as he addressed his daughter. "Sonoko, we've reached a point where your actions have consequences. You can't escape them now."

Sonoko's voice was laced with a mix of frustration and desperation as she retorted, "Why should I listen to this red lip psycho?! What gives her the right to play judge and executioner?"

Jabbing the sword as it continues to prick at Sonoko's neck while her eyes widen, Ranran goes, "I can deliver your head to Christopher's coffin right now if you want to. Or better, Edgewoodians," Ranran turned to the angry children of Edgewood, "Teach this despicable girl to never sully the honour of a deceased duke by dragging her in front of Christopher's coffin, right now!"

The group of Edgewood children erupted into a chorus of voices, their anger and support for Ranran evident as they voiced their agreement with passionate fervour. To the surprise of all the adults in the Cathedral, a few of the children left their seats to drag the uncooperative 4-year-old Sonoko out of her seat in front of her shocked parents and sister. 

The tension in the holy space reached a crescendo, the emotions running wild as the situation spiralled out of control.

Sonoko's protests filled the air, a mixture of anger, fear, and disbelief as she was being dragged forward. "Let me go! This is insane! I won't kneel!"

"You have no choice, otherwise, you would be setting a bad example to everyone in this church!" But the young Edgewood children seemed resolute in their actions, their support for Ranran unwavering as they continued to pull Sonoko towards the front of Christopher's coffin.

Ranran's lips curled into a cold smile as she observed the unfolding chaos, her gaze fixed on the struggling Sonoko. "Looks like the majority has spoken, darling. Welcome to democracy."

The atmosphere in the room was electric, a mix of tension, anger, and defiance filling the air. The adults exchanged frantic glances, unsure of how to defuse the situation that had spiralled into the unexpected.

And as the scene continued to unfold, with Sonoko's struggles against the determined group of children, the tension showed no signs of abating. The choices made and the consequences faced were colliding in a clash of emotions and wills, turning the once-sombre holy room into a battleground of conflicting desires.

The young Edgewood children's voices continued to ring out, a chorus of determination and anger as they chanted, "You have no choice, otherwise, you would be setting a bad example to everyone in this church!" But the young Edgewood children seemed resolute in their actions, their support for Ranran unwavering as they continued to pull Sonoko towards the front of Christopher's coffin.

Ranran's lips curled into a cold smile as she observed the unfolding chaos, her gaze fixed on the struggling Sonoko. "Looks like the majority has spoken, darling. Welcome to democracy." Their unity and defiance painted a stark contrast against the backdrop of the adults' uncertainty and apprehension.

Forcing Sonoko to kneel before the open casket as the children pushed her to, she grew pale as she saw the deceased 8-year-old dirty blonde-haired duke's corpse for the first time.

Soon, Ranran stood before her as her red lips said, "Now, repeat after me, 'I am sorry for being a narcissistic little donkey who made your prestigious funeral all about myself, also the fact that I can't follow the instructions of funeral ethics like an imbecile'."

"I don't want to!"

Sonoko's protests turned into choked sobs as she found herself on her knees before Christopher's casket, her defiance replaced with a mixture of shock, remorse, and shame. The sight of the young Duke's lifeless form in the open casket sent shivers down her spine, and the weight of her actions bore down on her with crushing intensity.

Ranran's presence before her was like a cold reminder of the situation, her red lips forming words that Sonoko had to repeat. The words felt like daggers in her throat, each one cutting deeper into her pride and arrogance.

"Again, repeat before him," Ranran stared down at the child before her, "One more time, or this," The sword directed at her left eye," This eye will be blind if you don't."

The room was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by Sonoko's trembling voice as she repeated the humiliating phrases Ranran had given her. "I am sorry for being a narcissistic little donkey who made your prestigious funeral all about myself, also the fact that I can't follow the instructions of funeral ethics like an imbecile."

The tension in the holy room was palpable, the air heavy with a mixture of emotions. The young Edgewood children's triumphant chants had given way to a hushed atmosphere, as everyone present bore witness to this unexpected turn of events.

As Sonoko's apology hung in the air, a sense of catharsis seemed to wash over the room. The weight of the confrontation, the grief for the young Duke, and the recognition of their own imperfections seemed to meld together, creating a moment of shared vulnerability and understanding.

Ranran's gaze remained fixed on Sonoko, her expression unreadable as she watched the young heiress struggle with her emotions. "Good, now continue on for 2 hours nonstop as the ceremony continues."

"What?! 2 hours? Are you out of your mind?!" Sonoko's tear-filled eyes widened in disbelief, her voice choked with both humiliation and frustration.

Ranran's lips curled into a cold smile as she stared down at Sonoko, the sword-like decoration still in her hand. "Oh, I assure you, I'm very much in my right mind. And if you don't want to end up with a blind eye like my rose eye patch I am wearing here, you'll do as I say."

Sonoko's parents, who had been rendered almost speechless by the events, exchanged a brief, resigned glance. The realization had set in that their daughter's actions had led them all down this path, and there seemed to be no easy way out.

As Sonoko's sobs continued, the room was filled with a mix of sympathy and discomfort from the adults, but not the Edgewood Academy children, who agreed this punishment was fair. Even as she continued to bow to a point her forehead bled before the shocked adults, the children of Edgewood including Ranran remained unwavering.

Embarrassed and ashamed, but she was too powerless under the glare of every noble child and adult in attendance, she had no other choice.

Sonoko's parents, who had been rendered almost speechless by the events, exchanged a brief, resigned glance. The realization had set in that their daughter's actions had led them all down this path, and there seemed to be no easy way out. The once-sombre funeral had transformed into a stage of unexpected emotions, where pride, arrogance, and remorse clashed in a chaotic display.

And in the midst of it all, Ranran's unwavering determination seemed to hold everyone in its grip. The young red-lipped girl's actions had set off a chain reaction that no one could have predicted, a confrontation that forced individuals to confront their own shortcomings and the consequences of their actions.

As the minutes ticked by, Sonoko's voice continued to repeat the humiliating apology over and over again, her words echoing through the holy room. The young Edgewood children watched in silence, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and unease, unsure of how this unusual confrontation would ultimately conclude.

And amidst the chaos, the memory of the young Duke Christopher's lifeless form in the open casket seemed to linger, a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of one's actions. The atmosphere remained heavy, the emotions swirling in a mix of sorrow, regret, and an unexpected form of resolution.

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

As the two hours wore on, the atmosphere seemed to shift. The tension began to ebb, replaced by a sense of sombre reflection. Sonoko's sobs had quieted, and the adults exchanged occasional glances, each lost in their own thoughts and emotions.

The Cathedral, once a place of mourning and reverence, had become a space of introspection and reckoning. The young heiress's punishment, though unconventional, had brought to light the complexities of human behaviour and the consequences of one's actions.

As the final minutes of the two-hour ordeal approached, Ranran's voice broke the silence. "Time's almost up. You can stand now."

Sonoko slowly rose to her feet, her face red and tear-stained. The weight of the situation seemed to have left its mark, in a more humiliating aspect since she wet herself midway out of fear, oppression and trauma.

But did Ranran and the Edgewood children bother? Not one bit.

Ranran's lips curled into a wicked smile as she observed the scene she had orchestrated. "Well, well, seems like our little heiress had a little accident. How... unfortunate."

Sonoko's voice quivered with a mixture of anger and embarrassment as she shot back, "You're enjoying this, aren't you, you she-demon!?"

The situation had taken another unexpected turn, with the once-proud heiress now standing in a wet dress, her image shattered.

"Oh, absolutely. Watching karma do its thing is quite satisfying, I must say." Ranran's laughter mingled with the others as she replied.

Sonoko's face turned a deeper shade of red, her humiliation now on full display. The young Edgewood children had been filled with hate towards her for disrespecting their deceased friend, while her family was powerlessly horrified.

Although the Suzukis are one of the richest families in Japan, they are merely pennies on the road if one were to compare their fortune with the rest of the attendees in this very church, Ranran's family was no different.

Ranran's gaze remained fixed on Sonoko, her expression a mixture of amusement and satisfaction. "Well, it seems that fate has a sense of humour. Who would've thought that our proud heiress would end up in such a situation?"

Sonoko's voice trembled with a mix of fury and humiliation. "You... you won't get away with this!"

"Oh, but I already have," Ranran retorted with a grin, her confidence unwavering. "Your actions spoke for themselves. And thanks to your noble sacrifice, your family and yourself will not end up living on the streets."

The young Edgewood children, once defiant and angry, now seemed to exchange satisfied glances among themselves. The dynamic of the room had shifted once again, leaving everyone to grapple with the aftermath of the events that had transpired.

As the ordeal drew to a close, the Cathedral remained shrouded in a heavy silence. The atmosphere was thick with unresolved emotions, with the weight of the situation hanging heavily over everyone present.

Sonoko's voice, though quivering, held a sense of defiance as she addressed Ranran. "This... isn't over."

"Of course, it will never be over," Ranran's laughter rang out, echoing in the sacred space. "When we meet again one day, I look forward to the day you wet yourself once more in front of your family, your mother, father and sister. Edgewoodians," The 4-year-old called out to her schoolmates, "Escort her out of the holy grounds. Her presence is too foul for someone like Christopher."

The young Edgewood children wasted no time in following Ranran's orders, moving forward to lead the still-humiliated Sonoko out of the Cathedral. The atmosphere remained tense, the mixture of emotions swirling in the air as the events continued to unfold.

As Sonoko was escorted out, her family followed in a daze, their faces flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and anger. The adults who had been present during the ordeal exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of how to process the whirlwind of events that had just taken place.

Ranran's lips curved into a sly smile as she watched Sonoko and her family leave. The satisfaction in her gaze was palpable as if she had achieved a small but significant victory.

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

After the video ended, the chair bounded 6-year-old Ran and Sonoko was stunned as the Edgewood kids who brought them here to forcefully confront them, wondered what Sonoko had to say, as all eyes were trained on the lie detector machine.

"Wait a second...." Sonoko's face was a mix of shock and anger as her migraines about that incident persisted, her eyes wide as she processed the events that had unfolded in the video. The weight of the confrontation and the humiliation she had experienced seemed to be etched on her features. "She did that to me!?"

The Edgewood kids who had brought Ranran and Sonoko to this point exchanged glances, curiosity and anticipation dancing in their eyes. They had orchestrated this moment, hoping to get to the truth of the matter and settle the conflict that had been brewing for years.

As the room remained in silence, the lie detector machine's screen flickered to life. The Edgewood kids had programmed it to reveal whether the statements made by Sonoko were truthful or not.

The tension in the room seemed to escalate as the first question came out from Nicolas, "Suzuki Sonoko, when this happened, did you intentionally disrespect Christopher's funeral because you are jealous of Ranran?"

Sonoko's gaze remained fixed on the lie detector machine, a mixture of anxiety and frustration apparent in her eyes. The weight of the question hung heavily in the air, and her answer could potentially unravel the truth behind the long-standing conflict.

Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke, her voice trembling slightly. "Honestly, I wasn't sure why I did what I did."

The lie detector machine's screen displayed the word "True." The room remained silent, the tension unbroken as the truth of Sonoko's answer was confirmed.

A sense of unease seemed to settle over the room. The revelation that Sonoko's actions were not born out of jealousy raised more questions than answers. The Edgewood kids exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of how to proceed.

Tiffany stepped forward and posed the next question. "Suzuki Sonoko, do you really not remember what you did to Ranran 2 years ago? Especially this video?"

Sonoko's eyes widened in genuine surprise as she processed the question. It was clear from her expression that she had not expected this particular moment to be revealed through the lie detector test. Her shock was palpable, and her lips parted as if she were about to say something, but no words came out.

The lie detector machine's screen remained blank for a few moments, and the tension in the room seemed to intensify. The anticipation was thick in the air as everyone waited for the truth to be unveiled.

Finally, the screen displayed the angry emoji in red, which lead Sonoko and Ran to be electrocuted once more.

Sonoko's expression shifted from surprise to confusion and then to a mixture of frustration and disbelief. Her voice trembled as she spoke, her words directed at the lie detector machine. "What... what do you mean this is a lie?!"

"I can explain this," Tiffany's voice was measured, her gaze steady as she addressed Sonoko. "2 years ago, you had a severe fever hours after that situation, which took 2 weeks to recover. We know this because when Ranran's family had an ambulance on standby, you passed out and they shipped you to the hospital for recovery. By the time we wanted to ask whether you were alright, your family hastily moved away that very same day, which meant you probably wanted to forget about that humbling ordeal on purpose."

"But then after showing this video, memories probably surfaced midway," Walter crossed his arms from his seat.

"Even if it was a fever, you are a terrible person, you know that? To do that to Ranran 2 years ago," Tiffany confronted.

"How ironic that even after all these years, her idiot behaviour hadn't changed towards Ranran." Isabelle mocked.

"Not to mention, her entitlement towards Shinichi to be married off to Mouri Ran by discouraging his Tantei dream." Georgette brought this up.

"Hey! How many children around that age can remember such a thing!?" Ran who is still bounded next to her best friend defended her honour, "It's something so traumatizing, I too would wish to forget it!"

"Oh, so it is easier for you to intentionally forget someone who pulled the trigger, but then it is ok for you to let Ranran be stuck with those horrible memories your friend inflicted on her 2 years back?" Samantha lashes out at her.

As Samantha's words hung in the air, the atmosphere seemed to crackle with a mix of anger and condemnation. The Edgewood kids were not holding back, and their emotions were evident as they confronted Sonoko with the reality of her past behaviour.

Sonoko's face flushed with a mixture of shame and anger. She opened her mouth as if to respond, but the words seemed to catch in her throat.

"Even so, watching this video, it seems like Ranran humiliated her through inhumane extremes!" Ran screamed at the emotionless Edgewood kids, "She made Sonoko peed herself! How is it you guys are simply siding with the she-demon bullying her!?"

"Bullying? I beg to differ," Walter scoffed, "Even if you did forget the things you did to Ranran when you met her again 2 years later in Teitan Elementary school, you still ended up harassing her for 'stealing' Shinichi away from your idiotic friend 'Ran' when he clearly specified he isn't in a relationship with your friend, let alone, in his own will.....choose to sever ties with the both of you for the mistreatment he had to deal with as friends. For 2 months you both harassed Ranran and made attempts to expose Ranran as The Fox, despite knowing the risk that Ranran may end up getting murdered by those killers she threw behind bars."

Silence.

"Also bullying? You made our dead friend, on the day of his burial, all about you by comparing the grieving friend of the deceased by fancying yourself to be all so pretty and stuff. Being such a narcissistic donkey like you, Suzuki Sonoko, I too would do the same with Ranran if I were in her shoes, especially after being discharged from the hospital a week later, after being rescued by police officers from the kidnap of his mother, let alone, having an eye removed by his abusive mother!" Veronica yelled at her.

Both of their eyes grew wide in shock at Veronica snapping at them.