Tiffany's expression remained stoic as she listened to Sonoko's outburst. She didn't seem bothered by the accusations thrown her way as if she had heard such remarks many times before. Instead, she simply stared at Sonoko with an unyielding gaze, her eyes betraying no emotions.

"You think we play dirty? Perhaps we do, playing nice rarely works in our world. Let alone, tell one nicely," Tiffany replied calmly. "But that is the last resort if we must protect ourselves and those we care about. If you had shown a shred of decency and respect towards Ranran and others, none of this would have happened."

Sonoko clenched her fists, her anger boiling over. "You're all just a bunch of scheming brats! You think you can control everything just because of your family's wealth and status!"

"And you think you're any different?" Tiffany shot back, her tone sharp. "You blatantly bullied Ranran and shamelessly had no remorse about it! What does this make you!?"

"Your precious Ranran made use of the deceased friend's funeral to get rid of my birthday party! She uses his memorial as an excuse, and that is a fact! I believe the reason she did this, is because she is born plain evil to the bone!" Sonoko contested.

"Evil to the bone...how dare you....." Tiffany's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing with displeasure. "Very well then, I will make sure the contract is terminated, and your family will face the consequences of your actions. And so will the other noble kids who had major contracts signed up under this company, I hope you don't mind losing 900 million in yen."

"Excuse me?! 9-9-900 million in yen?!" Sonoko trembled in horror.

"Yes, that's correct," Tiffany replied coldly. "The contract your father signed with 'The Viscountess Tea', including the other business ventures my friends had with your Tousan, if we add it all up, it would be worth a total of 900 million yen. This will...require your family to sell off the multiple houses they own, including their shares....probably enough for all of you to end up living on the streets. Even if they emptied out their savings, they would still need to pay medical fees for Ranran after what you did to her. Including therapy fees."

"You can't be serious?!" Sonoko mouthed in anger, "I merely just push her and she tumbled on the floor with her butt! It ain't as if I just stab her with a knife, run her over with a car, or even shoot her with a gun!"

"Oh, so merely traumatizing a child whose friend has died ain't as severe as that for you, huh?"

Sonoko's face paled at the revelation.

"What? Cat caught your tongue? Whether you like it or not, they agreed to foot the bill that covered her medical fees," Tiffany taunted before revealing, "That will be the price your family would need to pay if you refuse to apologize. In fact, I will make sure all contracts with families who have children like you are terminated. Maybe those friends you made through the parties your parents throw for you for your birthday is a good start."

"Ooi! Had you not taken things too far!?" Sonoko smashed the meeting table in the office, "It's one thing to charge me 900 million yen, but why my other friends must be dragged into this!?"

Tiffany remained unfazed by Sonoko's outburst, her expression remaining stoic and composed. "Because they are the reason why they are fueling your irrational behaviour for harming Ranran, as well as your insulting our dead friend, Christopher, whom you barged in on and disrespected during his memorial! You brought this upon yourself and Mouri, so since you refuse to face the consequences, I need to set several good examples, don't you think?!"

Sonoko's hands trembled with anger and fear as she listened to Tiffany's cold and calculated words. She knew that Tiffany was serious about her threats, and the weight of her family's financial stability now rested on her young shoulders. It was a harsh reality check for the 5-year-old, and she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the consequences of her actions.

As much as Sonoko wanted to continue arguing and defending her actions, she knew it would only dig her deeper into trouble. Tiffany and the other noble children had proven to be formidable adversaries, and she was merely a mosquito in their eyes.

"Why!? Why are you doing this?! All for that she-demon!?" Sonoko confronted when tears welled up in her eyes.

"She-demon!?How is she a demon when you and your friend were unremorseful for the things you all did?!" Tiffany remained firm, refusing to back down. "You brought destruction upon yourself, you shall pay the price."

Her breath hitching, Sonoko closes her eyes, her voice smaller now, betraying a tinge of fear and immeasurable sadness. "Please, don't this...."

Tears began to fall, but Tiffany gave a conceding glare.

Although Tiffany had never once witnessed the projected views of the AI projector, she had heard stories of what this girl before her put Ranran through in the future, ultimately shaping her as a future villainess of one's kind. Had Christopher not intervened leading up to his death, Ranran's mental state could've turned out way worst than it could've been now.

Many things Tiffany had heard about Sonoko were not good when she paid people to look into the 5-year-old Sonoko. Things like arrogance and entitlement towards Shinichi with rumours of marrying him off to Ran in the future, it's honestly disturbing how someone like Sonoko could come up with such an idea, for someone who is born a dimwitted buffoon.

Bullying was surprisingly none of them. The only reason why Sonoko was hostile towards Ranran was due to the parkour incident, whereby Ranran framed Shinichi for pushing her in self-defence. Still, there were multiple factors that lead Tiffany to believe Sonoko isn't good for her Ranran through the projector. Not one bit.

This is why she is quietly observing Sonoko, who seems like someone is taking a gun and aiming behind her back, forcing her to choose. Tiffany wants to see who would she pick. Her own pride, or her family and friends? Which would it be?

And this would be a no-brainer for Tiffany to know what Sonoko would pick.

"I will...I will apologize." Sonoko's voice quivered as she reluctantly agreed to apologize.

She knew she had no choice but to bow down to Tiffany's demands. Her family's financial stability and the livelihoods of her friends were both on the line. The weight of her actions bore heavily on her young shoulders.

Tiffany's expression remained unchanged, and there was a hint of satisfaction in her eyes. "Good. But it ain't enough."

"Eh?"

"Here is a paper," Tiffany issued out the documents before the shocked Sonoko, "You are going to write down in full statement as to how you slipped into our event hall with that Mouri girl, made a huge ruckus while pushing Ranran down on the carpet, and then say out how apologetic you were for ruining the memorial of a respected duke. Let alone, bullying Ranran."

"You got to be kidding me!?" Sonoko grew red in anger, "What the hell should I do that!?"

"Your parents were the one who issued that statement through the press over how apologetic they were, and that this incident with Ranran should never occur again." Tiffany's cold stare pierced through Sonoko's anger, her eyes unyielding. "Right now, the public thinks that thanks to your age, you don't have to do so publically since you are a minor like us, fair enough. But it ain't sincere till it comes from the horse's mouth!"

Sonoko's anger flared even more at Tiffany's demand.

She felt humiliated and cornered, but she knew that she couldn't back down now. Her family's reputation and her friendship with Ranran were at stake.

With trembling hands, she took the paper from Tiffany and reluctantly started writing the statement. Her words were bitter and filled with resentment, but she knew that she had no choice. She had to do whatever it took to not end up surviving on the streets.

As she wrote, Tiffany watched her closely, making sure that Sonoko didn't leave out any important details. She wanted the statement to be genuine and sincere, and she wasn't going to let Sonoko get away with a half-hearted apology.

After what felt like an eternity, Sonoko finally finished writing the statement. Her eyes were red from crying, and her hands were shaking. She handed the paper back to Tiffany with a mix of anger and defeat in her eyes.

Tiffany glanced at the statement and nodded in approval. "Good. Now, I want you to read this out loud in front of everyone at the next gathering of the wealthy families."

"What? No! Why should I do that too!? Just issue out the statement and it will be over!" Sonoko protested.

"Again, the public will suspect you for having your family paying someone to write it, it ain't sincere till one says it straight towards the camera, Suzuki Sonoko."

Sonoko doesn't say anything, not a word, her hands curl into fists so hard she can feel her nails digging into her palms even harder than before, so very much in fact that the others swear she is this close to slapping the elder girl.

Tiffany's cold stare never wavered, and she could see the turmoil within Sonoko's eyes. The 5-year-old girl was torn between her pride and her fear of the consequences. But Tiffany knew that this was the only way to ensure a genuine apology and to hold Sonoko accountable for her actions.

"You have 1 minute to decide," Tiffany said firmly. "If you don't read the statement out loud, then considered your family homeless. Or in the worst-case scenario...you ended up getting dumped in the streets. And I know of kids who live such life, trust me, you would be stupid to choose a life without a roof above your head."

At this point, Suzuki just feels sick, so very sick. "Please...I apologize. Isn't that enough?"

"Then...was calling our dead friend some 'Boy with a meaningless Title' enough? Especially when he barely knows you to earn a jab from you?" Tiffany scoffed.

Sonoko's face turned pale at Tiffany's reminder of her disrespectful comment about Christopher. Tiffany's cold and unyielding stare bore into her, and Sonoko felt like she was drowning in the worst kind of hell.

"You have to understand, Sonoko," Tiffany remains fixated on Sonoko, "You started it, you reap what you sow."

Tears welled up in Sonoko's eyes once more, and she felt a mix of anger, shame, and sadness. She couldn't bear the thought of her family losing everything because of her foolish actions, but she also couldn't bear the thought of publicly humiliating herself with an apology.

"I'll do it... I'll read the statement at the press conference," Sonoko finally whispered, her voice barely audible. "But please... don't destroy my family. We'll do whatever you want, just don't let us end up on the streets."

"I will hold you to your word, Sonoko," Tiffany replied sternly. "You read the statement at the press conference tomorrow, and I will make sure the contracts are not terminated. And don't worry about your real identity ending up in the press. Since you are a minor like me, you will have your face blurred, your real name won't end up getting leaked, along with your sister's. Though I don't know those kids whom you told who you were might think of you once you did it though."

As Sonoko wipe away her tears once more, she yelled, "Don't you fear retribution!?"

"Retribution?" Tiffany chuckled darkly, oh, she is so naive, unlike Ranran. Looking at this pathetic girl before her, Tiffany is so proud of how Ranran is too smart to befriend someone like Sonoko. "You should consider yourself lucky that you were merely slapped in the wrist. Cause Ranran can do so much worst than you could've imagined....."

Hearing Tiffany's manacing chuckle sent further eerie to Sonoko, as one dark realization fell on her.

It's cruel...she is truly one powerless little rich girl.

Sonoko doesn't think she's ever been so miserable in all of her days, and yet... she can't get a certain thought out of her mind.

Who the hell is this Kudo Ranran?! How does a five-year-old like her have such a massive influence?! Let alone, the power?! She is just a freaking baby like the rest of them! And yet...she is capable of financial destruction to her own family!

"This is an abuse of power!"

"Is it? Let me recite the exact words one of the kids told me when you confronted Ranran after Shinichi pushed her and broke her leg," Tiffany took out her pair of glasses, then read it on the phone as she goes, 'Don't lie, do you know who I am? I am Suzuki Sonoko, the 2nd daughter of the Suzuki Group! I will make sure you won't live well if you continue to lie'. Now, Sonoko, tell me straight in the face that those words you said to her that day wasn't an abuse of power."

But Sonoko doesn't answer.

"That's right!" Tiffany snapped her finger, "I should also include that friend of yours who was with you, Mouri Ran, right?"

"Excuse me!?"

Sonoko's eyes widen, and Tiffany chuckles, in spite of herself.  "Her father opened a Tantei Agency not long ago, didn't he? After quitting his job as a police officer for some reason. I will notify anyone who seeks to employ his service to be wary of his unruly daughter who supports bullying."

"You! Don't you think you are taking things too far? Why must Ran pay for this!? She is innocent!"

"How can I not leave her unpunished? After what she did to Ranran? She defended your unruly behaviour!" With a determined look, Tiffany fished out her smartphone before stating, "Guys, do you know that detective agency called 'Mouri Detective Agency' that is located above Café Poirot? Put out that radio and play out that announcement we have planned."

It was at this point Sonoko knew Tiffany wasn't joking around. She meant business, and is out for blood! "Alright stop! I will apologize! Please, leave Ran alone! She....she was dragged into this because of me!"

For the first time, Sonoko felt very trapped in a corner as more tears followed, Tiffany who was observing this suddenly said over the phone, "Guys, call it off, she has agreed to apologize."

After hanging up, Tiffany ended her words with:

"Remember to honour your word as said on the contract," Tiffany starts sauntering off, casually picking up the paper as she does so. "Don't forget, every single child you saw Ranran with the other day...their parents had business with your father. Any stupid moves...tell your family to kiss your financial status goodbye. As well as Mouri Ran....she too will pay the price should she know."

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

The next day, the press conference was held, and all the elite of the wealthy families gathered to witness Sonoko's apology. The atmosphere was tense, and everyone's eyes were fixed on the 5-year-old girl standing on the stage, clutching the paper with her apology tightly in her hand.

Sonoko's heart raced as she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She knew that she had to go through with this, no matter how humiliating and difficult it was. She couldn't let her family suffer because of her actions, and she couldn't bear the thought of living on the streets.

With a trembling voice, she began reading the statement, recounting the events of that fateful day and expressing her remorse for her hurtful words and actions. Her voice wavered, and she could feel the weight of judgment from the crowd. But she pressed on, determined to make things right.

As she spoke, the room fell silent. The adults and children listened intently, witnessing a rare moment of vulnerability from Sonoko. It was a side of her that they had never seen before, and it was unsettling yet strangely compelling.

The apology was far from perfect, and Sonoko stumbled over her words at times, but as much as the sincerity in her voice wasn't sincere, the weight of her situation and the consequences of her actions were evident in her trembling voice and tear-filled eyes.

"Look at that child on TV, that is the Suzuki's daughter, right?"

"Ah yes, it is, something about her storming into the halls of a death anniversary memorial of a little Duke, who was murdered by his mother in the U.K."

"I heard that the daughter of the Suzuki Group was so pissed off that her father changed the venue of her birthday, that she pushed a child who was put in charge of hosting the death memorial."

"How awful! This child needs to be taught a lesson!"

"That poor child, the victim whom Suzuki's child had wronged...how long has it been since that poor Duke died?"

"It happened last year in December in the U.K, and the unfortunate child was there when the little boy was murdered when he was around 8 years old."

"Eh!? So it has only been a few months since he passed away! Oh, that poor child! What has the world gotten into!?"

"Wait, why was the death memorial held here in Japan?"

"After the victim's family heard about the incident, they immediately rushed her all the way to Japan to prevent the murderer who killed her friend to go after their daughter. The victim was particularly close to the murdered boy, so they decided to have his death memorial held here in Japan. But who knew...who knew this rude child of the Suzuki satan just simply-"

"Aaah....what is wrong with Kami-sama nowadays? Granting children who don't deserve the finer things in life a luxurious life, then they go about wreaking havoc! And a death memorial of all things!"

"I swear that Kami-sama is speeding up the End of the World, by having rich parents breed more ticking time bombs!"

The Edgewood Academy children could hear this conversation taking place among the adults as they are waiting for their flight to Haneda Airport to take them home.

Haneda Airport, also known by its former name Tokyo Haneda Airport, is one of Japan's major international airports and is located in Ota, Tokyo. It is the busiest airport in Japan and one of the busiest in the world in terms of passenger traffic. Haneda Airport serves as a crucial gateway for travellers coming to and from Tokyo, the capital city of Japan.

Dating back to the early 20th century, it was originally established as an airfield in 1931 and played a significant role during World War II. After the war, Haneda became a hub for domestic flights, and its international services gradually expanded over the years.

The Edgewood Academy children found themselves waiting in a luxurious lodge exclusively designated for the wealthy at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo. The opulent space was adorned with marble floors, intricate chandeliers, and plush seating that exuded a sense of grandeur. The walls were adorned with paintings and artwork, adding to the ambience of sophistication and elegance.

Almost everyone sat together on a set of comfortable leather couches, making themselves at home in the lavish surroundings. The atmosphere was relaxed, and they had some time before their flight back to the U.K. The children were dressed in their finest attire, befitting their status as part of the wealthy elite.

Teddy reclined back in his seat, looking completely uneased after watching the news on the large TV in the lodge to say, "As long kids like Sonoko exist, our efforts would mean nothing, wouldn't there?" Teddy can't help but frown alongside his classmates.

"Sonoko had no reason to behave that way since her childhood is close to perfect unlike the rest of us," Georgette said with a shake of her head. "Though I can't say that our past should be a reason why we could've turned out like that Suzuki brute...it was enough to turn anyone into a villain, don't they?"

"She always seemed a bit arrogant and boastful, according to Christopher's analysis of her, but I wonder if she will hold a grudge against Ranran after what has happened?"Nicolas commented with a sombre expression. "I remembered Christopher telling me before he was killed as to how this girl was willing to pull all sorts of extreme lengths just to ensure Ran's crush on Shinichi will be fulfilled regardless."

The other children grew worried at the prince's words, as they quietly glance at Tiffany, who is busy talking to the 5-year-old Ranran who remains in his seat in the airport, chatting about something they couldn't hear.

"She will be fine, she is The Fox after all," Ellis scoffed.

"Yes, but she couldn't have been one without the privileges Christopher used to grant her while he was engaged to that wench." Samantha felt the taste of bitterness at the tip of her tongue. "The worst part is that Ranran is all alone in a foreign country."

"A country with no aristocrat system....it is every noble and royal child's nightmare. And their own family title won't do them any favours." Veronica shivered in horror at that thought.

"I thought in Japan, they have a royal family here as well. No different than the U.K. Why is it the case here?" Isabelle crossed her arms.

"Good question," Even Walter is puzzled by this.

"The situation in Japan is quite different from the U.K.," Samantha explained. "In Japan, although similar to the U.K. in regards to Japan's royalty is more of a ceremonial figurehead similar than ours, the political and social structure in Japan is way different than here."

"I doubt it," Veronica decides to correct them, "Ain't their parliament system almost the same as ours?"

"In some ways, yes," Nicolas nodded, "but there are differences in how the royal family is perceived and treated by the public. In the U.K., the royal family like mine for instance is closely tied to the history and tradition of the country, and they play a symbolic role in the nation's identity. On the other hand, in Japan, while the royal family is respected, they are not as directly involved in politics, and their role is more spiritual and cultural."

"Also, in Japan, the aristocrat system has faded over time, and the social hierarchy is not as rigid as it once was," Samantha confirmed. " While there are wealthy and influential families still living in modern times, they don't hold the same level of power and influence as some of the noble families in the U.K. The wealthy families in Japan are more focused on business and commerce rather than the traditional aristocratic lifestyle."

"So, to cut a long story short, Ranran is screwed, isn't she?" Teddy summarized.

"Not really," Nicolas replied. "I remembered researching that The Suzuki family is one of the richest in Japan, but if we were to convert currency-wise, Ranran's family is far wealthier than them, even more, influential than that Shinichi boy's family if I am not mistaken thanks to Ranran's mother. The amount of wealth and power Suzukis have could only cast a tiny dent. And Ranran is superiorly cunning if we were to compare her to that idiot Sonoko girl. As long she relies on that and uses whatever ties she has through the business ventures we stationed around Japan, even without a title, she will thrive well."

"It's fortunate that she has us by her side, which is what Christopher would've wanted for her," Ellis said, glancing at Tiffany and Ranran who were still chatting.

"I agree," Georgette agreed. "And it's good Christopher trained her to be very well equipped to deal with those hooligans."

"It's sad that he is no longer with us," Teddy remarked. "He would've been so proud of how far Ranran had come."

"But still, without a noble system, Ranran will face difficulties if she ever tries to return to England," Veronica pointed out. "Without a title or connections, it might be challenging for her to survive."

"Indeed, it won't be easy," Samantha agreed. "But she ain't a pushover, you all saw how she helped us with our problems growing up."

"Do you think the others bought it? Sonoko's apology on Tv?" Veronica wonders.

"About that...." Samantha directed everyone's attention to the other adults, who had sceptical looks on their faces. It was evident that they were still doubtful about the sincerity of Sonoko's apology.

The adults' conversation, two Caucasians, could be heard as they murmured to each other, "I'm not so sure if she's genuinely sorry. Her behaviour has always been problematic."

"I agree. She's had a sense of entitlement her whole life, I know this through one of the functions I attended when they brought her over, and now she's just putting on a show to save face."

"It's all just damage control for the Suzuki family's reputation. I doubt she truly understands the gravity of her actions."

"She pushed a child at a death memorial, for heaven's sake! No apology can make up for that. I know that she is 5 years old, but that is taking things too far!"

"You'd think her parents would have instilled some sense of responsibility and empathy in her."

"I'm not surprised. Kids from these wealthy families often feel like they're above the consequences of their actions."

"I feel sorry for the victim's family. They must be devastated by this whole ordeal."

"I hope they take some real action to ensure this kind of behaviour doesn't happen again."

The children said nothing for a moment, till Ellis broke the silence to say, "You know, it's good that people could see that Sonoko isn't sincere."

"How is that a good thing, Ellis?" Dominic's jaw dropped.

"Cause if you think of our time in Edgewood, the kids we used to deal with are professional pathological liars when they claimed to be 'remorseful'. Sonoko isn't good at lying particularly, so other kids will grow wary of her, don't you think?"

Ellis' observation sparked a thoughtful discussion among the Edgewood Academy children. They knew all too well how some of the kids they encountered in their elite circles were skilled at manipulating situations and hiding their true intentions behind a facade of remorse. In that sense, Sonoko's lack of proficiency in deception might, in fact, work in their favour.

"You make a good point, Ellis," Teddy chimed in. "If Sonoko's insincerity is evident to others, people will continue to monitor her, and even if she wants to get away scot-free, she can never hide her crimes."

"Though, I am worried about one individual though." Isabelle tapped her chin.

"Who?!" Everyone whipped their heads at her.

"Kudo Shinichi."

Isabelle's mention of him brought a sombre atmosphere to the conversation. The other children knew that Kudo Shinichi, often referred to as the future "21st century Heisei Sherlock Holmes" 12 years from now. He would eventually be renowned for his intelligence and sharp observation skills. He had a reputation for uncovering the truth and exposing criminals, and he is righteous to the bone, so much so that it may cause a huge inconvenience to Ranran, who is somehow related to Shinichi.

Right now, he is a 5-year-old boy who can't do much, but it would be a matter of time before he does the worst.

"He is a far cry of a loser compared to our cunning Ranran, there is nothing much he could do." Ellis dismisses that thought with a chuckle. "Did you forget that Ranran framed him for pushing her down some obstacle course and breaking her leg?"

"I remembered," Teddy pondered about this, "This wouldn't have happened had he not called Ranran a 'bastard'."

"Serve him right," Ellis spat in disgust, "Feeling all so inferior because she is far more talented than him."

"I understand that Ranran is skilled and resourceful," Teddy interjected, "but we shouldn't underestimate that brute. He may be just a child now, but he has an incredible mind for his age. If he starts digging into this incident, he might find out about Ranran's schemes."

"Let's not forget that Shinichi is Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko's friend too," Georgette added. "A group of unreasonable children with the fate of making Ranran's life miserable...that is not my ideal cup of tea."

"I agree with Teddy," Samantha said, her expression serious. "Shinichi may be young, but he's already shown impressive deductive abilities. We can't underestimate him, especially if he starts suspecting that something is off about Sonoko's apology."

"We also have to consider that Ranran framed him before," Isabelle pointed out. "If he finds out about that, he might become more determined to uncover the truth."

"But what if he doesn't know any of this? If he doesn't and we do things, it will earn his suspicion." Dominic asked, genuinely concerned.

"Don't worry, he has no idea," Nicolas dismisses their worries, "I paid people in Japan to look into the kindergarten they were in, and so far, a few of the kids who overheard their conversation said that Sonoko mention to Shinichi that Ranran set up a fake death memorial to prevent her from celebrating her birthday party."

The revelation that Sonoko had mentioned the fake death memorial to Shinichi brought a sense of relief to the Edgewood Academy children. It meant that Shinichi might not be suspicious of Sonoko's apology, at least for the time being.

 "But we still need to be cautious," Teddy warned. "Shinichi's curiosity won't let him drop the matter so easily."

"And if he starts investigating further and connects the dots, he might find out about Ranran's schemes," Georgette added.

"That would be disastrous," Samantha said. "Ranran needs to be prepared for any scenario."

"Don't worry about that," Isabelle reassured them, "Tiffany seems to be telling Ranran the things she should be aware of."

All eyes are on Tiffany as she tells Ranran what she needed to hear.

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

"Ranran, tell me how are you truly feeling now." The 9-year-old Tiffany questions the 5-year-old child before her.

Ranran looked up at Tiffany with a mix of emotions in her eyes – determination, uncertainty, and a hint of vulnerability. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking.

"I feel... scared, Tiffany," she admitted hesitantly"I ain't scared that one day they will find out the truth. But...I don't want to die." Ranran did not want to lie. "Seeing that projector that they indirectly killed me..."

Tiffany listened attentively, giving Ranran the space to express herself openly. She understood the weight of the situation and knew that Ranran needed someone to confide in.

"You were a victim Ranran, it's only fair you fight back with that cunning brain of yours," Tiffany said gently, placing a reassuring hand on Ranran's shoulder. "Also, remember what I said to you back in the U.K. on your last day before your parents moved you away? What did you promise us?"

"Live, eat, sleep and play well."

"And?"

"Scheme well, even if it was illegal, it has to be in the name of survival."

"That is right. And if they tried to kill you, what will you do?"

"Shoot them with my Tousan's gun, but not before reasoning with them. That way, if the cops come to collect their corpses, I have justification to legally kill them."

"Good girl." Tiffany pets her affectionately on the head. "And if they suspect anything out of you even though you didn't provoke them, what will you do?"

"Slip them with the poisons Christopher, Isabelle and Veronica taught me."

"And if they try to pry anything out of you?"

"Torture them the way Dominic, Ellis and Nicolas taught me."

"And if they do end up dying should you happen to 'accidentally' kill them, what do you do?"

"Call either you, Nicolas, Samantha, Georgette, Teddy or Isabelle. Or even Walter for help."

"It's good you remembered," Tiffany smiled, impressed by Ranran's determination and resourcefulness. "And about what we spoke about earlier, do you memorize those other children's weaknesses?"

Ranran nodded meekly.

"Ok, what should you do if Sonoko tries anything on you?" Tiffany tested her with a question.

"Georgette said I should go after her inheritance, charge her by interest to pay up therapy fees, injuries and emotional damage." Ranran beamed, then adds, "Then dig out the dirt from her family if they refuse to corporate and defend their unreasonable daughter. By making Sonoko as poor as a peasant, she is powerless."

"Ok, that is a good one." Tiffany is impressed. "Then what happens if Shinichi goes after you if he ever learns he is The Fox?"

"Tie him up to a chair and torture him. Break him physically and emotionally."

"Good, then what about Mouri Ran?"

"Hmmm...I can't defeat her on raw strength....so I would need to make her unreasonable so that everyone would think I am the reasonable one."

Tiffany chuckled at Ranran's response. "You've got the right idea, Ranran. Manipulating situations and making others see you in a favourable light can be an effective strategy. Try not to kill unless you have to resort to it, alright? Don't ever lose all of your trump cards, or else you are left with nothing. Ok?" 

Anyone who hears this conversation taking place between children could naturally see this as disturbing.

Then again, these Edgewood kids had endured the worst kind of brutality and manipulation one has to bear for their young age, and the youngest child, Kudo Ranran, was no exception. After all, her mental state after losing Christopher hasn't returned back to normal since.

As the conversation between Tiffany and Ranran continued, the other Edgewood Academy children looked on with mixed feelings. "We shouldn't be encouraging Ranran to use violence to protect herself," Walter commented.

"We don't have a choice," Samantha sighed, "Christopher is dead, and we are too far across the pond to protect Ranran. This is the only way for her to protect herself. Our job is to monitor her through the video calls we made online. Also, you all saw the project content of Ranran's future, right? It ain't going to be smooth sailing, and I honestly have a hunch that Shinichi, Ran and Sonoko will re-enter her life one way or another. Even with....all of the careful planning Ranran has made to avoid them. I guess in a way...this is our way as former villains to protect her."

 The elder children grew pale at the future Crown Princess's words.

"How's she doing?" Georgette questioned her best friend Tiffany after she parted ways with Ranran.

"I think that poor child is going to take years to recover at this rate."

"By the way, what were you whispering to Ranran earlier?"

"Oh, that? I told her...if that girl ever tries to be funny with her, which I can foresee she will eventually...deduct from her inheritance by befriending her mother."

"And if that doesn't work?"

"Oh don't worry, I taught her everything she needs to know about the finance world. Within a year, she would not be tormented by that girl, let alone...by the other children anymore."

Suzuki Sonoko may have financial influence, but in Tiffany's head, Ranran had the brains and is far more outstanding qualifications than that brat. As long Ranran uses her influence right, no matter how hard Sonoko works hard, it would be nothing but shooting a nail in her heels.

"Bye Ranran, live well!" 

The Edgewood Academy children bid farewell to Ranran, as they are about to embark on their flight back to the U.K. with their family, leaving the 5-year-old alone with her family in Japan once more.

"Now I think I know how it feels like to be a parent, to see one leaving their child in a foreign country all alone. And I am only 9 years old." Walter weep as they boarded the plane to first class, the image of seeing a sad 5-year-old Ranran from afar stuck with him.

The flight back to the U.K. was a sombre one for the Edgewood Academy children. They couldn't shake off the image of a lonely Ranran waving goodbye as they departed from Japan. "We don't have a choice, Walter. It's fate." Tiffany ever the stoic one, turned her face away to wipe her tear with a sleeve.

"No, it ain't!" Veronica sobbed with a handkerchief, "Have that damn wench didn't kill Christopher, Ranran still would've remained in the U.K. with us! Instead, she is about to be devoured by the wolves!"

The pain of losing Christopher was still fresh for all of them, and Veronica's outburst only amplified their emotions. The loss of their friend weighed heavily on their hearts, and the thought of leaving Ranran behind in a foreign country added to their sorrow.

"What choice do we have?" Georgette said, her voice shaky. "Her parents refuse to let her stay after they learn of her 'Fox' activities."

"No parent would want their child to be in danger. Ranran's parents are no exception. Even so...." Samantha added, her eyes glistening with tears.

"Christopher should've not sacrificed so much for us, it didn't just cost him his life, but also Ranran's as well," Teddy said, clenching his fists in frustration.

"Samantha, why can't we take Ranran with us?" Dominic pleaded he was teary as he ranted, "We spoke to her about it, she didn't want to be in Japan!"

"Taking her away without their consent would be kidnapping," Samantha said, her voice firm even as she grew pale at that. "You saw how her mother reacted when Nicolas had his royal parents recommend securing a royal role for Ranran as a political advisor. They sped up their moving date to Japan the moment it reached their ears!"

"I hate this!" Georgette took out her glasses to wipe out her tears, "Ranran isn't clearly happy! Can't they see that!? How are they Ranran's parents if they refuse to listen to her!?"

The emotions in the first-class cabin were running high as the Edgewood Academy children grappled with the heart-wrenching reality of leaving Ranran behind. Nicolas and some of the kids didn't cry, but it was evident their faces were clearly unhappy with how things are to become. 

"We can't force her parents to see things our way," Nicolas said, trying to maintain his composure. "As much as we want to take Ranran with us, we have to respect her parents' decision."

"Christopher shouldn't have died!" Isabelle chimed in, her voice cracking with emotion. "Now Ranran is left to fend for herself all alone there!"

Teddy clenched his fists, feeling powerless in the face of the situation. "I hate this. We have all the money in the world, but we are powerless to save one of our own from her pending demise! I don't want her to die like Christopher did!"

"The only thing we can do, Ted, is to trust Ranran." Tiffany placed a hand on Teddy's shoulder, trying to offer some comfort. "We've taught her well, just like how we had survived through harsh means...Ranran will find her own way, eventually....."