Mouri Ran still remembers the last time she was asked to write an essay about becoming a good person.

She was 5 when it happened, in front of the whole class, with her classmates and friends observing her presentation. The title was called 'Becoming a Heroine'.

As Ran stood in front of her classmates, her small hands gripping the sides of the podium, she felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. The classroom was filled with the chatter of her fellow kindergarteners, all curious to hear what she had to say about becoming a heroine.

"Good morning, everyone," Ran began, her voice slightly shaky but determined. She glanced over at Sonoko, who was sitting in the front row, giving her an encouraging thumbs-up. Gathering her thoughts, Ran continued, "Today, I want to talk to you about becoming a heroine. A heroine is someone who is kind, brave, and always helps others. I think being a heroine is really important, and I want to be one when I grow up."

Ran could feel the eyes of her classmates on her, but she pushed through her nervousness. She took a deep breath and continued, "To become a heroine, you need to be nice to your friends and help them when they need it. You should stand up for what is right and be honest. And even when things are scary, you should be brave and never give up."

As she spoke, Ran's confidence began to grow. She could see the smiles and nods from her classmates, and it gave her the motivation to keep going. "Heroes and heroines also have to remember to remain good, even if they feel like they are failing. Just like how my Tousan worked hard to become a great detective, we can practice being kind and helpful every day. And if we make a mistake, it's important to say sorry and learn from it."

Ran's words resonated with her classmates, and she could see their attention focused solely on her. "Being a heroine means being a good friend and always doing our best. It means being there for each other and spreading kindness wherever we go. So, let's all work together to become the best heroes and heroines we can be!"

As Ran finished her presentation, the classroom erupted in applause. Her classmates cheered and clapped, and Ran's heart swelled with pride. She glanced at Sonoko, who was beaming with pride, and then at her teacher, who nodded with approval. Despite her initial nervousness, Ran had successfully delivered her message about becoming a heroine, and she felt a deep sense of accomplishment.

From that day forward, Ran tried to live by the ideals she had spoken about in her presentation. She worked hard to be kind to others, help her friends, and stand up for what was right. And as she reflected on her journey since then, Ran realized that becoming a good person and a true heroine was an ongoing process, shaped by her experiences, challenges, and the people she encountered along the way.

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

But then, now after learning of Ranran's past, that goal of becoming a kind-hearted heroine....has become a distant nightmare.

Sitting in front of Amelia, she felt very sick.

Amelia noticed the change in Ran's demeanour and the distress that washed over her. She could see the internal struggle and conflict within the 6-year-old girl sitting before her.

"You must be wondering.....why Ranran detested you? The answer is pretty straightforward, it may sound harsh, but you are not genuine with her."

Amelia's words cut through the turmoil in Ran's mind, and she looked up at her, her expression a mix of confusion and pain.

"Not genuine?" Ran repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I offered to be her friend, Amelia! But she turned back with a bamboo sword on me in school!"

"Well, don't tell me you didn't approach her with the intention of getting in deep to verify whether she was in a relationship with Shinichi at that time?"

Ran's eyes widened, and she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She hadn't expected Amelia to hit the nail on the head so accurately. Her attempt to befriend Ranran had indeed been driven by her suspicions about her relationship with Shinichi.

"I... I did at that time because of those rumours about her, especially after she framed Shinichi for pushing her off the parkour obstacle course last year." Ran admitted reluctantly, her voice tinged with shame, "Plus the rumours about her in school setting them up with traps so vicious....."

"You know better that she ain't the type to do that sort of stuff unless provoked," Amelia commented on this, "Considering she was working at The Fox for almost 3 years before opening Tantei Association, I am pretty sure she noticed your insincerity straight away. And I too would do anything to kick you out as a member if I have someone like you as a member. Including your former friend, Shinichi."

"I... I was scared," Ran whispered, her voice filled with regret.

"Of what? Of her? Or the fact that you were in the wrong? That she was innocent the entire time, while you are all about your vengeance on getting your crush back from a villainess Ranran? Thanks to the lies weaved by Ishibashi Mamiko?" Amelia taunted.

Tears welled up in Ran's eyes as she looked down at her hands, her voice shaking with emotion."Y-y-you didn't have to sound so harsh!"

"Why shouldn't I? Cause that was how Ranran had to constantly put up with you for the past 2 months, and so did Shinichi, as well as the rest of the members you endangered." Amelia bluntly pointed out, "You have a prejudice towards Ranran, not because she is beautiful, talented and capable. No, you detested her because you can't acknowledge the fact that you did wrong her, that the things she did doesn't fit your 'right' way towards justice. And that is the problem with you: There is no proper 'right' or 'wrong' way when it comes to achieving justice, Ranran is a proper living definition after experiencing something way worst than what Batman had endured. For someone who never experienced hardships the way she did...you are not in a position to judge her. Especially that poor Shinichi....he had every right to leave you."

Ran's tears began to flow freely as Amelia's words struck a chord deep within her. She had been so focused on her own perspective and judgments that she hadn't taken the time to truly understand Ranran and Shinichi's experiences and struggles.

Packing her things as she decided to leave Ran at the cafe, Amelia said, "By the way, if you really feel sorry for Ranran, besides serving the penalty you breached when you and Sonoko signed that contract after those Edgewood kids 'taught you a lesson', also the part that you and that 1-brain cell wench avoided writing your apology towards the two 3000 times, as well as prove yourself that you are genuinely remorseful, there is one more thing you can do."

"How!? I tried everything, and Ranran never took me seriously!" Ran was a bit emotional, but she didn't shout it out loud.

"She never did in the first place because you kept on lying about your intentions on remaining in Tantei Association," Amelia's gaze was stern, "Prove to them that you are no longer under Ishibashi Mamiko's influence anymore, that you were being manipulated."

"What?!" Ran blinked in surprise, not expecting such a suggestion.

"This entire misfortune fell on you and Sonoko because Ishibashi Mamiko manipulated you, Sonoko and Shinichi to go after Ranran in the first place, which is why Ranran grew very wary towards all of you by the time you met her," Amelia sighed over how slow she can be, "Prove it that you are no longer under her influence, that way, not only the entire school will forgive your actions, you would eventually be freed from the hell she put you through. You are after all a victim of her manipulation."

"No, I ain't!" Ran argued, "I barely interacted with her even up till now, so what made you think I am?!"

"You mentioned earlier that you were wary of Ranran's intentions towards Shinichi since you suspected her to be The Fox before it was confirmed at that time," Amelia brushed her own bangs a bit, "Did it not occur to you that Mamiko could've intentionally spread those rumours about Ranran to get you to ruin her? By doing that, Shinichi will think you were too unreasonable, he will distance himself from you?"

Ran's eyes widened as Amelia's words hit her like a revelation.

"There are many ways to manipulate others, Mouri, even if she didn't talk to you straight up the way she did with Sonoko, you trust Sonoko since she is your friend. Plus, Sonoko is dimwitted to see Mamiko's true self, which is probably how your friend was trapped having been caught in a video joking about discouraging Shinichi's career to marry him to you in the first place."

The brunette wiped her tears away with her sleeve, Ran's thoughts were racing.

"Think about what I said, Mouri."

And before Ran could reply, Amelia was gone having left the cafe.

As soon as Amelia made sure she distanced herself from Ran completely, she took out her smartphone to contact one familiar contact before the phone at the other end was picked up. "Ranran? It's me, Amelia. I told her what she needed to hear."

The voice on the other end of the line sounded relieved yet cautious. "Thanks, Amelia."

"I hope this plan of yours works," Amelia replied. "Whether she truly internalizes it and changes her ways is up to her."

"Hm." Ranran hums in approval.

"But seriously, Ranran. About that video...."

"Don't worry, it is done anonymously," Ranran replied.

"No, I don't worry about that," Amelia corrected her while walking down the streets, "I am worried people will put together your role in that video uploaded on that confession site."

"Even if they did, they won't be able to pinpoint that it was directly me."

"And how certain are you?"

"When a person sells a gun to someone, and that someone used the gun to commit a robbery, have you heard of anyone getting arrested for selling the weapon to a robber? Unless the person who supplied the gun doesn't own the legal license to own a gun shop, then they are screwed, Amelia."

Sighing at Ranran's analogy, Amelia chuckled to say, "Sometimes I swear Christopher's influence really sticks by you."

"Do I?"

"He tends to be philosophical and a realist when it comes to life. I feel like sometimes the words you say...it sounds very much like him."

"Ah....is that so?" Ranran's voice held a hint of nostalgia as she replied in silence.

Amelia could sense the depth of emotion in Ranran's voice.

As I thought...Ranran still misses him.

But Amelia said nothing.

After the events of 'The Extinction Heist', the circus troupe she worked for flew back to the U.K. and they temporarily had their activities disbanded till they could figure something out since their circus was under media scrutiny involving animal smuggling by the previous greedy ringmaster, who was arrested in Japan under such charges.

During that period, she rushes back to Edgewood Academy and confronts her classmates about Ranran's activities as The Fox, which is how she later learns the truth behind Christopher's death.

The moment she learned of Christopher's ex-fiance's role in this, she was very riled up.

Amelia grew even more furious when she learned about Ranran's life in Japan after that, how she dealt with them during the 2 miserable months she was there, including how Sonoko's role at the funeral literally ruined things in the worst way unimaginable, that Amelia at some point considered kidnapping those two brutes and ditch them in a cage with the 3 other Bengal tigers her circus troupe still have at their disposal.

It may sound cruel for a 10-year-old contortionist to come up with such a sickening idea, but compared to the hell Ranran had to deal with back in Edgewood, it is nothing.

As she continued walking down the streets, Amelia's thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions. After Christopher's death, everyone had grown to care for Ranran like a sister, and their protective instincts were in full force. Although they would've wanted nothing more than to see Ranran find some semblance of peace and happiness after all she had been through, the events that happened to trigger his death were far too cruel for Christopher, she knew Ranran would never opt for peace.

And honestly, Amelia and the others can't blame her.

"Ranran, the next time something like this happens again, give us a call, alright?"

"Understood. Take care, Amelia," Ranran replied, her voice soft yet filled with a sense of understanding.

With that, Amelia ended the call and continued on her way, her thoughts still heavy with the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future.

"If Marlene is still alive, Ranran wouldn't have turned out like this," Amelia muttered to herself sorrowfully.

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

Meanwhile, Ran was left sobbing in the cafe on her own.

The weight of the revelations, emotions, and confrontations had taken a toll on Ran. She sat alone in the cafe, tears streaming down her face as she grappled with the depth of her mistakes and the pain she had inadvertently caused. The conversation with Amelia had been a harsh wake-up call, shattering the walls of denial and ignorance she had built around herself.

Ran's heart ached as she reflected on her actions and the impact they had on Ranran's life.

She had been blinded by her own assumptions and prejudices, failing to see the truth that was right in front of her. The realization that she had hurt someone who she barely knew a thing, let alone, had led a life filled with hardships was almost too much to bear.

But out of all of this, she hurt and doubted Shinichi.

Amidst her tears, Amelia's words echoed in her mind: "Prove to them that you are no longer under Ishibashi Mamiko's influence anymore."

Ran's tears continued to flow as she contemplated Amelia's words. The weight of her actions and the impact of her wrong assumptions weighed heavily on her heart. She had hurt Ranran and Shinichi, her own family, and she had allowed herself to be manipulated by Mamiko's lies.

Amelia's suggestion to prove herself resonated with Ran. She knew that she needed to make amends and show that she was no longer under Mamiko's influence. But how could she do that? Ishibashi Mamiko is a sociopath, there is no way a girl like her could expose her effortlessly as Ranran would. She barely even had half the intelligence the way Shinichi did.

As she wiped away her tears, Ran grew depressed at that thought.

Sitting there alone in the cafe, Ran's thoughts were a whirlwind of remorse, guilt, and self-doubt. She had been confronted with the harsh reality of her actions, and it was a bitter pill to swallow. The weight of her assumptions and the pain she had unintentionally caused to others weighed heavily on her heart.

Pulling out her phone. She scrolled through her contacts until she found a number in particular. Taking a deep breath, she composed a message:

"Okaasan, there's something important I need to talk to you about. Can we meet in person?"

Sending the message, Ran hoped to verify a couple of things

As she waited for a response, Ran's mind was a mix of anxiety, hope, and uncertainty. She knew that the path ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to confront her mistakes and take the first step towards proving that she had changed.

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

26-year-old Eri Kisaki didn't pick up her smartphone as it rang.

In a way, having recently started out as a "bengoshi" (弁護士) or an "associate lawyer", which is an entry-level position, she couldn't really afford any distractions at the moment.

Since separating from her husband, Mouri Kogoro, she has immersed herself at work dutiful in order to catch up with everything in the world of the laws, and so far, she considers herself lucky that the law firm she works for happens to be a reasonable workplace at Kisaki Law Firm.

In Japan, it ain't a secret that a lot of women are treated more like second-class citizens. Even if they do end up going back to the workforce after having children years later, they are subjected to constantly being looked down upon for not starting out work, and they are better off remaining at home to look after those pesky brutes.

The workplace Eri works at never gave her the benefit of the doubt. She had married young in her 20s, had Ran around that period, and only began work 6 years late, but Eri was a lot more intelligent than people would give a benefit of the doubt.

And the reason she was also able to get to where she is now was also thanks to a certain little girl.

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

The day Eri Kisaki found out around 4 years later that Irene, her other childhood friend, secretly gave birth to a daughter when Irene was around 16, Eri bought the first flight to London to confront her.

3 years ago before Irene vanished in Japan, a lot of things went wrong for the friend Eri had doted on like a young sister. Eri who was around 20 years old at that time had gotten married and was expecting Ran at that time. When she heard there were rumours that someone paid assassins to shoot Irene, Eri dropped everything to warn her at the apartment Irene used to live in.

But by the time she does, Eri is shocked to see the disarray of furniture in the apartment.

The 20-year-old young mother found herself standing in front of Irene's apartment door, a mixture of concern and worry gnawing at her heart. She had last seen her a few weeks ago, and the rumours of assassination attempts had alarmed her to the point of dropping everything and rushing to the apartment Irene was living with at that time in Japan.

Taking a deep breath, Eri raised her hand and knocked on the door. She waited anxiously, hoping to see Irene's familiar face and ensure her safety. Seconds ticked by, but there was no response. Growing increasingly uneasy, Eri tried the doorknob, only to find it unlocked.

Pushing the door open slowly, Eri stepped into the apartment. What she saw inside shocked her to the core. The place was in shambles. Furniture was overturned, belongings scattered, and there were signs of a struggle. Eri's heart raced as she moved further into the apartment, her eyes scanning the area for any sign of Irene.

"Irene? Are you here?" Eri called out, her voice laced with concern.

There was no response. Eri's anxiety deepened, and she quickly pulled out her phone to dial the local authorities. As she waited for them to arrive, she carefully moved through the apartment, her eyes scanning for any clues about what had happened.

It was in the midst of this chaos that Eri's eyes fell on a photograph that had fallen from the wall. She picked it up and her heart clenched at the sight. It was a photo of Irene, smiling brightly alongside Eri and another friend from their childhood, Mouri Kogoro.

Memories of their past flooded back, and Eri's worry for Irene intensified. She knew that Irene had been through a lot, and Eri had always been there to support her. But now, it seemed like Irene was in danger, and Eri was determined to find out the truth.

Just as Eri was about to make another call to the authorities, she noticed something on the floor near the window. It was a torn piece of paper, almost hidden beneath a fallen curtain. Eri picked it up, her eyes widening as she recognized Irene's handwriting.

The message was brief, but it sent a chill down Eri's spine:

"I can't stay here. I have to keep someone safe. Don't look for me."

At that time, Eri had no clue who Irene was referring to.

In the days that followed, Eri worked closely with the authorities, desperately trying to piece together the puzzle of what had happened to Irene. She learned more about the dangerous world Irene had been involved in, especially the bad blood between Irene and the Kudo family, and above all, rumours of Irene having a child out of wedlock.

Eri's determination to find Irene grew stronger with each passing day. She wasn't just a childhood friend; she was family. Eri was determined to do whatever it took to ensure Irene's safety and reunite her with her daughter.

Years later, Eri had managed to uncover the truth behind Irene's disappearance and the threats that had haunted her. It had been a long and perilous journey, but Eri's persistence and determination had paid off.

In London, married with a child.

Not long after, Eri had her husband look after Ran at that time, before purchasing the first ticket to London.

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

The first time Eri met Ranran, that child was around the same age as her own daughter, Ran.

Here was the blue-eyed little girl with red lips standing before her, while Ranran's mother left her with Eri temporarily to buy her ice cream.

The two simply sat in silence awkwardly, as Eri struggled to figure out a small talk over what to say to a 4-year-old child. Although Eri is simply a mother herself, Ranran isn't like her daughter.

In a way, she is simply intellectual. According to Irene's husband, Eri was shocked that Ranran ended up being enrolled in Edgewood Academy, a prestigious school filled with smart children of nobility and royalty.

Which probably explained why Ranran's mannerism was very abnormal for a child her age.

Eri found herself in a situation she hadn't quite anticipated – trying to make conversation with a young girl who seemed to possess a maturity beyond her years. The silence between them felt heavy, and Eri racked her brain for something to say that would engage the child.

"Um... Hi there," Eri finally ventured with a friendly smile in Japanese, hoping to break the ice.

"Hello," Ranran replied, her voice calm and composed. She glanced at Eri with her striking blue eyes, her gaze steady and perceptive.

"I'm Eri," Eri introduced herself, deciding to keep it simple.

"I know," Ranran responded with a small nod. "You're my mother's friend. She spoke a lot about you when I was growing up."

Eri blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected Ranran to know that much about her. "Yes, that's right. Your mother and I have known each other for a long time."

Ranran nodded again as if acknowledging the information.

"Nice to meet you too, Ranran," Eri replied warmly, though she still felt a bit awkward. "So, your mother told me that you studied at Edgewood Academy, how is life there?"

Ranran's expression remained thoughtful as she answered, "It's a fun place."

"Is it?"

"It is," Ranran beamed, "I can freely be my own person. In Edgewood, if all of us studied hard, the school becomes an amusement park for 2 weeks."

Eri chuckled at Ranran's response, finding herself intrigued by the girl's unique perspective. "An amusement park, you say? That sounds like a lot of fun!"

"It is, they build a merry-go-round, roller coasters, and many fun stuff."

The young lawyer's jaw dropped, thinking Ranran was making up such stories since it was considered to be expensive. Still, Eri had to pry a bit more information about this, "You guys have....roller coasters and stuff?"

"Yes, for 2 weeks," Ranran nodded to her, and Eri could tell she wasn't lying. "And one time, our principal told us if the majority of us in school scored A for maths, the whole school would become a video gaming expedition for one month."

Eri couldn't help but be amazed by the descriptions Ranran was providing about her school. It sounded like a place that fostered creativity and unconventional learning methods. The idea of turning the school into an amusement park or a video gaming expedition as incentives for academic achievements was certainly unusual, but it seemed to have a positive impact on the students.

As they continued to chat, Eri found herself becoming more comfortable around Ranran. Despite the age difference and the initial awkwardness, there was something about Ranran's demeanour that put Eri at ease. She sensed a wisdom and maturity in the young girl that went beyond her years.

"Ranran, you seem to be happy there," Eri remarked sincerely.

Ranran's smile faltered for a moment, her expression turning slightly melancholic. "I hope so."

Eri noticed the change in Ranran's expression and realized that there might be more to the story. "Is something bothering you?"

Ranran hesitated for a moment, her blue eyes searching Eri's face as if trying to gauge her sincerity. Then, she spoke softly, "I....don't want to move to Japan."

The young lawyer's brows furrowed slightly as she listened to Ranran's confession. It ain't a surprise that Irene and her husband plan to move back to Japan after the commotion has died down, since they grew up there their entire life.

Lately, Irene shared with her that she had made the decision to withdraw Ranran from the academy because she thought it wasn't the same as it was when Irene enrolled there as a child. When Irene was little, the reward was merely imported chocolates and candy.

But times had changed, and so did the incentives.

The lawyer's heart went out to Ranran as she saw the conflict in the young girl's eyes. It was evident that Ranran had grown attached to her life at Edgewood Academy and the unique environment it provided. Eri Kisaki doesn't know of any school that would spoil its students the way Edgewood Academy does, even when she was growing up in Japan, The most prestigious school she did her research on in Japan never did it the way Edgewood Academy does.

So it ain't surprising why Ranran did not want to go. It would be a no-brainer, and even Eri herself would not want to leave if she was in Ranran's shoes.

"I can imagine how difficult that must be for you, Ranran," Eri said softly. "Leaving a place where you've found joy and comfort can be really tough."

Ranran's gaze remained fixed on the ground, and Eri could sense the internal struggle the young girl was facing. She knew that Ranran's parents' decision to move back to Japan had likely caused a lot of upheaval and uncertainty in her life. "I told them to ditch me with the butlers and maids at great-grandmother's house while they go to Japan, they say no."

"Really?" Eri blinked, this is not what she was expecting from the 4-year-old.

"They always fly overseas to work, while I remain at home with grandma and grandfather. Why can't they do the same for me then? I didn't live there for the first 4 years of my life, I know nobody there, they do."

"They....work a lot?" Eri's brows shot up.

"They do, that is the price when great grandmother offered to pay for my education. And I am living well. So just let me remain here, I told them. However, my mother scolded me for being unreasonable, saying no parent would abandon their child overseas. I say it wouldn't be any different living in Japan, but they argue that remaining in Edgewood Academy, doesn't really reflect the real world."

Ranran looked up at Eri, her blue eyes filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty. "Eri-Obaasan, could you tell them to let me remain here? If I go to Japan...I know I won't be happy."

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

"Irene, can you not simply let your daughter remain in the UK with your grandmother? She had the means to raise her here." Eri found herself asking Irene after they dropped Ranran back home.

Irene looked weary, her eyes reflecting the complexity of the situation. "Eri, you know how important family is to us. We can't just leave her halfway across the world. She needs her parents."

"I understand your perspective, Irene. But Ranran is really attached to her life at Edgewood Academy. She's thriving there, why would you not let her remain there if she is doing well there and achieving things there?"

Irene sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I know, Eri. But it's not just about her education and comfort. There's a lot more going on that she doesn't fully understand."

Eri's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean?"

Irene hesitated as if debating how much to reveal. Finally, she spoke, her voice tinged with a hint of worry, "Ranran....is learning things she shouldn't be learning."

Eri's eyes widened in realization. "What are you talking about?"

"A few months ago, one of the kids in Edgewood Academy was expelled for strangling her."

The lawyer's eyes widened in shock as Irene's words sunk in. "Hah!?" Eri's voice was filled with disbelief. "How did something like that happen?"

"Honestly, I don't know," Irene's expression turned sombre, and she began to explain. "Around last year, Ranran had started to receive calls from many children of high prestigious backgrounds, requesting her to do this or that."

"And what is it they seek for?"

"That is the thing, I had no idea," Irene groaned, before lamenting, "I don't think the calls stopped since she began school, and Ranran is very secretive over what goes on. If that wasn't bad enough, she knew the laws of the country, which never happened before since she detested studying. And then without warning, she requested she retake the mannerisms of nobles. Before this, she was at the bottom among her peers, now, she is the highest academy-wise."

"Irene, have you tried talking to her about this? Finding out what's really going on?" Eri asked urgently.

"I have," Irene nodded with a sigh. "But Ranran is incredibly closed off about it. She insists that she's fine and that I shouldn't worry. She's become so...self-assured and almost secretive. It's like she's transformed into a different person since she started school. And she is only 4 years old! But do you know what is the scariest part, Eri?"

Without waiting for her reply, Irene revealed, "Whenever I argued with my daughter, I always said she was too naive to understand. And it's normal for a 3-year-old, especially when she started out at Edgewood Academy, I didn't think she would smarten up. She was never into studying after all. But as time went on, everytime I argued about her doing something wrong and attempted to punish her, she always finds a way to turn the situation back to her favour. And it is honestly disturbing. For instance: during Halloween last year, I instructed her to put the candy and chocolates in the fridge, The plan was for her dad and I to eat it to avoid letting her eat too much since it is bad for her, then lie up front that the ants ate it. Yet, she somehow was able to have access to some expensive bug cameras installed in the kitchen, demanded we pay up, or that she will legally sue us for lying and theft to a child."

As Irene recounted the incident with the bug cameras and Ranran's legal threats, Eri's eyes widened in disbelief. "Bug cameras? Legal threats? This is beyond anything I could have imagined."

"Oh, it gets worse," Irene then listed another incident, "Another time, she was able to have several teachers kicked out aftee gathering evidence of their supposed misconduct. She presented her findings to the school board and administrators, accusing the teachers of things that were damaging to their reputation."

Eri's astonishment grew as she heard about the extent of Ranran's actions. "Really? This is far beyond the actions of a typical child. How is she even capable of doing all this? Also, did those teachers really do that?"

"I wish I knew," Irene sighed heavily. "It's like she's become this incredibly shrewd and calculating child. And yes, those teachers did in fact do that."

"Well....isn't that a good thing?" Eri asked, slightly puzzled by Irene's reaction. "She is exposing the school's corruption."

"Don't get me wrong, the principal of Edgewood Academy explained to me Ranran is a good girl who rarely troubles anyone in school unlike back in the day when she first started out. But I don't like the fact that Ranran seemed to have connections and influence within the academy, even to the point of getting them to enforce discipline on her behalf, was both surprising and worrisome, Eri. Especially since she is only 4!"

"Is there anyone at the academy who might be influencing her? A particular teacher, perhaps?"

Irene shook her head. "I've met her teachers and they seem to genuinely care about the students. They haven't reported any unusual behaviour from her."

"Alright, then it had to be her classmates."

"No, not possible. They ain't...I don't mean to be rude, but they are way slower than Ranran."

"Is it? But I thought you mentioned she was placed in the most gifted class despite scoring the lowest in her grade?" Eri pointed out, before asking out of curiosity, "Wait, how did she even end up there if she despise studying?"

"Well, she intentionally sabotaged her own student interview by impersonating some autistic child!"

Taken aback by the revelation, Eri pressed, "How did that happen?"

"She watched some documentary on TV back at our house, but I don't think she knew the true definition back then." Irene pondered about this before shaking her head, "Anyway, I did take her to see a professional psychiatrist, they say the reason her IQ is kinda high was likely due to an injury she had when that stupid nurse delivered her as a baby, the part of her brain that is supposed to regulate her emotions is dead, so the brain had to re-route some neural connections to compensate for the loss. And that supposedly had something to do with enhancing her cognitive functions."

Eri listened intently, her concern for Ranran growing with each new revelation.

"Before, I used to worry that if I gave birth to a daughter who is born an idiot, she can't look after herself. But now...I think I am regretting my trips to the church to beg for this to happen to her."

"Irene...."

"I was born to a single mother, even with the brains I had back then like Ranran, I thought when my estranged grandmother found out about us, sending Ranran to Edgewood was the right decision. Which was, I ain't going to lie. She learned a lot of things I never got to before my mother took me to Japan."

"....but?"

".....why does it feel like I've lost my daughter in the process?" Irene let out a heavy sigh before continuing, her voice tinged with a mix of regret and frustration. "She's not the same Ranran I knew anymore. Before she was innocent-like and helpful around us despite being cunning. After being in Edgewood for over 2 years.....she's become this...prodigious, calculative and astute child, but it's as if her innocence and carefree nature have vanished. Now, she just simply looks at us two, both her father and I, then assumes we are out to spring out lies one after another toward us. Especially when she found out ahead before we broke the news that we were moving to Japan next year for good...she completely lost it!"

"In the first place, you did the same thing to her when you both announced you would be moving away from the slums when she was around 2, and didn't even consult with her when you both decided to ship her to Edgewood Academy, so it ain't surprising she went mad." Eri sighed.

"Anyway, she has to move to Japan, I know this is devastating, but she has to. Letting her remain in a school where the rewards are unusually high...I don't want her to be coddled."

Eri reached out and gently placed a hand on Irene's shoulder. "She will get it one day."

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

Around December, things took a turn for the worse.

Many things had happened to Ranran so unpredictably, that a huge argument blew out between Irene and Ranran. To hear that Ranran was kidnapped, having witnessed her friend murdered by his abusive mother, and everything in between, Irene decided to speed up the moving date in Japan, which caused a huge fallout between mother and daughter.

Eri knew things were bad when Irene texted her to meet up at a bar.

And worst, she was drunk.

When she arrived, she spotted Irene sitting alone at a dimly lit corner table, a half-empty glass of alcohol in front of her. Irene looked dishevelled, her usually composed demeanour shattered. It was clear that her recent argument with Ranran had taken a toll on her.

"Eri," Irene slurred, her words slightly slurred as she noticed her friend's arrival. She attempted a weak smile, but it faltered quickly.

Eri rushed to Irene's side, concern etched on her face. She sat down across from her friend and gently reached out to take Irene's hand. "Irene, are you okay? What happened?"

Irene let out a bitter laugh, her eyes filled with a mix of frustration and sadness. "Nothing's okay, Eri. Ranran...she's...I don't even know how to describe it. We had a terrible argument, and she told me...she told me every single decision I and my husband had made had never once been in her favour, that she always ended up having to pay the price."

"Irene...."

"She despises me, Eri. When that boy died in front of her eyes, after that kidnapping incident....she ran away and hid herself in one of the mansions of her friend's house, she had to be sedated. And she is only 4."

The situation had escalated to a point that even Eri, with all her legal and maternal instincts, felt at a loss for words.

"She thinks I am a meddling mother who controls her like a puppet, and that boy who died was the only one who understood her. She said as soon as she moved to Japan, there would be no one to talk to Christopher at his gravestone anymore, I told her to stop being dramatic. In the end, she said those words I never forget: 'You both move to Japan, I am never going there. I studied in Edgewood for 2 years, I would rather die as an Edgewood kid. So abandon me as your daughter, I can look after myself without parents anymore.' before slamming the door shut."

Eri listened to Irene's words with a heavy heart, her concern for her friend and Ranran deepening with each passing moment. The situation seemed to have reached a breaking point, and the emotional toll it was taking on Irene was evident. She squeezed Irene's hand gently, offering comfort through her presence.