While Ranran and Shinichi remained at Professor Agasa's place, Sergeant Genzo contacted Agasa to ensure the two remained at home.

It wasn't possible to slip away, given the fat professor constantly ensuring neither of the two children escaped to search for Emiko. And the recent update of the search wasn't good, given that despite sealing every single road, they are nowhere to be found.

When Ranran offered to go, he barked at her to remain with Shinichi before hanging up.

The two children sat in front of the TV, while Professor Agasa had gone to prepare dinner for the two. It was an anime cartoon, but their minds were elsewhere. "Ranran, what are we going to do with Emiko once she returns? I mean if she really is a royal, we are going to be in serious trouble, are we not?"

And Ranran knew why Shinichi had every reason to worry. Everyone had spoken ill of how royal families are to society in the HQ. Although Emiko didn't seem disturbed or insulted by their choice of words, and though she may not share the same kind of privilege that befits any royal child of the 21st century, she may be secretly pretending and could've reported all of this to the imperial family, who may soon make their lives difficult.

Although they are living in the modern era where beheading is no longer an option, Ranran knows there are millions of ways a royal can make one's life difficult. A case point is Queen Elizebeth The Second's mother in the U.K, who was at that time seeing someone else, but then somehow was tricked into marrying the Queen's biological father, a royal of the palace, which is how things came to an end for them.

That's right, one shouldn't underestimate the abilities of 'The Firm' back in the U.K. Although they are in Japan, Ranran and Shinichi are acutely aware of the potential complications that could arise from Emiko's royal background. The power and influence of royal families were not to be taken lightly, even in the modern era. The fear of repercussions weighed heavily on Shinichi's mind the most.

"If Emiko is indeed connected to the royal family, things could get very complicated," Shinichi murmured, his brow furrowed in thought. "We should kick her out of the association."

"She knows too many things in the association, doing that won't do us good. Just words to the press is enough to bring this association to an end." Ranran pointed out.

"Then what do you think we should do, Ranran?" Shinichi groaned towards her, "She is a huge threat to the association just by her association with the Imperial family! And she didn't even bother to reveal any of this to us when she was brought over!"

Ranran leaned back against the couch, her mind racing with possibilities. 

"I know I may be too much, but Emiko must be kicked out of the association." Shinichi decided.

"Are you not afraid of the intel business she ran back then before coming here?" Ranran reminded him.

"I don't care! I mean....then what? If we continue to keep her around, I don't know where her loyalties lie." Shinichi mumbled about his concerns as he slumped, "Don't get me wrong, she did us a lot of help for several cases, but this is something neither of us could go up against."

The founder sighed, knowing Shinichi was right. The situation was incredibly complex and delicate. They couldn't afford to take any risks, especially when it came to the association's security and integrity.

"I'll tell you what," Ranran decided, "When Emiko gets back, we are going to grill her."

"Eh?!"

"I told you before, I dealt with kids like them before in Edgewood Academy, even though I am a half-blood noble. I won't hesitate to go after a princess of a royal family if I had to keep this association running."

Shinichi's eyes widened in surprise. Ranran's determination was clear, and he knew she wasn't one to back down easily. 'I have a bad feeling about this, Ranran." Shinichi can't help but express his worry.

"We don't have a choice," Ranran met Shinichi's gaze, her expression resolute. "It's one thing if she wants to keep this a secret from us, fair enough. But it's another to unknowingly endanger us all with her background concealed from us all."

As they sat in the living room, their minds filled with worry and uncertainty, they both knew that the days ahead would be filled with difficult decisions and tense conversations.

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

As soon as Landon slowed down the motorbike and came to a stop, the 10-year-old Prince ordered Emiko to, "Wait here." When Emiko was about to shout at him he placed a hand over her mouth, "If you are smart enough, Emiko, not to lose your own life," he whispered "For our own safety, wait here and don't make a sound!"

With that, he silently stalked off up the road alone and vanished into the darkness. The ticking sound of the bike's cooling engine was the only noise she heard.

Now that Landon is gone, here is her chance.

Emiko then studied the motorbike. Though she may be 9-years-old, she'd ridden one before, and that is the one with the side-car owned by Ranran and Shinichi. Of course, Shinichi did try to balance it out once without the side-car, should any unusual situations occur, and every single member of the association was recently taught how to balance it out.

So in other words, Emiko knew how to ride this thing back.

The problem was, that Landon was too smart since he had taken the key. She stamped her foot. If only she was taught how to hotwire a motorbike.

Sadly, however, that lesson is supposed to be covered under Ranran next week. Hell, Emiko now doesn't even know whether she will get to remain there after they learn of her background. This itself was enough to make her grow dejected.

Screw it, now isn't the time to feel this way.

Right now, she is going to tell Landon off about kidnapping her across the way and demand answers from him!

Emiko's determination overpowered her initial shock and fear. She refused to be a passive victim in this situation. She was going to confront Landon and demand answers.

With careful steps, she approached the direction Landon had gone, keeping her senses sharp for any sign of his return. The darkness of the night seemed to envelop her, the forest around her seeming even more intimidating.

Then she caught the sound of voices beyond a bend in the road.

She crept forward carefully, clinging to the shadows

Soon she could make out the shape of a long black car parked by the roadside. Then moving closer, she saw the two figures, talking in the same strange language Landon had used in the car park.

Landon was explaining something, a smug grin on his face. He was with a huge, powerfully built man who had his back to her when the man turned briefly she stifled a gasp. There was no mistaking, it was none other than General Stefan.

The same man who allegedly Landon attempted to flee all the way to Japan and seek the association's help!

A lot of questions are now running through Emiko's mind, why on earth is Landon chatting with his enemy who is out to kill him!? Hell, what were they doing out here together in the forest and what they were talking to each other about?

As Emiko edged back into the shadows, her mind reeling. When she had retraced her steps to the bend in the road, she broke cover and sprinted back to the motorbike. She thought about waiting by the bike for Landon's return but decided against it. Whatever General Stefan and Landon are talking about, she doesn't want to know.

All she knows now is to flee. And the chance to escape is now.

Emiko then began to run toward the airport highway putting as much distance as possible between herself and Landon. A few minutes later she heard him calling her name. When the savage roar of the motorbike split the silence of the forest, she left the road and dived behind a vine-covered tree.

No sooner had she concealed herself in the scrub than Landon flashed past, his face east in anger. Within moments, another sound drew nearer and the long black car swept by She caught sight of The General behind the wheel.

She waited, listening to the engines dying away in the darkness. The forest was again a silent place. She darted back onto the road, sprinting in the direction of the airport highway.

Emiko's heart pounded in her chest as she ran through the dark forest. The adrenaline coursed through her veins, propelling her forward. She could still hear the faint echoes of Landon's voice calling her name.

She knew she needed to put as much distance between herself and Landon as possible. She couldn't trust him, not after what she had witnessed. His alliance with General Stefan was a dangerous game, and Emiko had no intention of becoming a pawn in their schemes.

The night air was cool against her skin, and the forest seemed to close in around her. She pushed herself to keep moving, her determination overriding any sense of fatigue. Her thoughts raced, trying to piece together the events that had led to this moment.

As she finally reached the airport highway, she looked around for any signs of civilization. She needed to find help, someone she could trust. With renewed purpose, Emiko set off down the highway, her steps determined. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was prepared to face whatever challenges awaited her. The night was filled with uncertainty, but Emiko refused to be passive. She would confront the truth, no matter how difficult it may be. 

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

After the fifth call from Sergeant Genzo, Professor Agasa approached the Kudo children to deliver them the news, "Good news, Emiko is found."

With the two children standing up in shock, the first thing Ranran asked was, "Is Landon with her?" 

"No. As a matter of fact, she saw something strange which urged her to leave. Something about some General seen discussing with Landon at the forest."

"EH!?" Shinichi and Ranran's eyes widened in shock before Shinichi in disbelief questioned his neighbour, "Are you sure Sergeant Genzo said that?!"

"Wait, seriously!?" Ranran sounded confused "Landon talking to his enemy?"

Ranran and Shinichi exchanged wide-eyed glances, trying to process this unexpected turn of events. It was a lot to take in. Landon's collaboration with General Stefan was beyond surprising.

"How did Sergeant Genzo discover her by the way?" Ranran questioned the professor.

"Found a public phone while running down the road, had some money with her to make the call, so they will be picking her up from there," Agasa explained.

"We need to get to Emiko," Ranran said, her determination flaring. "She's out there on her own, and we can't leave her like that."

Professor Agasa nodded in agreement. "I'll take you both to the airport. We need to act quickly."

When they arrived at the airport, Sergeant Genzo filled them in on the latest developments. The search for Landon was in full swing, but there was no sign of any of them yet. With a police car driving across the road where the call was made by Emiko, the two children hope to spot her.

In the back seat, the sergeant spread out a map and studied it while his driver sliced through the traffic. "She said she's in a forest," Ranran glanced at the map. There's a road off the main airport highway"

Sergeant Genzo tapped the map with a finger, "Got it. It's an old access road, used for emergencies." He then radioed ahead for other cars to seal the road.

"I am a bit worried that Landon will get to her first before us." Shinichi grew worried.

"Don't worry about that, if The General or Landon try to go back for her...." Ranran told him with a sly smile formed on her red lips, while revealing in a menacing tone, "I had Sergeant Genzo's men in having their cars parked in such a way....they'll be begging to be tortured."

Sergeant Genzo gave Ranran a look, torn between amusement and reprimand. 

"What do you mean, Ranran?" Shinichi is interested to know more.

Ranran leaned in closer to Shinichi and whispered, "Since Landon had committed two crimes, one is burglary and the recent one is kidnapping, adding the fact that Emiko confirmed the sighting of General Stefan interacting with Landon, plus the fact that she is considered a minor....this means General Stefan and Landon is considered to have committed a rather grave crime onto a minor, no?"

Shinichi's eyes widened in realization. "You don't mean...."

"In Japan, when you commit something this big, not even the embassy of Norway can protect you," Ranran finished Shinichi's sentence with a knowing glint in her eyes. "We're talking about international law here. Which happens to be the big trap Landon and General Stefan wouldn't see coming. With this set in motion, General Stefan will lose his privileges with the Norway secret police he brought over since he is a kidnap compliance thanks to Emiko's words."

"You really...." Shinichi's expression shifted from surprise to amusement, "You are playing with fire, Ranran."

Ranran's face remained resolute, her eyes flashing with determination. "Sometimes, you have to play with fire to catch the snakes, Shinichi. And in this case, Landon and General Stefan are the snakes I am willing to roast into BBQ."

Sergeant Genzo glanced at the 6-year-old girl in the rearview mirror, by this point, he was shuddering in fear as to what sort of individual she grew up into when she became a teenager. 

Perhaps 'that man' was right about his daughter, he is worried no one is going to marry his daughter with such a questionable personality.

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

As soon as the car swept into the forest, around half a kilometre later Emiko appeared in the headlights and the police car braked. 

Emiko stood in the headlights of the approaching police car, her breaths coming fast and her heart pounding in her chest. Relief washed over her as she realized she was no longer alone in the darkness.

Sergeant Genzo and the others quickly exited the vehicle, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. Shinichi was the first to come out of the car, followed by Ranran.

"You guys!" shrieked Emiko."I knew you would find me!"

"Yeah, we sure do." Shinichi honestly didn't know how to behave around Emiko, now that he knew of her true heritage.

Even Ranran didn't know how to react to this. As a half-noble who used to study at Edgewood Academy, when she was The Fox, she had a fair share of cases with such surprise of their clients before, which is a norm.

The problem was...they had known Emiko for months, and although she reserves her own right to not speak of any of this, Ranran can't help but wonder what her motive to join them if that were the case. Especially before joining the association, Emiko had her own intel business which ran well.

Now that Ranran thinks back, a lot of questions about her intel business probably made sense. Since Emiko was born into royalty, that probably meant she had some access to some specific intel, which explains how she was able to keep that business running afloat as soon as her parents divorced.

But judging her mannerisms....she doesn't have the basics.....was she pretending the entire time?

Ranran thought hard about it. No matter how hard she thinks, she believes she ain't. Based on her detective instincts, even that one time when they were all dining at a fancy restaurant, even if Emiko pretended to be average, Ranran would've easily noticed Emiko's attempt to conceal those mannerisms, cause this is a habit one can't walk away from at ease. 

Sergeant Genzo arrived by Emiko's side before deciding, "We'd better get you home," he said.

А look of real terror flashed in Emiko's eyes. "No! My mother will kill me!"

"I don't think so," Sergeant Genzo laughed."I've explained the situation to her and said that Landon kidnapped you against your will while walking back from the cafe, so she'll just be glad to see you. I won't ask you for a statement now, but in the evening when I am done with my work shift, I'll be coming over to Mio's shop to Tantei Association, and talk then. In the meantime, I'll have two patrol cars downstairs at your apartment, just in case Landon or The General decides to pay you a visit."

In the car, the atmosphere was tense.

For a moment, Sergeant Genzo didn't know what to make of the silence between the three children. Ranran and Shinichi were simply eying with wariness towards Emiko, who felt like a stranger to them now. The revelation of her royal heritage had created an invisible divide, as if Emiko was the exotic animal, while the Kudo children were the viewers.

As the car drove through the night, Emiko's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She had been through so much in such a short span of time. Her encounter with Landon and General Stefan had shaken her to the core, and now facing Ranran and Shinichi felt equally daunting.

Finally, Emiko broke the silence. "About my-"

"Your situation involving 'that'.....that needs to be addressed tomorrow in the association." Ranran decided, interrupting Emiko, "Otherwise...we can't afford to have you remain in there, Miyama-san."

Emiko's eyes widened at the firmness in Ranran's voice. It was clear that Ranran was not willing to let this matter go unresolved. The weight of the situation settled on Emiko's shoulders.

"What happened to you earlier...because we had no knowledge of your background...Landon could've almost gotten away with it." Shinichi justifies Ranran's stance on this, with a stern look, "As Ranran said, it could've caused a World war and stuff...and we already had to deal with that psychotic Ishbashi Mamiko at school, had she known about this.....it would've been easy to shut down the association we worked hard to open."

The artist's heart sank at the gravity of the situation. She had not fully comprehended the potential consequences of keeping her royal background hidden. It was not just about her own safety, but about the security and stability of the Tantei Association.

"Of course, you can keep your background and leave it unsaid. Whatever links you had with that family, if it is painful to bring it up, then don't. However...." Ranran had to drop the bomb, "If you don't clarify everything, then you can't remain in the association anymore."

Emiko's heart sank at Ranran's ultimatum.

As soon as the car stopped in front of Emiko's apartment, the moment Emiko set foot out of the police car, Shinichi told Sergeant Genzo to wait as he accompanied Emiko to the entrance of her apartment while telling Ranran to remain.

While Emiko and Shinichi walked towards the entrance, the air was heavy with tension. Each step seemed to carry the weight of the difficult conversation that was about to take place. 

"Shinichi, I-"

"Emiko, when Ran brought you over to the association, I remembered you were busy selling intel of the other kids in Teitan Elementary school, right? To survive, because everyone was about to learn about your parents' divorce?"

Emiko's eyes widened in surprise before nodding in silence.

"Back then, when Ran brought you over the first time....the first thing that came to my mind was.....this girl was out to gather intel about Ranran's past. Because her intel is worth the highest within Teitan Elementary school by her enemies." Shinichi remembered.

Emiko's heart sank further at Shinichi's words. The realization that her past actions had raised suspicion among the very people she had come to trust was a bitter pill to swallow.

"Kudo-" Emiko stammered. 

"I know you had to do it to survive, after all, when it comes to survival....there is no right or wrong way. However...." With him slumping a bit, he spoke with a steely gaze, "As much as you belong to the royal family, it will remain as it is back in the association. So if there was anything you did wrong, especially towards Ranran, I may have to punish you the same way the rest of the members do if they do something wrong. You get that, right?"

The 9-year-old felt a mixture of emotions coursing through her.

As they reached the entrance of Emiko's apartment building, Shinichi paused, his gaze meeting hers. "Of course, you won't end up like Mouri Ran. You didn't go around pestering and meddling like she did. And I am certain by tomorrow, you probably won't address why you hid this secret from us, because we are more members rather than personal friends. However, I feel like aside from this excuse to remain just to try and obtain intel from Ranran if she ever did something wrong or right for your survival's sake, I think you should reflect tonight on whether you want to remain there out of survival, or for the sake of being with the other members whom you had bonded personally."

Emiko listened to Shinichi's words carefully, before replying, "What made you think you I have bonded with them?"

"You can tell," Shinichi looked at Emiko for a moment, his gaze steady. "Although you are still as analytical and cynical, you always hung out with Michio and Junko, or even any of us during recess."

"I did that because those kids couldn't help but keep asking questions about our adventures," Emiko scoffed.

"That creates a bond, even if it doesn't always feel like it."

Is it?

Emiko listened to Shinichi's words, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. 

"Just think about it, Emiko." He greeted her good night before leaving her in front of the apartment, as his statement hung in the air.

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

"So it finally happened...."

10-year-old Nagano Shinobu, the former drummer of Red Illumination/ Emiko's boyfriend, with whom Emiko shared everything that had happened through her computer in her bedroom, spoke through the computer screen. His expression was a mix of concern and curiosity.

Nagano Shinobu and Miyama Emiko knew each other during Tantei Association's fourth major case, The Red Drongos' Deception, where he was framed by his two cousins for scheming their kidnapping. When the truth was revealed, Shinobu who is also called Shirou to those who know him, had no choice but to disband their boyband unit, Red Illumination.

Nowadays, he has been doing multiple gigs as a solo artist overseas back in Los Angeles.

Emiko sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Yeah, it did. They know everything now."

Shinobu's eyes widened in surprise. "How did they take it?"

"It's... complicated," Emiko replied, her voice carrying a hint of weariness. "They're giving me an ultimatum. Either I come clean about everything, or I leave the Tantei Association."

Shinobu frowned, clearly worried for Emiko. "That's a tough spot to be in. What are you going to do?"

Emiko shook her head, her gaze distant. "I don't know, Shiro. I never thought it would come to this. I've grown attached to the association, but at the same time, I've kept so much hidden. I'm not sure if I'm ready to reveal everything."

"I don't personally think you should talk about it if you are not ready to deal with it. Also, that damn Landon....how dare he!? He knows you are not single, and yet for a prince, he tried to kidnap you to marry you!? For some damn gold chair in some palace!?"

"It can't be helped," Emiko's expression hardened at the mention of Landon. "Selfish and entitled, I knew Ranran warned me beforehand on what we may be dealing with, but this is too much!"

"It ain't your fault, Emiko," Shinobu's eyes flashed with anger. "If anyone is at fault, it is that damn prince! I mean he was raised in a better family compared to mine, it's one thing that he was raised with luxury, but it was another that he was also raised with love, unlike my dysfunctional family! Yet, he had the audacity to point a gun at you and try to marry you in another country, hell, and he is 10 like me!"

The artist could feel Shinobu's frustration resonating through the screen. She appreciated his unwavering support, and it gave her a small measure of comfort.

"By the way, is it true he had 2 ex-fiances!?" Shinobu probed for answers.

Emiko nodded solemnly.

"You listen closely," Shinobu's expression darkened. "When the association or police capture him, call me over, I will book the first direct flight to Japan and give him a taste of his own medicine!"

The artist couldn't help but chuckle at Shinobu's fiery determination. It was both reassuring and endearing to know that he had her back.

"The police are already on the lookout for Landon, and I trust Sergeant Genzo to handle the situation,"  She said, a small smile playing on her lips, though she then saddened, "The same kind of trust from the association members however...would be a different story."

"I can imagine that," Shinobu frown's deepened, "Shinichi would probably be protective over Ranran, given your intel business. Especially with that....psycho name Mamiko who tried to kill her before, right?"

Emiko's face darkened at the memory of Mamiko's attempted attack on Ranran.

"So have you....decided to tell them about 'that chapter' of your life?" Shinobu questioned the girl.

"Honestly, I ain't sure anymore," Emiko hesitated for a moment before responding. "Truthfully, when I joined the association, it was out of curiosity over what sort of person Ranran is. Cause I wanted to see if she was a bad child since her intel was the most valuable among the kids of Teitan Elementary school."

"Oh yeah, you mentioned you planned to use the money you earn through the intel for your artist dreams, deshou?"

"It ain't like Shinichi and Ranran were not aware as to why I remained there in the first place," Emiko huffed while leaning her back against the chair, "It's not like I won't be able to survive without the association."

".....but?" Shinobu encourages her to continue.

"How should I put this?"Emiko sighed, a mix of frustration and uncertainty in her voice, "It's like broccoli my grandfather used to cook for me, even though I hate eating it, you eventually grow used to eating it. Without it, it felt missing."

"I think I get that," Shinobu nodded in understanding while reminiscing about his past, "There were times when I was still struggling out as a solo artist, I kinda wish Ryo and Kyo were with me before the kidnapping incident."

"Really?" Emiko's brows shot up, "Even though they framed you for their kidnapping and almost cost you your career as a drummer/singer?"

"It ain't that. Just that sometimes when I step foot in front of the microphone to perform in front of a large crowd, I would think of Ryo." To Emiko's surprise, he explained, "Back then as a drummer, I was always performing behind his and Kyo's back. Always whining about the musical instruments and singing voices never up to par, because I can hear while they can't. Now that I become a singer myself...I think I roughly get why Ryo decided he had to help Kyo achieve that plan."

"You've come a long way, Shiro. With the kidnapping and everything." Emiko added, her voice filled with sadness.

As much as Shiro is now successful, there are also many other things he was forced to deal with.

When the kidnapping incident was revealed to the press shortly after, Shiro had to deal with many things: That his parents he grew up is weren't his, multiple of his family relatives were arrested, Ryo and Kyo ended up in a mental hospital, as well as him being thrust into the limelight as 'The Tragic Drummer of Red Illumination who was falsely frame, it was too hellish for the 10-year-old boy.

"There are not bad kids, despite what they did to me," Shinobu nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Ryo-san back then was the one who demanded his parents to take me in after the abuse between my so-called deadbeat parents was revealed back then."

"Eh!? He actually did that?" Emiko exclaimed, a little stunned by this revelation.

"And Kyo-kun did the same, all of this took place before we became famous. If there were any true perpetrators at fault in all of this that I truly blame, it was mostly their parent's fault." Shinobu scoffed bitterly, " Always demanding their paycheck despite all of us being child entertainers. Also, they were always pressuring them to distance themselves from me, because of my dysfunctional background, which is why they ended up doing this to me."

"I had no idea, Shiro," Emiko said softly.

"And Kyo was a good kid. Could've been, had he not fallen for that devil back in my school." Shinobu slumped at that in response, "Sometimes, I feel guilty If I had  been more insistent over the fact that the girl he fell for was a horrible little girl, Kyo wouldn't scheme against me, while Ryo wouldn't have ended up doing the things Kyo influence him to do."

"You can't blame all of that on yourself, Shiro," Emiko sighed, before rationalizing with him, "When she was alive, you told her straight away rather than mislead her feelings, if it were differently, it wouldn't have changed the outcome Ryo and Kyo had towards you."

"Emiko...."

"I asked Ranran a lot about that girl who harassed you, apparently, before moving into the school you were all in back then, she grew up in a loving family with wealth at her fingertips. And yet, despite not lacking anything, she still ended up gaslighting and harassing a boy her family brought into falling for her. Even when her father told her not to, she never stopped. At some point, even pitted two boys against each other for the sake of her entertainment. By all accounts, with the things she did despite being brought up with a good upbringing, she is nothing but a purely malicious girl that could easily dupe anyone at her fingertips."

"Even so, I could've done more," he admitted quietly. "I was the foul mouth trouble kid drummer who would confront anyone bluntly if they lie to me, and yet, I was never able to get Ryo and Kyo to realize any of this despite me telling them so."

"Well, it's their fault for choosing to ignore the red flags you place in front of them," Emiko said gently, reaching out to him through the computer screen. "They choose to see what they want to see, so it is something one has to pay the price with their sins."

The two shared a moment of quiet understanding, the weight of their respective pasts hanging in the air. It was a moment of vulnerability and connection that deepened their bond.

As they continued to talk, Emiko found herself feeling grateful for Shinobu's presence in her life. He was someone who understood the complexities of her past and the challenges she faced. His unwavering support provided her with a sense of strength and reassurance.

"So honestly, what are you going to do tomorrow at the association?" Shinobu questioned the girl.

Emiko took a moment to consider Shinobu's question. It was clear that she needed to make a decision about how she would address the situation with the Tantei Association.

"I think," Emiko began slowly, "I need to sort out whether those members meant a lot to me as a friend."

"I agree," Her boyfriend nodded knowingly, "I know it wasn't easy for you. Honestly, when you told me that you belong to the Imperial family of Japan, I almost fell out of my seat and thought you were joking."

"I wish it were a joke, Shiro. Cause it was an awful period, and when I was freed from it all, it felt great." Emiko admits with a slump, "But talking about it even though those days are long gone...it is unbearable to talk it out."

"And I can't blame you, you had to deal with fake friends, politics, and many more unnecessary nonsense for a 9-year-old. Even I myself would admit that I would go mad in your shoes." With further silence, Shinobu decided he had to ask, "Truthfully, I think you should ask yourself this question: Can you foresee going back to your lonely days in school running your intel business, without interacting with any of the members anymore?"

Emiko listened to Shinobu's words carefully, his question hitting close to home. It forced her to confront the reality of her situation and the choices she would have to make.

"I... I don't know," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Those days were lonely, but they were also simpler. I didn't have to worry about revealing my past or facing the consequences of it. But being in the association, despite the complications, has brought a sense of belonging I didn't know I needed."

Shinobu nodded, understanding the complexity of her feelings. "It's not an easy decision to make, Emiko. And whatever you choose, I'll support you. Just remember that you deserve happiness and a sense of belonging, no matter where you find it."

Emiko smiled gratefully at Shinobu's words. "Thank you, Shiro. Your support means the world to me."

As the conversation continued, Emiko felt a sense of clarity beginning to settle within her. While the path ahead was uncertain and filled with difficult choices, she knew that she would face it with the support of those who cared about her.

As the night grew later, the two bid each other farewell, with a promise to stay in touch and support one another through whatever challenges they faced.

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

The next morning at around 9 am, everyone gathered in the main HQ of Tantei Association.

"Before I address the elephant in the room, let's talk about what we have learned about General Stefan and Landon." Ranran decided.

"At least we know what the key was for," grunted Takuma. "American dollars and a gun."

"And Ranran was right, Landon knew where that key would take him." Shinichi nodded.

"Everything was so well orchestrated as if Landon had been planning this for years," Ran said.

"I agree with Ran on this one, I mean the fact he was able to obtain a motorbike in the middle of a foreign country custom-made for him, and the fact that he is 10....that meant he had contacts around this country, right?" Michio muses.

"But seriously, I am very angry with how things are turning out!" Junko slams the table with her fist in anger, "That meant if all of this were planned ahead, he had the intention of kidnapping me had Emiko not stepped in, did he?!"

"Not quite," Michio was doubtful, "Ranran switched Junko to Emiko when Landon specifically requested for Junko, so even if Landon were to kidnap Junko to marry her in Norway to secure the throne, he wouldn't really benefit much at all since she comes from an average family."

"All of that is nothing, compared to what Emiko had seen," Shinichi leaned back in his chair, "Landon meeting up with General Stefan, what is up with that?" 

"Exactly! Like, what the heck!??" scowled Mouri Ran, "He was fleeing from General Stefan, and now, he was seen talking to him? What is truly going on!?"

"It's crazy," agreed Junko, polishing her glasses.

"So did he lie about General Stefan hunting him and his father down?" Takuma questioned no one in particular.

"I wouldn't be surprised if that is the case!" Ran grew riled up with a nerve on her forehead, "Cause I felt like he lied about many things besides this! Too many to count!"

Takuma fiddled with his cap "Or maybe that's what the two of them want us to think! That they are enemies, but secretly, their alliance."

"But what is there to gain out of all of this for them both? It barely made any sense!" Shinichi grew clueless at that thought.

"Another odd thing is that he said he had to marry me to secure the throne," Emiko admitted, choosing her words carefully. "Which doesn't make any sense!"

"Which is why we had to address the elephant in the room, at this point," Ranran cast Emiko a stern look, "Emiko, have you decided on whether to disclose the truth about your background?"

For a moment, the room grew tense as all eyes are on Emiko wondering what she is about to annouced.

Emiko took a deep breath, steeling herself for the moment she had been dreading. She knew she couldn't avoid this conversation any longer. The weight of the truth pressed heavily on her shoulders, but she was determined to face it head-on.

"Yes," Emiko responded, her voice steady. "I've made my decision."

The room fell silent, all eyes focused on Emiko, awaiting her revelation.

"I acknowledge that I am born into such family, but never once granted the birthright." she confessed, her gaze unwavering.

The room was filled with stunned silence, the truth settling in among the members of the Tantei Association. Ranran, while she already knew about Emiko's background, kept her expression neutral, waiting to see how the others would react. Shinichi's eyes widened in surprise, the revelation taking him off guard. He exchanged a quick glance with Ranran, both of them processing the gravity of Emiko's confession.

Takuma, Ran, Michio, and Junko exchanged wide-eyed glances, clearly shocked by the revelation.