"But... General Stefan is the one who's been pursuing Landon, trying to capture him," Michio pointed out, his voice tinged with apprehension.

Then suddenly, Takuma raised his hand to ask, "How does this have anything to do with you instructing Ran to put the money for Landon to steal, Ranran?"

"Considering this is Landon Lockwood we are talking about, a prince who is very well-versed in politics, he has a lot at stake if he can't locate his Crown Prince father, Thomas Lockwood." Ranran reminded them once more, "King Leif is ill-bedridden, the Crown Prince is missing, and Landon is at risk of living on the streets. If I were to learn all of this, if you guys were 10-year-old Landon, what would you all do to ensure your privilege as Prince or Princess remains?"

The children exchanged glances, their minds churning with the weight of Ranran's question. The complexity of the situation was not lost on them, and they were beginning to understand the difficult choices Landon might be facing.

"I guess... if I were in Landon's shoes, I'd do everything in my shoes to secure my position as Crown Prince. Whether it if it illegal or not," Shinichi finally replied, his voice thoughtful. "But... how does that relate to instructing Ran to put the money for him to steal?"

Ranran gave a small smile, pleased with the direction of their thoughts. "Landon's actions are likely driven by a desperate need to protect his royal status and privileges. And as you said, Shinichi, he would do just about everything. Which is why by having Ran intentionally withdraw the money in her bedroom, and let him know by 'accident' that she placed the money in her Tousan's room, she created a situation where Landon felt compelled to take it. It was a calculated move to let me see how far was he willing to resort to keeping those things."

Junko frowned, still trying to wrap her head around it all. "And what did you learn?"

"Judging his lies and thievery, I was right to think he isn't someone whom we, Tantei Association, can trust. Even though he was the one who sought our help in the first place to locate his father. Of course, there is another reason why I set up this trap, which you will all soon see why."

Exchanging perplexed looks, Michio proceeded to ask, "Then....about the diamond mine his father wrote to him in the letter and claims that he had found it to Landon....Was it a lie then?"

"I doubt that was a complete lie," Emiko grew sceptical, "If it was, then he wouldn't have risked his life flying all the way from the U.K. to Japan just to meet up with us and handle his case."

"But then how do you explain about Landon stealing the money, which was a trap set up by Ranran through me!?" Demanded Ran hotly. "We were trying to protect him and look what he did!"

"It's unforgivable," Emiko seethed. "I know that Ranran will keep her word about paying back the money Landon has stolen from Mouri and that this was a trap set up by Ranran and Mouri, but the fact that he had the intention of stealing doesn't make this a right!"

"I agree, stealing is stealing, and that is a fact," Michio growled

"I think it is too soon to judge that Landon is a thief and a liar as General Stefan declares him to be," Then Junko ponders, "Maybe Landon had a reason we don't know about, something that he couldn't share what it was that resorted him to stealing the money, triggering the trap Ranran had planted."

"Regardless of this, even if Ranran hadn't set the trap, he had the intention of doing that to us, which is what pissed us off! We are damn lucky Ranran had the foresight, otherwise, it would've taken a turn for the worst!" Takuma retorted bitterly and cracked his knuckles. "Ranran is right, I can't wait when The General capture him and ships him back to Norway!"

Ranran listened to the heated exchange, her expression unreadable.

Finally, Shinichi held up a hand to stop any further arguments. "Anyway, considering we were lucky that Ranran had set this trap for us, we should let Sergeant Genzo know about the recent developments at this point." He decided, glancing at his watch. "And we've passed Sergeant Genzo's deadline by an hour plus."

"I will go make a phone call to him," Michio sighed before he scooped out his smartphone and punched in the sergeant's number, as he quickly explained what had happened. To his surprise, he told Michio to set it on speaker phone, before Sergeant Genzo confronted the founder of Tantei Association.

"Kudo Ranran, do you realize what you've done?"Sergeant Genzo barked.

"Yes, I naturally helped you guys extend the search for Landon Lockwood." Countered Ranran in a nonchalant tone.

"What are you talking about this time, Ranran?" Sergeant Genzo's voice boomed through the speakerphone, exasperation and concern evident. "Also, do you have solid evidence to prove that the crime was committed?"

"Why? You don't believe a word Ranran says?" Shinichi's voice confronted the Sergeant.

"No, I do. But let's not forget since Landon's grandfather is the King of Norway, a lack of evidence would be proven futile."

"Of course, which is why I had Mouri Ran plant her own smartphone to film the entire thing in her father's bedroom when Landon committed the act."

"YOU DID WHAT!?"

"You are welcome." Ranran shrugs.

 There were times Sergeant Genzo would rack his brain for several hours on what the little girl thought regarding the plans she schemes towards her victims, but it always ended up making him more baffled by her statements. Even when Ranran was The Fox, he and his colleagues often made bets on what she was likely to do next to the targets she schemes, only to end up so unpredictably, that not once any of them ever won a single bet.

"Kudo Ranran! Do you just frame a royal Prince for committing a crime? Have you lost your mind!?"

"Anyway, Sergeant Genzo, Landon has committed thievery, right?" Ranran reminded him.

Sergeant Genzo let out a long, weary sigh. "Yes, that much is evident since you obtained....questionable footage. Why does this matter?"

"Legally, he committed a crime in Japan. Thievery, so you know what this means, right?"

The man's voice grew wary. "What are you on about?"

"Landon is from Norway, and he belongs to a family of royals, correct? Which is why your men including yourself had no choice but to comply with the laws of Norway to capture him." Ranran's expression was unwavering. "But now that Landon has committed a crime in Japan which is caught on 4k resolution, in which he ended up stealing money from one of my members of the association, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Japanese authorities. That meant he would have no choice but to be prosecuted by the laws of Japan, and therefore, all of your hands as authorities of Japan are no longer tied. Because he literally committed a crime in our backyard!"

"You know what? That is a big brain move!" Shinichi clapped his hands, and so did the rest of the children while Sergeant Genzo fell silent on the other end of the line, clearly caught off guard by Ranran's assertion, especially the applause coming from the phone. 

It took him a moment to gather his thoughts before he responded.

"Ranran, this is a conspiracy to commit a crime!"

"In the first place, it ain't. Legally, Japan can't charge a 6-year-old for this level of scheming." Shinichi argued.

"And anyway, even if I didn't, he would've done so anyway. I just happen to tempt him, that is all." Ranran countered. "You, as a police officer, have a duty to uphold the law, regardless of who the perpetrator is. If you all don't do so, don't you think the people of Japan would be furious? That we are simply obeying the idiot laws of Norway to a royal-turn-criminal?"

By this point, the children were rather amused with 6-year-old Kudo Ranran's cunning schemes.

Sergeant Genzo was left speechless for a moment, processing Ranran's words. He couldn't deny the truth in what she was saying, even if her methods were unconventional.

"Ranran....if your parents know of this, are you not worried that they are going to punish you!? About framing a prince of all people to commit a crime!?" Sergeant Genzo finally admitted, his tone resigned.

"Hey, I am just ensuring that I had that pest with a tiny crown on its head removed out of the backyard of my association, you know?" Ranran replied, her voice confident as the rest of the members snickered.

"How can you be nonchalant about this?!" Snapped Sergeant Genzo.

"To be fair, he did it on his own volition." Shinichi defended his partner-in-crime over the phone, "She didn't go about ordering him to steal. Not like if it was even possible to order a prince from some throne to do so to begin with."

"I agree!" Ran and the others nodded.

By this point, Sergeant Genzo let out a long, weary sigh, realizing he was dealing with a formidable opponent in the form of the precocious Ranran. He couldn't help but feel a mix of exasperation and grudging respect for the young detective.

"We're going to turn the city upside down until we find him. In the meantime, I want your word that you all don't get involved. If he calls you, you've got to tell me at once, is that clear? And please, and I said this before for the last time, stop framing people for crimes!"

Before they know it, Sergeant Genzo killed the call.

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

"Ranran, you sure know how to shake things up," Shinichi remarked, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Yeah, but I can't believe you went to such lengths," Emiko added, still in awe of Ranran's tactics.

Junko couldn't help but chuckle. "You've got some serious guts, Ranran. I'll give you that."

Ranran grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, sometimes you have to be a little bold to get things done."

"I can't believe you actually managed to outsmart General Stefan."Takuma let out a low whistle.

Michio nodded in agreement. "Yeah, seriously. He's been a step ahead of us this whole time, but you managed to turn the tables."

"Anyway, here is the money he stole from you, open your hands, Ran," Ranran instructed the other little girl to open her palm.

Ran blinked in surprise, as she hesitated for a moment, then obediently opened her hands. The bills were neatly stacked, and she quickly counted them to ensure everything was there.

"Thank you, Ranran," she said, genuinely grateful. As Mouri Ran counted, her eyes widened in surprise, "Hey, I think you gave me a lot more than the stolen amount."

"I told you before, deshou? I will reward you handsomely if you obediently do as you set about sacrificing your father's money as a trap. This is the interests." Ranran said.

Ran stared at the extra money in her hands, her eyes wide with surprise. She hadn't expected Ranran to be so generous, especially after what had transpired.

"Ranran, you really didn't have to do this," she protested, though her heart warmed at the gesture.

"Consider it a bonus for being a good sport. Plus, it's my way of apologizing for putting you through all this trouble."Ranran waved off her protest.

Ran couldn't help but smile at Ranran's sincerity. "Well, in that case, thank you. I'll make sure to put this to good use." With the money safely returned and the air cleared, Ran got to her feet. "Well, I better go and tell father what's happened. I don't want him to be surprised to learn why the money went missing."

"You know, about that key Landon was seen wearing around his neck," Everyone's attention shifted from Ran to Emiko, "I think I've seen one like that before."

"Really? Where?" Shinichi demanded.

"My paternal grandfather used to go to the country's club a lot when I was a kid," Emiko revealed, "And back then, there was a locker where he stores his golf clubs. He has a key just like it."

Ranran's eyes lit up with interest. "Could you ask him to show you the key?"

"I can try, I will be meeting him up for dinner at a cafe later." Emiko nodded to her.

"I don't think it matters what that key opens," fumed Ran. "Landon stole my family's money, and that is all we need to know!"

"But we can't be sure till we get the full picture!" Junko argued.

"By the way, are we going to continue handling Landon's case?" Takuma turned to Ranran and Shinichi for clarification.

"We are," Shinichi announced.

"Hah!? Why?! Landon stole Ran's money!" Michio and the other's faces fell.

"We ain't siding a thief and a liar for a prince, but rather, get justice for Ran's stolen money, as get to the bottom over Landon's motive for flying all the way from the U.K to Japan just to meet up with us," Shinichi explained to the others, then adds, "Although Landon can't be trusted, I have a gut feeling Landon intentionally wanted us involved for a reason. And it ain't for good noble reasons. The sooner we can pinpoint, the better."

Ranran nodded in agreement with Shinichi's assessment. "Shinichi is right. We can't simply let this go unresolved. There's more to this story, and we need to find out what it is. Besides, I am eager to dig out what the Lockwood family has in store that would resort to them doing shady stuff."

The other children exchanged glances, absorbing Shinichi and Ranran's words. While they were still wary of Landon's actions, they couldn't deny that there was something deeper at play. They needed to unravel the truth behind the prince's sudden appearance and his connection to the diamond mine.

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

As it was evening, most of the children had headed home, deciding that the meeting on what to do with Landon's case would be postponed to tomorrow morning.

While Shinichi began sorting through his notes, Ranran sat in silence.

She leaned back in her chair, her eyes fixed on the ceiling as she contemplated the events of the day. There was a sense of unease lingering in the air, a feeling that there were still many unanswered questions.

"Ranran," Shinichi broke the silence, glancing up from his notes. "You seem lost in thought. What's on your mind?"

Ranran turned her gaze to him, her expression pensive. "I can't shake the feeling that there's more to this than meets the eye. Landon's actions... they're erratic, but calculated. There's a method to his madness, and I can't help but wonder what he's really after."

Shinichi nodded in agreement. "I've been thinking the same thing. He didn't come all the way from the U.K. just to get us to locate his father, the Crown Prince. There's something bigger at play here, something he's not telling us."

"Exactly," Ranran's expression grew serious.

"Like for starters, what would've been Thomas Lockwood's reason to vanish into thin air?" Shinichi put away the notes before pacing around the HQ, "Given their family dynamics, as a father, if I were him, I wouldn't leave my only son to fend for himself. I mean Landon is 10, deshou? If he was left alone, there would've been no way for Landon to prevent General Stefan from becoming King, right? Now that King Leif's health is declining, if provided what Landon said to us was the truth."

Ranran nodded. "Precisely. What kind of father would do that? Even if it was for the royal throne's sake, it wouldn't make sense for Thomas Lockwood to vanish without a word, while General Stefan could simply send his men to storm after Landon in Edgewood Academy."

"And there are a lot of questions regarding Landon that I can't wrap my head around," The apprentice grabbed a seat to talk to Ranran as he shared his thoughts, "If we were to take Mr Moseby's words as face value about Landon being a lonely prince with no friends at school, and Landon's words about the diamond mine to be true, as a father, if that key Landon is wearing around his neck would lead him to the coordinates of the diamond mine, even if Thomas hid the coordinates in Japan out of sentimental value, it wouldn't have been practical in Thomas's shoes, deshou? Cause the diamond mine Landon alleges is in Norway, not Japan."

"But we have to think of the possibility that General Stefan owns the secret police of Norway, which is why Landon's Tousan had to hide the coordinates outside of Norway." Ranran reminded the apprentice.

"Even if that is the case, why not just keep the coordinates to themselves then?" Shinichi challenged. "If I put it somewhere, like a bank or anywhere, it would not only be out of reach for me, but it could fall into the wrong hands. It just doesn't add up."

Absorbed in Ranran's thoughts, another question arose in her head, "I was also thinking, if the theory that General Stefan wants to be King is true, why would he send those men to raid Edgewood Academy to capture Landon?"

"Eh?"

"Nowadays, if you do anything in a public place, everyone would simply record the entire thing on a smartphone." Ranran countered, "If General Stefan wanted to become King, the one thing I would do in his shoes is wait till someone sends Landon back to Norway, then, trap him in some room discreetly and I take over the role as King. Not go about sending a group of men to go after him, it will attract too much attention."

"You're right," he conceded, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It's not the most discreet approach, considering the potential consequences. I wonder if he was debt-ridden."

"Who? General Stefan? What made you think so?" Ranran was in disbelief.

"I mean Landon mentioned the existence of a diamond mine, as much as it is hard to believe since he is adopted by Landon's grandfather....it's still a possibility," Shinichi continued. "We know General Stefan is his former-brother-in-law of King Leif's ex-wife, just because he was brought in, would someone like The King simply give him the same kind of access as his own blood? Since there is the existence of the diamond mine, it would do him favours if he was truly in debt, right?"

Ranran considered Shinichi's words carefully. "But if he was poor, he wouldn't be so influential within the Norway government. After all, do you know of any poor royal who had connections?"

"You have a point," Shinichi conceded. "Another question I can't help but wonder whether General Stefan knew about the existence of the diamond mine, and if so, did he learn through intercepting the messenger a month ago?"

With the two children humming, Ranran wonders, "But the one thing I still can't put my finger on is this....Mr Moseby was attacked twice both in Edgewood academy and here....and Landon's lies about Mr Moseby not knowing the content of the letter....who is the real liar?"

Shinichi furrowed his brows in thought. "It's a valid question. If Mr Moseby was attacked twice by General Stefan's men, that means General Stefan likely knew that Mr Moseby was aware of the contents of the letter, right? Let alone, knew the letter existed."

"That's a crucial point," Ranran agreed, her mind racing with possibilities. "But I realize there were certain things off about Landon's account of the events that had taken place when he dropped by our association earlier."

"Really?" Shinichi grew startled, "Like what?"

"Landon claimed that the reason he burned the letter his dad sent him through the messenger, the same one that confirmed the existence of the diamond mine, was because he didn't want anyone to know it existed." Ranran continued. "Landon specified this message doesn't hold the coordinates of the diamond mine back in Norway, so why burn it then?"

Sensing more confusion, Ranran had to paint a scenario. "Let's say if I opened a bank account worth a billion yen, then I put it in an envelope and handed it to you, would you believe me?"

"No, I wouldn't. I'd need some form of proof, like official documents or something concrete to confirm it." Shinichi's eyes widened in realization. "Ranran, are you suggesting Landon lied about the content of the letter?"

"He may or may not, cause putting those documents would be revealing solid evidence to General Stefan, and if I were Thomas Lockwood, that would be fatal for everyone who obtains this message," Ranran affirmed. "But I can make one thing clear: If you yourself even doubt the authenticity of the letter Landon claims to have contained, then there is no valid reason for Landon to burn it right from the start, right?"

"True," Shinichi agreed, his gaze intense. "If I were General Stefan, I too would doubt it. So I see no reason to burn it. Chotto matte," He blankly looked at Ranran, "Then if Landon was lying, what else is in the letter?"

"That is the question worth General Stefan pursuing after, enough for him to send a manhunt after Landon when he was in Edgewood Academy." Ranran strummed her fingers in deep silent thoughts, "What would be so valuable, that General Stefan not only had the embassy involved here, but enough to make Landon fly all the way here, as well as convince his father The Crown Prince to vanish into thin air?"

"Also, why didn't his Tousan give it to Landon personally? Wasn't it risky just having someone to deliver it to his school? What if it got lost? Or what if it fell into the wrong hands?" Even Shinichi grew frustrated in getting no answers to the questions they wondered about.

"And there's something else we haven't thought about," Ranran said.

Shinichi arched an eyebrow, "What's that?

"How close are they? Landon and Mr Moseby?"

"Who knows?" Shinichi shrugged. "Why does that matter?"

"When we questioned Landon whether Mr Moseby knew about the contents of the letter, he denied it with hesitation, which implied to me that his teacher did check the contents of the letter." Ranran folded her arms. "As much as he is the family tutor for the Lockwood family, I want to know how is it that he grew so close to Landon, that he could see a letter that is meant to be private between a Crown Prince and a Prince, caused by right, would you do so in his shoes? Cause I am certain royalties are taught in advance not to trust anyone easily."

"I mean he taught the family for many decades, from the grandfather to Landon, it wouldn't be strange to trust him." Shinichi's eyes narrowed in thought. "At the same time....it does sound strange. This letter itself sounds personal between father and son, especially with the situation sounding bleak on Landon's part....why did he trust his teacher enough to share this with Mr Moseby?"

"That is the answer we all would like to know, right?" Ranran's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "I am certain there is more going on behind the scenes. If we can find that answer, especially what the key might be, it will bring this case to a close."

Shinichi nodded in agreement.

After a while, Ranran decided, "Neh Shinichi."

"Hmph?"

"Are you...free to drop by a place I plan on going?"

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

Meanwhile, General Stefan turned from the window in the office at the embassy. 

Two young men had entered and were standing at attention in front of him. They saluted him briskly Their casual shirts and jeans made them look like tourists or workers--anything but members of his secret police.

"Well, you followed the children to Rinkan Academy, right? Did any of you spot Landon?" The General snapped impatiently as he returned their salute.

"Yes and no," One of the men reported. "We saw three of the members meet up with the teacher, but no Landon in sight."

The General's fingertips drummed on his desk."And then?"

"They talked with that tutor of Landon, and then they returned to their headquarters." The second young man took over "It seems that boy has disappeared again. He was hiding at the detective agency that belonged to the parents of one of the members, Mouri Ran. According to our sources in the local police, the boy stole money from the agency."

It was then The General laughed. "Why am I not surprised? As I thought, a 6-year-old little girl who had no experience running a detective agency for over 2 to 3 months was in over her head, to take in a prince who lies a lot!" Then his face tightened. "The money will make him more mobile. It will be easier for him to evade us. Do you think he is still in the city or has he gone already?"

'We have men everywhere watching for him, sir. And the local police here in Japan are out in force looking for him. If the boy is still in the city it will only be a matter of hours before he is found."

"I sincerely hope so." General Stefan's eyes darkened and his voice thickened with menace. "If that boy escapes, then everything we worked for would be gone in an instant!"

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

"Are you sure it is a good idea not to contact the receptionist at Rinkan Academy to check whether Mr. Moseby is still there?" 

When Ranran asked whether if Shinichi was free earlier, he was a bit taken aback when she suggested heading to Rinkan Academy once more, the suggestion was to confront Mr. Moseby, Landon's teacher, for further interrogation.

But as it was late afternoon, the cab the two children took had made slow progress through the late afternoon traffic. The moment Shinichi was about to make a phone call at the academy, she instructed him not to.

"I don't want him to be alerted when we confront him." Ranran decided, sitting in the front passenger seat. "I don't want him to make all sorts of excuses to avoid seeing us when we drop by unannounced."

Shinichi understood Ranran's logic. If Mr. Moseby had any involvement in Landon's situation, alerting him beforehand might give him an opportunity to prepare or even escape.

"Alright, Ranran, we'll approach this carefully," Shinichi agreed, his gaze focused on the road ahead. "But we need to be cautious and not let him know what we're really after."

As they approached Rinkan Academy, the atmosphere in the cab grew tense with anticipation. Ranran's eyes were sharp, and her mind was already formulating the questions she needed to ask. This encounter with Mr. Moseby could provide them with crucial information.

"You bring the taser baton I told you to?" Ranran questioned the apprentice.

Shinichi nodded, tapping the pocket where he kept the taser baton.

"When we arrive....if he refuses to speak, do I taught you to do," Ranran ordered.

Shinichi leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes, his mind juggling all the questions about the case. "Ranran, what are we going to do with Landon? When....this case ends?"

"He stole Ran's money, that is something that can't be undone," Ranran glanced at Shinichi, her expression thoughtful.

"You had her file a police report against him, it would be throwing him to the wolves."

"It is something he should've thought of before setting foot on our association," Ranran's expression hardened without looking back.

"But he is royalty, do you know of any royal member of the family punished by the law?"

"No, but...." Ranran quietly glanced at the heavy traffic before them, "Marie Antoinette and her husband had their heads beheaded due to over-taxing their people for lavish lifestyles, so it is a possibility to make it work."

Shinichi regarded Ranran with shock, "Are you...going to behead Landon?"

"Beheading him...."The 6-year-old girl muses that idea, "Before meeting my deceased mentor, it was a good idea."

".....was?" Shinichi repeated.

".....but then he showed me....death is too easy for idiots like them," With her conniving smile, her eyes grew cold as she announced, "Sometimes in life, death is just too easy for people like Landon. The only way to punish them....is to give them a fate worse than death, that they would be on their knees begging me, wishing that I put an end to their life."

Shinichi couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine at Ranran's words.

At last,  the two children saw the school buildings loom up on the distant hilltop. 

Once they paid the fare to the cab driver, the two children darted up the stairs and slipped along the hallway. "What are we going to do about the receptionist?" Shinichi questioned as Ranran led the way.

"Ignore her."

Cutting through her as they ignored her cries, both children hurried towards Moseby's office, before Shinichi knocked on Mr. Moseby's door. "Mr Moseby, it's Tantei Associaton here."

"Screw it," Without waiting, Ranran barged the door with her small body, revealing the teacher's cluttered office.

At the moment, it seems like Magnus Moseby was alone. He looked up with a startled expression. Something showed on his face for a flicker of eyelid-had it been fear or fury, Shinichi wasn't sure-then, the teacher quickly covered it with a casual smile.

"Ah, the children from earlier, what brings you here?" he inquired, a polite smile masking his surprise.

Once more, Magnus introduced them to sit on the chair, but before Shinichi could, Ranran had her hands on his shoulder, shaking a no before pulling him back.

Throughout her 2 years apprenticeship under her deceased mentor, the one thing that 7-year-old Christopher always taught the then 3-year-old Ranran was never to sit down when interrogating an uncorporative person. Though she and Shinichi are shorter than Mr Magnus since they are both 6-year-olds, standing before the adult would give the impression to Magnus Moseby that they are not intimidated by his statue.

"I had some more questions to ask you, Mr Moseby," Ranran stated firmly, her voice steady despite her small stature.

The teacher looked at them quizzically, "Sure, what seems to be the problem?"

"Well, you see, some things don't seem to make sense," Ranran said casually

The teacher's eyes looked wary, but his smile remained in place. "What things?"

Ranran stared at him for a long moment, and the royal tutor shifted uncomfortably in his seat."About the mysterious messenger who came to Edgewood Academy, when you were in the U.K at that time," Ranran confronted, "You described him to be an old man dressed in a suit, has a grey beard, and wore dark glasses, right?"

"Yes, what about it?" Magnus Moseby grew confused as he nodded and waited.

"Tell me." Ranran gave a little, uncertain frown."He limp, didn't he?"

Magnus Moseby looked relieved. "Why, yes, as a matter of fact, I think he did."

"And he was bald, wasn't he?"

The teacher's smile broadened. "Yes, he was. How did you know?"

"And he was wearing loafers, right?" It was Shinichi's turn to question.

"Of course."

"With a scar on his left cheek and purple hair?"

"Why, of course-wait, what!?" That caught the teacher off guard.

"Ranran was right, you are just merely making it all up!" Shinichi furiously accused in anger while pointing at the man.

Once more, Magnus Moseby leapt up angrily. "I don't think that's very funny!"

"Neither was lying about the existence of the messenger, Mr Moseby," Ranran remained composed while she crossed her arms as she replied quietly. "Misleading statements can land you jail time in Japan, you know that?"

Her words hung in the air as the teacher glared at the two children. Then he sat down and waved a hand. "You can think what you like!"

The founder's gaze remained steady, unyielding in the face of Mr. Moseby's defiance. She could feel the weight of the moment, the tension in the air, as she and Shinichi confronted the teacher.

"You know, Mr. Moseby, we're not here to play Tantei or entertain misleading statements," Ranran declared, her voice firm. "Try not to play games with us, or else....."

".....or else what-ah!?"

To the man's surprise, Shinichi had the taser baton extended directly towards his neck.

"Or else," Shinichi's voice was equally resolute, "We'll have no choice but to report this to the authorities. Making false statements and misleading a police investigation is a serious offence."

Magnus Moseby's eyes darted between the determined faces of the two children. "You! Do you kids know what you both are doing may lead the both of you to jail time?!"

"Good, cause if we all go to jail, we would have all the time in the world to talk about your lies." Ranran taunted. "Including the envelope that reached your office, my bet that was a lie you made up as well, right?!"

Magnus Moseby's face turned a shade paler. He could feel the pressure mounting, realizing that the young detectives were not to be underestimated. The taser baton in Shinichi's hand, coupled with Ranran's unwavering resolve, left him with little room to manoeuvre.

"I...I can explain," Moseby stammered, his composure slipping.

The gravity of the situation was sinking in, and he knew he was cornered.

"You'd better start talking, Mr. Moseby," Ranran said, her tone leaving no room for evasion. "Tik Tok, the time is ticking."

Magnus Moseby's breath hitched as he realized the severity of the situation. He glanced at the taser baton in Shinichi's hand, then back at Ranran's unwavering gaze. It was clear that he had no choice but to start explaining himself.

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Moseby began to speak, his voice tinged with nervousness. "Alright, alright, I'll tell you everything. But you must promise not to involve the authorities just yet."

Ranran and Shinichi exchanged a meaningful glance. 

As soon as Shinichi retracted the baton, they all took a seat each to confront the teacher before Ranran pressed, "Let's talk about the school Landon ended up in, Edgewood Academy in the U.K."

"....what about it?"

"I am going to cut to the chase," Ranran decided a vague approach would do them good, "Why did Landon end up there?"

"I am sorry?" 

"You heard her," Shinichi confronted the teacher, "Landon was born in Norway, and the entire family is in Norway, right?"

"So?"

"Edgewood Academy isn't ranked the no.1 most prestigious school in the world, and as a matter of fact, there were other prestigious schools in Norway, so why did he end up there? A school based in the UK?" Shinichi probed.

Magnus Moseby shifted uncomfortably in his chair, "Truthfully, this was decided by his father, grandfather and his mother who was alive at that time."

"And why is that?" Shinichi leaned his back on the chair.

"I am certain you are aware too, that his parents and almost everyone in the family attended there, as it is the only prestigious school with a Montessori system for the students there. Considering a lot of kids ended up as accomplished individuals who have gone on to hold influential positions in various fields, especially kids who are disinterested in studies like King Leif back then, it wasn't an option when they decided to place him there. Of course, since it wasn't practical that they sent their child overboard, they often sent me to check up on him."

"Alright, then let's revert back to your teaching career." Ranran pressed her tone even. "You mentioned before that you taught the Lockwood family for many decades, correct?"

"Yes, what about it?"

"It covers the family members of Lockwood, correct? From King to Crown Prince, then the grandchild?"

"Of course."

"You mentioned you began work with King Leif, Landon's grandfather when he was a child, so you are definitely aware of the affair he was going about back then behind King Leif's first ex-wife, right?"

"Wha.....?"

"Just answer her question," Shinichi urged him to speak.

Magnus Moseby's face turned pale, and he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He hadn't expected the young detectives to bring up such a sensitive topic. "How did you figure this out?"

"I remember anyone who becomes the fiance of the future King has to undergo etiquette lessons that will befit the royal family." Ranran revealed,  "You may have mentioned covering for 3 generations for the Lockwood family from grandfather to grandson, but I found it odd you didn't bring up the rest of the family members that ain't associated by blood, especially the wives of the Lockwood family."

As the man's eyes darted nervously between Ranran and Shinichi, his carefully constructed facade was beginning to crumble. "I...I was aware of the situation, yes," Moseby admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "It was a difficult time for the family, and I did my best to provide support and guidance."

"Ok, then the next question and this is personal." It was Shinichi's turn to ask, "General Stefan, who is King Leif's first ex-wife's brother...did he receive that same education just like the rest of the royal family members?"

"Of course, he did, since he is adopted into the family." The teacher moved irritably in his chair, "Why do you ask?"

"It's strange, ain't it?" She probed.

"What part of this is strange?!" The man grew agitated by the minute.

"His sister, the King's first ex-wife.....when the two divorced, all of the privileges were stripped off. Yet for her brother who lost his entire family, including his sister....he gets the privileges?" Shinichi pointed out.

"What are you....what are you trying to imply?!" Magnus finally asked in confusion.

"It's quite simple, really," Ranran stated, her voice steady. "It seems that General Stefan received preferential treatment, even after the divorce between King Leif and his sister. Why would that be?"

The tension in the room was palpable, and Mr. Moseby squirmed under their scrutiny. He knew that he couldn't evade their questions any longer.

"I...I can't say for certain," Moseby admitted, his voice strained. "It was a decision made by the royal family, and I was not privy to all the details."

Shinichi leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "But you were there, Mr. Moseby. You taught them, you were part of their lives. You must have some insight into why General Stefan was treated differently."

Moseby hesitated, then trembled a bit. "You are not wrong about that, I do have some insight, but it was never confirmed."

"Like what? General Stefan comes from an average family!" Shinichi replied drily. "If King Leif to gain out of all of this besides sympathy from the public thanks to that infamous affair between him and Landon's biological grandmother, it's a bit too far fetch to even grant General Stefan a royal education, don't you think?"

Finally, with the pressure surrounding this topic, the man finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper, "There were...circumstances surrounding General Stefan's adoption that were not widely known. It was a decision made in utmost secrecy, and only a select few were aware of the full extent of the situation."

"Such as?!" Ranran's eyes narrowed, sensing that they were on the cusp of a major revelation. "What circumstances would be so big, that he is treated differently unlike his ex-wife!?"

Moseby took a deep breath, steeling himself to share this closely guarded secret. "General Stefan and Thomas Lockwood are....brothers....."

Ranran and Shinichi exchanged wide-eyed glances.