Barnaby the Younger and Mrs. Pettigrew discover that a critical gumdrop gear, essential for the rotation speed of the Grand Carousel of Winter Delights, has vanished, leaving behind peppermint-scented dust. Flicker, another apprentice, detects precise chewing sounds coming from the base, indicating targeted mechanical sabotage rather than simple decay or pest infestation. The remaining topaz gear is overcompensating, threatening structural failure of the entire edible centerpiece. Mrs. Pettigrew discovers a microscopic, three-pronged imprint and a thread of unstable magenta spun sugar, linking this localized sabotage to historical instability and suggesting the culprits have deep knowledge of Silver Creek's lore and materials. The team resolves to find the missing sapphire gear or a pure silver replacement before the carousel explodes from the strain.