This cruise ship—strictly speaking, it was a mobile performance venue. Compared with the old-fashioned circuses that simply pitched a big tent, this troupe seemed quite "modern." They had converted the middle section of the ship into a performance area, allowing tourists to board and watch the show. Once the performance was over, they could set sail for somewhere else and continue performing.
Except...
"There's nobody here."
Looking at the pitch-black, empty hall, Miyuki and Kindaichi were both puzzled.
"Let's check backstage."
Unlike the reserved nature typical of most people from Japan, Miyuki was more like a Chinese person. If Ran and the others had encountered something like this, they would surely have obediently looked for someone to ask. Miyuki, however, ran straight backstage without hesitation—yet there was nobody there either.
"Why isn't there a single person around?"
Even Akemi and Haibara were puzzled now. Normally, a place like this should have guards and security personnel, but the entire ship seemed completely empty... Well, fortunately, it was docked at the harbor. Otherwise, it might have been a ghost ship.
"How strange..."
Though they found it odd, the group continued deeper inside along the corridor.
The entire cabin was dim, without a single person in sight.
"See? This is what happens when you run aboard without telling anyone."
Kindaichi started grumbling beside her. Miyuki frowned and thought for a moment.
"Could they be in the preparation room? Do you know where it is?"
"How would I know?!"
"Still, this place is kind of scary..."
Akemi looked around uneasily and spoke up. Kindaichi, however, laughed.
"If a ghost shows up, I'll say hello to it—hello! Was my pronunciation right?"
Hearing Kindaichi's answer, Fang Zheng rolled his eyes helplessly. Then he dropped back a few steps and moved beside Haibara.
"Just so you know,