Of course, the group that had come as guests were theoretically suspects as well.
But Inspector Megure merely swept a glance over them, then withdrew his gaze with little interest. There was nothing worth looking at—they were all familiar faces. He could picture what they looked like with his eyes closed.
However, compared with the Theater Troupe members, these familiar faces were much more forthcoming with their answers.
Seeing the troupe members lower their heads and refuse to speak, Jiang Xia answered for them. "The troupe was holding a rehearsal at the time, while we were all watching from the audience seats. Because of the stage's unusual layout, we could see even the members waiting on either side for their entrances."
Inspector Megure froze. "So this time, it was actually an outsider who committed the crime?"
...What did he mean, "actually"? Jiang Xia shook his head. "Not necessarily. The actors sometimes had to change costumes, and they wouldn't be on the stage during that time. Also, some people needed to take a side passage alone to use the 'Naraku' lift. They wouldn't be seen during that time either."
"Good!" With those two conditions added, the pool of suspects immediately narrowed.
Inspector Megure perked up and looked at the Theater Troupe members. "So who among you changed clothes or used Naraku?"
After recording the information, Inspector Megure yawned and took the equally yawning troupe members to the Police Station to give their Statements.
The police continued investigating and collecting evidence in the screenwriter's room. They had not yet gathered all the evidence, and the detectives did not seem to have anything to say, so Inspector Megure had no choice but to let the guests go home.
Then he looked at Jiang Xia, who had been appearing on Live Broadcasts everywhere